The Novus 125CP takes some bold steps in Micro CP flight. Triple axis gyro stability and a torque tube driven tail are just a couple features that make it stand out, but how does it handle? Watch and see…
Tech Note: |
Summary
I’ve flown many helicopters, but enjoyed very few in the small Nano or Micro class. The Novus 125CP exceeded my expectations on all accounts. The TAGS stabilization (on top of excellent build components and quality) have resulted in a micro-sized CP helicopter that is not wild and untamed. There’s nothing worse than chasing after unexpected movements in a tiny helicopter but I did not find myself doing this with the 125CP.
For me, high rates and the ELEV-AILE EXT dial turned up to max was a lot of fun. When I wanted to calm things down and enjoy some forward flight, I’d just flip the rates to low and slip into some great scale flight (while leaving the EXT dial up).
Take time to get to know your helicopter, make small adjustments to get it flying just as you’d like and the 125CP can actually deliver.
For transitional pilots…don’t touch a thing! The 125CP is one of the most stable CP rides out there, so calm yourself and get into the experience…you’ll be building good flying habits keeping the 125CP in the air.
Thanks, Heli-Max, for sending over a truly functional micro CP helicopter design that is FUN to fly, not a chore to review.
Repair Notes
Chances are, you’re going to smack the mains or the tail at some point. Changing the mains is pretty straight forward, but getting into the torque tube and changing out the gears takes just a few steps. We’ve outlines them here even though they are covered well in the instruction manual.
 Remove the Skids These four screws remove the skid assembly and battery tray from the pod. Once I removed the four screws, I was able to swing the assembly away without having to remove the two carbon fiber boom braces; this made repairs easier! |
Remove the Main Gear
The Main Drive Gear is held in place by a small pin. Once you remove this pin, the main gear will slide off the main shaft and you can access the tail boom cover plate.
I used a small pair of pliers to squeeze the gear hub and one end of the pin until the pin was pushed to one side. Once the pin became exposed, I was able to grasp it with the pliers and pull it free from the main gear. This is just a friction fit so be gentle and pull the pin straight so you can re-assemble it without any problems. With the Main Gear removed, you now have access to the plate covering the torque tube forward gear. This is the gear that was damaged when we encountered a tail rotor strike during our testing.
 Friction pin holds main gear in place |
 Push pin out gently with pliers |
 Main gear removed, access to the boom plate |
 Expose the Torque TubeFour screws hold the cover plate in place. Remove them and the boom will be free and you can replace the torque tube gear if necessary. The gears slip easily onto the keyed drive shaft so be sure not to force it. Pay close attention to the boom location. |
After reassembly, adjust the boom either in or out to ensure free movement against the Main Gear but make sure the gear is not slipping either. There is a small set screw on top of the boom mount to allow you to adjust and set the boom location. Back out this screw, adjust the boom and tighten the screw. CAUTION: The boom set screw can compress the tube if you tighten it too much. Make sure the drive shaft is rotating freely without making noise to be sure the set screw isn’t too tight.
Refer to your instruction manual for complete guidance through these procedures.
