Some more details about the proposed “Understanding rotor vibrations & basic dynamic balancing” class.
This is a session that I’ve been asked to give to a number of clubs and groups in France, it takes about 45 minutes plus questions.
There are two parts to this.
The first is a presentation of how to recognize the different sources of vibration in a gyrocopter by separating out their different frequencies using the vibration spectrum and different “hands on” methods for those without access to sophisticated equipment. The aim is to help owners decide if the vibration they are experiencing is 1/rev, hence a track and balance of the rotor would be valid, or 2/rev about which you can do virtually nothing. It’s frustrating for me to see guys with vibrations who then start tinkering with the rotor and often making things worse because the problem was 2/rev or something else.
The second part is a simple (no math) demonstration of how a dynamic balancer works and how to read and understand the balancer Polar Chart. The aim here is to help owners discuss intelligently with anyone offering a dynamic balance to ensure that they’re not wasting their money.
I'm really trying to debunk the idea that rotor track and balance is black magic, it's a process that requires precision, patience and practice but is doable by anyone who makes the effort to learn how to.
Doctordantodd
This will not teach you how to dynamically track and balance your rotor (that’s a 2 day training session) but should allow you to avoid some of the pitfalls regarding gyrocopter vibration.
Mike G