Fly the Blade CX2 with the DX7

The new E-flite Blade CX2 micro coaxial helicopter, with built-in 2.4ghz Spektrum technology, has been a big hit with RC pilots everywhere. Many people have been introduced to RC with this great little flying machine, and many experienced RC pilots have purchased the Blade CX2 as well. Many RC pilots have also joined the Spektrum wave by purchasing the newly released Spektrum DX7 to fly their larger outdoor models. So a natural question that comes up is, “Can I fly my Blade CX2 with the DX7 transmitter?”. The answer is “Yes,” and here is how to do it. Nothing special is required, except for your Blade CX2 and Spektrum DX7 transmitter.

Let's Get Started

If you have flown your Blade CX2, then you know that it flies indoors very nicely. This is a great way to get some flight time even when it is cold and windy outside. If you are new to RC, then in this initial flying process you will learn the basics of flying an RC helicopter. As you become more proficient, you might also want to make some minor adjustments to increase the control response.

CX2 flying well insideIf you have flown other coaxial electric helicopters, you will note immediately that the CX2 offers more performance potential than most others. Forward and backward flight is more controllable as the tail control and holding power is considerably enhanced when compared to others.

Now let’s put the DX7 transmitter in control of your CX2. Because the DX7 offers more features than the transmitter included with the helicopter, you will have sub trims that allow for fine-tuning the center of all flight controls, as well as travel, dual rate and exponential adjustments for all the controls.

Steps to Complete Setup

Here are the simple steps to completing the setup of the DX7 for your Blade CX2. Although it may look like a lot of steps, the following should only take a few minutes.

1. Select a new model in your DX7 model memory.
2. Perform the normal binding process (outlined in the transmitter and helicopter manuals) to bind the receiver of the Blade CX2 4-in-1 to your DX7 transmitter.
3. Set the model type to ACRO. Although standard HELI programming will also work (i.e. – non CCPM), its much easier to use a simple ACRO setup.
4. Make sure that all Wing Types are set to off (this is the default in a new model setup).
5. Enter the function list menu in your DX7 TX and set the servo reversing switches for aileron, elevator, and rudder to the reverse direction. For the time being leave all of the subtrim values at “0”.
6. In the servo travel adjustment menu you can adjust the aileron, elevator and rudder travel up to 150%. A higher travel value will result in more overall control response. Beginners should use approximately 100% travel and advanced pilots can set the travel up to 150% for added responsiveness.

Ok, surprise! You have completed the basic setup. You are ready to power up the helicopter and lift off into a hover. When powering up the helicopter, do note that it may be necessary to lower the throttle trim all the way to get the 4-in-1 to arm properly.

Fine Tuning

Once in hover, you will probably find that the helicopter needs some minor trimming which you can easily do with the trim levers on the TX, or you can make adjustments in the sub trim menu. Once you are satisfied, you are finished with the trimming process.

Your helicopter is now ready to fly and for additional fine tuning, if you choose. You can use the DX7 transmitter to set the dual rates for the aileron, elevator and rudder functions to offer low and high response rates for the controls. You may also want to try adding some positive exponential to any of the three main control functions in order to make the helicopter less responsive around stick center, while retaining additional control response from any increases in the travel adjustments you have made.

Have fun—you have completed the Blade CX2 setup and can begin to enjoy the enhanced tuning options that the Spektrum DX7 transmitter can provide when flying your helicopter.

I hope we have been able to help you have fun with your new adventure—it should give you hours of enjoyment.