Identifying a Blade #1 Offset with the TraX

Problem

Are you experiencing issues performing a track and balance using your ACES Analyzer with a TraX?  You may have a blade offset problem.   Unfortunately, blade offset issues cause erratic readings due to the analyzer misinterpreting Blade #1 as another blade on the aircraft.

Blade Offset Setting Overview

The ACES TraX can compensate for Main Rotor Blades that are not over the nose of the aircraft when the Tach event happens. To utilize this feature, you will place a numeric value representing the number of degrees between the aiming area and where the desired Number 1 Blade is at the time of the Tach event. This value can be between -180 and 180 degrees and will be entered in the “Blade 1 Offset” field. This value will be POSITIVE if the blade passes through the desired aiming window AFTER the Tach event. The value will be NEGATIVE if the blade passes through the desired aiming window BEFORE the Tach event.

Solution

If you are getting erratic readings due to a blade offset issue, please follow these instructions on how to change the setting:

1. Turn the analyzer ON
2. At the MAIN MENU, select “Main Rotor Track and Balance”
3. Select “Manage Setups”
4. Next, select “Edit”
5. Select the setup you wish to check from the list and press ENTER
6. At the Main Rotor Setup Screen, Press ENTER
7. Select “Tracking Setup” (See the example screen below)
8. Validate or Enter the correct Blade 1 Offset from the TraX Manual
9. Press ENTER repeatedly until the screen returns to the Main Menu screen