How to - Simple propeller balancing - eluminerRC

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This is another how-to video related to my quadcopter build series. This time you will learn how to do one of the most important things in multirotor world - propeller balancing.
Due to the fact that multirotors have 3, 4, 6 or even 8 propellers, vibrations are number one problem. Gyros and accelerometers that flight controllers rely on are very sensitive to vibrations. If you are doing FPV or AP, vibrations are big no no as well. Vibrations can also cause structural failures. Balanced propellers, on the other hand (even motors for that matter), are key to success. Vibration free craft will fly better and longer.
Be aware that perfect balance it's not achievable. For near perfect balancing you will need better tools such as magnetic balancers etc. Also, balancing is not something you can't do in a couple of minutes. It requires time and patience. However, any balancing is better than non. So this simple method is way better than not do anything.
Also, don't think that expensive Groupners are perfectly balanced. In fact, there is no way that any manufacturer can produce perfectly balanced prop. Every propeller needs to be balanced, so learn how to do it.
WARNING:
1. Make sure that you are on the flat and level surface and that your "cups" are exactly the same hight. Balancer must be horizontal!
Tips:
1. When sanding heavy blade, make sure that you don't sand too much. Do it slowly and check balance every once in a while. If you sand to much you will need to sand the other blade and that is not good. You will remove unnecessary amount of material.
2. In stead of sanding heavy blade, you can add thin CA on the light blade. That way the blade will be heavier, but you wont mess with structural integrity of the blade as you do when you sand it. Also, you can add tape to the light blade, but it usually flies of after a while and you have to start again (not recommended).
3. In stead of adding thick CA to the light side of the hub, you could sand heavy side. However, this is not recommended because you will usually have to remove large amount of material which can make the prop weaker. So, stick with adding CA to the light side only. Also, most of the time hubs are so off balance that you can't remove enough material at all.
4. Don't sand leading or trailing edge of the blade because you could disturb the air flow.
You need:
Propellers (for a quad you need 2x CW and 2x CCW):
8045 SF Propellers -
8045R SF Propellers -
Simple prop balancer:
Thick CA glue:
180-220 grit sandpaper and two objects that are the same height (cups).
Enjoy RC as much as I do! :)
Additional information:
Video: iPhone 4
Editing: FinalCut Pro X
Music: GarageBand