Note: This gyro is like no other - please read this manual fully before
installing and flying the gyro
To bring you a great gyro CSM simply threw away the rule book and started with a clean sheet. The result, the ICG360, is packed with
new concepts in gyro technology:-
•
Yaw Rate Demand
•
Flight Modes
•
Heading Lock
•
Built-in Exponential
•
Anti-drift Temperature Calibration
•
Two stage Power Supply regulation
•
Flight mode tailoring via (optional) PC interface cable/software
Introduction
If you are familiar with conventional tail rotor gyro systems it is important to understand how this gyro is
different in order to get the best out of it.
Conventional Gyro systems
In a conventional gyro the pilot applies a rudder command and, as the helicopter responds to the
command the gyro opposes the pilot's command. The yaw rate achieved in such a system depends on
the 'gain' of the gyro. The more gain the gyro has the lower the yaw rate that can be achieved. It is
common with such systems to have to reduce the gyro gain to achieve the required yaw rate for some
manoeuvres (this being accomplished with the gyro gain switch).
The ICG360
In designing the ICG360 we have adopted a 'Yaw Rate Demand' philosophy making the system a true
Yaw rate gyro. In this system the rudder command from the pilot is interpreted as a request to the gyro
to establish the desired yaw rate. The gyro drives the tail rotor servo as needed to obtain this yaw rate.
This means that the ICG360 makes full yaw rate available even at high gain settings. With this system
you can now use the rudder travel volume (ATV) and rudder rates facilities to set up the desired full-
stick yaw rate and the gyro gain switch now becomes a 'Flight Mode Switch' for the gyro. There is no
need for so called Pilot Authority Mixing - indeed you should not use pilot authority mixing with this gyro
Flight Modes
The ICG360 has two flight modes selectable by the transmitter gyro gain switch (or Auxiliary channel
switch).
Note:
A rotary knob or slider is not recommended as it is not possible to accurately and
repeatedly set the gain with these. The modes are:
Mode 0 (Standard Mode)
This mode gives flying characteristics that are similar to conventional systems.
Mode 1 (Heading Lock Mode)
This mode provides a much higher resistance to unwanted yawing movements than can be obtained
with a conventional gyro system. This mode has great advantages in the following situations:
1) For the beginner, where this mode makes it possible for him/her to almost ignore the tail rotor control
in the initial hovering phase, which is made even easier as this mode allows the tail trim to be set before
the helicopter leaves the ground. (see 'Trim Adjustment')
2) For cross-wind hovering manoeuvres where the natural tendency of the helicopter to weathercock into
wind needs to be resisted.
3) For backwards flight manoeuvres and general "3D" flying.
The Standard mode may be employed for basic forward flight where the natural tendency of the
helicopter to weathercock can be helpful, especially to the less experienced pilot.
