74
Special Additions, Functions, And Added Equipment Commonly Used On Powered Aircraft
Gyros:
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model every time throttle is applied. For many years gyroscopes have been used on model helicopters to control this. In
competition aerobatics and scale aircraft competition alike, the usefulness of gyros has recently come to light. For in-depth
information on gyro types, please see p. 106.
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offers a twin-axis gyro, GYA-352, that controls two axes with a single gyro.) For 3D aerobatics (below stall speed, such as
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gyros are frequently used to simplify take-offs and landings by keeping the model straight during throttle application.
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Retracts:
Retractable landing gear is often used on scale models for increased realism and on high performance models to
decrease drag. The gear servo is typically plugged into CH5, which defaults to a 2-position switch for simplicity.
Mechanical retracts require the use of a specialized non-proportional retract servo. Retract servos go from full travel
one direction to full travel the other direction, then mechanically hold the gear into the locked position. A regular
servo used for mechanical retracts will continue to draw full power the entire time, prematurely draining the battery
and risking crash of your model. End point will not adjust a retract servo.
Pneumatic (air driven) retracts use a standard servo to control an air valve which directs air into or out of the retract units,
moving the gear up or down. Pneumatics are easier to install but require added maintenance of the air system.
Gear Doors:
Some scale models with retracts also have separate gear doors to cover the scale gear. For one example of
how to operate the gear doors separately from the retracts, please visit our website: www.futaba-rc.com\faq\.
Smoke Systems:
Many scale and aerobatic models use smoke systems to provide increased realism or a more impressive
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It is a good practice to set up a "safety" that shuts off the smoke oil if the throttle is lowered below half-stick. For a detailed
example of a smoke system setup, please visit our website: www.futaba-rc.com\faq\.
Kill Switches:
For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that an electronic kill switch be installed in all gasoline-
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Lastly, an electronic kill switch set to "off" prior to the aircraft's power being shut off adds an additional safety should
someone accidentally turn on the mechanical kill switch on the exterior of the model.
Bomb Drops, Paratroopers, and other Released Items:
Many sport and scale models include one or more of these fun add-
ons. Typically, all are controlled by a simple micro-switch plugged into CH9 or CH10. The switch is assigned in
AUX-CH
.
