Copyright © 2011 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
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http://www.eagletreesystems.com
When the Guardian tries to stabilize an un-trimmed or off-balance airframe, a gradual turn can occur even if level flight is commanded. To counteract this, it is
recommended to enable the Heading Hold feature by ensuring the “Stabilizer Turn Gain” in the “Configure Guardian Stabilizer” menu is set to its default value of “5”
and setting “Enable Heading Hold” to “Yes.”
Once enabled, Heading Hold keeps track of your current heading and, when your control stick’s roll axis becomes centered, will lock onto that heading. As soon as the
control stick is moved to command any roll, the current heading will be reset. The pitch axis can still be commanded with Heading Hold enabled to allow for a heading
locked climb or descent.
At this time, the Heading Hold’s directional lock does not use GPS, so a small amount of drift over time can occur. Additionally for safety reasons, the Heading Hold
will not track yaw movements beyond 45 degrees from the locked heading. If the plane yaws further than this, the locked heading will be automatically adjusted so as
to be within 45 degrees of the current heading.
While the default of “5” for “Stabilizer Turn Gain” should work for most airframes, a higher number may be needed if the airplane does not track closely enough due to
trim issues. If, when flying at normal Pitch, Roll and Overall Gains, your airplane begins to oscillate in the Yaw axis during Heading Hold, reduce the Turn Gain until
no oscillation is detected.
After enabling Heading Hold on the ground, it is recommended that as part of your preflight checks you ”yaw” the model (rotate it gently so that the wings rotate
around like helicopter blades) and observe the Ailerons/Elevons. Confirm that the control surfaces are asserting a turn that would bring the airplane back to its original
heading. When the airplane is pointing directly at its currently locked heading, the control surfaces should be oriented for level flight.
Note: Remember to reset your current heading before takeoff to prevent an immediate turn. This is done by pointing your model in the direction of takeoff
and moving the Ailerons via the control stick.Note: Heading Hold will not work with the Stabilization Overall Gain set to “0.”
Note: After trimming your Aileron / Roll axis control stick, remember to run “Reset Cruise Sticks / Throtl” or Heading Hold may become disabled.
Preflight
The Guardian requires no “warm up” period before flying. But, before every flight, it is strongly recommended that you perform the following steps:
1.
Perform your normal preflight check. Ensure your servos respond correctly to your RC control stick commands.
2.
To test that the Guardian is working, hold the airplane level. Now, pitch and roll the model. You should see the control surfaces deflecting appropriately to
level the airplane. If the control surfaces do not move at all, ensure that, if connected, the Master Gain knob or Gain switch is set so that stabilization will
occur. If the control surfaces are moving the wrong direction, it might be necessary to run the Servo Analysis wizard again, making sure to follow the
onscreen instructions closely.
First Flight
First, orient your model as it should be for level flight and execute the “Reset Level Pitch and Roll” command under the “Configure Guardian Stabilizer” menu. This
helps to compensate for any mounting errors with your Guardian.
On your first flight, it is recommended that you do an unpowered hand-toss of your airplane, if yours is capable of hand-toss launches. If the airplane safely glides to
the ground with little or no input, then your configuration is correct. If the model oscillates during the hand-toss, your Overall Gain is probably too high.
Once it has been shown that the Guardian has been correctly configured, perform one last preflight check and take off with power.
Warning: If taking off with stabilization turned up to a high gain, be very careful to avoid overcompensation. If the Max Pitch/Roll angles for Stabilization
are set to a large number, say 60 degrees, there could be a very strong response that might stall your airplane. Move your sticks smoothly at first to get the
feel for your more responsive airframe.
Once in the air and only when safe, release the control stick so it sits at zero input. Your airplane should fly straight and level. If not, your Guardian may be mounted
improperly. You can land and run the “Reset Level Flight” command again. This may be done in the air also, if your piloting skills permit it.
Troubleshooting
Below is a list of problems that may be encountered, and steps to remedy them. A good first step to troubleshooting is to download our latest software and update the
eLogger, OSD Pro and Guardian’s Firmware via “Hardware, Firmware Control.” Doing this will ensure that you have the latest software and firmware available. Just
click “Help, Download latest updates…” in the software to check to see if a newer version of our software is available.
If your particular issue is not addressed by this update, or by the suggestions below, please visit our web support page for additional support options, at
http://www.eagletreesystems.com/Support/support.html
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Issue: The message "Stabilizer Disabled in Menu!!" appears on the video screen during OSD Pro startup.
Solution: This message indicates that you need to turn on stabilization (if desired) by setting the “Stabilization / Elevn Mixing On?” setting to YES, as described in the
Guardian Configuration section above.
Issue: The message "Ailron or Elevatr undetected!" appears on the video screen during OSD Pro startup.
Solution: This message indicates that receiver pulses from either Ailron or Elevator channel were not detected. Both of these channels are required for stabilizataoin
to work correctly. Make sure that the channels are connected correctly from your receiver. Also, note that some receivers will not send any pulses until the radio
transmitter is turned on.
Issue: The message "Run RC Wiz for Stabilize!" appears on the video screen during OSD Pro startup.
Solution: This message indicates that you need to run the Servo Analysis Wizard under the Configure Radio Control menu.
Issue: The message "Stabilizer using Menu Gain!" appears on the video screen during OSD Pro startup.
Solution: This message indicates that the Aux2 input for Overall Gain adjustment is not being used. The menu overall gain setting will be used instead.
