10CH Essential Instructions R1.docx
2022/10/24
11
When satisfied, and at a safe height, turn the stabilizer ON. If the model rolls, dives or turns suddenly, at least
one of the gyro directions (LEDs G1, G2, G3) is incorrectly set. Switch OFF the stabilizer immediately! Land and
fix.
Likewise, if you encounter major oscillation, usually in high-speed flight, either land and reduce gain on the
axis/axes involved, or, if Master Gain is available, dial it down to the point where oscillation stops.
Assuming the model does nothing scary
that you can’t deal with,
continue flying to explore the action of the
stabilizer. Do a shallow dive to pick up speed and watch for oscillation on one or more axes. If it happens, just
throttle back and slow down (oscillation is quite different from control surface flutter and is generally not
destructive unless extreme).
Notice how the model handles with the stabilizer turned on. It may be less responsive on one or more axes. Try
out your dual/triple-rate settings. Turn stabilization off and on to get familiar with its effects. If you have Master
Gain, cautiously explore higher gains.
By the time you’ve finished the initial flight(s) you should have a good sense of the model’s stabilization
behaviour and have achieved flyable basic settings on the receiver.
13. Fine tune stabilizer gain
Optimal stabilization occurs when gain on each of the three axes is just below the level where oscillation occurs
at the highest normal flying speed. This requires a series of flights to tune the individual gain settings, with
repeated landings to adjust the receiver pots, followed by retesting in flight. Many people, however, find that a
“quick and dirty” s
etup, with minimal adjustments to the settings provides adequate stabilization for every day
flying
, but it’s a good idea to experiment
a bit.
If you have an 8+ channel transmitter, Master Gain can accelerate the process of optimizing gain. For example,
you can, one by one, turn down the gain pots on two axes and experiment with various levels of Master Gain on
the third. It’s best to aim for a Master Gain setting around 0%
(in the middle) for normal flying.
If you don’t have Master Gain, here’s one possib
le approach to optimization:
1.
Increase the Rudder pot setting by about one to two
“hour
s
” (
15-30°).
2.
Take off with stabilization OFF. Turn ON at a safe height.
Watch for oscillation on the yaw axis (“tail
wag”). Do a shallow dive to pick up speed and again watch for oscillation.
3.
Land and adjust the rudder pot as required. If there was no oscillation, even when diving, turn the pot up
another “hour” or so. If the
re was oscillation, turn the pot down a similar amount.
4.
Test and repeat as necessary.
5.
Now do the same procedure for the elevator gain pot.
6.
Finally do the same procedure to set the aileron gain pot.
Usually, the aileron pot requires the lowest setting (typ
ically below 11 o’clock)
, with elevator in the mid-range
and rudder highest of all. However, the settings can vary considerably with factors such as design, flight speed
and control surface setup.
HINT
: It’s best to do the initial setup
and tuning in fairly calm conditions to avoid confusing stabilizer-induced
oscillation with buffeting caused by turbulence. Once adjusted, test the effectiveness of stabilization by flying in
windier weather, turning stabilization on and off and adjusting Master Gain. You should see a noticeable
improvement in smoothness.
