©2010 Skookum Robotics, Ltd
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13 After Setup: Final Check!
Any time you change the gyro’s setup, always do these checks:
1)
Power up the helicopter with the servos connected and the swashplate
mechanically set up. Leave it undisturbed and wait for the LED to turn
green.
2)
Input full right aileron on your transmitter. Check that the swashplate
tilts to the right.
3)
Input full up elevator (nose up). Check that the swashplate tilts back.
4)
Input full right rudder on your transmitter. Check that the tail pitch
changes for right yaw.
5)
Select throttle hold mode and then set zero collective pitch. Check that
the swashplate moves to give zero blade pitch.
6)
Set full up collective pitch. Check that the swashplate moves to give
maximum blade pitch.
7)
Pick up the helicopter, wait a few seconds, and then tilt it nose down and
to the right. The swashplate should tilt back and left.
8)
Rotate the heli’s nose to the right 90 degrees. The tail blades should
move to counter-act the motion.
WARNING:
Remember to return your throttle stick to the idle position
before releasing throttle hold.
NOTE: In flight mode, the swashplate will tilt slightly forward at full
positive collective to compensate for tail-drag. Likewise, it will tilt slightly
back at full negative collective.
©2010 Skookum Robotics, Ltd
32
14 Flight with the SK720 Gyro
In flight mode, the swashplate will not respond to the controls directly. Its action
will be similar to a heading-hold tail gyro. After it has been static for a few
seconds, it will level the swash during spool up to ensure a stable take off.
When you land your helicopter, always wait at least 5 seconds after the rotor
stops before spooling up again. This enables the gyro to detect that the helicopter
is spooling up. Don't move the cyclic stick until the heli is light on its skids to
prevent confusing the gyro before the helicopter can respond to the gyro’s control
inputs. If the
Auto trim at Init
feature is on, avoid using the transmitter trims for
elevator, aileron or rudder. If you do use trims (i.e.
Auto trim at Init
feature is
off), you’ll have to zero them before every flight.
Note:
When you use “Auto-tune Bell Gains” or Log Files, the SK720 has to be
sure the helicopter is on the ground before saving to its memory. So if you’re
using those features, let the heli be still for 5 seconds after the blades have
stopped turning and the motor is off.
WARNING:
Observe these precautions before every flight:
1)
Check to ensure that the Indicator LED is solid green (not flashing).
2)
Check that positive collective increases blade pitch.
3)
Check that right aileron stick tilts the swash for a right roll.
4)
Check that nose-up elevator stick tilts the swash for nose-up.
5)
Always takeoff, land and fly at a safe distance from yourself and
bystanders.
