Vbar Differences

[Steve]

Apart from the physical dimensions and about 30 quid or so, what are the differences between a 'full size' Vbar and the smaller version?

[Tim Procter]

Mini V-Bar has only got the Electric Gov Steve, Full size does both Nitro and Electric.

All other parameters are the same subject to upgrading to the "Pro" version.

[GravityKills]

more connectors.

[Mslater]

I don't think there's any difference, they seem to have the same settings in the vbar software



Edit. Yep gov is different as Tim says. Forgot about that.

[LaurenceGough]

Separate sensor (other than the above points) so you can mount it more accurately without wires effecting it.

That said both fly very well . Personally I prefer full size in anything over 500 size.

[Steve]

Ok, thanks so far chaps.

Next question......

If (and it's a big if) I decide to finally bite the bullet and try a flybarless system and go for a vBar, it will have to be a full size as all my helis are nitro, or can I still use a 'normal' stand-alone separate governor with a mini Vbar?

Next next question........

Also, I often read about multiple satellite receivers with (I think) these flybarless units - why? I use a DSX9 with Spektrum receivers if that makes any difference - all my helis have an AR7000 with one satellite.

Next next next question...............

How does the Vbar stack up on nitro airframes against the competition? My suspicion is that it's geared towards lecky helis and have read about vibration reports etc which is a bit concerning. Any advice here?

[LaurenceGough]

Yes, you can use a separate governor.

I don't think Mikado recommend the mini v-bar for nitro models.


The reason being is that V-Bar acts as the main reciver, but it does not have any antennas. You need at least 4 separate aerials for redundancy (to prevent RF shielding), so that means two satellite receivers.


And yep, I feel they are more suited to electric models due to vibes but they do fly very well on nitros once you have them fine tuned.

[Tim Procter]

Ok, thanks so far chaps.

Next question......

If (and it's a big if) I decide to finally bite the bullet and try a flybarless system and go for a vBar, it will have to be a full size as all my helis are nitro, or can I still use a 'normal' stand-alone separate governor with a mini Vbar?

You can certainly use any gov you want Steve, Just disable the V-Bar gov in the software and fit any other gov you want.

Next next question........

Also, I often read about multiple satellite receivers with (I think) these flybarless units - why? I use a DSX9 with Spektrum receivers if that makes any difference - all my helis have an AR7000 with one satellite.

Any model over a 450 size needs two sat receivers mate, it will work with one but certainly not recommended.

Next next next question...............

How does the Vbar stack up on nitro airframes against the competition? My suspicion is that it's geared towards lecky helis and have read about vibration reports etc which is a bit concerning. Any advice here?

Matt Long and Steve Gerrard along with many more have used (and still are) using a V-Bar with a nitro without any issues.

Any help needed setting it up you have my number, I can talk you through it over the phone, Its a breeze.

[LaurenceGough]

Versions overview | VStabi is also a useful page.

[Andy from Sandy]

As LG above has said the full size unit is the best policy on a nitro model.

If you keep your full size rx as is you connect the servo outs to the inputs on the v-bar unit and nothing changes as the governor will still be connected to the RX. If you want to do away with your RX you connect two satellites to the v-bar unit but I am unsure if the aux channel you would then use for the governor is just output as commanded from your tx.

As with all HH gyros you really do need to track down any vibrations and cure them. Only the Futaba unit I believe has vibration cancelling sensors. Mikado are working on getting the same sensor in a future release. The v-bar unit when upgraded to pro has a vibration analyser to help you track down the source of a vibration.

[Steve]

I never realised the Vbar unit works as the receiver.

If you need a minimum of 2 satellites, how many is considered 'safe as houses'? Does it work ok with DSM2 transmission?

I'm learning............

[Andy from Sandy]

It is not working as a receiver perse it is acting to decode the digital stream from the satellites and outputting the channel data as a receiver would. This is why you need to connect two satellites to it for most applications.

[LaurenceGough]

I never realised the Vbar unit works as the receiver.

If you need a minimum of 2 satellites, how many is considered 'safe as houses'? Does it work ok with DSM2 transmission?

I'm learning............

2 satellites are very safe and there is no need for more unless you are flying large scale models (like 40% scale planes etc), besides there are only two ports. I've flown my Logo to scary distances/heights on DSM2 and DSMX. It's just that the 2.4GHz band can be quite easily shielded because of the little antennas hence the need for remote ones.

The range will be as far as your current receivers which have remote receivers.

[Steve]

A quick add-up for me to convert a flybarred 90 to flybarless with such a system has just scared me:

Vbar Blue Xpress 5.2: £270
Flybarless Head: £150
Flybarless Blades: £80

My current setup is regulated on 5V with servos to suit - I'd probably need to upgrade the servos and regulator as well to a 6V system to get the best out of it:

Servos: £150
Regulator: £50

That's £700 to convert an existing heli, baring in mind I've never done flybarless before so would be starting from scratch.

Scary. Best find a way to tell the kids our holiday is cancelled this year!

[Nick B]

I have not looked back Steve,oh how many helis do you own??