My Align fbl experience

[ChrisB]

Just started a separate thread showing any main points of interest or concern with the Align system on my 700N.I wont go into much detail as much better qualified people than me will no doubt be doing this,just covering the main points.

I am fitting it tonight and will be flying it on Sat and Sun if it survives.

I am going to use my previous although limited experience gained from using the V bar and will draw comparisons between the two all IMHO.

I am not going to use the supplied sticky pads but will use 401 pads as these work very well with the Mikado sensor even on a Raptor with no boom struts and lots of vibration,also use them on my 600N V bar.

Will also hot glue all the plugs to the sensor/controller.

With Matts help tonight i am going to get the swash level thru the full travel and use subtrim and atv where necessary to achieve this.As long as you re do step one again which is the initail sensing this is fine.

The mechanical setup is absolutely essential to get good performance.

Nothing to report on the quality of the parts and system,all looks typical Align and of pretty decent quality indeed.

I am running the Align 2 in 1,an Auorra 2s 4400 lipo,9255 servos.

[Made2Fade]

look forward to hearing how you get on mate

[acwman]

I await with great interest on your findings Chris with how you find it compared with the vbar.

[Nutter]

Chris

I note that you're using Futaba 9255 servos. I've just checked the spec of them and the speed is 0.16 secs @ 4.8V. The Align flybarless instructions recommend a minimum speed of 0.10 secs. I am wanting to try the 3G system on my 700's which have Futaba BLS 351's fitted which have a speed of 0.13 secs @ 6.0V. So, it will be interesting to see how your 9255's are with the 3G system as I don't fancy replacing all my cyclic servos!!!

[ChrisB]

I read on Runryder that a chap is using 9252`s with good effect and they are slower also.

I will very much bear this fact that the servos are slower than spec in mind,it may be an issue or it may not.

If it does appear to give me aggro and i suspect the servos i will move the unit over to my currently V barred 600N as this has Align 610`s fitted and move that V bar over to the 700N.

[Tim Procter]

Keep us updated Chris.

Looking forward to reading this.

[Nutter]

I read on Runryder that a chap is using 9252`s with good effect and they are slower also.

I will very much bear this fact that the servos are slower than spec in mind,it may be an issue or it may not.

If it does appear to give me aggro and i suspect the servos i will move the unit over to my currently V barred 600N as this has Align 610`s fitted and move that V bar over to the 700N.

Chris

Let's hope your servos are OK with the new flybarless system!!!

[ChrisB]

Update

All fitted and ready,many thanks to Matt for the assistance with it,very much appreciated.

Ok this is how i have set it.

Firstly put it into setup mode and checked all the servos were working the correct way which they would be as long as you reconnect the two front servos the right way round to how you had them,Aeileron/pitch.

Then i got the horns as close to 90 deg as poss at centre stick,when you are in the first stage of setup mode the control loop is inactive meaning if you move the heli the swash wont react not ideal if you are trying to centre stuff.Mikado has a setup option selectable in the software so V bar fliers know what this does and will be familiar.

Next we used the leveller to get the swash level and servo arms totally correct with subtrim.Top and bottom swash showed a slight inaccuracy in one servo so i used the atv to dial this out.

Once done i powered down and re initialised with the setup button pressed to re enter setup mode and to store these new neutral points etc.(this is my interpretation of the instructions)

The next stages,setting aeileron travel limit and the direction the swash reacts to the model when tilted were dead simple same for elevator.

The suggested rod lengths were pretty much bang on with zero pitch at the blades when set to said lengths.

Tail setup was just as easy a real non event if you are familiar with their gyros.

The temp flybar mount works well.

I have set for 12 deg pitch 10 deg cyclic pitch.There is stacks more avail if you wanted it.

The mechanical parts did not have loctite on them that we checked,i still have to pull the grips to check the thrusts for grease but will do that tomorrow.

So far and with my experience with the V bar,this is a complete doddle to set up,everything is of good quality,just cannot fault it.

On the bench it appears to be doing everything i would expect it to and i see no reason why this will need only minimal flight tuning.

The proof in the pudding will be how it feels in flight to me personally but so far i am very excited by it.

Vids on Sat.

If this actually flies well and you are an Align owner wanting to go fbl its a complete no brainer this sytem is the only way to go.

Matt seemed pretty impressed also and may well add to this.

[Aidi]

As you say, proof of the pudding... I just hope that it meets with your expectations. All i can say, is if it gets your seal of approval with your FBL experience, that's good enough for me!

Rgds
Aidi

[ChrisB]

Its a keeper for sure Aidi,even if i dont quite like the feel to it i am sure align will throw some updates at it to maybe tailor it better.

If you are down on Sunday you must try it.

I know i give the V bar a lot of praise which IMHO is well deserved and i enjoy flying them more than anything but this system on the face of it is full of potential.

I have the utmost confidence that it will work first flight and perform just as i hope.

[mattie-lodge]

Chris,

The system does look good and very easy to program, as we have all said though the proof will be in the flying. Enjoyed setting it up with you and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the flying of it.

Another thing we discussed tonight and I hope everyone that is new to FBL system's takes note of.....................make double sure that you have the swash plate sense going the correct way. If this is wrong guys, it will be coming straight at you.

Scary Movie !!!

[mark lane]

Ooooh... i'm getting all excited!!

700 kit on the way and if i fall in love the 600 will have to have the same treatment

looking forward to hearing the flight results mate

[Geek]

Another thing we discussed tonight and I hope everyone that is new to FBL system's takes note of.....................make double sure that you have the swash plate sense going the correct way. If this is wrong guys, it will be coming straight at you.

Scary Movie !!!

Is that the same as having a tail gyro the wrong way around Matt
but alot more dangerous
or is the swash moving the opersite way ?

[raptorheli2]

swash corrects wrong way.....VERY bad news.

cheers

[ChrisB]

Yes if the swash sensing is incorrect ie the swash tilts the same way as the model when tilited not oposing it you are in for a very short and unsucessful flight.