Gyro/Receiver Module

[Mart61]

Hi Guys

Having just purchased another heli that requires that I buy all the on-heli kit again, (gyro, receiver, servos etc), I got to wondering if there was any benefit, or drawback, in modularising my gyro and receiver?

I thought that, by combining the two, I could use the one gyro and receiver and swap them across quickly and easily from my 500 to the 600 when it's built, thus saving the better part of £200.

Here's a pic of one that a guy did over on HeliFreak. Ok, he's used a Spartan and Futaba, whereas I may use a 401 and Spektrum, but you get the idea.

What do ya reckon? Anyone tried it? Worth a punt?

[DIJ]

Here's a pic of one that a guy did over on HeliFreak

Cant see the picture Martin

[robgt]

You would need to go through the setup routine on the gyro, and bind the receiver to the right Tx model memory when switching models.

Otherwise - yep, that will work.

Cheers,
Rob

[Mart61]

Thanks Dave - hopefully sorted now?

[J-S-Q]

Well I've always wondered why nobody has developed a product that basically combines various heli control electronics into a single box. For example, a receiver with built in gyro, power regulator, ESC/governor etc. I realise that there are possible difficulties in placing all these electronics very close together but as a concept I think it could be really good and make electronics installation much easier and neater.

[robgt]

The AR7100 does that (minus the gyro).
Putting the gyro in the same box means mounting it becomes an issue as the gyro must be on the same axis of rotation as the heli.

Cheers,
Rob

[robgt]

Ah, ok, now I see the picture
No binding issues for you then

Still need to setup the gyro per model when you switch it though.

Cheers,
Rob

[Si Goodchild]

Well I've always wondered why nobody has developed a product that basically combines various heli control electronics into a single box. For example, a receiver with built in gyro, power regulator, ESC/governor etc. I realise that there are possible difficulties in placing all these electronics very close together but as a concept I think it could be really good and make electronics installation much easier and neater.

In effect that's what is done with some of the smaller RTF models with combined rx, gyro and esc etc. I guess it's the same argument when you get between hifi separates vs midi systems or compact cameras vs SLRs. Some people prefer to mix and match components to their own spec.

Just beware that you'll have to re-bind the rx each time to a different model memory or else you may try and fly the 600NSP with 500 control settings (which may include servo reversing!). I doubt the change-over will be very quick, but the saving is potentially large, provided you fix the gyro down well: you wouldn't want to introduce any sloppiness in the fixing there as it will adversely affect tail control.

just my $0.02 worth.

Si G

[heliward0]

they are slowly..ie.. receivers with gov built in and thundertiger are doing a gyro and eccpm mixer in one so its only a matter of time before someone comes up eith an ALL IN ONE unit,,

[J-S-Q]

In effect that's what is done with some of the smaller RTF models with combined rx, gyro and esc etc. I guess it's the same argument when you get between hifi separates vs midi systems or compact cameras vs SLRs. Some people prefer to mix and match components to their own spec.

Si G

Yeah sure they'll always be people who prefer to choose their own individual items but there's no reason why things are inherently lower quality simply because they are contained within a single case. Agreed that you'd have to be careful when mounting such a device to keep the gyro in the correct plane.

And yes, the AR7100 goes a little way down this road but why not go the whole way? You could even have a "modular" system where you have a reciever box that has room for plugin 'cards' such as gyro, governor, data logging, glow driver, mixture control, regulator etc etc Such cards could then even be made by 3rd party manufacturers. Anyway... I'm just thinking out loud.

[moyesboy]

With spektrum you would have to rebind to another model memory due to the model match unless somehow all your controls and throttle curves etc were exactly the same for both models.
(not necesary on the FM receiver system in the picture)
On the 401 you would need to set the limit pot to give the right servo throw, or fine tune the rudder servo arm length on both models to make the limit pot setting the same.

Swapping electrics from one model to the next doesn't work well. You end up just flying the same model until it crashes, and then swapping to the other - which is one way of doing it I guess.

[cotti]

I think having to rebind the rx and reset the gyro every time you wanted to fly a different heli would get tiring pretty quickly and as pointed out above would increase the chance of setup error/wrong model settings mishap. Also would obviously increase wear and tear on the reciever sockets which may or may not also lead to the above scenario.

[SRH990]

The single biggest problem I can see with an all in one unit is what happens when one component fails - replacing everything is going to be much more expensive than the individual components.

If you look at the Thunder Tiger Innovator this is pretty much this ideal, everything in one unit although not easily swappable between helis.

[Mart61]

Thanks for all your input guys. I knew there'd be a series of downsides to the idea.

Still, I may just try this during the set-up phase of the 600 just to completely rule out the idea.

[unwind-protect]

What would worry me would be the wear and tear on the connections and connecting wires. It's very easy to pull on the servo wires rather than the plug when removing them (weakening the wire), or not put the servo plug back in properly, or connect them in the wrong place and not notice until it's too late.

It only takes one good crash to wipe out any savings you made.