Flybarrless system

[Grumpy]

Old thread alert! :d

Doh!... should have checked the original post date!

[Grumpy]

Beast x as it is easy to set up and you don't need a laptop to adjust. I'm a fan of the K bar/V bar but you do need to use something to set up and make adjustments

Yes, you need a basic Windows PC, or hand held device (smart phone/tablet etc) to set up the Kbar/Vbar... Hand up those who don't have one

[10x]

I have a Windows PC, but not a electric lead long enough to reach my flying field..... All I say is thank God for the Datapod.......

[Grumpy]

Bluetooth adaptor (about £7 off eBay) plus any Android phone or tablet with the Vstabi app. installed. Alternativly a cheap programming unit off eBay: 3 Axis Gyro System Program Card iCard Fo 5.3.4pro VBAR KBAR K-BAR K8 GV8000 Gyro | eBay

I much prefer that to stick wiggling. Not that you need it once it's set up anyway.

[p4ddy]

You also require an ancient laptop with a prehistoric version of windows or it wont see the Vstabi software & doesn't even see the interface, You also need to ignore the instructions as to what hole to use on the servo arms as the geometry will be fooked, well this was my experience with vbar but then everyone knows about my flybarless nightmare

[Hummingbird]

Looks like i'm swimming against the tide but if price is any consideration the Kbar cant be overlooked, and if price isn't a big factor then the genuine Vbar. It's hard to see how setup could be any easier than with Vstabi software?

Don't you have to program the beastX with wiggling of Tx sticks and LED lights?... Surely that cant be as intuitive as PC software with idiot proof pictures and diagrams as found on other FBL units?

I'm also swimming against the tide! The 7200BX might be easy to set up - by wiggling the tranny rudder stick - but your choice depends on whether you want to fly with extra confidence or go for the cheapest system. I have been using the Bavarian Demon 3SX since I began teaching myself about 3 years ago. It is NOT cheap and requires setting up with a PC but that self levelling and rescue feature has paid for itself many times over. I think it's one of the best on the market and the reason I mention it is because you ask for a system for a beginner. The basic setup IS pretty easy; you just follow the wizzard. But then you may have a bit of difficulty setting up the rescue and levelling but having done it a few times now, I wouldn't be without it.

I'm not saying the other FBL units are inferior, just that the BD3SX rescue feature is a God-send - for me, at least. Just throwing my thoughts into the pot.

[Hummingbird]

Doh!... should have checked the original post date!

So should I ....

[Grumpy]

- but your choice depends on whether you want to fly with extra confidence or go for the cheapest system.

Taken on face value that sounds like the simple fact that you spent more gives you more confidence. Confidence is of course entirely a state of mind so if blowing a lot of cash does it for you then fine. Personally based on experience I have a high level of confidence in the Kbar PLUS its a tiny fraction of the price of 'high end' FBL controllers, so i can buy some other heli stuff with what I save.

The bailout feature on the Demon is of course pretty useful but i can honestly say that if I'd had it, it would not have ever saved me a crash. This is easy for me to say because the only crash I've had in the last couple of years was from 2ft up when I was fiddling with gain on the Tx and accidentally knocked the collective to full negative. The heli hit the dirt before i even realised anything had happened

[Grumpy]

You also require an ancient laptop with a prehistoric version of windows or it wont see the Vstabi software & doesn't even see the interface, You also need to ignore the instructions as to what hole to use on the servo arms as the geometry will be fooked, well this was my experience with vbar but then everyone knows about my flybarless nightmare

Works for me running latest version of Win 7 on PC and latest Win 8 on laptop. I also found getting the setup right was easy but I guess that depends on what heli you are using. Honestly, i cant imagine how it could have been easier to set up short of someone turning up on my doorstep and doing it for me.

The only tricky bit I found was using Bluetooth and getting Windows (7) and Vstabi to recognise the Bluetooth connection. But i was using a non-Mikado Bluetooth adapter so I cant blame them for that one. Using a USB cable it was just 'plug and play'.

[Hummingbird]

Taken on face value that sounds like the simple fact that you spent more gives you more confidence. Confidence is of course entirely a state of mind so if blowing a lot of cash does it for you then fine. Personally based on experience I have a high level of confidence in the Kbar PLUS its a tiny fraction of the price of 'high end' FBL controllers, so i can buy some other heli stuff with what I save.

The bailout feature on the Demon is of course pretty useful but i can honestly say that if I'd had it, it would not have ever saved me a crash. This is easy for me to say because the only crash I've had in the last couple of years was from 2ft up when I was fiddling with gain on the Tx and accidentally knocked the collective to full negative. The heli hit the dirt before i even realised anything had happened

I'm not saying that more money equals more confidence or a better controller. I'm just pointing out how useful the rescue and self levelling has been for me when I was learning. I know there are lots of great controllers out there and very experienced pilots don't need a "panic button", but the fact is, if you get into a mess while learning, you will most probably go home with a big repair bill. If I get into a mess or lose orientation (which I sometimes still do) I flick a switch and land safely. I also have the confidence to try new aerobatics such as rolls which I'd otherwise be too nervous to attempt. I wish other manufacturers would have a similar thing (and as reliable), as it would bring the price down.

[Planehazza]

CGY750 is one of my favourites, but is not simple for novices, even on v1.4. VBar is easy ish to set up, but can be daunting with all the options etc. I've not used Spartan, so I'd probably recommend the BeastX also. You'll soon get the bug and want to try others anyway