kookboy
Key Veteran
Location: Vancouver, BC -up north and Seattle, WA down south
| http://www.castlecreations.com/down...rh-phoenix.html
Click on the link above and download v 1.51b
Release notes:
HELICOPTER SPECIFIC:
* Added heli fixed throttle mode
* Added motor start power adjustment so that very high torque setups can be started smoothly (no kick)
* Added governor gain to achieve better RPM hold accuracy on varying helicopter sizes/weights
* Revamped governor modes that increase RPM hold accuracy and flexibility
* 2-4 second delay with loss of transmitter signal before motor is stopped in helicopter throttle settings
ALL FLIGHT MODES
* Added throttle response adjustment so that users can increase /decrease throttle change sensitivity
* Added error codes for problem resolution
* Greatly increased throttle resolution for smoother throttle response
INSTRUCTIONS *(Please use this only as a reference point. I do not accept any form of liability from anyone using this set of instructions. I am only posting this for a reference point and not an actual settings/operational point.)
Start with the various parameters at their low(er) settings and work up gradually.
The options provided are usually High/Medium/Low and Custom. If you select Custom you may then enter a numeric value that will allow you to fine tune the setting.
These parameters are likely to be different for different size helis and will likely differ between helis of the same class with different power systems.
Selecting one of the Heli Throttle settings will automatically disable the brake and other related settings.
Throttle types:
Heli Fixed Throttle Endpoint Mode -
This is an entirely new mode that is intended to allow you to use manual throttle for flight while preventing sudden high-powered motor starts that can harm your gears. Use this throttle mode if you prefer mixing your own pitch/throttle curves on your transmitter for collective helis, or want a “bail out” option when practicing auto rotations.
Once the ESC is armed, if you throttle up quickly to a mid throttle point (or release the throttle hold/cut button), the heli will smoothly spool up to that throttle level. Once that throttle level is reached, full power and throttle response is now available with changing throttle/pitch levels on the stick. Most likely, you’ll want to utilize your idle settings/switch or the throttle hold/cut button for start-up and shut down, then flip into one of the flight modes suggested here: (These flight modes are programmed by you into your TX)
Start-up/shut down (Idle/flight mode 1) – you’ll most likely want to use a linear “airplane” throttle curve from zero to 100% here, to show the ESC a low throttle for arming, and then to fully stop the motor. You can also set your throttle hold/cut button for zero throttle, and use it to arm and shut down in either of the flight modes below.
Normal Flight mode (Idle/flight mode 2) – Set your desired headpeed using the throttle % at middle stick and move it up or down to get the headspeed you want. Depending on your motor, you’ll need to complete a “V” curve with slightly higher throttle %’s on either side of the middle throttle point to maintain headspeed with changes in pitch. A good test is the spool up the heli on the ground, and tach the head at full negative pitch. Use this reading to adjust the outermost throttle % to get the desired headspeed at full negative and positive pitch.
Auto rotation with bail out mode (Idle/flight mode 3) – You can now set Idle 3 for a flat low % throttle curve (explained below) and you’re regular pitch curve to simulate a motor off situation by flipping to Idle 3 in flight. Your motor will throttle down to your lowest speed setting and allow you to maintain headspeed during the descent with negative pitch and then flair for landing.
If a bail out is needed, simply flip back to Idle/flight mode 2 and you’ll have immediate power available again without having to spool up. To set the throttle curve so that power is available without going through spool up, start by setting a low % throttle curve for this flight mode, and spool up the heli. Now drop the throttle curve down slowly (noting rpms going down) until the motor stops running. Bring the throttle % back up a few points until it begins running again. That setting will be your minimum throttle % to keep the motor active during an auto in this mode. If you reduce the throttle below this % setting the ESC will utilize the slower protected spool up routine described above.
Heli governor (low and high)
When this throttle mode is selected, the Phoenix will automatically maintain your heli’s headspeed at an RPM that is determined by the throttle signal. Once you determine the necessary %, your throttle curve should be programmed to be “flat” at that percentage setting.
The following settings must be made in your transmitter’s program, typically one three position switch is used to toggle between the settings:
1.Phoenix must see a zero or low throttle setting to arm, so set one flight mode or switch to provide that signal.
2.Then set up a second flight mode or switch setting that will be your “throttle up” switch.
3.Determine the necessary throttle signal for your desired headspeed.
Start with a flat curve in low governor and measure the headspeed. Move the throttle % up or down to reach your desired headspeed. If you cannot get a fast enough headspeed in low gov, then switch to high gov. When set for your desired headspeed, keep that flat % curve for the throttle and the Phoenix will maintain that constant headspeed for you as long as your transmitter is sending that throttle percentage. You should now have a flat throttle setting, it is not advisable to change throttle speed with the transmitter while in governor mode, with the obvious exception of on and off.
OTHER CASTLE PHOENIX HELI SETTINGS
Spool up speed:
This setting controls how quickly the power is ramped up from zero or low headspeed to the throttle level given from the transmitter. The faster the spool up speed, the faster the head will accelerate to the throttle % in governor and Heli Safe Throttle modes. Once the headspeed is very near that level, spool up function ceases, and the throttle stick or Phoenix Governor is in direct control of throttle changes. Experiment to find the speed you are most comfortable with, as some folks enjoy a slow spool up, and others want a very fast one.
This setting will only work if you have selected a heli throttle mode (Governor high or low, or Heli Safe Throttle mode)
You may notice a small hesitation a few seconds into the spool-up on larger setups. If you wish to remove this, select a slower spool up speed.
Throttle Response
This setting controls the allowable rate of change from one throttle level to another. The higher the response, the less dampening there is for changing throttle levels. The lower the response, the throttle may feel “mushy” or slow to respond. The observed reaction is much like adding or reducing exponential to a control surface. For the Heli Safe Throttle mode, this setting is important for “fine tuning” the throttle response time to maintain constant headspeed across pitch changes.
Start power
This setting controls how much power is allowed into the motor to get it started from a dead stop. Each motor/prop/battery combination for a heli is different, so it’s best to start with a low setting first, and experiment to find which looks best to you from there.
Governor Gain
This setting works the same as the gain on your gyro. Too little, and the governor rpm response can appear mushy, and too much can induce oscillation. Generally the larger the heli, the higher the gain for crispest response. Our Logo 10 runs best on high, and the medium setting is a bit soft. TRex size helis run best on Medium, and high can induce oscillation.
Enjoy guys.
*** Update from Bernie Wolfard @ Castle Creations ***
Some basics. To get the governor to work correctly you need to set your helicopter up correctly. The governor will not compensate for an improperly set system. To make sure you heli is set up correctly start with ‘Heli: Fixed Endpoint’ mode. Set the heli up to get the head speed you want at about 75% throttle. Gear as needed to get the desired headspeed. Set up like this your motor should be running it it’s efficient range with enough headroom that the motor can maintain this speed with hard collective use. Gearing here is important. Once you get the headspeed you want at about *75% throttle in ‘Heli: Fixed Throttle’ mode go on low gov and adjust your throttle curve to a straight line that gives you the same headspeed as you got at 75% throttle in ‘Heli: Fixed Endpoint’ mode. If you cannot get this headspeed in gov low go to gov high. If the heli is set up right in ‘Heli: Fixed Endpoint’ mode it doesn’t matter what throttle % gives you your desired headspeed in gov mode.
If you can’t gear to get the headspeed you want at about 75% throttle in ‘Heli: Fixed Endpoint’ by gearing you need a different motor or battery voltage. If you cannot get the headspeed you want at about 75% throttle in “Heli: Fixed Throttle’ your helicopter is not set up right and will not work in gov mode.
Bernie
* When getting to 75% in ‘Heli: Fixed Endpoint’ keep your top throttle ATV or endpoint at 100%. Tricking the transmitter by moving the top throttle ATV to say 50%, so it shows 75% when that is really only at 37.5%, is only fooling your self and is not setting the heli up correctly. Once you go to gov mode you know you can get the headspeed you want so changing the transmitter endpoints at this point does nothing.
... But honey it was only $$$ |
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