Chuckie
Key Veteran
Location: Crofton Maryland, MHA member
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| I flew a v-barred logo 600 at a local ff and didn't like how it handled. Way to twitchy and it just felt like it was always about to lose control.
Perhaps if I flew it more I would get use to it, or maybe it was just setup improperly but nevertheless, I'm going to give it a bit more time before this technology matures.
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With regard to the last sentence I think you (others) need to look at the vbar system a little differently. The technology is there NOW, the question is do you mind tweaking your setup? With the vbar you now have the flexibility to change parameters with your computer or control panel to make the heli fly anyway you want, where as before you had to purchase flybar paddles to make the heli fly differently or change settings in the radio. The vbar has the most complexity but it also has the most flexibility. You will have to learn how to adjust your setup. I’m still learning what all the different parameters mean but they seem logical. Now if some company produces a system with only 3 or 4 user settings then the general rc heli public may be ready for mass produced FBL helis.
I don’t have much time on the flybared 500 but in comparing my 600N that I just converted to flybarless the difference is amazing. I have a totally different heli, ie flys better. I assume the differences would be somewhat the same for the 500 but it is a lighter heli so it moves fast with the flybar. After helping Ron setup his 500 I made the decision to convert my 600N. The reason being how well the 500 flew compared to all the other helis I’ve flown.
Yes the weight savings is nice and you do have more power and longer flight times but the big reason for me was the control. It takes a bit of time to get used to the speed and we slowed down the settings for the 500 at first. Now after a dozen flights we’re talking about turning up the speed (in idle 2) even more. With the speed the heli becomes a little twitchy but we fixed that some what. We use a combination of expo and rc deadband to slow down the heli when I move the sticks too fast. We’re also getting used to the speed but it takes time. I think I'm reprogramming my brain.
I see why people like the flybarless helis so much. To sum it up I see 2 or more advantages, I’m able to finesse the maneuvers more and I have more control than with a flybared heli. I can while doing simple flips vary the speed of the flip at any time and the heli responds instantly, or how ever fast you program the system. Because of the HH gyro like holding on the head I’m able to stop the heli more precisely or correct more accurately, and I need to correct much less than before. This is where I'm slow at learing. I'm now starting to correct only when needed versus anticipating.
With the vbar the rotor disk responds to pilot rate of command, just like a tail gyro. If I want the heli to flip forward I just hold the stick in one position and the vbar flips the heli at a specific rate. Move the stick more forward and the heli flips faster. There is no need to compensate for wind or the forces on or from the rotor disk. The flybarless helis track better and while doing maneuvers. Sometimes no pilot correction is needed. Doing vertical figure 8’s for example requires you change the roll angle and rudder direction when you go from the top of the first loop into the second. Then when the heli is at the top and you start the downward S you need to continue to change roll and rudder. With vbar you just pull and push elevator and make the circles round with throttle. Correct only when needed or if you entered the maneuver with the disk not level or with a bit of angle due to rudder position. So I guess that’s 3 or 4 advantages, I lost count. The more I fly the more advantages I’m detecting.
Finally, I said above 'move the sticks too fast'. Now I think you know what I mean. I used to poke or jeck the sticks when I fly but you can't do that with the vbar, especially when landing at the end of an auto. Now when I fly I'm more in control and the heli stays in syc how ever fast or slow I move the sticks.
I don’t have my 600N flying like Ron’s 500 yet. I’m dealing with a few problems then I’m hoping to get my heli flying better..... than Ron’s.
Charles
Please stand by for faster service! |
Of course I say that now but with my luck the blade would break and take it out in some 1 in a million strange angle.
