Math's Helicopter Setup Tips

ICG540 Setup

This setup applies to most heading hold gyros and especially the older ICG360.

The first and most important step is to adjust the tail trim mechanically in normal mode. This is done by lengthening or shortening the pushrod that links between the tail servo and the tail pitch lever. The tail trim on the transmitter must be in the middle and any sub trim in the computer radio must also be zeroed. Only once this is done can the heading hold function work more efficiently. This is one of the reasons that you hear of CSM drifting each time you fly the model, but if you think of it, it makes sense to adjust the controls as best as you can mechanically first.

The gain for the gyro is set by adjusting the travel adjust on the switch channel you use choose i.e. the aux2 switch or the gear switch.

The heading hold gyro also gives access to another function that not many helicopter fliers adjust, this may be due in part to the complicated manual supplied. The function I am referring to is the speed of rotation, i.e. the pirouette speed of the helicopter. This can be sped up or slowed down by adjusting the travel adjust of the rudder channel.

 

©2005 Matthew Ullman