Helicommand 3a Software
Alcatel office 4200 manual. I had previously used their products such as HeliCommand 3A. Take into consideration that you will need some time to learn the software.
What do you guys think of this autopilot system? I think of getting one to play with since its just 33 gr both my eolo, eco 8 and revo cp helies should be able to handle the weight. If they work th eonly problem would by if my wallet would be able to suport the re price for those who do not know this new thingy il copy paste the info from the robbe.de site. World´s First - HeliCommand!
Flight attitude stabilisation and positioning system for model helicopters. The breakthrough: Many vain attempts have been made to create a stabilisation system for free-flying helicopters. The control aids familiar in the modelling world are either just additional x-y gyro systems, or simple light sensors which only work if the horizon is very flat, with no obstacles in the line of sight. Until now, regulatory systems offering genuine inherent stability have been enormously complex, due to the unavoidable fact that it is impossible in a helicopter to measure angles of inclination relative to gravity; the second problem is that of obtaining a stable geographic position; these problems could only be overcome if at least a GPS system was installed in the model. If you were piloting a conventional helicopter and left it to its own devices for a few seconds, it would quickly start to drift off in a random direction, at the same time constantly accelerating - in short, it would not survive for long. The HeliCommand unit stabilises the geographical position of the model helicopter as well as its flight attitude. This involves a new technique of ground sensing which is much lighter and cheaper than GPS, and also works far more accurately when close to the ground: unwanted movements can be measured much more finely, and automatic compensation applied much more accurately.
An additional advantage over GPS is that the system even works where the flying site is closely surrounded by buildings or trees, and even indoors, provided that the lighting and contrast conditions are adequate. This completely new attitude stabilisation and positioning technology is now available to modellers for the first time. The HeliCommand incorporates several control and measuring systems, and provides a superb level of stabilisation. Decisive features are a quality of regulation never obtained before, combined with compactness and light weight and a reasonable price. Applications: # Ideal as a training aid for the beginner. When set to maximum stabilisation, the system makes it possible to learn the art of helicopter flying without outside help.
# Safety function for advanced and scale model pilots: reduced crash risk (emergency knob). # deal assistance for long-range flying, and when manoeuvring in cramped conditions. # Technical features: High-level reliability thanks to two independent instrument systems and sophisticated software. # New type of sensing process provides reliable geographical positioning, completely independent of the visible horizon. # Electronic triple-axis gyro provides attitude regulation with an artificial horizon.
# The instruments can be activated individually; the degree of stabilisation is adjustable. Integral functions: Tail rotor gyro The HeliCommand unit features an integral high-quality heading-hold gyro. Of course, a separate gyro can also be used if you prefer. Auto-trim Another important feature is automatic trim; a button-press on the transmitter automatically neutralises the three control axes: pitch, roll and tail. For auto-pilot operations the trim is only necessary during the first flight (after installation).
However the trim can also be used for manual control. Any reasonably smooth phase of flight lasting a minimum of seven seconds is sufficient for the automatic trim system to define correct trim values. The settings are stored, but they can also be revised and corrected at any time.
Swashplate mixer The HeliCommand unit incorporates a comprehensive integral swashplate mixer (H2, HR3, H4). This makes it possible to control all current types of helicopter using simple radio control systems (without swashplate mixers).
In this case the display module or the PC adaptor and software is required in order to carry out adjustments. The mixer settings are entered using a new form of procedure which is very simple to operate; this saves the user the task of studying the menu system etc. Pilot channel The effect of the stabilising / positioning mode can be adjusted proportionally using a spare radio control channel; it can also be switched off completely for 3-D flying. # The in-flight switchable gain system offers three different positions: Stage 0 = Off (conventional) # Stage 1 = Attitude regulation (stabilisation) # Stage 2 = Position-holding and 'ground-speed' regulation Fail-safe High-quality fail-safe function with FM receivers.
If the radio link fails, the fail-safe responds extremely quickly and almost continuously, setting the roll-axis and pitch-axis functions to neutral, whilst maintaining the collective pitch function at the last value. Heli-Command works Two independent instrument systems are used in conjunction with sophisticated software to ensure high reliability. The position measurement is based on a ground sensor which works on a similar principle to an optical computer mouse; the difference is that the position-finding continues to work at flight altitudes of around 3 m and more, even when daylight is beginning to fade.
The movement sensor detects the ground while the helicopter is flying, and can be considered as a replacement for the eye of an airborne pilot. The sensor is able to detect all relative movement in the horizontal plane by analysing the contrasts exhibited by virtually every type of ground surface; this works just as accurately as a computer mouse on its base surface. The supplementary attitude stabilisation system contains three electronic gyros and works using an artificial horizon, i.e. It is entirely independently of the visual conditions. This arrangement enables the HeliCommand to stabilise the helicopter´s inclination relative to the horizontal plane, independently of lighting conditions (in contrast to previous types of stabiliser), and also to stabilise the machine´s position above the ground when in regulatory mode. Only in exceptional cases, e.g.
In the dark, above stretches of water, or over a totally smooth covering of snow, is the optical sensing device unable to supply a signal; if this should occur, the remaining on- board instruments automatically assume the task of stabilising the helicopter. If brief, this 'bridging' action is not noticeable. If it lasts longer, the helicopter will automatically switch from positioning mode to stabilising mode. The pilot will then detect this, and may have to compensate for any slow drift which occurs by giving a straightforward corrective control command. If particular ambient conditions make it obvious that the optical ground sensor cannot pick up adequate contrast (such as when flying indoors), the pilot would normally switch over to stabilisation mode (attitude regulation). However, these special features do not need to be taken into account if you limit yourself to normal weather and usual model flying conditions and environments. Possesses all the characteristics described above.
There is a video on the Robbe homepage showing this thing in action. The heli hovers at the border of the ground effect, let's say at 1 meter. The pilot shows that it flys even if he removes his hands from the sticks.
BUT: Although the heli is in ideal height for the optical sensor it drifts away. I would exect the heli holding position. There is also no height stabilization, any wind blow will change height. And finally the Helicommand works with outdated piezo gyro elements. I would expect more from an autopilot.
It's a pretty cool idea, there is some drift, but even outside, where there is some visible wind it's much more stable than anything else I have seen. I too am surprised at it's lack of altitude stability, I would think that given the number of distance finders avalable, that making it hold altitude would be almost trivial. Since it uses optical ground sensing to detect movement, much like a optical mouse, I would be curious to know what the max altitude It can still 'see' the ground would be. Hi Chris, That's a beautiful helicopter - somebody must like you! CARVEC would indeed make it much easier to fly (especially in a scale-like manner) - but that is not the hard part: the system is pretty complicated to get installed and configured correctly.
As it is an inertial system, it needs special attention against vibration - and petrol engines can be the worst. Also it is not a cheap thing to make and each stability system is 2000 GBP.
What I would really recommend is that you learn how to fly on a cheap machine. The best is probably a Raptor 30 - and if you have the radio gear already it would be pretty cheap to obtain. I would also recommend a PC simulator first - such as Realflight G3.
I would also say it is a very good idea to find some people locally (maybe at a club) who can show you a machine in action and give you advice. These helicopters are amazing machines to watch - but they need lots of experience, even with a CARVEC system. There are many issues like checking blade tracking, engine tuning etc which you really need to know about. Best regards, John Cunningham Director On-Target Software Solutions Ltd.
HeliCommand 3A HeliCommand 3A Est. Shipping Weight 0.70 Kgs World´s First - HeliCommand! Flight attitude stabilisation and positioning system for model helicopters. The breakthrough: Many vain attempts have been made to create a stabilisation system for free-flying helicopters. The control aids familiar in the modelling world are either just additional x-y gyro systems, or simple light sensors which only work if the horizon is very flat, with no obstacles in the line of sight.
Until now, regulatory systems offering genuine inherent stability have been enormously complex, due to the unavoidable fact that it is impossible in a helicopter to measure angles of inclination relative to gravity; the second problem is that of obtaining a stable geographic position; these problems could only be overcome if at least a GPS system was installed in the model. If you were piloting a conventional helicopter and left it to its own devices for a few seconds, it would quickly start to drift off in a random direction, at the same time constantly accelerating - in short, it would not survive for long. The HeliCommand unit stabilises the geographical position of the model helicopter as well as its flight attitude. This involves a new technique of ground sensing which is much lighter and cheaper than GPS, and also works far more accurately when close to the ground: unwanted movements can be measured much more finely, and automatic compensation applied much more accurately.
An additional advantage over GPS is that the system even works where the flying site is closely surrounded by buildings or trees, and even indoors, provided that the lighting and contrast conditions are adequate. This completely new attitude stabilisation and positioning technology is now available to modellers for the first time. The HeliCommand incorporates several control and measuring systems, and provides a superb level of stabilisation. Decisive features are a quality of regulation never obtained before, combined with compactness and light weight and a reasonable price. Applications:. Ideal as a training aid for the beginner. When set to maximum stabilisation, the system makes it possible to learn the art of helicopter flying without outside help.
Safety function for advanced and scale model pilots: reduced crash risk (emergency knob). deal assistance for long-range flying, and when manoeuvring in cramped conditions.
Technical features:. High-level reliability thanks to two independent instrument systems and sophisticated software.
Flymentor
New type of sensing process provides reliable geographical positioning, completely independent of the visible horizon. Electronic triple-axis gyro provides attitude regulation with an artificial horizon. The instruments can be activated individually; the degree of stabilisation is adjustable. Integral functions: Tail rotor gyro The HeliCommand unit features an integral high-quality heading-hold gyro. Of course, a separate gyro can also be used if you prefer. Auto-trim Another important feature is automatic trim; a button-press on the transmitter automatically neutralises the three control axes: pitch, roll and tail. For auto-pilot operations the trim is only necessary during the first flight (after installation).
However the trim can also be used for manual control. Any reasonably smooth phase of flight lasting a minimum of seven seconds is sufficient for the automatic trim system to define correct trim values. The settings are stored, but they can also be revised and corrected at any time.
Heli Command 3a
Swashplate mixer The HeliCommand unit incorporates a comprehensive integral swashplate mixer (H2, HR3, H4). This makes it possible to control all current types of helicopter using simple radio control systems (without swashplate mixers). In this case the display module or the PC adaptor and software is required in order to carry out adjustments. The mixer settings are entered using a new form of procedure which is very simple to operate; this saves the user the task of studying the menu system etc. Pilot channel The effect of the stabilising / positioning mode can be adjusted proportionally using a spare radio control channel; it can also be switched off completely for 3-D flying.
The in-flight switchable gain system offers three different positions:. Stage 0 = Off (conventional). Stage 1 = Attitude regulation (stabilisation). Stage 2 = Position-holding and 'ground-speed' regulation Fail-safe High-quality fail-safe function with FM receivers. If the radio link fails, the fail-safe responds extremely quickly and almost continuously, setting the roll-axis and pitch-axis functions to neutral, whilst maintaining the collective pitch function at the last value. Heli-Command works Two independent instrument systems are used in conjunction with sophisticated software to ensure high reliability. The position measurement is based on a ground sensor which works on a similar principle to an optical computer mouse; the difference is that the position-finding continues to work at flight altitudes of around 3 m and more, even when daylight is beginning to fade.
The movement sensor detects the ground while the helicopter is flying, and can be considered as a replacement for the eye of an airborne pilot. The sensor is able to detect all relative movement in the horizontal plane by analysing the contrasts exhibited by virtually every type of ground surface; this works just as accurately as a computer mouse on its base surface. The supplementary attitude stabilisation system contains three electronic gyros and works using an artificial horizon, i.e. It is entirely independently of the visual conditions. This arrangement enables the HeliCommand to stabilise the helicopter´s inclination relative to the horizontal plane, independently of lighting conditions (in contrast to previous types of stabiliser), and also to stabilise the machine´s position above the ground when in regulatory mode. Only in exceptional cases, e.g.
In the dark, above stretches of water, or over a totally smooth covering of snow, is the optical sensing device unable to supply a signal; if this should occur, the remaining on- board instruments automatically assume the task of stabilising the helicopter. If brief, this 'bridging' action is not noticeable. If it lasts longer, the helicopter will automatically switch from positioning mode to stabilising mode. The pilot will then detect this, and may have to compensate for any slow drift which occurs by giving a straightforward corrective control command.
If particular ambient conditions make it obvious that the optical ground sensor cannot pick up adequate contrast (such as when flying indoors), the pilot would normally switch over to stabilisation mode (attitude regulation). However, these special features do not need to be taken into account if you limit yourself to normal weather and usual model flying conditions and environments. Basic version for the hobby modeller. Includes all the features described under 'Modelmaking'. Contains all the system components required for normal flying. No stabilisation for inverted flight or 3D manoeuvres!
Furthermore the PC adaptor is recommended to adjust the HeliCommand perfectly to your machine, needs and flight style. In case of resigning on the position mode and covering the optical sensor, the unit can easily be placed inside a canopy. All other functions (horizontal mode, tail gyro, etc.) are fully functional. Specification: Operating voltage: 4.8 - 6 Volts (4 - 5 NC) Current drain: 55 mA Weight, incl. Cables: 33 g Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 22.5 mm It is possible to upgrade the HeliCommand 3A to the HeliCommand 3D or Rigid version at any time. This work must be carried out by the manufacturer’s Service Department.