1M23N08102

Using the AVCS mode correctly when the power was turned on (neutral position memorized in the gyro).
When flying in the AVCS mode, set the rudder trim to the same position
Thank you for buying a GY401 AVCS gyro.
Before using your new gyro, please read this manual thoroughly and
An AVCS gyro is an angular velocity command type gyro. The gyro con- under all flight conditions, including hovering and idle up. In the AVCS
use the gyro properly and safely. After reading this manual, store it
stantly compares the transmitter rudder operation signals and gyro internal mode, the gyro automatically trims the rudder so that trimming during in a safe place.
reference signal (transmitter rudder neutral signal) and controls the helicop- flight and other precision rudder trim adjustments are unnecessary.
ter tail rotation speed accordingly. Therefore, for the AVCS function to
operate normally, the rudder neutral signal must be memorized in the gyro • No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior permis-
before flight. Other precautions sion.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
•Rudder neutral signal memorization methods •DS switch setting precaution • This manual has been carefully written. Please write to Futaba if you feel that
[Method 1] When the gyro power is turned on, the transmitter rudder signal When the DS switch is set to the ON position, the rudder servo is driven by any corrections or clarifications should be made.
automatically received at that time is assumed to be the neutral signal and approximately 270Hz high-speed pulses. This mode is for use with Futaba
is memorized. The gyro is normally used in this state. digital servos only.
[Method 2] Rapidly switch the transmitter sensitivity switch between the
AVCS and normal modes at least 3 times at a 1 second or shorter internal, When using servos that are not compatible with high-speed
then set the switch to the AVCS mode position. The monitor LED flashes pulse drive, other than digital servos, never set the DS switch
to ON.
instantaneously and the rudder signal is memorized. If the trimmer was
moved during flight, the memorized neutral position can be updated to the
current neutral position by repeating this operation. When performing this
The servo may be destroyed.
1 FOREWORD 3 SET CONTENTS
•Operation of trimmers, etc. The GY401 is a high performance, compact, light weight AVCS The GY401 comes with the following accessories:
operation, land the model and hold the rudder stick in the neutral position. Miniature trimmers and switches are used with the GY401 to reduce its (Angular Vector Control System) gyro developed for model •GY401
•Rudder neutral check method size. When operating the trimmers and switches, always use the miniature helicopters. Because the sensor and control circuit are integrated,
In the AVCS mode, the servo does not return to the neutral position even screwdriver supplied and do not apply excessive force. it is simple to install.
when the rudder stick is returned to the neutral position. When you want to •Servo small step operation
check the servo neutral position during linkage neutral check, etc., select Applicable servos
When the model is static, the servos may move a small step. However, this Gyro performance largely depends on the servo used. The
the normal mode, or remain in the AVCS mode, and move the rudder stick is because the gyro sensitivity is set to a high value and is normal.
left and right at least 3 times at an interval of 1 second or less, then imme- higher the speed and response of the servo, the better the gyro
diately return the stick to the neutral position. This operation returns the sensitivity and performance. From this standpoint, a digital
servo is perfect for use with this gyro. The S9253 high-speed
rudder servo to the neutral position. One point advice digital servo developed especially for gyro use is recommended.
•AVCS mode usage precautions •Relationship between servo horn length and gyro sen-
In the AVCS mode, always set revolution mixing to OFF. If revolution
mixing (pitch->rudder mixing) is ON, the pitch operation signal changes
sitivity •Mini screwdriver
Gyro sensitivity also changes with the length of the servo horn.
the rudder neutral position. The gyro judges that an angular velocity com- (for adjustments)
mand was received and rotates the tail, therefore, the neutral position
changes.
When the sensitivity is too low, length the servo horn. Conversely, when
hunting does not stop, shorten the servo horn.
2 FEATURES •S9253
(Only a set w/servo)
The model flies in the same rudder trim position (including sub trim) as •AVCS system
Since rudder trim changes caused by wind and other meteorologi-
cal changes and front, rear, forward, reverse, and other helicopter •Double-sided tape
attitude changes are automatically cancelled, tail (rudder) opera- (3 sheets)
tion is easy, making it perfect for 3D flight.
Mounting Precautions turn the power off and on again. When turning on the
power, set the transmitter switch to the AVCS position
Check the operating time of the receiver,
gyro, and servo batteries at the adjustment
•SMM gyro sensor S9253 Ratings
and turn on the transmitter power switch, then turn on the
Use of newly developed extremely low drift SMM (Silicon Micro (Digital servo for gyro)
Always use the accessory sensor tape to stage and decide the number of remaining Machine) gyro sensor virtually eliminates rudder trim changes •Speed: 0.08sec/60˚(at 4.8V)
gyro power.
install the gyro to the fuselage. flights while allowing a margin. during flight. •Torque: 2.0kg-cm(at 4.8V)
This is necessary to securely fasten the gyro to the Do not operate the rudder trimmer while •Dimensions: 40x20x36.6mm
fuselage so that operation of the gyro does not transmit flying in the AVCS mode. •Digital servo compatible (DS mode) •Weight: 49g
unwanted fuselage vibrations directly to the sensor. When the power is turned on, the GY401 assumes that
the rudder stick is in the neutral position. If the rudder
Fuselage Maintenance DS mode makes it compatible with Futaba digital servos. Maxi-
mizes the high-speed response performance of the digital servo.
When mounting the gyro, provide a little
surplus so that the gyro connection cables
trimmer is moved during flight, the neutral position will Precautions GY401 Ratings
change. •Remote gain function and mode switching func-
are not too taut. Do not turn the sensitivity trimmer with tion (Integrated sensor type AVCS rate gyro)
If the gyro cables are too taut, the gyro will not display its Avoid sudden temperature changes. too much force. Remote gain function allows sensitivity switching from the trans- • Control system:
full performance. If the gyro peels, control will be lost Sudden temperature changes will cause the neutral The trimmer may break. Always use the miniature
mitter and mode switching function allows AVCS/normal gyro Digital advanced PI (Proportional Integration) control
and result in a dangerous situation. position to change. For instance, do not fly the model screwdriver supplied to make adjustments. • Gyro sensor:
immediately after removing it from inside a heated mode switching. SMM (Silicon Micro Machine) system vibration gyro
When using the gyro with a helicopter, vehicle in the winter and an air conditioned vehicle in the Make positive maintenance of the fuselage
•Integrated, compact, and lightweight • Operating voltage: +4 to +6VDC
install the GY401 at least 10cm from the summer. Let the model stand for about 10 minutes to tail section a habit. • Operating temperature range: -10˚C to +45˚C
drive motor. allow the temperature inside the gyro to stabilize before The rigidity of the tail section has a large effect on gyro Compact size (27x27x20mm) and light weight (27g) realized by • Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 20mm
The drive motor generates strong electromagnetic noise. turning on the power. Also, consider sudden temperature performance. Therefore, loose supporter and tail pipe high density mounting technology. • Weight: 27g (including connector)
This noise may interfere with the gyro sensor and cause changes when the gyro is exposed to direct sunlight or is aging also have a large effect on the characteristics. • Functions:
erroneous operation. installed near the engine. Take measures so that the gyro •Conductive resin case Gyro operation direction switch, DS mode switch, Control delay
is not exposed to direct sunlight. Service the fuselage with a little vibration Conductive resin case improves EMC (electrostatic and electro-
Mount the GY401 so that metals or other trimmer, Limit trimmer, Remote gain control, AVCS/normal mode
as possible. magnetic interference) resistance. switching
conductive objects do not touch the gyro When using the gyro in the AVCS mode, Fuselage vibration has a very adverse effect on gyro
case. set revolution mixing to 0% or OFF. performance.
The GY401 uses a conductive resin case to reduce In the AVCS mode, all rudder corrections are made by
electromagnetic interference. Because the surface of the the GY401. Therefore, if rudder mixing is ON, the model
will operate the same as if the neutral position changed.
case is conductive, metal objects may cause a short
circuit.
AVCS Gyro
Conventional gyros send control signals to the wind continues to cause the tail to drift in this signal that resists the cross-wind. Therefore,
Insert the connectors fully. rudder servo only when the tail of the helicopter state, the "stop" operation is repeated until the drifting of the tail can be stopped even if the
If a connector works loose due to vibration during flight, moves. When the tail stops moving, the control tail faces downwind. This is called the cross-wind continues to effect the helicopter. In
control may be lost and result in a dangerous situation.
Special Markings signal from the gyro becomes zero. Conversely, "weathervane" effect. other words, the gyro itself automatically cor-
Always check the direction of operation of the AVCS gyro continues to send control sig- rects (auto trim) changes in helicopter tail trim
the servos. Pay special attention to the safety at the parts of this manual that are indicated by the following marks. by cross-wind.
nals to the servo even when the tail of the
If you attempt to fly the model when a servo operates in Mark Meaning helicopter stops moving.
the wrong direction, the fuselage will spin in a fixed Considering operation of an AVCS gyro, when
Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition and cause death or serious injury to the the tail of the helicopter rotates, the servo also
direction and enter an extremely dangerous state. The following sequentially describes the con-
user if not carried out properly.
ventional gyro and the AVCS gyro. rotates in accordance with the angle of rotation
Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death or serious injury to the of the tail. When the tail stops rotating, the servo
Operation Precautions user if not carried out properly, or procedures where the probability of superficial injury or Operation of Conventional Gyro judges that it has stopped in that position. This is
physical damage is high. Basic operation is described by considering the the auto trim function.
Never move the fuselage for about 3 sec- case when the helicopter is hovering under
onds after turning on the gyro power Procedures where the possibility of serious injury to the user is small, but there is a danger of
cross-wind conditions. With a conventional
(shared with receiver). injury, or physical damage, if not carried out properly.
gyro, when the helicopter encounters a cross- Operation of AVCS Gyro
Since the data inside the gyro is automatically initialized
as soon as the power is turned on, if the fuselage is wind, the force of the cross-wind causes the tail Conversely, with an AVCS gyro, when the
moved, the neutral position will change. If this occurs,
Symbol: ; Prohibited ; Mandatory of the helicopter to drift. When the tail drifts, helicopter encounters a cross-wind and the tail
the gyro generates a control signal that stops the drifts, a control signal from the gyro stops the
FUTABA CORPORATION drift. When the tail stops drifting, the control drift. At the same time, the gyro computes the
Makuhari Techno Garden Bldg., B6F 1-3 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-8555, Japan
Phone: (043) 296-5118 Facsimile: (043) 296-5124 signal from the gyro becomes zero. If the cross- drift angle and constantly outputs a control
©FUTABA CORPORATION 2000, 7
4 GY401 FUNCTIONS Control Delay Trimmer (DELAY)
Rudder control signal operation speed trimmer. Conversely, to stop hunting, charac-
5 USE Mount and adjust the GY401 as described
below.
Flight adjustment
teristics can be improved by adjusting the delay. When the trimmer is turned clock- In the AVCS mode, the gyro automatically adjusts the rudder neutral
Monitor LED wise, the delay increases. position so that mechanical rudder neutral position changes are un-
Use the miniature screwdriver supplied and known. When the rudder neutral position changes substantially, a left
Indicates the operating status of the GY401. The display •When using high-speed servos such as a digital servo, set the delay trimmer to "0".
operate the GY401 switches and trimmers so and right rudder error is generated and gyro performance may drop.
contents are shown below. Limit Trimmer (LIMIT) that excessive force is not applied.
Sets the maximum travel of the rudder servo. Move the rudder stick to the When making your first flight and when reconnecting the linkage, set the
Gyro Operation Direction Switch (DIR) mechanical rudder neutral position by first flying in the normal mode and
left and right and adjust the limit trimmer so that the servo operating angle
Switches the gyro control direction. It must be
switched according to the direction of rotation of
do not strike the linkage. During flight, the servo will not operate beyond
this angle and the linkage is protected. When the trimmer is turned clock-
Installing to fuselage then flying in the AVCS mode.
the main rotor and the direction of the rudder
linkage. If the rudder servo moves in the cancel-
wise, the servo operating angle increases (1) Gyro installation Install the gyro so that the bottom of the (Rudder neutral position adjustment)
gyro is perpendicular to the direction of
lation direction when the nose of the helicopter Sensitivity Switching Connector (1) Set transmitter revolution mixing (pitch->rudder) to 0% or OFF.
GY401 the main rotor shaft axis. Changes of
moves, the operating directions are good. Gyro sensitivity switching signal input connector. this axis are also reflected in the roll and (2) Set the transmitter gyro sensitivity switch to the AVCS position. First, turn on
•If you try to fly a model with a clockwise rotation Connect to the receiver sensitivity switching pitch directions. the transmitter power, then turn on the gyro power (shared with receiver). Since
rotor when the gyro operation direction is reversed, channel (normally CH5). This connector is also the GY401 initializes the data when the power is turned on, set the rudder stick
the nose will turn to the left and result in a danger- When using the GY401 with a to the neutral position and do not move the helicopter for approximately 3
simultaneously used to switch between the AVCS motor helicopter, install the
ous situation. Fuselage gyro bed seconds.
and normal operation modes. Since this connector gyro at least 10cm from the
is a single wire signal line, do not pull it force- Always install the GY401 using the If the monitor LED lights, the gyro is operating in the AVCS mode.
DS Mode Switch (DS) double-sided sponge tape supplied.
drive motor.
When the power is turned on in the normal mode, the monitor LED will
Digital servo (DS) mode switch. The ON position is fully.
display an alarm by flashing intermittently. At this time, set the sensitiv-
the high-speed output mode for digital servo only. Rudder Input Connector (2) Gyro connection ity switch to the AVCS position and turn on the gyro power again.
When using a normal servo, always set this switch to Connects to the receiver rudder channel (CH4) Connect to receiver sensitivity
output connector. switching channel (CH5). (3) Switch the transmitter gyro sensitivity switch to the normal position. At this time,
the OFF position. If it is set to the ON position, the the monitor LED goes off. Lift off the helicopter and hover and adjust the rudder
Connect to receiver rudder
servo will be destroyed. channel (CH4). neutral position with the transmitter trim lever.
Rudder Servo Connector
Connects the rudder servo. Large rudder neutral position deviation may require readjustment of
the fuselage linkage.
(Monitor LED display) Connect to rudder servo.
Relationship between transmitter sensitivity LED display Gyro operation state For a digital servo,
(4) Set the gyro sensitivity to the point just before the helicopter tail begins to hunt.
Rapid flash Displayed while data is being initialized at power ON. (3) Servo selection switch to ON position.
adjustment and gyro operation sensitivity When using a digital servo (S9253, S9250,
When the helicopter tail hunts, set the gyro sensitivity to a lower value.
Steady light Indicates that the gyro is operating in the AVCS mode. When adjusting the gyro sensitivity, increase and decrease the sensi-
and operation mode S9450, etc.) as the rudder servo, set the DS
Off Indicates that the power is OFF, or the gyro is operating tivity gradually while checking.
The gyro sensitivity becomes zero when the transmitter sensitivity in the normal gyro mode. switch to the ON position.
switching signal is in the neutral position. The sensitivity can be (For other information, see "One point advise".)
adjusted over the deflection width of the signal by operating in the Slow flash Displayed when there are no rudder operation signal being
AVCS mode at the + side and in the normal gyro mode at the - side input from the transmitter. At this time, the rudder servo This completes mechanical neutral position adjustment. Land the helicopter and
of the neutral position. does not operate. (4) Rudder servo linkage check set the gyro to the AVCS mode. When flying, the power must always be turned
When the transmitter has a gyro sensitivity switching function Intermittent flash Alarm display when the power was turned on in the Set the transmitter gyro sensitivity switch to the AVCS position and on in the AVCS mode and the rudder neutral position read each time.
(T9ZHwc Series, T8UHPS, etc.), and the transmitter GYRO setup normal gyro mode. For the rudder neutral signal to be turn on the transmitter power, then turn on the gyro power (shared with
screen sensitivity setting is 50%, the GY401 gyro sensitivity be- read correctly, set the transmitter to the AVCS mode receiver). Since the GY401 initializes the data when the power is
comes zero. When the setting exceeds 50%, the gyro enters the and turn on the gyro power again. turned on, set the rudder stick to the neutral position and do not move (AVCS side adjustment)
AVCS mode and the sensitivity becomes 100% at 100%. At set- Double flash Displayed when the rudder signal from the transmitter the helicopter for approximately 3 seconds. (5) Set the rudder trim position for all flight conditions which use the AVCS mode to
tings lower than 50%, the gyro enters the normal gyro mode and in the AVCS mode is different from the neutral signal If the monitor LED lights, the gyro is operating in the AVCS mode. the trim position flight-adjusted in the normal mode.
the sensitivity becomes 100% at 0%. memorized in the gyro. Also flashes when the rudder stick When the power is turned on in the normal mode, the monitor LED
When sensitivity setting is performed by transmitter switch channel, was operated. When using common trim in both the AVCS and normal modes, this
will display an alarm by flashing intermittently. Set the sensitivity
AVCS mode and normal gyro mode switching is performed by Single flash Displayed only when the transmitter sensitivity switch is switch to the AVCS position and turn on the gyro power again. operation is unnecessary.
switch position. The sensitivity of each mode is set by the rudder rapidly switched between the normal and AVCS positions
angle adjustment function (ATV, AFR, etc.) of the respective at least 3 times, then returned to the AVCS position and Next, switch the transmitter switch to the normal gyro mode position When the power is turned on thereafter, the gyro reads this trim position as
channel. When the ATV or AFR set value is 90%, the gyro sensitiv- the transmitter rudder stick was rapidly moved to the left and check the linkage. the rudder neutral position.
ity becomes 100%. and right at least 3 times. After this display goes off, the In the rudder neutral position, connect the linkage (6) Set the rudder stick to the neutral position, switch the transmitter sensitivity
rudder is in the neutral position. Perpendicular so that the servo horn and control wire are switch between the AVCS and normal modes at least 3 times at an interval of 1
perpendicular. second or less, then set the switch to the AVCS position.
Transmitter with gyro sensitivity switching function Transmitter with ATV function Tail control wire This operation memorizes the AVCS side neutral data to the gyro. At
this time, the monitor LED flashes once. The neutral data is also
(T9Zwc, FF8S, etc.) (T9Z, FF8, FF7S, FF6S, etc.) memorized by setting the transmitter sensitivity switch to the AVCS
Set the servo horn length based on the
position and turning on the gyro power again.
(Example of sensitivity setting with T8UHPS) (Example of sensitivity setting with T6XHS) model manufacturer's instructions.
Relationship Sensitivity Relationship Move the rudder stick to the left and right, and check the direction of Switch the transmitter flight mode to hovering, idle up and all other flight condi-
Idle up between transmitter set value switch between transmitter set value
switch and gyro sensitivity and gyro sensitivity operation of the tail rotor. If the tail rotor rotates in the wrong direction, tions used and confirm that the monitor LED lights.
(Transmitter setup screen) (CH5) (Transmitter setup screen)
（NORM） (Forward adjust the direction with the transmitter reverse function. If the LED flashes twice, the rudder trim of that flight condition has
Transmitter Gyro Transmitter Gyro
position)
set value sensitivity set value sensitivity shifted. Readjust the rudder trim.
90% 100%
AVCS mode
100% 100%
(5) Gyro sensitivity setting criteria
AVCS side

AVCS side

80% AVCS mode (7) Hover and fly in the AVCS mode and set the gyro sensitivity to the point just
The gyro sensitivity differs with the servos used and the fuselage.
75% 50%
80%
45% 50% before hunting begins. The AVCS mode sensitivity is slightly lower than in the
Generally, the faster the servo operating speed, the higher the gyro
（IDL1） normal mode.
10%
sensitivity. Also, when the main rotor speed is raised, the tail sensitivity
50% 0% (Backward Cannot be set 0%
10%
0% of the helicopter itself rises and the gyro sensitivity at idle up must be When hunting occurs, lower the sensitivity. When adjusting the sensi-
in this range.
Normal side
Normal side

AVCS mode position)

60% dropped below the sensitivity when hovering. This tendency is greater tivity, proceed slowly while checking.
25% 50% 45% 50% with 60 class helicopters than with 30 class helicopters.
（IDL2） Start sensitivity adjustment with a gyro sensitivity of 70 ~ 80% when (For other information, see "One point advise".)
Normal mode
60% hovering and 60 ~ 70% during flight as the criteria and search for the (8) Adjust the rudder steering effect using the transmitter rudder angle adjustment
0% 100% 90% 100%
Normal mode best sensitivity for the helicopter used. functions (AFR, D/R, etc.).
60%
(9) When hunting occurs at pirouette stop, increase the delay with the delay trim-
(6) Gyro operation direction check mer. This hunting occurs easily when the servo operation speed is slow. If the
The figure above is an example of use of the gyro sensitivity switching The figure above uses the CH5 ATV function and is an example of switch- If the rudder servo moves to the left when the nose of the helicopter delay is increased too much, the tail will drift when stopping and rudder operation
function (GYRO) to switch hovering (AVCS mode), idle up 1 (AVCS ing to hovering (AVCS mode) in the switch forward position and to idle up moves to the right, the gyro direction is correct. will become sluggish. Adjust the delay to a suitable value.
mode) and idle up 2 (normal gyro mode) by SW-E and to set the gyro (normal gyro mode) in the backward position) and setting the sensitivity of
sensitivity to 80%, 60%, and 60%, respectively. each mode to 80% and 60%, respectively. If the rudder servo operates in the reverse direc-
tion, switch the switch. With a high-speed servo such as the S9253,
[Setting procedure] [Setting procedure] Since the switches are close to each other, set the delay trimmer to "0".
1. Call the transmitter advance menu GYRO setup screen. 1. Call the CH5 ATV screen. switch them carefully.
2. Press the cursor key and display the switch selection screen. Press the 2. Pull the CH5 switch forward and set the ATV rate to 72%.
data key and select SW-E. 3. Push the CH5 switch backward and set the ATV rate to 54%. When the rotor rotates clockwise, if you try to fly while the (10) Switch to the AVCS or normal mode, whichever your prefer. In the AVCS
3. Press the cursor key and display the hovering sensitivity NORM screen However, when sensitivity switching is performed with the CH5 switch, the gyro direction is wrong, the nose will rotate to the left and mode, the tail neutral position is forcefully restrained even when external distur-
and set hovering sensitivity to 90%. AVCS mode cannot be used at both hovering and idle up. The AVCS result in a dangerous situation. bances such as cross winds occur. On the other hand, in flight, the weathervane
4. Press the cursor key and display the IDL1 screen and set the IDL1 mode and normal gyro mode are switched by switch position.
(7) Limit setting effect cannot be expected like in the normal mode. When the tail turns, that
sensitivity to 80%.
attitude is maintained. Operation that sets the rudder to a suitable position is
5. Press the cursor key and display the IDL2 screen and set the IDL2 *The values above are the values when the sensitivity setting channel Move the rudder stick to the left and right and adjust required.
sensitivity to 20%. reverse function is normal. the limit trimmer so that the servo operating angle
* The values above are the values when the sensitivity channel reverse does not strike the linkage. During flight, the servo will
function is normal. not operate beyond this limit and the linkage will be
protected. If the setting is too low, the gyro perfor-
mance will be affected.