Futaba GY501 User Manual

AVCS GYRO

GY501

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

YAW-AXIS STABILIZER FOR MODEL HELICOPTER

(RATE GYRO)

1M23N04302

AVCS GYRO

GY501

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

YAW-AXIS STABILIZER FOR MODEL HELICOPTER

(RATE GYRO)

4

Thank you for buying a GY501 AVCS gyro.

Before using your new gyro, please read this manual thoroughly and use the gyro properly and safely. After reading this manual, store it in a safe place.

FOREWORD

Up to now, movement of the tail from side to side due to changes in the wind, flight posture, and other disturbances during model helicopter flights was minimized by increasing the sensitivity of the gyro. However, a bad effect is that the sensitivity may be increased too much so there was a limit on how much the tail could be controlled. Changes in F3C rules add forward and reverse flight aerobatics and demand various flight positions so that controlling the position of the tail has become more difficult.

The GY501 gyro uses the Futaba AVCS system and makes it possible to theoretically correct this movement. This increases stabilization of the tail against disturbances. Since F3C contest fliers who use the GY501 gyro together with a high response servo, of course, achieve high stability against wind and other disturbances, it has a large effect also for helicopter novices.

•No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior permission.

•The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

•This manual has been carefully written. Please write to Futaba if you feel that any corrections or clarifications should be made.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOR SAFETY
- Meaning of Special Markings --------------------------------	6
- Setting Precautions --------------------------------------------	7
- Operating Precautions -----------------------------------------	8
- Fuselage Maintenance Precautions -------------------------	10
BEFORE USE
- Set Contents ---------------------------------------------------	11
- Name and Function of Each Part ---------------------------	12
- Description of GY501 Operation ---------------------------	13
ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENT
- Connections ---------------------------------------------------	29
- Mounting the Gyro Sensor ----------------------------------	30
- Use --------------------------------------------------------------	31
DATA SETTING
- LCD Display and Edit Keys ---------------------------------	36
- Function Map --------------------------------------------------	37
- Setting of Each Function ------------------------------------	38
REFERENCE
- Specifications -------------------------------------------------	43
- Definition of Abbreviations ---------------------------------	44
- GY501 Parameters Sheet ------------------------------------	45
- Repair Service -------------------------------------------------	46

FOR SAFETY

6

FOR SAFETY

To ensure safe use, observe the following precautions.

Meaning of Special Markings

Pay special attention to the safety at the parts of this manual that are indicated by the following marks.

Mark

Meaning

Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition and cause death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly.

Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly, or procedures where the probability of superficial injury or physical damage is high.

Procedures where the possibility of serious injury to the user is small, but there is a danger of injury, or physical damage, if not carried out properly.

Symbol:

; Prohibited ; Mandatory

FOR SAFETY

7

Setting Precautions

Connector Connection

Insert the connectors fully and firmly.

If vibration, etc. causes a connector to work loose during flight, the heli may crash.

Precautions When Turning on the Power Switch

During initialization, the message **INIT* appears on the GY501 LCD screen.

Do not move the helicopter until this message disappears (in about 5 seconds).

Also, do not move the transmitter rudder stick from the neutral position during this period.

Sensor Mounting

Always use the attached sensor tape to mount the gyro sensor.

Always reinstall the sensor tape if it has started to separate or tear.

Do not get fuel, waste oil, etc. on the gyro sensor.

The special paint may dissolve.

FOR SAFETY

8

At linkage

When the rudder neutral position was changed by the linkage, the rudder neutral position in the AVCS mode must always be re-read before use.

Re-reading method:

Turn on the transmitter in the AVCS mode, then turn on the gyro .

Or quickly switch (interval of within 1 second) the remote gain channel switch between the AVCS mode and Normal mode at least three times with the transmitter in the ON state. This memorizes the new rudder position inside the GY501.

Operating Precautions

Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Sudden temperature changes will cause the neutral position to change. For example, in the winter, do not fly immediately after removing the model from inside a heated car and in the summer, do not fly immediately after removing the model from inside an air conditioned car. Allow the model to stand for about 10 minutes and turn on the power after the temperature inside the gyro has stabilized. Also, if the gyro is exposed to direct sunlight or is mounted near the engine, the temperature may change suddenly. Take suitable measures so that the gyro is not exposed to direct sunlight, etc.

FOR SAFETY

9

Check the remaining receiver and gyro/servo nicd battery operating time during the adjustment stage and decide how many flights are remaining.

Never use the transmitter rudder trim in the AVCS mode.

When the rudder is trimmed during flight, the neutral position will change.

When using the GY501 in the AVCS mode, set revolution mixing to OFF.

FOR SAFETY

10

Fuselage Maintenance Precautions

Mounting Precautions

Use a tale rotor drive tube or other part with a high torsion performance for the tail drive.

Take the strength of the tail into account during inspection and adjustment.

The amount of improvement of gyro performance has a considerable effect on the fuselage vibration level or the size, type, linkage method, looseness, etc. of the tail rotor.

Since a higher gain than usual can be used then the tail rotor is more effective, the load on the tail is also greater.

Always perform proper maintenance for ultimate performance.

The rigidity of the fuselage tail has a large effect on gyro performance.

Make the fuselage vibration as small as possible.

Fuselage vibration has an adverse affect on gyro operation.

BEFORE USE

11

BEFORE USE

Set Contents

After unpacking the GY501 set, first check if the following parts are provided:

RATE GYRO

GY501 control amp (x1)

CONNECT

Sensor tape (x3)

GY501 sensor (x1)

S9205 servo (x1) (Only a set w/servo)

Mini screwdriver (x1)

Accessories: Servo horn, mounting parts

BEFORE USE

12

Name and Function of Each Part

GY501 control amp

LCD display

Displays the set data. (8 characters X 1 line)	(Input/output terminals)
	Gyro sensor input
RATE GYRO
	Rudder servo output
CONNECT

Edit keys

Used when setting data. Operated by pushing with the accessory mini screwdriver.

LCD contrast trimmer

(Receiver connectors) Remote gain input Rudder input

Allows adjustment of the contrast so that the LCD display is easiest to see. It is adjusted with the accessory mini screwdriver.

GY501 gyro sensor

To control amp

Stick to the body using the accessory sensor tape.

BEFORE USE

13

Description of GY501 Operation

The GY501 gyro allows the operator to switch between the AVCS mode (operation using AVCS function) and Normal mode (conventional gyro mode) from the transmitter. Of course, the GY501 can also be used in the AVCS mode only.

Remote Gain Function

The remote gain function lets operator perform AVCS mode and Normal mode sensitivity adjustment and operation mode switching from the transmitter. The channel used here is called the "remote gain channel".

(Channel 5 is used.)

(Remote Gain Function)	Receiver
Transmitter	GY501
Gain/Mode Selection	Mode Settings
• CH5 switch	• Normal mode (NOR)
• Idle-Up switch (T8Usuper)	• AVCS mode (AVC)
• Flight condition (T9Z)	• Selectable mode (CMT)
Gain Settings	Gain Settings
• ATV function	• Gyro Gain Adjustment
• Gyro mixing (T8Usuper/T9Z)
• Programmable mixing (T9Z)
	Remote Gain Channel (CH5)

BEFORE USE

14

When Using a T9Z World Champion Model Transmitter Gyro Sense Mixing

The Gyro Sense Mixing (GYR) function lets operator perform two-point gain adjustment at each condition. Set the sensitivity at all conditions.

[GY501 Settings]

Select the gyro operation mode at the GY501 Mode screen. (AVC, NOR, or

CMT)

[Transmitter Settings]

ATV function:

Adjust both the RATE A and RATE B rates to 100% at the transmitter ATV function setup screen.

Gyro Sense Mixing function:

1.Select the Dual Mode (DUO) at the transmitter Gyro Sense Mixing setup screen.

2.Set the GAIN1 and GAIN2 gains.

(The following page shows a setting example in the CMT mode.)

[Sensitivity Display]

The gain display indicates the actual gain at the GY501 G:1 and G:2 screen. The following shows the relationship between transmitter and gyro setting when GY501 sensitivity setting is 100% in both the G1 and G2 gain modes.

- Relationship between transmitter and gyro setting

	Transmitter	GAIN1	0%		-	50%		-	100%
	settings	GAIN2
	GY501mode	NOR			Normal mode
		AVC			AVCS mode
	settings
		CMT		Normal mode			AVCS mode
	Actual gain				(G2)			(G1)
			100%		-	0%		-	100%

BEFORE USE

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(Setting Example)

Adjust the gyro gain at the Gyro Sense Mixing setup screen at each condition.

The following shows a setting example in the CMT mode.

Select the Dual Mode (DUO).

GYRO SENCE 01 . MODEL-01. NORML HEL PCM 0: 23: 17

DUAL : MODE

85 % : GAIN 1

15 % : GAIN 2

0 20 40 60 80 100 END

Sensitivity rate

Choose the GAIN1 or GAIN2 by the CH5 switch.

Use the following values as the sensitivity setting standard:

CH5 switch

	Hovering			Flight
GAIN1		85%		70%	AVCS side
setting
GAIN2		15%		30%	Normal side
setting
Actual gain 70%				40%

The GY501 sensitivity is 0% at 50%. When set over 50%, the GY501 operates in the AVCS mode and when set under 50%, the GY501 operates in the Normal mode. When setting is changed 1%, the gyro sensitivity is changed 2%.