Mikado VBar Control Device Manual
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VBar Control
Device Manual
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Table of Contents
Benets at a glance 6
Software Highlights: 6
Hardware Highlights: 7
Introduction 8
Welcome to VBar Control 8
What is VBar Control? 9
Purpose, modications and
export regulations 9
Icons used in this manual 9
General Safety Precautions 10
Precautions for the use of the 2.4 GHz band 10
Handling the VBar Control 10
Built-in rechargeable Lithium Polymer
Battery and Battery charger 12
Package Contents 13
Transmitter controls and features 14
Basic transmitter operation 16
How to turn the VBar Control on and off 16
The main screen and
the Easy Dialog System 16
Basic VBar Control Setup 16
Transmitter Setup 17
Application Setup 21
How to change the stick mode and
adjust the stick tension, how to change
the stick length 22
How to use VBar Control as a USB game
controller 24
Binding a VBar Control Receiver 24
Battery charging 25
Tips for using your VBar Control transmitter 25
VBar Control Satellite Receiver 26
Features 26
Control LEDs 26
VBar Control Receiver installation 26
Placement of antennae in the model 26
Updating and enhancing your VBar Control
transmitter 28
Installing and using VBar Control Manager 28
Registration, Update, getting additional
software features (VBar Control Apps) 29
Recycling VBar Control and the
rechargeable battery 30
Recycling the built-in rechargeable battery 30
VBar Control Transmitter and Receivers 30
Data sheets 31
Getting support and service for your
VBar Control 32
Warranty 32
After Sales service 32
Compliance Information for the U.S.,
Europe and other countries 33
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Benefits at a glance
Software Highlights:
■ Setup, programming and adjusting of VBar-controlled models accomplished directly via
VBar Control radio.
■ No computer, control panel or smartphone necessary.
■ Instant access to almost every ight parameter from the transmitter controls, even in
ight.
■ Easy programming for new helicopters via the familiar VBar setup wizard.
■ New ESC setup wizard for programming all types of speed controllers.
■ Bank switching with three banks.
■ Real time logging and real time vibration analysis readable from the transmitter.
■ Several telemetry functions are available, such as voltages, current, rpm, speed, and
power consumption of the batteries (may need additional hardware).
■ Storage of event log les like VBar event log, VBar Control event log, GPS way points,
voltage/current logging etc.
■ Multiple timer functions available with warnings and reminders via sound, voice, or vi-
bration output.
■ Wireless buddy boxing with two VBar Control radios, fully congurable.
■ Easy bind process, allows bind and y of any model equipped with VBar Control (e.g. a
buddy‘s heli) with your own transmitter (Model Sharing).
■ Software updates via internet using a simple VBar Control Manager app and the web
browser.
■ Option for adding new features via apps, simple installation via internet, supports both
Windows and Mac OS X-PCs, no drivers needed.
■ Additional airplane software will be available in summer 2014.
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Hardware Highlights:
■ 80 Channel 2.4 GHz FHSS bidirectional ight control, programming/setup and telemetry
remote control system.
■ VBar Control Satellite connects directly to VBar ybarless controller via 2.4GHz VBar-
Link protocol.
■ Unlimited model memory.
■ Virtually unlimited number of control channels. High range, low latency, antenna diversity
both on transmitter and receiver.
■ Intelligent antenna monitoring and management.
■ XXtra Bright Graphic Display featuring high contrast and ambient light sensor to auto-
matically control the display brightness, making it equally well readable in bright sunlight
and in the dark.
■ Easy Dialog System with rotary dial for convenient and safe inputs, with optical, tactile
and acoustic feedback.
■ Precision gimbals with four ball bearings, fully adjustable.
■ Collective stick equipped with optional throw limiter.
■ Fully equipped with four 3-position-switches, two quick-break-switches and two rotation
knobs, all fully programmable.
■ Delicate rubber lining for comfortable, slip-free and safe holding.
■ 3-point neck-strap attachment, for optimum balance.
■ Large 2 Watt loudspeaker for alarms and voice output.
■ Vibration alarm (adjustable).
■ Internal 8 MB ash memory.
■ Memory accessible as a USB memory stick, no drivers needed.
■ 4.000 mAh Lithium Polymer battery allows for long run times.
■ Charge through USB connector or built-in charger.
■ Power supply for fast charging included.
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Introduction
Welcome to VBar Control
Mikado Model Helicopters wants to thank you for choosing this highly specialized yet versatile product. To make the best use of your VBar Control and to safely operate and y your
radio controlled models, please read this device manual carefully. For software and model
setup, see the quick start guides and manuals provided with this radio as well as documentation provided with the other appliances like motor, electronic speed controller, servos, the
helicopter kit itself. For latest information, new features and updates, please visit our product web site www.vstabi.info.
VBar Control and the VBar Control accessories have been developed and manufactured in
Germany. They are state-of-the-art products following highest quality and safety requirements. Every device has been inspected thoroughly during manufacturing and initial programming. VBar Control meets European requirements (ETSI) as well as US-American
requirements of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). VBar Control has been
ight-tested thoroughly. Highest standards with regard to high noise immunity and operational reliability have been applied.
☝ Attention Unforeseeable changes in manufacturing processes and software development make
this manual subject to change without notice. Mikado Model Helicopters recommends visiting the
product web site www.vstabi.info regularly to get the latest information regarding your VBar Control
transmitter.
☝ Attention Mikado Model Helicopters strongly recommends connecting the VBar Control transmit-
ter to a personal computer at least every six months, and make a connection to the internet using
VBar Control Manager to get the latest updates automatically.
☝ Attention For service and support regarding programming and operation of your VBar Control and
other Mikado products, please feel free to contact your local dealer or visit our product web site
www.vstabi.info and the technical support forum there.
Telephone and e-mail-support are available through ((Adressblock Mikado USA und Mikado Potsdam, generell: Landing-Page www.mikado-heli.de/VControl, auf der die wichtigsten Sachen kurz
und knackig beschrieben und verlinkt sind))
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What is VBar Control?
VBar Control is an advanced multi-function FHSS radio control system for model helicopters and, in the future, also for airplanes and other radio controlled model operations. With
it’s unique concept of programming and operation, it’s the ideal companion to go with your
radio controlled and VBar equipped models.
Purpose, modications and export regulations
VBar Control is designated for use with model helicopters, in the future for use with model
airplanes. VBar control is not designated for any other purpose than remote control of models for recreation or hobby.
Outside of the country of manufacture, VBar Control has to be approved by the laws applicable in the country of import, especially regarding emission of radio frequencies. On every
re-export, VBar Control may be subject to regulations. Prior to use, approval of the responsible authorities may be required. If in doubt, contact your dealer to assert that all regulations applicable have been met. VBar control must not be used to control other than unmanned radio control models on line of sight.
Mikado Model Helicopters takes no responsibility for any modication or replacement of
parts on VBar Control. Any modication other than described in the product documentation
may void warranty.
Icons used in this manual
☝ Attention Problems and physical damage or physical injury may occur if not followed carefully.
⚠ Warning Dangerous conditions may occur, causing serious physical injury or even death, or high
physical damage, if not followed carefully.
☠ Danger Dangerous conditions may occur, causing death, serious physical injury or high physical
damage if not followed carefully.
☒ Procedures and actions that are prohibited.
☑ Procedures or actions that are mandatory.
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General Safety Precautions
Precautions for the use of the 2.4 GHz band
VBar Control operates in the 2.4 GHz band which is in common use with e. g. industry,
science and medical (ISM) applications. It is widely used for microwave ovens, short-range
wireless communications like wi, bluetooth, cordless appliances like headphones, or amateur radio. Excessive use of the 2.4 GHz band (like in urban areas) may degrade the
control response and range of VBar Control. If you experience adverse radio interference,
immediately cease using VBar Control.
At public places like airports, hospitals, racetracks special limitations may apply.
Transmission is impeded or blocked by objects in the line of sight to the model, degrading
control response or even causing the model go go out of control. Always operate a radio
controlled model where it can be safely visually controlled.
Handling the VBar Control
Check that all parts and manuals are provided. Turn on VBar Control and check that the
battery is charged properly. We recommend that you connect your VBar Control to the wall
charger or to a personal computer using the USB cable to fully charge the battery. We also
recommend to install the VBar Control Manager to connect to the internet and upgrade the
VBar Control to the latest software.
If there are any items or manuals missing, please immediately contact your local dealer or
the service department of Mikado Model Helicopters.
⚠ Warning Never use VBar Control on rainy days. Electronics may malfunction if they get wet.
⚠ Warning Never disassemble or modify VBar Control beyond what is described in this manual.
Heat generation or even re or an electric shock may cause injury or physical damage.
⚠ Warning The power unit (engine/motor/gears) as well as rotating parts (rotor head and blades, tail
rotor head and blades etc.) can start up at high speeds, causing danger.
Always turn on VBar Control rst, and make sure the throttle stick/switch is set to the lowest/motor
off position, then turn on the receiver/model. Make sure all fail safe precautions regarding an elec-
tric speed controller are met. Only connect a ight pack when sticks and switches are set to lowest/
motor off position. When turning off power, always turn off the receiver/model rst, disconnect the
ight pack rst. As a safety precaution, VBar control can only be turned off after the connected
VBar controller and receiver have been turned off.
⚠ Warning Pay full attention when setting up an electronic speed controller (ESC) or an IC engine.
Injury or physical damage can be caused.
Do not start an IC engine with the throttle set to a high rpm position. Injury or physical damage can
be caused.
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⚠ Warning Mind adverse conditions when using appliances from other manufacturers. Especially
the power supply of the radio control system as a whole must be suitable to meet the needs of all
appliances connected. Malfunctioning appliances or appliances drawing too high a current or generating back voltages may disrupt the safe operation of the radio control system as a whole.
⚠ Warning VBar Control and the VBar Control Receiver as well as the VBar and the other applianc-
es are susceptible to impacts. Never apply hard impacts or drop them. This may cause malfunction.
⚠ Warning When degraded control is detected, cease operation of your model and check battery
and general condition. The model may get out of control, causing injury or physical damage.
⚠ Warning Never operate the model next to known radio interference, passing vehicles or people,
next to high-voltage power lines, buildings, and be careful in mountainous parts.
The model may get out of control or malfunctions may occur, causing injury or physical damage.
⚠ Warning Every electronic appliance that has gone wet and seems to work again normally after
being fully dried may malfunction at any time. Do not continue to use such appliances and contact
the service and support of the company for the product for a check-up.
☝ Attention Before any radio control operation, check the following:
» are the batteries charged fully/sufciently?
» is there enough fuel in the tank?
» are there any liquids spilled over the electronics, like water or fuel?
» make sure all linkages are secure and no slop or binding occurs in operation.
» make sure the overall vibration level on the model is low, and that all control functions work reli-
ably when the power unit and drive train is running at the expected rpm.
» make sure all fail safe precautions are met: in case of a loss of control the motor/engine must
turn off.
» when running the power unit/drive train, keep clear of rotating parts and mind the danger of main
or tail rotor blades spinning.
» On the rst ights of a newly set up model, select a safe place to start from, and test the control
functions and operation in the vicinity but at a safe distance for several minutes. Do not y at
great distances.
» Familiarize yourself with safety precautions, like switching off the motor in case of any unwanted/
uncontrolled operation to take the energy and vibration out of the system and attempt an emergency landing/autorotation.
☝ Attention VBar Control will warn if the battery level gets below 3.5 V. VBar Control will switch off
automatically when the battery level gets below 3.2 V except when a model is connected (safety
feature).
Land immediately and turn off the model if a battery warning occurs.
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