FUTABA 520 GYRO TIPS FOR NITRO MODELS
A few months ago, Futaba released its newest gyro which will replace the previous GY611. After many growing pains with this gyro, I have sure learned alot about it. After some detailed discussions with Steve Helms from Futaba and other Team Futaba pilots, we have found some things that really make this gyro work at its best. I hope that some of these setup tips will help out some:
1) Mounting As with any gyro, you want to mount it in a location isolated from any moving parts (ie starter shaft and main shaft). On my current 90 sized model, the gyro is mounted on the back about 6" behind the main shaft. On my 90, I am getting away with one thick foam tape without the metal plate. Different combinations may be necessary for different helicopters.
This gyro is more succeptable to vibrations than the 611 was, so like always, make sure your machine is running as smoothly as possible. If there is any drift during a hover in an idle up headspeed, the gyro will not perform at is best capabilities. If there is any drift in a hover, rotating the gyro 90 degrees should help. If not, check your shafts, motor, and fan.
2) Programming Currently, my settings in my 90 are as follows:
760 us for 9256/ BLS251 servo
3D MODE
Reference Response Time
This combination has given me the best feel so far. The only problem with 3D mode is that the stop is very abrupt and could possibly strip a tail gear. Using the Futaba CIU-2 Programmer and the GY Link computer software, this can be fixed. I will go into more detail about that at a later time.
3) POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT TIP FOR THIS GYRO!!!!!
Tracking your tail in non- heading hold mode:
In order to get the most performance out of the GY520, you MUST track your tail in non- heading hold, meaning that in an idle up head speed, with a decent amount of gain in NON HEADING HOLD MODE, your tail must not rotate. If the tail begins to slowly pirouette in a hover, adjust the tail rotor pushrod linkage to achieve a neutral point.
Once this has been done, flip back into Heading Hold mode and go fly!! This made a night and day difference in the performance of my gyro.
These tips can be applied to pretty much any helicopter, 600mm blades and above, electric or nitro. Smaller machines with smaller blades may require a different setup, and I hope to post more info about them at a later time.
With the ease of programming, small size, and affordability, I think Futaba has a winner with this gyro. If you have any setup questions, feel free to email me at "bobbywatts88 (at) gmail.com"