Production Gyro's vs IMU's

[jetstreaming]

Hi guys,

To simplify the process of "level flight", can you cut corners by inserting a Rate or Heading Hold Gyro directly between your Rx and desired Channel/Servo?

With your IMU circuits, you have direct access to their operation and can 'tap into' their output/measurements with ease.

One downside to production Gyro's is that they are a 'complete' solution, with little/no interaction required -plug in and forget! ie little or no capabilities to influence their behavior.

However, which would be the most efficient for a plane - Rate or Heading Hold ?

[airmcn_3]

Hi guys,

To simplify the process of "level flight", can you cut corners by inserting a Rate or Heading Hold Gyro directly between your Rx and desired Channel/Servo?

With your IMU circuits, you have direct access to their operation and can 'tap into' their output/measurements with ease.

One downside to production Gyro's is that they are a 'complete' solution, with little/no interaction required -plug in and forget! ie little or no capabilities to influence their behavior.

However, which would be the most efficient for a plane - Rate or Heading Hold ?


I fly on rate, I dont want the aircraft to be held by the gyro in a turn, I want it to dampen the wing rock while I am or the autopilot is in a turn or level flight.

Chris

[jetstreaming]

I fly on rate, I dont want the aircraft to be held by the gyro in a turn, I want it to dampen the wing rock while I am or the autopilot is in a turn or level flight.

Chris

Hi Chris, many thanks, really appreciate input like this! :) Great.

I previously tested a cheap ESky Rate Gyro on the Rudder channel.
It was quite amazing, hand launching the plane it sailed out of my hand in a straight line, with no deviation, while it accelerated away, up to 'normal' flying speed.

One thing I did observe though, the plane had a constant 'list' to one side, just a fraction, so one wing was aimed down (had to use Tx trims to compensate). How should I adjust the Gyro to stop this?

...therefore, I'll carry on with a few more test flights with Rate gyros, until I find the best combination. Thanks again :)

[smh20502]

Yep, I'd go with rate gyros on your control surfaces. Less of course you're turning this into a UAV. In which case I'd use HH gyros.

But, the HH gyro will help more in windy conditions. At least in my opinion.

When I fly my helicopters I hate the HH mode for aerobatic flight...less it's general turns, spins etc. in which I flip back to heading hold.

Love my futaba 401 in turns...rides like it's on rails even in windy conditions.

[airmcn_3]

Yep, I'd go with rate gyros on your control surfaces. Less of course you're turning this into a UAV. In which case I'd use HH gyros.

But, the HH gyro will help more in windy conditions. At least in my opinion.

When I fly my helicopters I hate the HH mode for aerobatic flight...less it's general turns, spins etc. in which I flip back to heading hold.

Love my futaba 401 in turns...rides like it's on rails even in windy conditions.

Hmm, You know I had issues with HH mode and the autopilot, it seems to like rate much better. Can you please explain the reason behind HH when using in conjunction of an autopilot? Just curious.

Thanks,

Chris

[jetstreaming]

Cheers for the additional feedback.

So Rate is definately the way to go for "general" stabalisation. On various internet sources, they sell dedicated plane Gyro's - however these are expensive! Especially when a standard (cheap) Heli Rate Gyro does the job just as well.

smh20502, yes I had seriously looked into the option of building a UAV platform, however the cost begins to take a steep curve, ie IMU's, some kind of processor etc.
Also, I'd need all the FPV gear on the plane IN ADDITION, so I can "watch" the planes progress while it's following co-ordinates... So, I plan to stop spending once I have all the items needed to fly FPV. ;)