Michael Heer
Oct 30, 2008, 11:04 AM
@tg-logo-large.gif:
!Introduction
| spec2
|
| @7397_micro_flying_saucer.jpg:Micro Flying Saucer
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 7.5 inches
|> <b>Width:</b> |< 7.5 inches
|> <b>Height:</b> |< 2.2 inches
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 1.5 oz.
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< 4-channel infrared proportional transmitter
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< 4 channel infrared receiver
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< internal rechargeable Lipoly battery
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< Senario
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/a5b0/>ThinkGeek</a>
|> <b>Price:</b> |< $99.99
Those of you familiar with ThinkGeek already know that the leaders of the procurement department are heavily addicted to caffeine. Recently members of the procurement team were on a run to a local store to obtain more caffeinated products when they observed a flying object that was descending and wobbling. They followed it several blocks and saw it crash into a local gas station/convenience store. They cared for the wounded aliens cleaning their wounds with caffeine laced soap and gave them beverages and pills laced with caffeine. The aliens were soon as hooked as the ThinkGeek team and needed a large supply of ThinkGeek caffeine products for themselves and their people back home. To obtain these products they traded the technology of the accelerometer and a large supply of their micro flying saucer probes. Below are some pictures of the alien mother ship after it crashed into the local store.
@saucey-1.jpg:An alien flying saucer crash landed into a convenience store.
@saucey-2.jpg:Note the aliens are green as has long been reported.
@saucer1 003.jpg:The crashed saucer and aliens as seen inside the store
While the above introduction is pure fantasy, the solid state accelerometer is very real as is the Micro R/C 4-channel Flying Saucer. This is the review of this fun little product that is the world's smallest fully controllable flying saucer. As for the building with the alien spaceship it is also real and the building is located slightly south of Stockton, CA off of I-5.
!Kit Contents
*Contents:
*The micro R/C 4-channel Flying Saucer
*An infrared transmitter
*A wall charger for the saucer
*Instruction manual
*Two pairs of spare propellers
@mcx2-01.jpg:This is the box that the saucer comes in, and it makes a good storage/travel box for the unit.
@mcx2-03.jpg:Here are the transmitter, the charger and the instruction manual.
@mcx2-08.jpg:The EZ/normal switch located on the transmitter (Dual Rate).
@mcx2-09.jpg:These are the infrared senders on the transmitter.
*Items I Supplied
*3 AAA batteries for the transmitter
!The Accelerometer
Definition: "An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration and gravity induced reaction forces. Single and multi-axis models are available to detect magnitude and direction of the acceleration as a vector quantity. Accelerometers can be used to sense INCLINATION, vibration, and shock. They are increasingly present in portable electronic devices and video games." Source of the definition was Wikipedia. Emphasis added for "inclination."
@Accelerometer.png:A general example of an accelerometer
!!Uses of the Accelerometer
In rocketry, accelerometers are used to detect apogee and are used alongside gyroscopes in inertial guidance systems. In tilting trains they are used with a gyroscope to calculate the required amount of tilt. In cars they detect rapid negative acceleration and deploy airbags. In Apple laptops they detect that they have been dropped and park the heads of the hard disk to avoid damage from shock on the landing. In camcorders they are used for image stabilization, and in still cameras for anti-blur image capturing. In Apple's iPod Touch they detect motion, and in games move the picture if you rotate the iPod or your character, car or person. In the Nintendo Wii remote controller a three-axis accelerometer senses the controllers movement and allows for more realistic game control.
Per ThinkGeek's literature in the micro R/C 4-Channel Flying Saucer It is involved as follows:
"The Micro R/C 4-ChannelFlying Saucer incorporates amazing technology in a package not much larger than your outstretched palm. With 4-propellers you'd assume the Micro Flying Saucer would be hard to keep balanced in the air, however this problem is solved by the built in solid-state accelerometer. Similar to the technology in the iphone and Nintendo Wii controller, the accelerometer senses tilt on two axes and adjusts the power of each propeller to keep the Flying Saucer rock solid in the sky.
The built in automatic trim means no trim dials or buttons to adjust. Simply power-cycle the remote before your flight and the Flying Saucer auto trims itself using the accelerometer as a reference."
I have found the above information helpful in explaining how the Flying Saucer works to my flying buddies who are into technology and relate to the camera stabilization, airbags, cell phones and game controller examples. For everyone else, I simply tell them I am an incredibly skilled professional R/C test pilot, and that is why I can fly it. They shouldn't try this without years of professional practice and training.
!Product Features
*Features:
*mini 4 propeller flying saucer
*4-Channel digital proportional infrared transmitter
*Solid state accelerometer for stable flight
*Auto trim system (No trim tabs not need for them)
*EZ switch motion limiter for beginner pilots
*20 minute charge time for 5-7 minute flights
!Assembly
There was no assembly as it truly came ready to fly. I simply plugged the saucer's power adaptor and charger into a 110 wall socket and charged the saucer. I put 3 AAA batteries into the transmitter.
@mcx2-10.jpg:The charging jack for the saucer clips to a side panel to stay out of the way in flight.
!!Operation
The gray panels are the front and rear of the saucer with clockwise rotating motors and propellers in the center of each panel. The yellow panels are on the left and right side of the saucer, and their motors and propellers rotated counterclockwise. The back of the saucer had a red tag that said "REAR" on it on the bottom half of the saucer. Stability is obtained by the front and back motors and propellers running clockwise and the side pair of motors and propellers running counter clockwise. This gives the type of stability a coaxial double bladed helicopter provides. There are no servos to control the saucer. The changing speeds of the propellers controls the flying saucer. The accelerometer automatically changes the speeds of the propellers to keep the saucer stable without any input by the pilot. The control input by the pilot causes the saucer to change its various propeller speeds and go in the different directions.
@mcx2-11.jpg: The central receiving and controlling unit.
@mcx2-12.jpg:
@mcx2-14.jpg:
!Flying
!!Basics
Auto trim the saucer before each flight by power cycling the remote. To power cycle, the saucer needs to be level with the ground when it is powered up to allow it to properly orient itself with the ground. When properly aligned, the accelerometer is able to auto trim the Flying Saucer. Failure to properly power cycle the remote (keeping it level) at the start will prevent the accelerometer from working properly.
The two stick 4-Channel transmitter controls the Flying Saucer in the same manner as a helicopter with a Mode II transmitter. The throttle control is on the left stick, front/back/up and down depending on what angle you hold the transmitter. The side to side allows rotation to the right or the left. For the newer pilot, rotating to face the direction of desired travel with the left stick will likely be easier then left/right movement with the side to side use of the right stick, at least initially. The front/back or up/down movement of the right stick controls the saucer's forward and backward movement.
@mcx2-04.jpg:The red rear sticker is the major aid in keeping orientation of the Flying Saucer.
!!Training Wheels for the Flying Saucer
There is an "EZ" switch on the transmitter. It is basically a dual rate switch and reduces the movement and lessens the range of control available to the pilot when it is on. This prevents the pilot from making fast maneuvers that may adversely affect the control of the Flying Saucer. By lessening the amount of movement, the pilot remains more in stable control of the saucer. Just like training wheels keep a bike from leaning very far so does the "EZ" switch for the saucer.
!!Taking Off and Landing
Power up using the left stick and vertical take off is obtained. Power down for the landing. With a little bit of practice, I was able to land on the table at least near where I wanted. I can land on the table pretty quickly, but landing on a mouse pad is a slower procedure for me most of the time.
!!Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance
It doesn't do loops or rolls but it does spin in place, and with practice it can be flown in a circle pattern while spinning. This is a fun maneuver to demonstrate. It’s speedy for its size, and can also be pretty impressive indoors with some practice when flown in "Normal" mode.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
YES! Especially with use of the "EZ" switch that keeps the Flying Saucer under control by preventing fast maneuvers. The beginner will soon be; "The Saucer Master" and looking like they have been into R/C for years. If they take it slowly at first they will soon be in good control of the saucer. The box recommends the product for ages 14+. I will leave that up to parents to decide as I know some preteens that will have no trouble flying the saucer in the EZ mode especially.
!!Survivability
The foam saucer supplies protection to the hard plastic motor holders and the receiver. Additionally, the receiver has a clear plastic cover over it to supply some additional protection from dust etc. Positioned about 1/2 way up inside the plastic receiver cover, the infrared sensor receives the signal from the transmitter. Indoors in a normally lit room, the sensor did a very good job of receiving the infrared signal to a distance of 30-40+ feet depending on the lighting. I did have a number of crashes as I tested the range and sometimes forgot to aim the transmitter's infrared senders at the saucer. The combination of the foam body and the light weight of the saucer prevented any damage to my saucer for the first 100+ crashes. However, on the last schedule day of test flying I crashed in such a way that the clear plastic cover hit a sharp edge, and it shattered. Normally, the foam protected this cover from touching the clear cover even in a crash. I can report it still flies fine, and the electric parts are protected by the foam ridges on the saucer. The only component that sticks up is the infrared receiver, and it is safely below the foam ridges. It had no further damage from my test crashes (both intentional and unintentional). I did 30 intentional crashes to see what might happen without the plastic covering, and nothing happened; not even to the infrared sensor that sticks up (it is in the same position as it started). I rate survivability as “high” in normal operation. I expect that even with my setback it will continue to work without a problem, without the clear plastic cover as it has done so far. I will store the saucer in its box to protect the electronic center from dust etc. when not being operated.
@mcx2-15.jpg:The saucer as it arrived with clear plastic covering intact
@mcx7-04.jpg:Clear plastic covering removed after it was damaged
@mcx7-09.jpg:The infrared sensor has remained in the same position despite additional crash tests.
@mcx7-11.jpg:Storing the saucer inside its decorative box will protect the electronics when it is not in use.
!!Flight Video/Photo Gallery
@mcx2-42.jpg:
@mcx2-43.jpg:
@mcx2-44.jpg:
@mcx2-45.jpg:
@mcx2-47.jpg:
@mcx2-49.jpg:
@mcx6-05.jpg:
@mcx6-07.jpg:
@mcx6-08.jpg:
@mcx6-11.jpg:
@mcx6-16.jpg:
@mcx6-14.jpg:
+TheFlyingSaucer.wmv:The Flying Saucer on EZ and Normal mode on the transmitter.
!Conclusion
I have had a blast controlling the flying saucer. Most of my flights have been with the EZ switch on. People have been more impressed seeing the flying saucer in operation than my R/C helicopters (even the R/C helicopters I can control well in standard (non-3D) flight) I think the flashing color changing light and the sound of a swarm of mosquitos coming from the four separate blades helps with the intrigue but basically it is because of its shape and the fact that it flies using four motors for control.
When I had a larger space I enjoyed the speed that could be obtained forward, backward or to either side with the saucer when the transmitter was in normal mode. This speed range availability should have appeal to the more experienced 3D helicopter pilot for something to fly in the house. It is a real crowd pleaser, and will be incorporated into my school and scout "Wright Stuff" presentations.
*Pluses
*Rugged foam saucer looks like new despite my abusive test program
*Solid state electronics also survived my test program
*Quite controllable in EZ mode
*Can be challenging and fast with extreme stick movements in Normal mode
*Cooler then my RC helicopters to young audiences and some adults
*Flies well without the clear plastic covering
*Minuses
*Infrared control can not fly outside in daytime even in calm conditions
*Clear plastic covering over electronics is fragile but normally protected
*No spare clear plastic covering with the saucer, only spare propellers
!Introduction
| spec2
|
| @7397_micro_flying_saucer.jpg:Micro Flying Saucer
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 7.5 inches
|> <b>Width:</b> |< 7.5 inches
|> <b>Height:</b> |< 2.2 inches
|> <b>Weight:</b> |< 1.5 oz.
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< 4-channel infrared proportional transmitter
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< 4 channel infrared receiver
|> <b>Battery:</b> |< internal rechargeable Lipoly battery
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< Senario
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/a5b0/>ThinkGeek</a>
|> <b>Price:</b> |< $99.99
Those of you familiar with ThinkGeek already know that the leaders of the procurement department are heavily addicted to caffeine. Recently members of the procurement team were on a run to a local store to obtain more caffeinated products when they observed a flying object that was descending and wobbling. They followed it several blocks and saw it crash into a local gas station/convenience store. They cared for the wounded aliens cleaning their wounds with caffeine laced soap and gave them beverages and pills laced with caffeine. The aliens were soon as hooked as the ThinkGeek team and needed a large supply of ThinkGeek caffeine products for themselves and their people back home. To obtain these products they traded the technology of the accelerometer and a large supply of their micro flying saucer probes. Below are some pictures of the alien mother ship after it crashed into the local store.
@saucey-1.jpg:An alien flying saucer crash landed into a convenience store.
@saucey-2.jpg:Note the aliens are green as has long been reported.
@saucer1 003.jpg:The crashed saucer and aliens as seen inside the store
While the above introduction is pure fantasy, the solid state accelerometer is very real as is the Micro R/C 4-channel Flying Saucer. This is the review of this fun little product that is the world's smallest fully controllable flying saucer. As for the building with the alien spaceship it is also real and the building is located slightly south of Stockton, CA off of I-5.
!Kit Contents
*Contents:
*The micro R/C 4-channel Flying Saucer
*An infrared transmitter
*A wall charger for the saucer
*Instruction manual
*Two pairs of spare propellers
@mcx2-01.jpg:This is the box that the saucer comes in, and it makes a good storage/travel box for the unit.
@mcx2-03.jpg:Here are the transmitter, the charger and the instruction manual.
@mcx2-08.jpg:The EZ/normal switch located on the transmitter (Dual Rate).
@mcx2-09.jpg:These are the infrared senders on the transmitter.
*Items I Supplied
*3 AAA batteries for the transmitter
!The Accelerometer
Definition: "An accelerometer is a device for measuring acceleration and gravity induced reaction forces. Single and multi-axis models are available to detect magnitude and direction of the acceleration as a vector quantity. Accelerometers can be used to sense INCLINATION, vibration, and shock. They are increasingly present in portable electronic devices and video games." Source of the definition was Wikipedia. Emphasis added for "inclination."
@Accelerometer.png:A general example of an accelerometer
!!Uses of the Accelerometer
In rocketry, accelerometers are used to detect apogee and are used alongside gyroscopes in inertial guidance systems. In tilting trains they are used with a gyroscope to calculate the required amount of tilt. In cars they detect rapid negative acceleration and deploy airbags. In Apple laptops they detect that they have been dropped and park the heads of the hard disk to avoid damage from shock on the landing. In camcorders they are used for image stabilization, and in still cameras for anti-blur image capturing. In Apple's iPod Touch they detect motion, and in games move the picture if you rotate the iPod or your character, car or person. In the Nintendo Wii remote controller a three-axis accelerometer senses the controllers movement and allows for more realistic game control.
Per ThinkGeek's literature in the micro R/C 4-Channel Flying Saucer It is involved as follows:
"The Micro R/C 4-ChannelFlying Saucer incorporates amazing technology in a package not much larger than your outstretched palm. With 4-propellers you'd assume the Micro Flying Saucer would be hard to keep balanced in the air, however this problem is solved by the built in solid-state accelerometer. Similar to the technology in the iphone and Nintendo Wii controller, the accelerometer senses tilt on two axes and adjusts the power of each propeller to keep the Flying Saucer rock solid in the sky.
The built in automatic trim means no trim dials or buttons to adjust. Simply power-cycle the remote before your flight and the Flying Saucer auto trims itself using the accelerometer as a reference."
I have found the above information helpful in explaining how the Flying Saucer works to my flying buddies who are into technology and relate to the camera stabilization, airbags, cell phones and game controller examples. For everyone else, I simply tell them I am an incredibly skilled professional R/C test pilot, and that is why I can fly it. They shouldn't try this without years of professional practice and training.
!Product Features
*Features:
*mini 4 propeller flying saucer
*4-Channel digital proportional infrared transmitter
*Solid state accelerometer for stable flight
*Auto trim system (No trim tabs not need for them)
*EZ switch motion limiter for beginner pilots
*20 minute charge time for 5-7 minute flights
!Assembly
There was no assembly as it truly came ready to fly. I simply plugged the saucer's power adaptor and charger into a 110 wall socket and charged the saucer. I put 3 AAA batteries into the transmitter.
@mcx2-10.jpg:The charging jack for the saucer clips to a side panel to stay out of the way in flight.
!!Operation
The gray panels are the front and rear of the saucer with clockwise rotating motors and propellers in the center of each panel. The yellow panels are on the left and right side of the saucer, and their motors and propellers rotated counterclockwise. The back of the saucer had a red tag that said "REAR" on it on the bottom half of the saucer. Stability is obtained by the front and back motors and propellers running clockwise and the side pair of motors and propellers running counter clockwise. This gives the type of stability a coaxial double bladed helicopter provides. There are no servos to control the saucer. The changing speeds of the propellers controls the flying saucer. The accelerometer automatically changes the speeds of the propellers to keep the saucer stable without any input by the pilot. The control input by the pilot causes the saucer to change its various propeller speeds and go in the different directions.
@mcx2-11.jpg: The central receiving and controlling unit.
@mcx2-12.jpg:
@mcx2-14.jpg:
!Flying
!!Basics
Auto trim the saucer before each flight by power cycling the remote. To power cycle, the saucer needs to be level with the ground when it is powered up to allow it to properly orient itself with the ground. When properly aligned, the accelerometer is able to auto trim the Flying Saucer. Failure to properly power cycle the remote (keeping it level) at the start will prevent the accelerometer from working properly.
The two stick 4-Channel transmitter controls the Flying Saucer in the same manner as a helicopter with a Mode II transmitter. The throttle control is on the left stick, front/back/up and down depending on what angle you hold the transmitter. The side to side allows rotation to the right or the left. For the newer pilot, rotating to face the direction of desired travel with the left stick will likely be easier then left/right movement with the side to side use of the right stick, at least initially. The front/back or up/down movement of the right stick controls the saucer's forward and backward movement.
@mcx2-04.jpg:The red rear sticker is the major aid in keeping orientation of the Flying Saucer.
!!Training Wheels for the Flying Saucer
There is an "EZ" switch on the transmitter. It is basically a dual rate switch and reduces the movement and lessens the range of control available to the pilot when it is on. This prevents the pilot from making fast maneuvers that may adversely affect the control of the Flying Saucer. By lessening the amount of movement, the pilot remains more in stable control of the saucer. Just like training wheels keep a bike from leaning very far so does the "EZ" switch for the saucer.
!!Taking Off and Landing
Power up using the left stick and vertical take off is obtained. Power down for the landing. With a little bit of practice, I was able to land on the table at least near where I wanted. I can land on the table pretty quickly, but landing on a mouse pad is a slower procedure for me most of the time.
!!Aerobatics/Special Flight Performance
It doesn't do loops or rolls but it does spin in place, and with practice it can be flown in a circle pattern while spinning. This is a fun maneuver to demonstrate. It’s speedy for its size, and can also be pretty impressive indoors with some practice when flown in "Normal" mode.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
YES! Especially with use of the "EZ" switch that keeps the Flying Saucer under control by preventing fast maneuvers. The beginner will soon be; "The Saucer Master" and looking like they have been into R/C for years. If they take it slowly at first they will soon be in good control of the saucer. The box recommends the product for ages 14+. I will leave that up to parents to decide as I know some preteens that will have no trouble flying the saucer in the EZ mode especially.
!!Survivability
The foam saucer supplies protection to the hard plastic motor holders and the receiver. Additionally, the receiver has a clear plastic cover over it to supply some additional protection from dust etc. Positioned about 1/2 way up inside the plastic receiver cover, the infrared sensor receives the signal from the transmitter. Indoors in a normally lit room, the sensor did a very good job of receiving the infrared signal to a distance of 30-40+ feet depending on the lighting. I did have a number of crashes as I tested the range and sometimes forgot to aim the transmitter's infrared senders at the saucer. The combination of the foam body and the light weight of the saucer prevented any damage to my saucer for the first 100+ crashes. However, on the last schedule day of test flying I crashed in such a way that the clear plastic cover hit a sharp edge, and it shattered. Normally, the foam protected this cover from touching the clear cover even in a crash. I can report it still flies fine, and the electric parts are protected by the foam ridges on the saucer. The only component that sticks up is the infrared receiver, and it is safely below the foam ridges. It had no further damage from my test crashes (both intentional and unintentional). I did 30 intentional crashes to see what might happen without the plastic covering, and nothing happened; not even to the infrared sensor that sticks up (it is in the same position as it started). I rate survivability as “high” in normal operation. I expect that even with my setback it will continue to work without a problem, without the clear plastic cover as it has done so far. I will store the saucer in its box to protect the electronic center from dust etc. when not being operated.
@mcx2-15.jpg:The saucer as it arrived with clear plastic covering intact
@mcx7-04.jpg:Clear plastic covering removed after it was damaged
@mcx7-09.jpg:The infrared sensor has remained in the same position despite additional crash tests.
@mcx7-11.jpg:Storing the saucer inside its decorative box will protect the electronics when it is not in use.
!!Flight Video/Photo Gallery
@mcx2-42.jpg:
@mcx2-43.jpg:
@mcx2-44.jpg:
@mcx2-45.jpg:
@mcx2-47.jpg:
@mcx2-49.jpg:
@mcx6-05.jpg:
@mcx6-07.jpg:
@mcx6-08.jpg:
@mcx6-11.jpg:
@mcx6-16.jpg:
@mcx6-14.jpg:
+TheFlyingSaucer.wmv:The Flying Saucer on EZ and Normal mode on the transmitter.
!Conclusion
I have had a blast controlling the flying saucer. Most of my flights have been with the EZ switch on. People have been more impressed seeing the flying saucer in operation than my R/C helicopters (even the R/C helicopters I can control well in standard (non-3D) flight) I think the flashing color changing light and the sound of a swarm of mosquitos coming from the four separate blades helps with the intrigue but basically it is because of its shape and the fact that it flies using four motors for control.
When I had a larger space I enjoyed the speed that could be obtained forward, backward or to either side with the saucer when the transmitter was in normal mode. This speed range availability should have appeal to the more experienced 3D helicopter pilot for something to fly in the house. It is a real crowd pleaser, and will be incorporated into my school and scout "Wright Stuff" presentations.
*Pluses
*Rugged foam saucer looks like new despite my abusive test program
*Solid state electronics also survived my test program
*Quite controllable in EZ mode
*Can be challenging and fast with extreme stick movements in Normal mode
*Cooler then my RC helicopters to young audiences and some adults
*Flies well without the clear plastic covering
*Minuses
*Infrared control can not fly outside in daytime even in calm conditions
*Clear plastic covering over electronics is fragile but normally protected
*No spare clear plastic covering with the saucer, only spare propellers