With the Discussion - X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter, general quadrocopter, x-ufo discussion PART 2 hitting over 2,200+ posts ... I think it is time to split the thread group again ...

This thread can focus on the latest X-3D add-ons and continue on with general discussion that is not limited to the X-3D X-BL Quadrocopter, but also should include anything X-UFO, X-Tuning, or general Quadrocopter (or even Tri-Copter) related ... so continue on with these topics of general discussion as well.

PART 1 included discussion on the X-3D X-BL release and upgrade from the Silverlit X-UFO and much more info.

PART 2 included discussion on the new X-ACC add-on board for self-leveling control, then Open Source X-3D FunPilot (successor to the X-3D Gyroboard w/Pressure Sensor for Height Hold control), new X-BL owner help on setting it up and getting airborne, Alien Air Jump Jet and Flying Saucer, anticipation of the new X-3D Compass add-on module, and much more info.

Answers to most general questions can be found in the previous threads ... I compiled a collection of links here ...
Wealth of Quadrocopter/Tricopter Info links

Jim's(jesolins) Which Quad? 101 lesson: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...1#post10099061

THE LATEST X-3D ADDONS and INFO:

English Manual for the FunPilot and X-BL
http://forum.xufo.net/res/beaver/Fun...nual_V2.1a.pdf

Optional X-3D MAG Compass => Price: 89,90 euros = ~ 114,51462 U.S. dollars



Specifications:

Must be used in conjuction with the FunPilot and X-ACC

- Dreiachs-magnetic sensor to determine the Headings
- Active slope compensation through FunPilot
- Own processor for signal processing
- SPI connection to FunPilot
- High Sensitivity
- Maximum absolute accuracy after calibration: - 3°
- Firmware updates over possible FunPilot
- CF-plate for integration into the X-CSM framework
- Connecting cable to FunPilot


Jump To Thread Highlight Links (Table of Contents)

X-CSM new look to help with orientation
Components used to build the opto-isolators for the OMM brushless conversion
New OMM FASST conversion board
X-3D MAG Compass Pics
X-3D MAG Compass 1st Impressions
The new beta FP v1.14 and BLDC v3.0 release can be found here ...
http://forum.xufo.net/bb/viewtopic.p...bldc&start=231
MaxPro 3S Lipo Alarm

UFO-Doctor's new improved X-UFO mech-gyro
Eric's Futaba 9C Lipo mod and charge details
Gus' Night Flying Mod
FunPilot Pressure Sensor Part Number Info
SuperDave's FunPilot Pressure Sensor Replacement Repair
New FunPilot Firmware with Spektrum Satellite support
Gus' FunPilot Spectrum Update Guide
Jim's Futuba 9C Spektrum Setup guide
Saturnine Spektrum Mode
Spektrum Satellite Mod Funpilot board solder points
Silverlit Prop Braces


Other cool links... Note: some links may use Bablefish translation
X-UFO Forum: X-Tuning
X-UFO Forum: Areal Photos and Videos

5th international quadrocopter meeting colone Köln Germany

X-3D X-BL LEDs Explained
Bogo Frame
PowerFrame
Hammer Frames
X-BL with hackers A20 22L & EPP1045/1245
FunPilot temperature compensation discussion
Microdrone-Like molded frame
X-CSM Landing Rack Discussion
CF Bird Of Prey Frame
X-BL with DragonOSD
Bogo-a20-22l-EPP1045-X-BL-UFO
Alien Air products (JumpJet, Flying Saucer, MicroFly)
Khaled Flight Videos

<<... more to come ...>>

Happy Flying ...

--Eric--
<my landing strut + NAV mods >

Here is a recap from Part 2 ...
Discussion - X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter, general quadrocopter, x-ufo discussion PART 2

Jump To Part 2 Highlight Links (Table of Contents)

Here are some pics of jimcking's El Tape/Wire mod ...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=892
and http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=941 and http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=993

Recommendations for X software loading sequence and Part 2 and Part 3

Latest X Software Update Source

Lipo C Rating explained

FlyCam2 V2 info

Hacker Motor info

2.4 Ghz Fasst mod OMM

Jim's take on the different Quadros

Khaled X-CSM Arm Repair Procedure

Guidoco X-CSM arm fix mod

Damon's FunPilot Review

Berg 4L Manual for Failsafe setup

X-3D BL LED Support Explained

Some interested parties have asked "how much soldering is involved with this kit"?

Some interested parties have asked if this particular quadro can be used for Aerial Video Photography ...

Here's a recap from Part 1... ... Poll - X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter, general quadrocopter, x-ufo discussion

Originally Posted by tend2it

The X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter is the high-end four-rotor helicopter developed by the X-3D Crew (including two of the original designers of the Silverlit X-UFO). The new craft is no longer a toy … but a professional flying machine. It uses four brushless outrunners motors (called X-BL) which are connected to the high-performance brushless controllers (called X-BLDC) which where developed for the needs of a multi-rotor system. Due to the high speed attitude controller running at 1kHz and the very good power to thrust ratio of about 4:1 the X-BL is a perfect trainer for acrobatic helicopter flying. It shares the advantages of the mechanical simplicity and robustness with all other quadro-, and multicopters. No complex swashplate and head assembly to worry about. Here are some pics of the completed X-BL Quadrocopter (with beta X-BL motors ... the current X-BL motors are mono-tone color and more powerful)




It is currently sold as a DIY Kit Project where the key components of the X-3D Gyro Board, X-Base Main Board, X-BL Brushless controller and motor kit, X-CSM Frame, X-Propellers, USB Interface, Tx and Rx will be available separately. This DIY Project will require some minor soldering of the X-BL, Rx, power connector, and LEDs to the X-Base Main Board. With the flexibility of supporting different Receivers, any 6-channel Transmitter or higher can be used to control it.

Quadrocopters operate on the principle of using two pairs of counter rotating fixed propellers. Controlling the rpms of each individual motor by a microcomputer allows for ascend/descend, turn right/left, tilt forward/back, or roll left/right flight characteristics. In that respect, it is a little easier to fly than a conventional RC helicopter.

Videos of the X-3D BL in action
X-3D BL in action along with a proto star-3D: http://youtube.com/watch?v=vylB_vdWLFg

X-3D BL + ACC Module in action: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ocbysYLZweo

X-3D BL carrying a digital camera: http://youtube.com/watch?v=NFWFuRniB-Q

Early development (shot at M.I.T.) of the X-3D BL technology: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Csti6mHZNF4

More videos can be found here ... http://forum.xufo.net/bb/viewforum.php?f=22


Note: Prices are snapshots and are subject to change

The X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter consists of the following electronic and mechanical components:

(1) X-3D Funpilot Gyro Board Specs



X-3D manual and software downloads: http://www.asctec.de/main/index.php?...g=en&cat=hobby

- Compatible to the X-Base
- LPC2146 ARM7 32-bit processor with 60 Mhz
- 3 gyroscopes
- High-precision air pressure sensor with a 24-bit ADC
- Connectivity for extensions (I2C, SPI, 2x servo output)
- Software Update via PC with a USB port (connector optional)
- Optional: Use of the X-ACC as a 3-axis accelerometer
- Detailed operating instructions
- JTAG debugging and programming of the OpenSourcePilot-Software

OpenSourcePilot-Software is a pilot project to the management of X-BL Quadrocoptern for private projects with disclosed source code will allow hardware and as the FunPilot. The project will start in summer 2008. It may at any time between FunPilot pilot and open source software to be changed.

Part Number 17188171 => Price: 179,90 Euros = ~268,12296 U.S. dollars

(2) X-Base + X-ACT Receiver Bundle Specs



Universal peripheral main board for connecting the motors, the receiver, LEDs and other user electronics

Part Number: 17188144 => Price: 99,90 Euros = ~122.3514 U.S. dollars
X-Base manual and software downloads: http://www.x-3d.org/download/xbase.htm

- 4 Connectors for X-BLDC motor controllers
- 4 Connectors for brushed motors up to 8A per motor
- 4 LED connectors
- 4 switchable outputs for additional functions (up to 8A each; only in BL mode)
- Dynamic Thrust Control (DTC) for brushed and brushless motors
- Serial receiver connector (for X-ACT-X3D Edition)
- PPM-In connector for modified standard receivers
- firmware update via the X-3D''s USB module
- comprehensive PC software (Firmware update, calibration, diagnosis, etc...)
- Electronic main on/off switch with customizable overcurrent and undervoltage cutoff
- Automatic "learning" of all transmitters (center positions, travel adjustments, channel assignments and inversions) using the PC software
- up to four extra servo outputs (on transmitters with >4 channels)
- protection against wrong battery polarity
- LED status light patterns

(3) X-BL Kit Specs

Part Number: 17188144 => Price: 399,90 Euros = ~538.2654 U.S. dollars
X-BL manual downloads: http://www.x-3d.org/download/xbl.htm

Pic of the actual X-BL (the ones above are of the beta BL)



Special Brushless Controllers and Brushless Motors. The X-BL kit consists of:
- 4x 17188145 X-BLDC brushless controllers
- 4x 17188147 X-BL52S motors

X-BL Brushless Controllers
- extremely fast brushless controller optimized for the X-3D BL application
- fast I2C bus interface connection to the X-Base at 1 kHz update rate
- firmware update via I2C through the X-Base and the X-3D USB adapter
- exclusively optimized for the X-BL 52S motor
- weight: 8g including power wires

X-BL 52S motor
- 14 pole outrunner, optimized for high performance in the X-3D BL application
- propeller mounts for the X-UFO propellers and upcoming X-BL propellers
- fine-tuned for the X-BLDC brushless controller
- weight: 27.5g

(4) X-CSM Specs



Part Number: 17188150 BL-Only arm support => Price: 175,90 Euros = ~236.7614 U.S. dollars
Part Number: 17188140 Brushed/BL arm support => Price: 179,90 Euros = ~241,74962 U.S. dollars
X-CSM manual download: http://www.x-3d.org/download/xcsm.htm

A frame for the X-BL Quadcopter. The abbreviation stands for Carbon Sandwich Magnesium.

- Light weight carbon/balsa sandwich booms
- Magnesium/CF X-CSM core protects main electronics and battery and acts as landing gear
- Antenna mount point
- Weight: 75g
- axis distance: 32cm

(5) X-Propellers
Part Number: 17188140 Brushed/BL arm support => Price: 8,90 Euros = 11.9794 U.S. dollars, $6.99 stateside

2 clockwise propellers, 2 counterclockwise propellers


- Standard X-Ufo propellers for safety and reliability can be adapted and used
- or upcoming modified high performance propellers (TBD)

(6)X-3D USB Interface + Software



Part Number: 17188125 => Price: 19,90 Euros = ~26.7854 U.S. dollars
X-CSM manual download: http://www.x-3d.org/download/x3d.htm

This is a board adapter to computer USB interface with Windows application used to program the X-BL Quadrocopter

- Allows firmware programming and tweaking of the X-3D Gyroboard
- Allows firmware programming and tweaking of the X-Base main board

Optional X-ACC => Price: 96,90 euros = ~ 142.82091 U.S. dollars




Features
Sensors
X-3D and X-Base use a three axis acceleration sensor (X-ACC) as absolute angle reference in pitch and roll
Compatibility
The well known X-3D heading hold mode remains fully functional. Loops, rolls in any combination and all tricks are still possible. Your user defined settings are still compatible! The Ext1 function (which can be trained in with the X-Base e.g. on channel 5) is used to switch to the X-ACC mode during flight.
Precision
The X-ACC mode estimates the absolute pitch and roll angle with an ultra fast data fusion. The RC sticks set the absolute angle!
Put the sticks in the middle and the UFO will come back to a horizontal level within the measurement precision. The X-ACC mode is perfect for very precise indoor flights and for beginners to get in touch with flying a UFO.
Dynamic
The unique three axis compensation enables the X-ACC UFO to fly highly dynamic maneuvers with excellent precision and gives a safe start for dynamic 2D aerobatic flights.
Safety
Close or far away: The X-ACC ensures that the UFO is always controllable. This is increasing the safe maximum flight distance. In case of an reception loss the UFO comes back to the horizontal level and descends slowly.
Future investment All potentially upcoming X-Base upgrades will be able to use the X-ACC as well.
Compatibility The X-ACC works with brushed motors as well as in brushless UFOs.

Note: Can be used to stabilize for Areal Video/Photography Platform

First X-ACC impressions here ... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...postcount=1315

Receiver Options

Option 1 (recommended method)
X-ACT 35MHz, 40MHz, and 72MHz (72MHz Receiver will be available ???)

- DSL protocol one simple plug in cable mating with the X-Base
- Programmable functions through the X-Base
- Designed and modified for the X-BL
- Calibration done via X-Base with X-Control PC software

Option 2
PPM Receiver

- Freedom to use any receiver with special downloadable firmware version.

- Any 4 channel PPM receiver may modified to work with the X-Base
- 3 wire connection soldered to through hole pads on X-Base (Power, Ground and PPM serial signal)
- Up to 8 channels decoded from PPM serial signal from any 4 channel receiver
- Corresponding matching Rx/Tx Crystal

Note: Many using the Berg 4L mini 4 channel receiver procedures follow link
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=140 and http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=137
and mine here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=582 ... I kept the pins in place to be able to use the extra 5V power/ground pins for other things like LEDs and CAM.


NOTE: If you remove the pin pads, you can introduce more problems on the board traces.

Transmitter Options
- Any PPM Supported Professional Transmitter will work using ACRO standard settings
- Recommended 6-channels or greater (Some folks are operating minimally with 4-channels)

Misc Details
Additional things needed to get the X-3D Brushless Quadrocopter off the ground

- Lipo Battery connector and gage wire to be soldered to the X-Base main board
- Lipo Battery for flying (730, 900, 910, 1000, 1050, etc... mAh 3-cell 11.1V)
- Tx/Rx matching crystal frequencies
- Optional NAV LED and wires to be soldered to the X-Base main board (can use existing X-UFO LED boards)
- NOTE: cables (10 to 12 gauge?) and connectors need to be able to take 20amps of average current (max current could be up to < 40amps)

Brushless X-3D Quadrocopter Technical Data

* Diameter: 32 cm (without propellers)
* Weight without battery: 260g
* Thrust: 4*330g = 1320g max thrust (this means it can lift ~500g. But not longer than 2 minutes)
* Expert Mode gives the ability to do 3D tricks like loops and rolls


Availability

All components are exclusively sold by the XUfo-shop (http://www.xufo-shop.de). Note: an English version of xufo-shop coming soon.
Currently German->English translators like http://babelfish.altavista.com/ can be used to translate order form line items or send an email to the shop detailing what you want to order. They accept PayPAL (for a small service charge) which will do the currency conversion when paying in Euros.

NEW: ... the shop now sells a X3D-BL UFO Komplett Kit with consists of
17188150 X-CSM Frame
17188171 X-3D Funpilot Gyro Board
17188125 X-3D USB Interface
17188142 X-Base main board
17188143 X-ACT Receiver (you can opt out of this if you are going use a Berg 4L)
17188145 X-BDLC Brushless Controllers (4x)
17188146 X-BL Motors (4x)
124749 X-Base-Power cable w/G2 connector
85640 Propellers (4x)

With Optional Accessories:
FUTABA FF6 35MHz (NOT COMPATIBLE FOR US)
X-BL LIPO-KOKAM 910H w/G2 connector
X-BL Charging Leads w/G2 connector


* X-3D: since September 2006
* X-CSM: since May 2007
* X-Base: since end of May 2007
* X-BL: since July 2007
* X-3D, X-Base, X-CSM, X-BL package kit now available
* X-ACC: now available

Support
Latest software can be found here ... http://www.asctec.de/main/index.php?...=&cat=&lang=en

Available through http://forum.xufo.net … Don't let a German forum site scare you, There is a healthy English speaking community there and posting/answers can be in English. There is also an [In English] bablefish translator for German content in the toolbar. There is a large established community of friendly Quadrocopter flyers and X-BL beta testers there.

Special Thanks to dawidi's http://wiki.xufo.net/wiki/Main_Page, wister, and Jast for helping to compile additional X-BL related info.


For newbies to Quadrocopters or followers of the Silverlit X-UFO, X-UFO Upgrade path, X-Tuning, refer to the previous general discussion thread below
Discussion - General Silverlit X-UFO, X-upgrades, and BL UFO Upgrade

This will link you to several other past threads and forum topics with an abundance of related information buried within.

In the previous thread, there is already discussion from experience on the new X-CSM frame, X-Base main board, Berg 4L Receiver mod and installation, the X-3D gyroboard, and +20C lipo battery discussion for the BL Upgrade. The X-BL kit is the eagerly awaited missing component that hopefully will arrive soon.

What the X-CSM, X-Base, and X-BL Kit looks like ... shipment received ... Click on the link to see the pics ...
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...&postcount=398

Finally got around to removing the EPP from the Alien Air Flying Saucer and posted some pics of it here ... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...5&postcount=31 ... You guys were right! ... now it feels/flies more like a quadro ... even w/o the resistor mod

--Eric--

Originally Posted by tend2it

Finally got around to removing the EPP from the Alien Air Flying Saucer and posted some pics of it here ... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...5&postcount=31 ... You guys were right! ... now it feels/flies more like a quadro ... even w/o the resistor mod

--Eric--

Thanks Eric...... BUT
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! no sooner than you split the thread to (I assume?) get back to talking about serious Quadrocopters, ANOTHER post on the foam toys!!

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813134 is surely the place for this?

john

3rd Part ..hmmmm feels like home again....

@John ......just give it some time and you will see what you want .. you already missed a lot of really amazing things in the last two threads ... and I assure you, you will love what's coming ....., but no jet quadros as far as I know ...

Khaled

Originally Posted by jetstuff

Thanks Eric...... BUT
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! no sooner than you split the thread to (I assume?) get back to talking about serious Quadrocopters, ANOTHER post on the foam toys!!

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813134 is surely the place for this?

john

I KNOW ... LOL, but it doesn't have the foam anymore! ... I'm interested to see you pursue your ducted fan build.

Aside from helping jkantiques with his new X-3D X-BL setup, I had to fill the void till the X-3D MAG Compass orders start to arrive from Germany ... which can be anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. I am working on a mod for my X-3D X-BL to give it a different look for orientation ... but I haven't had the time to finish it yet ... inspired by a B5 Whitestar.

--Eric--

@Eric ....

That will definitely look amazing...

I myself like the look of the tie fighter X-BL quadro we have seen a while ago . Amazing it was made of craft paper .

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...postcount=1526

Good luck , Eric

Khaled

@Jim ....

Have you noticed that the logic output optical isolators used for the DIY brushless conversion are not in stock in most of the online stores, .. I've tried digikey, and mouser with no luck ... do you have any idea where I can buy them .. of course other than the medusa research which sells the whole assembled kit

Thanks a lot

Khaled

Originally Posted by tend2it

I am working on a mod for my X-3D X-BL to give it a different look for orientation ... but I haven't had the time to finish it yet ... inspired by a B5 Whitestar.

Well ... finally got the concept flushed out for this new orientation look. It is composed entirely of lightweight CF rods, red florescent airplane decal material, and a plastic tip (used to cover wire). From the shots, you can get an idea of the X-BL with a more pronounced front and rear shape ... with distinctive front extension clearly marked red along with a split pair of rear fins. I kept the extension frame open on purpose to allow maximum air flow from the props and minimum air resistance. The orientation extension is also removable ... I will probably use twisty ties or thread or thin wire to keep it in place. The CF rods use the existing X-CSM slots for mounting. The plastic tip tensions the rods into place and the Waterproof LED strips are used as a guide. Secondary CF rods cross section the triangle rods to keep them in place. Gotta try it with the Waterproof LED strips turned ON next.

More detail will be in my blog area when I have a little more time. Pretty happy with the result

--Eric--

GREAT.........!!! That's more like it

Nothing against the foam toys (I've got 4 ) but I really am trying to see what is available in lifting Quadrocopters for airborne filming etc. The X3 doesn't yet seem to have a big following in the UK?? anyone?

Have I missed talk about these?... http://uavp.ch/moin
anyone experienced?
thanks
john

Eric ..

I just love it .... it is so simple and will indeed help in better orientation .... I may do something like that .. it looks more like a spaceship now

Good job

Khaled

Originally Posted by jetstuff

Thanks Eric...... BUT
I DON'T BELIEVE IT!!! no sooner than you split the thread to (I assume?) get back to talking about serious Quadrocopters, ANOTHER post on the foam toys!!

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813134 is surely the place for this?

john

As long as it's rag-on-Eric day, then I'll mention my "surprise" to find 15 pages of crap (i.e. redundant material repeated from previous chapters) to weed through before even getting to the first post. In some ways it doesn't matter because I'm usually coming via email link to "newpost" BUT all that stuff does have to be downloaded every time someone loads this thread.

The thing about doing *anything* is that you usually won't have anyone step up to the plate but as soon as you do, you'll have a dozen people telling you what you did wrong. In that spirit, thanks for your continued efforts, Eric, and no, I don't want the job.

-Marty

Originally Posted by tend2it

Well ... finally got the concept flushed out for this new orientation look. ...

Kind of reminds me of JumpJet on steroids. I'm kind of neutral on that concept, but I'll tell you what I really like about it. As Khaled mentioned, the fact that it helps with the orientation. Virtually all my crashes including the fatal one a week ago are due to losing orientation. I haven't crashed due to losing control in or after a maneuver in a long time.

So anything that helps one keep an eye on the front gets my vote.

-Marty

Originally Posted by martinmarty

As long as it's rag-on-Eric day, then I'll mention my "surprise" to find 15 pages of crap (i.e. redundant material repeated from previous chapters) to weed through before even getting to the first post. In some ways it doesn't matter because I'm usually coming via email link to "newpost" BUT all that stuff does have to be downloaded every time someone loads this thread.

The thing about doing *anything* is that you usually won't have anyone step up to the plate but as soon as you do, you'll have a dozen people telling you what you did wrong. In that spirit, thanks for your continued efforts, Eric, and no, I don't want the job.

-Marty

... I put that old stuff in for newbies since the other primary links are closed ... you still need that attention grabber with the global info ... and I added some new sections at the beginning for direct thread highlights (similar to OMM's started in thread 2) and cool related links.

Glad you like my orientation concept ... I'll get the details along to you soon.

--Eric--

I just did the resistor mod on the little saucer. I only modded the yaw (R20) because I didn't feel the need for pitch/roll. In retrospect, I made the right move because it was one major MF working with that small stuff. Had I attempted all three resistors I would probably still be there at midnight.

I scavenged a 56K SMD resistor off an old X-UFO Chinaboard. This should give me about 23K in parallel with the stock 39K resistor. This was R94 on the top side of the Chinaboard and was the closest SMD resistor to the hole where the antenna attaches. There are also a couple of 47K resistors on the bottom of the Chinaboard. If I was to do it all again, I would use one of those instead to yield closer to 21K total. For a small additional improvement I am not willing to take the risk given the difficulty of this mod.

I believe that a 1/8W conventional resistor could also have been made to work (soldering to the pins on the IC chips).

The Saucer flies very good now. It picked up a bit of a shake from time to time but nothing I can't live with. I've made some spirited flights around the living room with the new resistor and was able to fly the nose the whole time which would not have been possible without the mod.

Thanks for the helpful advice on this mod and for the recommendation of this fun toy.

-Marty

Originally Posted by martinmarty

I just did the resistor mod on the little saucer. I only modded the yaw (R20) because I didn't feel the need for pitch/roll. In retrospect, I made the right move because it was one major MF working with that small stuff. Had I attempted all three resistors I would probably still be there at midnight.

I scavenged a 56K SMD resistor off an old X-UFO Chinaboard. This should give me about 23K in parallel with the stock 39K resistor. This was R94 on the top side of the Chinaboard and was the closest SMD resistor to the hole where the antenna attaches. There are also a couple of 47K resistors on the bottom of the Chinaboard. If I was to do it all again, I would use one of those instead to yield closer to 21K total. For a small additional improvement I am not willing to take the risk given the difficulty of this mod.

I believe that a 1/8W conventional resistor could also have been made to work (soldering to the pins on the IC chips).

The Saucer flies very good now. It picked up a bit of a shake from time to time but nothing I can't live with. I've made some spirited flights around the living room with the new resistor and was able to fly the nose the whole time which would not have been possible without the mod.

Thanks for the helpful advice on this mod and for the recommendation of this fun toy.

-Marty

Marty,
All I have to do is use the 47k resistors without removing the others? Can you tell me the numbers of the 47k?

Thanks
John