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Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / June 2004Requirements for Rotor Speed Controller
Hi, My name is Rick Perryman and I am in my last year of an OU degree. I have to design, build and program an embedded device for a project and I chose a model helicopter rotor speed controller (RSC) with a data logging function. Part of my project is to elicit the opinions of my target group on the requirements of the RSC in a kind of marketing style and I thought that this forum would be ideal as it is frequented by beginners and experienced pilots alike. A little of my background (for those remotely interested) I am a avionics technician in the Royal Navy working on Lynx and Gazelles with a year to go before I leave time done. I have been flying model helicopters for about ten years and hold a PPL(H) although I am not current. I have an HNC in electronics and I am re-using the project so I know that it works but I have to jump through certain hoops for the OU. So, If any of you could answer a few short questions I would be eternally grateful. Do you use a Speed controller? If so, which one and are you happy with it? What are the minimum functions you would like to see? What rotor speed range should it cover? Is 800 RPM to 2200 RPM adequate? What functions offered by other speed controllers like the throttle jockey or the Futaba GV1 are not necessary? What extra functions would you like? Does your radio have a gear channel or other spare proportional channel? Would you use a data logging function (downloadable to a PC)? If so, how would you like the data displayed (graph, table, spreadsheet)? would you pay extra for the data logging function? Are there any other comments that you would like to add? I may post some more questions depending on the response I get. Thankyou all for your time. Rick. Hi Rick, Sounds like an interesting project. I'll put my answers between your questions! > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > Do you use a Speed controller? Yes, I do! > If so, which one and are you happy with it? Futaba GV1 and I'm very happy with it. > What are the minimum functions you would like to see? Well, obviously, as an absolute minimum, you need to be able to program what rotor rpm you want the system to maintain. > What rotor speed range should it cover? Is 800 RPM to 2200 RPM adequate? More than adaquate. The GV1 covers 1000 to 2000 rpms. Most folks I know stay between 1200 and 1800 rpm with a few venturing into the 1900 to 1950 range. 2200 rpm "might" be ok for some of the 30 size birds but I think it's too fast for any of the 60 size helicopters. > What functions offered by other speed controllers like the throttle jockey > or the Futaba GV1 are not necessary? I can't think of any of them that are not necessary. There are functions on the GV1 like using the throttle stick position to turn the governor on and off that I don't use but some folks really need this ability. It depends on what transmitter you're using. > What extra functions would you like? Honestly, I don't have a clue. I know that's no help to you but the GV1 has worked so well for me just the way it is. > Does your radio have a gear channel or other spare proportional channel? Yes > Would you use a data logging function (downloadable to a PC)? If I had the capability, I'd probably use it. > If so, how would you like the data displayed (graph, table, spreadsheet)? > would you pay extra for the data logging function? If I had to choose between your three options, I think I'd prefer the graph. However, why not give the user the choice of all three? As for paying extra for the feature? I might spring for it but it depends on how much extra you'd want. I can pretty much guarantee that I wouldn't pay over $20 extra for it and even at that, I might just pass. > Are there any other comments that you would like to add? > > I may post some more questions depending on the response I get. > Thankyou all for your time. > > Rick. Best of luck to you on this one. Steve R. > Hi, > [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Do you use a Speed controller? Absolutely. > If so, which one and are you happy with it? Futaba GV-1 and Robbe CSC 2001 and I'm ecstatic with the pair of them:) > What are the minimum functions you would like to see? The ability to switch the gov on or off at the Tx and for it to hold selected speed properly (no drifting) > What rotor speed range should it cover? I'm happy with 1400-2000 Is 800 RPM to 2200 RPM adequate? More than adequate I'd say (for my own use) > What functions offered by other speed controllers like the throttle jockey > or the Futaba GV1 are not necessary? It's not that any of the featers aren't necessary, just some aren't necessary for ever user. (Different users, different needs) > What extra functions would you like? Built in heading hold gyro. > Does your radio have a gear channel or other spare proportional channel? Yes. > Would you use a data logging function (downloadable to a PC)? No. > If so, how would you like the data displayed (graph, table, spreadsheet)? > would you pay extra for the data logging function? N/A > Are there any other comments that you would like to add? Not at the mo'. (Head's in the bin:)  SignatureBeav Please note my E-mail address is "beavis dot original at ntlworld dot com" (with the obvious changes) Beavisland now lives at www.beavisoriginal.co.uk TJ Pro and GV-1 both..features hold rpm, adjust from unit or transmitter with overide off , andno extra channel needed for basic use. > > Hi, > > [quoted text clipped - 79 lines] > Beavisland now lives at > www.beavisoriginal.co.uk Thanks to all those that replied. I am formulating a second set of questions and will post them soon. Rick |
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