Futaba GYD470 Rate Gyro for RC Drift Cars
Instruction Manual
This manual provides instructions for the Futaba GYD470 Rate Gyro, designed for RC Drift cars. It is intended for use with Futaba digital servos and RC models.
Please read this manual thoroughly before using the gyro for proper and safe operation. Store it in a safe place afterward. Futaba is not liable for any damages resulting from improper installation or use.
Features of GYD470
- Dedicated RC Drift Car Setting: Enhances vehicle straight-line and cornering performance, adaptable to road surface conditions.
- Remote Gain Function and Mode Switching: Allows gain adjustment from the transmitter (requires 3+ channels) and switching between AVCS/NORMAL gyro modes.
- Integrated, Compact, and Lightweight: Features a compact size (20.7x20.7x11mm) and light weight (3.7g) achieved through high-density mounting technology.
- Easy Setup: Designed for immediate use with minimal setup required.
- S.BUS/S.BUS2 Connectivity: Enables operation with a single wire connection to the receiver.
- Only for Futaba Digital Servo: Optimized for use with Futaba digital servos.
Functions
- Servo Selection Switch: For SR mode ON/OFF.
- Gyro Direction Switch: To set the gyro's operating direction.
- Ports: Port 3 for steering servo output, Port 2 for gain input, Port 1 for steering input/S.BUS input.
- Trimmer: Used for Limit/Gain adjustments.
- LED: Provides status monitoring.
Monitor LED Display
| State | Color | Move | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Power ON | Orange | 2 blinks | |
| 2. No servo pulse / Error | Red | Slow blink | |
| 3. Signal input from receiver | Green | Fast blink | |
| 4. Sensor initialization | Red/Green | ON | |
| 5. Turn | Red/Green Fast blink | ||
| 6. Neutral offset | Orange Slow blink | ||
| 7. Gain off | Green One blink | ||
| 8. Switch operation | Red One flash | ||
| 9. Low battery | Less than 3.8 V |
LED Reference: AVCS mode is indicated by Red, Normal mode by Green. Steering operation: Right is Green, Left is Red. Switch operation: Each time of switch operation.
GYD470 Ratings
- Gyro sensor: MEMS vibrating structure gyro
- Operating voltage: DC4.0 V to 8.4 V
- Current drain: 30 mA (excluding a servo)
- Operating temperature range: -10°C to +45°C
- Dimensions: 20.7 x 20.7 x 11.0 mm (0.82 x 0.82 x 0.43 in) (excluding protrusions)
- Weight: 3.7 g (0.13 oz)
- Functions: Sensitivity trimmer, LED monitor, Servo selection (SR mode ON/OFF), S.BUS/S.BUS2 connection.
Set Contents
The following items are supplied with the GYD470:
- GYD470 unit
- Mini screwdriver
- Extension cord
- Sensor tape
- Nylon strap
Safety Precautions
WARNING: Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in severe injury.
- Ensure sufficient battery capacity.
- Do not operate the model or transmitter steering wheel for 3-5 seconds after turning on the GYD470 to allow for initialization and neutral position reading. The servo will move slightly left and right upon successful initialization.
- Always check the gyro's operating direction.
- Do not strike the gyro with hard objects or drop it, as the sensor may be damaged.
- Do not use trims or mixing functions, as they can interfere with the gyro's corrections.
- Use the GYD470 only for RC cars; it is not intended for other applications.
- Analog servos cannot be used; they may cause servo trouble.
- Avoid placing the gyro near heating equipment (engines, motors, ESCs, batteries, servos, etc.) to prevent operational issues due to temperature changes.
Connecting the GYD470
Connecting for Remote Gain: When the receiver's gain CH is connected to Port 2 of the GYD470, remote gain is effective, and the trimmer functions as LIMIT. If Port 2 is not connected, remote gain is invalid, and the trimmer functions as GAIN.
S.BUS Connecting the GYD470: For S.BUS/S.BUS2 connectivity, Port 2 is not used. The S.BUS CH on the receiver connects to the GYD470. Steering uses CH1, and Gyro gain uses CH3.
Mounting to Chassis
Use the included double-sided sponge tape to firmly attach the gyro perpendicular to the control axis in a position with minimal vibration. Ensure wiring is loose and secured with the nylon strap to avoid interference with rods.
Gyro Mounting Position: Mount the gyro level on a flat surface of the chassis where the sensor tape adheres well. The gyro can be oriented in any direction within 360° relative to the steering axis.
Steering Servo Setup
Link the servo according to the kit's instruction manual. Adjust the linkage rod to minimize trim. If using an S.BUS servo, initialize its parameters. Ensure the servo operating range (EPA/ATV) is set equally for both left and right.
SR Mode
When using an S.BUS compatible transmitter, the servo can be set to "SR Mode" to improve servo response. Do not set the transmitter to SR mode if the servo does not support it. The GYD470 is not compatible with UR mode.
Adjustments
Setup before a run [ Remote Gain Use ]
Gain adjustments are performed using the transmitter when Port 2 of the gyro and the gain CH of the receiver are connected (or via S.BUS connection).
- Run the car with the gyro off (gyro gain 0%) and adjust the steering trim (sub-trim).
- Select the appropriate setting for the steering servo. Move the GYD470's servo selection switch to SR mode ON or OFF. Note: Do not use a normal digital servo in SR servo mode (ON), as it may be damaged. Use a normal digital servo in SR servo mode (OFF).
- Turn on your transmitter. Set the gyro sensitivity to approximately 70% on the NORMAL or AVCS side, referring to the
graph. The LED indicator shows the mode: OFF for zero sensitivity, Red for AVCS side, and Green for NORMAL side. Make gain tuning adjustments after observing the car's behavior during a run. - When the receiver is turned ON, the GYD470 requires 3-5 seconds to initialize. Avoid moving the car or steering wheel during this period. Successful initialization is indicated by slight servo movements left and right. An orange blinking LED signifies a neutral shift and reboot.
- Move the steering wheel to its limits (left and right) and adjust the limit trimmer to achieve maximum servo operation without binding the control linkage or hitting mechanical limits.
- Use the gyro direction switch to set the correct operating direction. Steering should move fully right when the car is turned left. Incorrect direction will prevent proper operation.
[ When Remote Gain Function is Off ]
Adjust gyro sensitivity using the GYD470 trimmer. If Port 2 is not connected, remote gain is inhibited (S.BUS connection excluded). In this case, the limit trimmer functions as the gyro sensitivity trimmer, with limits fixed at 50% for both directions.
- Select the appropriate setting for the steering servo by moving the GYD470's servo selection switch to SR mode ON or OFF. Note: Do not use a normal digital servo in SR servo mode (ON).
- Set the gain trimmer: halfway to the left for NORMAL (Green LED) or right for AVCS (Red LED), starting from a 70% point.
- Turn the receiver ON. The GYD470 requires 3-5 seconds to initialize.
- Use the direction switch to set the gyro's operating direction correctly.
Gyro Sensitivity and Mode Switching
With remote gain, the transmitter's gain channel controls mode switching: AVCS mode is selected at the + rate side, and NORMAL mode at the - rate side. Sensitivity is adjusted via the end-point rate.
Without remote gain, the trimmer controls sensitivity: clockwise from center is AVCS mode, counter-clockwise is NORMAL mode. Center is zero sensitivity; full left or right is 100% sensitivity.
The sensitivity setting criteria by end point rate is illustrated in a graph showing Gain vs. End Point Rate, with AVCS on the left (RED LED) and NORMAL on the right (GREEN LED).
When using a 3CH (GAIN CH), set it according to the transmitter manual. Neutral position is GAIN 0%. Check the GYD470's LED for AVCS/NORMAL mode indication.
When Port 2 and S.BUS/S.BUS2 are not used, the trimmer adjusts gain directly, with settings like AVCS 50%, AVCS 100%, NORM 50%, NORM 100% indicated.
AVCS / NORMAL Modes
- AVCS Mode: Provides firmer gyro control, helping the car maintain its heading as commanded by the driver. In case of a right slide, the gyro attempts to grip the car in the driver's steering direction.
- NORMAL Mode: The gyro attempts to counter-steer, allowing the car to drift more freely, regardless of its previous heading. In case of a right slide, the gyro attempts to counter-steer based on the car's angle.
Choose the mode that best suits your driving preference.
Tuning Adjustment
- Always re-trim the steering with the gyro gain set to 0.
- Turn the receiver power OFF and then ON to memorize the neutral position. Avoid adjusting steering trim while the car is running.
S.BUS System
The S.BUS system uses data communication to send operating signals from the receiver to S.BUS compatible devices like gyros. Each device processes only the data assigned to its specific channels. This allows multiple servos to be connected to the same signal line.
The S.BUS system requires a dedicated S.BUS receiver and S.BUS servos (or gyros).
