PowerBox Systems iGyro 3e Quickstart Guide

Date: 02/2018

Introduction

These brief instructions describe how to install the iGyro 3e in just a few minutes without the need for programming using a PC. If you need additional functions, these can be set up using the USB Interface Adapter or the BlueCom Adapter. The Terminal program required for this is available free of charge, and includes a Quick Tip function which explains all the functions in full.

Gain Adjustment Ranges

The iGyro 3e has two ranges which can be adjusted:

Range A, gain control 0% to +100%: by default this range only covers the Normal setting. The LEDs for all axes glow green.

Range B, gain control 0% to -100%: by default this range includes a Heading setting on aileron and elevator in addition to the Normal setting. The default setting for rudder is Normal only, i.e. no Heading.

Visual Representation of Gain Ranges:

Range B: -100%
Center: 0%
Range A: +100%

Notes:

a) Both ranges can be configured in any way you like using the Terminal software.
b) Once you have found the optimum gain settings in test-flights, you can assign a three-position switch to switch the iGyro 3e to different settings of your choice.

Example:

Switch position 1: gain ± 0%, gyro off
Switch position 2: gain +45%, gyro in Normal mode
Switch position 3: gain -40%, gyro in Heading mode

Installation and Setup

The iGyro 3e device is a compact unit with labeled ports. The top surface shows:

GAIN
RUDDER
ELEV-B
ELEV-A
AILE-B
AILE-A
MISC
USB port

The device has the logo "iGyro 3e" and "3 AXIS GPS CONTROLLED" printed on it.

1. Installation Orientation:

The iGyro 3e should be installed in the standard orientation as shown below:

Diagram Description: The device is shown from the top. Two green arrows indicate "Flight Direction". One arrow points left from the device, labeled "Receiver" on the left side of the device. Another arrow points right from the device, labeled "Servos" on the right side of the device.

2. Connections:

Connect the patch-leads to the receiver, and connect the servos.

3. Gain Channel Setup:

Set up a Gain channel at the transmitter. This should be a rotary control or slider, with the standard range of -100% to +100%.

4. Initial Check:

Switch on your transmitter and receiver. Advance the gain control to the full 100% position, and check the gyro's direction of effect around each axis.

5. Correcting Direction of Effect:

If the direction of effect is not correct, follow this procedure:

Hold the button pressed in for about five seconds until all the LEDs go out.
Release the button, and the green LED at Aileron A lights up dimly.
Briefly press the button to reverse the direction of effect for Aileron A: the LED now glows red. A second brief press reverts to the normal direction of effect. Every time you reverse the channel, the new setting is immediately stored.
If you wish to reverse another channel, hold the button pressed in again, and release the button at the output whose direction of effect you wish to reverse. Briefly press the button to reverse the direction of effect: the LED changes colour from red to green. Another brief press reverts to normal.
If you wish to reverse another channel, simply hold the button pressed in again: the sequence of LEDs continues.

6. Ready for Flying:

The iGyro 3e is now ready for flying. Disable the gyro initially by setting the slider to centre.

7. Storing End-Points:

Move all the sticks once to their end-points with the set maximum travels: this stores the end-points. As of software version V04 these values are stored in the iGyro.

8. Flight Adjustment:

Launch the model and fly it parallel with the runway. Now steadily increase gyro gain until the model starts to oscillate around one axis, then reduce the setting to the point where the model does not oscillate at any airspeed. If you carry out the adjustment procedure in flat calm conditions, you will find it helpful to give the gyro a little more "work" to do: flick the sticks around a little, and check that the model locks on to the new attitude accurately, rather than oscillating around it.

Important Rules and Notes

CAUTION: two important rules for using the iGyro 3e in everyday flying:

Always switch the transmitter on first, and wait until the boot process is complete before switching the receiver on.
Always carry out a check of the control surfaces. As of software version V04 the control surface check does not need to be carried out to the end-points of travel.

Note: as of V04 the stored end-points can be reset using either of two methods. This step is necessary if you wish to reduce the travels, or if the iGyro is to be installed in a different model:

Option a) Press the button and switch the iGyro on. Rapid flashing indicates that the end-points have been reset. All other settings remain unchanged.
Option b) Use the USB Interface and a PC, or the BlueCom Adapter and a smartphone. Either method resets the end-points, and they are set and stored again automatically when you move the sticks.

Service Information

We make every effort to provide a good service to our customers, and have established a Support Forum which covers all queries relating to our products. Please use the Support Forum before you contact us by telephone:

www.forum.powerbox-systems.com

Guarantee Conditions

PowerBox Systems is able to grant a 36-month guarantee on the iGyro 3e from the initial date of purchase. The guarantee covers proven material faults, which will be corrected by PowerBox Systems at no charge to the customer. The guarantee does not cover damage caused by incorrect usage, e.g. reverse polarity, excessive vibration, excessive voltage, damp, fuel, and short-circuits. The same applies to defects due to severe wear.

Liability Exclusion

PowerBox Systems is not in a position to ensure that customers observe instructions regarding installation of the iGyro 3e, fulfill recommended conditions when using the unit, or maintain the entire radio control system competently. For this reason, PowerBox Systems denies liability for loss, damage, or costs which arise due to the use or operation of the iGyro 3e, or which are connected with such use in any way. Regardless of the legal arguments employed, the obligation to pay damages is limited to the invoice total of PowerBox Systems products which were involved in the event, insofar as this is deemed legally permissible.