• The servo type parameter within the GY520 must match the type of servo you are using. Incorrect setting may damage the GY520 or the servo, possibly resulting in a loss of control during fl ight. Y520 Mnl.indd 3 Y520 Mnl.indd 3...
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RECAUTIONS • Only use the GY520 with a 2.4GHz system such as the ™ Futaba FASST system, or a PCM system. Use with a FM system is strongly discouraged since interference can cause serious operational problems. In addition to this...
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• Do not drop the GY520 onto a hard surface or subject the GY520 to a strong shock as this may damage the sensor. Always use the supplied mounting pads or the Futaba replacement mounting pads available from your local hobby dealer.
If any diffi culties are encountered while setting up or operating your GY520, please consult the instruction manual fi rst. For further assistance you may also refer to your hobby dealer, or contact the Futaba Service Center at the web site, fax or telephone number listed below: www.futaba-rc.com or www.hobbyservices.com...
Sensor: MEMS vibrating structure gyro Angular Velocity Range: ±800 Degrees Per Second *The maximum operating voltage listed only applies to the GY520. Always verify that your receiver, servos, tail rotor servo, governor, switch and any other electronic components used in your installation are capable of operating at the voltage you plan to use.
PID control algorithm put it a quantum leap ahead of all other heading hold gyros in size, weight and performance. The GY520 has been optimized to work with small electric models and larger nitro (.30 through .91) sized helicopters.
• Even though the GY520 is a high performance gyro it will be necessary to ensure that the helicopter mechanics are also in optimum operating condition.
2mm mounting pad to mount the gyro onto the Gyro Mount. If the GY520 is mounted near the ESC, near a servo, or near the tail rotor belt we highly recommend using two 2mm Mounting Pads and the steel Damping/Shield Plate to help prevent electromagnetic interference from reaching the gyro.
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GY520 I NSTALLATION Recommended Installation for Larger Electric Helicopters and All Nitro Helicopters Damping and 2mm or 3mm Shield Plate Mounting Pads Gyro Mount On smaller electric helicopters it is best to mount the gyro using one 2mm mounting pad. When mounting the gyro in a larger electric or .50 through .91 size nitro helicopter we recommend...
Tail Rotor Servo Channel Channel Connect the supplied extensions to the GY520 connecter block as indicated. Route the wires through the helicopter mechanics and connect them to the appropriate receiver channels. To determine the appropriate receiver channels please check your transmitter’s instruction manual.
LED. Moving to the next Parameter Press and continue to hold the button on the side of the GY520. After 2 seconds the LED indicator will momentarily change to violet. Release the button and the gyro will move to the next parameter.
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING GY520 Parameters and Settings Table PARAMETER SETTING LED INDICATION Digital 1520μS Servo* Blue, 1 Flash 1. Servo Selection 1. S Digital 760μS Servo Red, 1 Flash Analog Servo Violet, 1 Flash Normal* Blue, 2 Flashes 2. Gyro Compensation 2.
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The servo type parameter within the GY520 must match the type of servo you are using. Incorrect setting may damage the GY520 or the servo, possibly resulting in a loss of control of the model during fl ight. Y520 Mnl.indd 18 Y520 Mnl.indd 18...
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING Parameter 2: Gyro Compensation Direction [2 FLASHES] LED INDICATOR DESCRIPTION Red, 2 Flashes Normal Compensation* Blue, 2 Flashes Reverse Compensation * Default Setting WARNING! Verify that the gyro compensates the correct direction before fl ight. If the compensation direction is incorrect the model will pirouette uncontrollably at a very high rate.
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING Parameter 3: Servo Limits [3 FLASHES] LED INDICATOR DESCRIPTION Red, 3 Flashes Limit Testing Mode Blue, 3 Flashes Set limit using tail rotor stick. The Servo Limit parameter is used to set the mechanical limits for the tail rotor servo.
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING WARNING! If one of the servo limits is set to a position less than 50% of the total throw, the LED on the gyro will turn red. When the LED is red, you will not be able to move to the next limit setting or exit the limit setting parameter.
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING Parameter 4: Flight Mode [4 FLASHES] WARNING! Always make small (1%) adjustments to the tail rotor D/R or EPA once the value exceeds 100%. Over 100%, it is possible to exceed the sensor’s Angular Velocity Sensing Range (+/- 800°...
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING Parameter 5: Gyro Response Rate [5 FLASHES] LED INDICATOR DESCRIPTION Blue, 5 Flashes Standard Response* Red, 5 Flashes Fast Response Violet, 5 Flashes Slow Response * Default Setting Sets the gyros response rate. The standard setting is acceptable for most helicopters.
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GY520 P ROGRAMMING Parameter 6: Data Reset [6 FLASHES] Restores the gyro to the factory default settings. It will be necessary to reprogram all parameters again before fl ying the model. PARAMETER DEFAULT SETTING 1. Servo Type Digital 1520μS 2. Gyro Compensation Direction Normal 3.
Do not connect the tail rotor servo to the gyro until the servo type has been selected. Operating the servo using the incorrect setting may damage the GY520 or the servo. Once these steps are completed, turn the receiver power on and allow the gyro to initialize.
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OTOR ERVO NSTALLATION AND ETUP ❏ Install the tail rotor servo into the mechanics and connect the servo to the gyro. Remove the servo arm screw from the servo. Turn the receiver power on and allow the gyro to initialize. Enter programming mode and go to parameter 3 –...
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7.5mm Larger Electric and All Nitro Helis ❏ Follow the instructions within the GY520 programming section and set the servo limits for the tail rotor servo. Hold the tail rotor linkage over the linkage ball to avoid damaging the servo.
❏ Power on the transmitter and receiver. Allow the gyro to initialize. ❏ The GY520 servo type parameter matches the servo you are using. ❏ The Tail rotor servo arm is perpendicular to the pushrod and the pitch slider is centered.
DJUSTMENTS URING THE LIGHT WARNING! Always make small (1%) adjustments to the tail rotor D/R or EPA once the value exceeds 100%. Over 100%, it is possible to exceed the sensor’s Angular Velocity Sensing Range (+/- 800° per second). The gyro will then no longer control the pirouette rate or consistency.
GY520 N SING ORMAL Most pilots today are using AVCS Mode. If you are just starting out, it is recommended that you use AVCS Mode exclusively from the start. Normal Mode is rarely used today due to the performance benefi ts of AVCS mode. When using AVCS mode all trimming of the tail is automatically handled by the gyro.
ETTING THE Most modern computer transmitters will have a gyro function built into them. If this is the case, please refer to your transmitter’s instruction manual. Most modern gyro functions will allow you to set the mode of operation and the gains for several fl ight conditions. The use of these functions is strongly encouraged.
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