Optional features explanation
At the moment we offer two additional features for MICROBEAST PLUS: the RPM Governor and the AttitudeControl function. All MICROBEAST PLUS units can be upgraded with these functions by (paid) software update. Additionaly these functions are already included in ProEdition devices.
With MICROBEAST PLUS you have purchased an electronic control system that continuously detects and controls the commands from the pilot. As a result the system is constantly aware of how the drive system will be burdened. The RPM Governor system uses this advantage to control the motor rpm. Contrary to conventional motor control systems that only monitor the engine speed, MICROBEAST PLUS can thus react sooner to speed changes. A separate engine governor system is no longer required for nitro helicopters and electric models can be used with a simple (cheap) speed controller without additional features such as soft start or governor mode. The desired rotor speed is specified via the remote control transmitter and MICROBEAST PLUS controls the throttle servo or speed controller accordingly, so that the predetermined head speed is maintained from takeoff to landing. MICROBEAST PLUS offers an integrated soft start for spooling up the rotor before takeoff and a quick start to regain head speed in a controlled manner when practicing autorotation maneuvers. The system is suitable both for electric and nitro/gas helicopters. Using the proven „Easy Setup“ concept no additional equipment is required for programming (apart from your remote control system) and the initial setup is done within minutes.
Note: The RPM Governor function can only be used in combination with a single-line receiver or Spektrum remote satellite. When using a receiver with standard connection layout there is no option for connecting the rpm sensor and throttle servo/ESC and no connector for throttle control.
With AttitudeControl MICROBEAST PLUS can determine the absolute position in space of the helicopter on the roll and pitch axis, regardless of the position in which the helicopter is currently located. At the moment this can be used as flying aid with five different operation modes:
- Bail out rescue mode (with/without collective pitch)
- 3D – Mode (with/without collective pitch)
- Flight trainer mode
AttitudeControl helps you to learn new maneuvers and reduces the probability of crashing significantly. If AttitudeControl is switched on in flight the helicopter will be oriented in a nearly horizontal position, depending on the selected mode always in normal or also in inverted flight. So the helicopter can be brought in a save position by the press of a button, i. e. if the pilot becomes disoriented. Beginners can use AttitudeControl permanently (preferably in the „Flight trainer mode“), whereby the helicopter loses the peculiarity of having to be constantly controlled by the pilot. While AttitudeControl is switched on the pilot can simply release the sticks for aileron and elevator and the helicopter will be held almost horizontally without external control commands.
Vorbereitung für die Verwendung der Drehzahlreglerfunktion
Um den Drehzahlregler von MICROBEAST PLUS verwenden zu können ist es erforderlich, dass MICROBEAST PLUS die Motordrehzahl messen kann. Hierzu ist die gesonderte Anschaffung eines Drehzahlsensors und des Adapterkabels BXA76401 erforderlich. Bei Elektromodellen besitzen manche Motorsteller eine zusätzliche Signalleitung, über die das Drehzahlsignal ausgegeben wird. In diesem Fall ist kein weiteres Zubehör notwendig.
Stecken Sie bei Modellen mit Verbrennungsmotor vor der ersten Inbetriebnahme noch nicht das Servohorn auf das Gasservo auf bzw. verbinden Sie das Servo noch nicht mit dem Gasanlenkgestänge, um ein Blockieren und damit verbunden eine Beschädigung infolge falscher Einstellung zu vermeiden.
Stellen Sie bei einem Elektromodell sicher, dass der Motorsteller korrekt programmiert ist und die Servowege für den Gaskanal im Sender ggf. auf den Motorsteller angepasst sind. Beachten Sie, dass der Steller selbst nicht in einem (Heli-)Drehzahlregelmodus betrieben werden darf, sondern in einem Stellermodus betrieben werden muss, der möglichst unmittelbar, ungefiltert und linear das Gassteuersignal verarbeitet und den Motor antreibt. Nur so kann der Regelkreis von MICROBEAST PLUS den Motor optimal ansteuern. Manche Motorsteller bieten für diesen Anwendungszweck einen speziellen „externen Regelmodus“ oder „Flybarlessmodus“ an. Sollte der verwendete Motorsteller nicht über einen solchen Modus verfügen, so wählen Sie einen Modus, der typischerweise ein solches Verhalten bietet, wie z.B. ein Modus für Flächenflugmodelle. Beachten Sie aber, dass hier keine Bremsfunktion (die für Motorsegelflugzeuge benötigt wird) aktiv sein darf und das Gasansprechverhalten möglichst maximal schnell eingestellt ist.
Achten Sie stets auf Ihre eigene Sicherheit und auf die Sicherheit von Personen in Ihrer Umgebung. Stellen Sie bei Modellen mit Verbrennungsmotor sicher, dass der Motor während der Einstellarbeiten nicht ungewollt anlaufen kann. Bei Modellen mit Benzinmotor muss die Zündung stets deaktiviert bleiben!
Operating principles of AttitudeControl (optional)
When the term „AttitudeControl“ is used in the further course, in general reference is made to the function of the artificial horizon, irrespective of a particular operating mode such as „Bail out rescue mode“, „3D – Mode“ or „Flight trainer mode“.
AttitudeControl can be enabled or disabled via Parameter menu point L by selecting one of the operating modes as mentioned above. Only if AttitudeControl is enabled, i.e. one of the five operating modes is selected, then AttitudeControl can be activated in operation via the remote control transmitter. Enable/disable and activate/deactivate are therefore to separate conceptually!
For the use of AttitudeControl it is strongly recommended to use a single-line receiver, since for activating AttitudeControl in flight an additional control channel is needed. Almost every manufacturer of remote control systems offers such a receiver for his system and Microbeast PLUS supports almost all types of single-line protocols. The additional control channel allows to activate AttitudeControl before, during and after the flight via the remote control transmitter, so that the helicopter is stabilized depending on the selected operating mode if required. As long as AttitudeControl is deactived the helicopter can be flown as usual and Microbeast PLUS solely works as flybarless stabilization system. Preferably use a switch or push button on the transmitter that actuates the specific channel for activation/deactivation and that is safe and easy to reach.
Alternatively, the already existing channel for the tail gyro gain can be used to additionally switch AttitudeControl on and off, e.g. if a standard receiver is used (here only 5 channels can be plugged into Microbeast PLUS) or a transmitter with only six channels is used. This alternative, however, is far less convenient as it may require some complex programming of the transmitter, especially if several flight modes are programmed with different tail gyro sensitivity settings on the transmitter.