Flybarless Stability Systems Are All The Buzz At This Year’s IRCHA
Posted on August 24, 2009 by aaronredbaron
IRCHA is known to be the hotbed for the latest and greatest in the world of RC helicopters. This year, Flybarless Stability systems (FBL) had a bigger presence than ever, with numerous companies excited to show off their current or future products tailored to meet this emerging market. All of the new systems shown incorporated 3 axis control, and a common theme was the ability to use satellite receivers directly. With the ability to read off of a satellite receiver (aka Spektrum satellites), the FBL system acts like a servo bus and simplifies installation dramatically.
Mikado has been at the forefront of electronic stability control since the release of the original V-bar, now, with the Mini V-Bar, Mikado is stepping up the game to compete in the expanding market. The Mini V-Bar incorporates all the goodies in one tiny package. A 3 pin plug on the side is all it takes to receive the signal from a satellite receiver. With Ready Heli already stocking the Mini V-Bar, its the first to hit the market with the ability to use satellite receivers directly.
Curtis Youngblood surprised everyone when he showed up flying his own electronic stability system, sporting a case that looks refined and close to production. Although release dates are anyone’s guess at this point, this new device is getting a lot of people excited. First of all, everyone knows if Curtis allows it to be released under his name, its going to be good stuff. Secondly, his “Total G” takes the concept of having everything in one case even further. Not only does it feature 3 axis stability control and acts like a servo bus using a satellite receiver, the Total G also incorporates a governor. With the Total G on board, everything is managed in this one little box, your servos and power plug into it, and that’s all she wrote!
Skookum has received a varied response to its SK 360. The device works very well for most aspects of flight, but the 2 axis system doesn’t cope well with pirouetting flight. Taking into consideration their current product’s limitations, the boy’s from Skookum set developing the SK 720. With 2 gb of onboard memory, the ability to use a satellite receiver directly, and an auxillary GPS input that has yet to be developed, the SK 720 has some sophisticated features. In addition to the 3 axis gyro sensors that are commonly used in electronics stability systems, the SK720 also features 3 axis accelerometers. As the software for this advanced piece of hardware is refined, Skookum intends to set up the SK720 with the ability to provide beginner level stability assistance.
Aiming at the average pilot who wants to try flybarless, but doesn’t want to spend an arm an a leg doing it is Inertia RC. Their Axiom FBL system uses a conventional separate receiver, and is designed to be easy to set up and fine tune with the LCD programmer. Priced competitively, at under $400 including the LCD programmer, the Axiom FBL should be a good option for people who don’t want to use satellite receivers, and who are trying to keep the cost of a flybarless helicopter to a minimum.
The Rondo was being shown at IRCHA as well, but its priced kind of high. Considering the v-Bar already established the market at a lower price point, the Rondo’s initial pricing is going to be hard to justify with all of the emerging competition. However, the Rondo is well developed and should be a good option if the pricing is adjusted to reflect the market.
