Test Pilot Diaries
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General Laser Stabilization System
This is the same product that Mazakari reviewed here.
As Mazakari has already described how the system works I shall not repeat that information but concentrate on the testing.
The system was mounted to a Century Swift 16, running on Flightpower 4s1p 3700mAh lipo batteries with the 550+ brushless outrunner motor, Castle Creations Pheonix 60 ESC, CSM SL720 Gryo and JR DS811 digital servos on the cyclic controls. The blades used were Century 515mm carbon.
Before the installation I took the time to re-check all the servos were correctly centred, and the helicopter itself was mechanically correct. After a quick “Trimming Flight” I was happy that I could get a steady 5-10 second “Hands Free” hover. This fact is my reference for the testing.
Review Update
After a few initial setup problems due to the swashplate of the Swift being angled forwards due to having fitted the V3 landing gear, the system was calibrated at the field and ready to go.
I flew with the system 15 times over 3 days with the stabiliser fitted as I felt this would give me enough experiance to be able to make fair comment.
Flights 1 & 2
These flights were used to set the gain to the desired level. After Mazakari’s experiance I slowly increased the gain until I was happy.
Flights 3, 4 & 5
These flight were flown on the same day as the setup flights with very light constant winds.
As Mazakari , I found the controls to be very sluggish and unresponsive, reducing the exponential lessened the effect to a level I was happy with.
I spent these flights “Tail In” to get a true feel for the system flights 4 & 5 were the big testers of this session as I went “Hands Free” To my pleasure I was able to get form 30 seconds to 1 minute without having to touch the cyclic controls.
I did find however that the system did not hold the helicopter in one place but did have a tendency to drift sideways.
Flights 6 To 10
These were flown with the same weather conditions as flights 1 to 5 and gave me very good continuity.
I am at a stage where I am progressing into side on hovering and forward flight. I found the system to be too controlling with the gain set as it was, and I was not having to work at all!
A quick landing and gain adjustment and I was back in the air again.
The system gave me the extra confidence to move out of my comfort zone without worrying about a repair bill! All in all a very good days flying with no untoward incidents.
Flights 11 to 15
These flights were in very “unfriendly” conditions with winds of 15mph gusting to 25mph, these Flights were to be very “interesting”
I was excited to see how the system would cope with such conditions, to my delight the system coped very well although it was blown out of position. This was to be expected given the weather.
I also decided to see how quick the system could recover the helicopter in the event of a “Dumb Thumb” incident. weather. I took the helicopter to a height of 20 feet and gave a very extreme right cyclic input, as the helicopter reached approx. 60 degrees I released the cyclic!
Let me tell you that it was the longest couple of seconds of my life! But the system recovered the helicopter to a hover with no problems at all, the response time could be decreased by turning the gain up.
Conclusion
Does the system do what it says on the tin?
Yes, without a doubt, it can cope with a wide range of weather conditions. It provides a very stable platform to practice from.
However, I could fell myself becoming reliant on it. It was only very slightly but if I was pushing outside my comfort zone and the helicopter got out of shape, after only these few flights, I was tempted to release the cyclic instead of trying to recover. As I was also flying the Trex 600 between test flights this could have proved to be very expensive.
Would I buy the system?
For it to be fitted on a small helicopter (Trex 450 and smaller) No.
The cost of the system far out-weighs the price of spare parts in the event of a crash
For it to be fitted on a larger helicopter (30 size and above) No.
Why No you ask. If you are thinking of getting a 30 size or larger helicopter you really need to join a club. they will be able to give you advice on helicopters but most importantly the will be able to teach you to fly!
Most clubs can offer “buddy box” training whereby if you get into trouble they can take control and land the helicopter safely. After they land they will explain what went wrong and most importantly what you should do to recover the helicopter.
With the Stabilizer there could very easily be a “catch 22″ situation whereby you keep making the same mistake. With-one to explain why it went wrong and what you should do, this can become very infuriating as you will get to a point in your flying where you cannot progress any further.
And Finally…
I would like to thank Heliguy for giving me the opportunity to test the Stabiliser system.