Hi Two Dogs,

The JR 450 and 460 gyros both will exhibit varying degrees of this drift phenomena versus the gain setting from zero drift to unacceptable offsets. Additionally, the problem exacerbates itself in some gyros as the gyro heats up during use due to thermal drift. You can read more about this at:

http://www.gajets.net/Links/Tips_and...ros/gyros.html

Most of the gyros in use today are Piezo gyros. These gyros have proven to be very reliable, however, all Piezo circuits will produce varying levels of trim changes from thermal drift. Gyros were first implemented in model helicopters where trim changes versus gain are not a significant issue. Nevertheless, trim changes versus the gain setting can be a significant problem for fixed wing aircraft.

Gyros are now available that are designed specifically for fixed wing aircraft and that either do not drift or that internally correct for drift. Some Piezo gyros, such as the ACT Wingo Gyro (Germany) and the Hobbico Airplane Piezo Gyro HCAM4010 employ a calibration procedure built in that cancels out all thermal drift. The ACT/Hobbico gyros are designed specifically for fixed wing aircraft and not helicopters. They are single axis gyros with two inputs and two outputs each of which are reversible. Therefore, you can use them on flaperons. They also have stick priority built in to them.

There is also a new technology called Silicon Micro Machine (SMM) that may eventually replace Piezo technology. SMM gyros do not exhibit any thermal drift and are advertised to be less susceptible to vibration with increased reliability. Futaba already offers SMM gyros, however, according to the Futaba web site, the Futaba SMM gyros do not work with JR digital servos. JR hasn't yet introduced SMM into its gyro product line.

Gordon Dickens
mailto:[email protected]
http://www.gajets.net