Hi Bill,
Good to see you active here!
We have done considerable Co Pilot evaluation with all sorts of
craft and my own has been with Gyros. I believe you are aware of
mounting the sensor on an outrigger so the eyes clear the pylon
and I have many successful flights with that set up.
Nathan at FMA Direct is the CP inventor and he suggested a way
that might give superior results ( if possable!)
I took his advice and now have several flights evaluating it and
do believe it improves CP performance if that is possible.
Best of all it removes the need for the "ourigger" but you always
will have to have a sensor mount.
With the "new deal" my sensor mount is up on the pylon with
the mount aligned to craft center line. Have photos, if you like
let me know and will mail them.
And of course it is no sweat to use both lateral and pitch CP.
Before I go further let me say to be sure to read what was said
about Co Pilot on another post in RCU. Like anything new things
are learned with useage and findings are outlined there.
To preface this new installation: The Co Pilot mannual is very
comprehensive and states needs briefly at times. Thus it is very
important to STUDY it, not just skim through
This change occurs in the set up mode so all before it is required.
It goes like this assuming the sensor is mounted so all 4 eyes are
clear of obstructions.
1. Sensor is attached so that the eyes are at 45 deg, to the line
of flight. Instead of the "P" line being aligned the "non eye" corners are al;igned with the cable connector on the forward side
2. The computor #3 switch must be in the off position.
3. Activate Co Pilot
4. Place a WARM hand in front of the right-front sensor eye.
The action this MUST cause is UP pitch and LEFT lateral. If it
does not fiddle with switchs #1 and 2 until action is correct
5. Press the red button
6. Place WARM hand in front of left-front sensor eye.
The action this Must cause is UP pitch and RIGHT Lateral. If it
does not flip switch FOUR (4)
7, Repeat step 4 after pressing red button to assure all is correct.
This completes the set up proceedure.
The manual is followed through the calibration mode, then Co
Pilot responce can be checked. When so doing note for any
interaction between the servos
The responce check is a bit tricky as it must be certain the
sensor is seeing nothing but the horizon (it is easy for it to see
the one who is holding the craft and moving the craft for the
checks) The only sure way I have found is to hand hold the
engine with arms stretched forward. Result must be as manual
describes.
Another thing noted if you have the craft close with CP turned
on while "digging into something" you may see the servos
move, kinda scary! Assurance is not to worry, set craft in take
off position, back away 10 ft directly forward and controls should
be in flight position.
Hope this may be of some help to you Bill and others who are
taking advantage of this marvelous gimmick.
Good luck,

Hal deBolt