Checking the correct stabilization is part of my preflight on each and every flying day and on each and every flight. Simple to do and takes no time at all. This also includes checking control surfaces. Sometimes you may get a surprise that will save your model.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

The Pre-flight check is so easy and quick.. I don't have failing servos often, but its happened twice in the last couple years. I caught the issue during the preflight and saved the plane... Thanks for watching and commenting.. - Will

After the 33 second mark the video provides good useful well-presented information about the Spektrum AS3X system setup that almost any Spektrum user can benefit from. I would have provided a thumbs up to the video except at the 0:32 second mark Steffen says "the gyro destroyed that plane". My cause for pause is that setting up the gyro incorrectly, and then blaming the gyro 33 seconds into the video for doing exactly what the gyro was programmed to do only benefits the Spektrum bashers. This in turn results in more misinformation at the flying clubs.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Well. Ok. Thanks for your comments. I would hope people watching this would watch the ENTIRE video where I clearly point out the real culprit in the crash. But, whatever.

@williamhoenstine5057

4 ай бұрын

Agreed 100%! Spektrum gyro receivers don't deserve being blamed for user incompetence. They work extremely well if they're setup correctly. I have likely several hundred hours flying all sorts of pattern airplanes with Spektrum gyros (AS3X & SAFE) installed without any problems!

Sometimes I get the impression that people who use Spektrum radio gear think that everyone uses Spektrum radio gear. Other systems are available! 🙂

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yes there are lots of systems. I use Spektrum and FrSky. There are also lots of options for Gyros. The concept of preflight gyro check is universal for any system or gyro though.

@stevep4131

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRC Yes, but the details differ when you start going through radio menu options. No worries, good video!

@iansummers6945

4 ай бұрын

Maybe you could add your own video on setting up the system you use to help others who don’t use spektrum 🤔

@stevep4131

4 ай бұрын

@@iansummers6945 Maybe we all could 🙄

@bigrickRC1144

4 ай бұрын

When you go into forward programming for first time setup, it clearly states on menu screen that all control surfaces are set “correctly” before proceeding. So either he didn’t heed that warning, or he made a change after the fact and like you said didn’t relearn. So sad to see that happen to a beautiful aircraft. Now for the $64k question. Whens the repair video coming out?? 😅

Newbies to gyros should use a 3-position switch where they have "Gyro off", "AS3X mode", and "SAFE mode", if they want to use it. Since I've been programming Spektrum AS3X/SAFE receivers for several years, I don't have an off position. I put the receiver's flight modes channel on the same switch as my dual rates switch which gives me low rates with AS3X, high rates with AS3X, and high rates with SAFE mode. With AR636's and possibly the newer Smart receivers, SAFE mode doesn't work correctly unless the transmitter is sending 100% travel to the receiver. I frequently do maiden flights in SAFE mode because I know the plane will fly very close to straight and level with the sticks centered. I initially set the AS3X gains to fixed with 30% for roll, 40% for pitch, and 50% for yaw. I set the SAFE roll gain slightly lower than the default and the pitch gain slightly high than the default. Once the plane is at a safe attitude, I'll come out of SAFE mode to check and adjust the trims. This is the opposite of what I recommend a newcomer to gyros should do. Until you know exactly how to prefight a gyro-equipped plane, you're better off with the gyro turned off (provided you can fly without one). Learn how gyros work using an old, expendable plane before you put one in a brand new expensive plane.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

You sure have a lot of great info in this post.. Thanks for sharing.. I hope some folks read this post and find your YT channel....

Gyro's do not kill planes it is pilots who do not do their due diligence on what to do and what Not to do and test their systems before take off. I used SAFE Rxs out of the original Apprentice and have had it in every style plane I had and with ZERO issues . They now have SAFE select and one can do the exact same thing with it . In fact Horizon used us as test monkeys to sell their products and then instead of helping us out they created a better system based on our input and needs and ideas. ( I say our because many people were and many still are involved with that system ) They still are using the newer SAFE Rx's in various aircraft and they still have an entire forum on RC Groups if anyone is interested. Me? I have moved on and far away from HH and the foolishness they have became !! Ur Welcome

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like you've been flying for a few years... Vendors come and go.. Some are better than others, and some lose their luster over time.. Good new, we have so many options today for gear... Lots of fun to be had.. Thanks for watching and commenting - Will

@FlyingBuzzard

4 ай бұрын

been doing this for many many many many years, Built aircraft for a long time and crashed for a long time before learning not to...LOL.. yes new tech and new vendors change it seems like every other month . As I have aged flying is getting less and less and with all these new regs/rules does not help that situation. I have moved to small UMX planes and fly micro kwads more now when I am able . Tech is outpacing my skilz...keep flying and having fun that means more in this hobby anyway.@@SteffenRC

Extremely informative tip, relearning servos, I was not aware of that. Your videos are well stated, to the point and always helpful. Thanks again for your efforts providing this.

@SteffenRC

14 күн бұрын

Glad you like it!

Great video. I personally didn't like AS3X so removed it from my 1200mm E Flite Spitfire and installed a lemon receiver with gyro instead. Flies great! I have a lot of Hobby Eagle Gyros in my various planes as well and agree whole heartedly that an on/off switch is a necessity. Also using the radio knob for gyro gain is a must for me. Preflight for me is usually done three or four times at home, then once at the field. Take off without gyro and trim the plane, get some altitude (three mistakes worth) and switch on gyro switch off gyro, that fast. If the airplane behaved properly in that two second window, you should be fine to reengage the gyro. If not, land and check the settings again. I've had one plane not set up right in the ten years I've been flying, which means absolutely nothing!

@SteffenRC

Ай бұрын

Gyros are great.. But you gotta set'em up right.. Else......

I just finally installed 2 gyros in 2 of my planes...i went through everything several times and am 100 % all modes are setup correctly and control surfaces are moving just as i want...i myself have crashed 100s of times do to many issues...i also consider my self an expert at repairing foamies..but seriously i expect these gyros will help big time...thanks for sharing

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I grew up without gyros and didn't use them much as they became available. Today, I have a fair amount of planes with them. Some planes really come alive with the gyro, while some not so much.. Good luck on your maiden flights with the gyros.. - Will

I have a small EDF that I discovered during the maiden flight had an lightning quick roll rate. The gyro saved the plane, but prevented the plane from turning! The solution was to turn “Safe” off and on as needed, until my nerves calmed, and I learned how little to move the sticks to perform a gentle controlled change of direction. The lesson… as well as double or triple check everything before a maiden flight, is to have the gyro on a switch, and have the ability to use the switch without looking or any hesitation.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Absolutely that switch needs to be handy. I just maidened a friends Eflite Habu 50 and it was a fun little, nimble plane. He likes to fly in SAFE mode so I tested that and the turn radius was quite big.. Adding rudder really helps in those cases.. Good luck and keep on flying.

@williamhoenstine5057

4 ай бұрын

I set mine up with a verbal announcement that tells me what configuration the gyro is in OFF-AS3X Only-SAFE and AS3X. Never any doubt that way!

@roadstar499

4 ай бұрын

I just started using gyros and they will most definitely do the trick...they are amazing.

When setup properly gyros are amazing. I will never fly without one again. The gyro saved my plane when I got turned around flying, just turned on self-leveling, and my plane correct 20 feet from crashing. If you setup anything incorrectly, it will cause your plane to crash. A poor workman blames his tools.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I don’t have an issue with Gyros. My video is about setting them up and using them properly. Not sure what you’re saying…

@ReptileRescue

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRC Probably was referring to your thumbnail which literally says "Gyros Kill Planes"...

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

@@ReptileRescue I guess so. Making a thumbnail that will get a click or interest is tricky. You either gotta say something that provokes a click or have a young girl in a bikini holding the plane. And I ain’t doing that. 😀

Thanks a million for such an important reminder! Just like full scale hopefully we learn from these unfortunate situations

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Glad you liked it John. Its tough to make these mistakes. My buddy Mike did learn a lot with this situation.

Nice reminder for us all.

Excellent tip brother. The tech is great if you know how to use it. Hate to see that pretty B-25 go in.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

It was a sad sight for sure.

The best images I’ve seen on gyro checking are in the Hobby Eagle manuals. I also have a KZread video on the subject.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

You got a lot of great stuff on your channel.. I'm gonna be digging into the details this weekend..

@txkflier

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRCI also have a blog on RC Groups where I explain how I do things and post the setups for some of my planes.

real good info I never done this I will next time I fire up my planes I always make changes and adjustments Thanks Steffen😊👍👍👍👍

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Just always to that pre flight test after you mess around with the Gyro settings.. Happy flying buddy.

On PNP planes you need to check the orientation of the receiver too.

Pilot error kills as well. Still the number one reason of crashes!! Good thing is you can get another one just like it right off the shelf that's exactly the same. Tough lesson to learn.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Pilot error is the #1 reason. Whether its a bad servo that wasn't noticed due to lack of pre-flight check or the windy conditions stalled the plane on approach.. I chaulk up almost all issues due to pilot error.. Tough lessons for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting - Will

Thanks, you save my future plane !

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Glad to help.. Thanks for commenting.. Appreciate it.. - Will

Awfully expensive Lesson, Good video over all with the exception of seeing the Beautiful Motion RC B-25J crash. It is among my favorite Multi Engine RC planes to fly.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yes.. Its very sad to this happen.. Looks like a great plane..

Great video 👍 👍👍

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Thanks.. Appreciate the support...

The programing tells you to make sure the control surfaces are correct before selecting safe

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yep... That said.. I've seen these type of things happen way too often. Someone will make a change, but not "relearn Servo". Hence me making this video... Hard lesson to learn... I think my buddy Mike learned it the expensive way....

I don’t have these types of transmitters but am experiencing the same opposite action on my elevators gyros any help???

As someone who learned to fly RC planes way back in the late 80s and early 90s when gyros weren't a thing, I can't really relate. And I can't relate to why an experienced pilot would use one either. Just another component to fail, and override your intent, as illustrated here. I can see using one on a trainer these days, and maybe you want one on an expensive jet just in case you need some stability help and want it to recover on its own if you get into trouble, but the whole concept just seems counterintuitive to me on most planes, especially on a warbird.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I learned around the same time as you. I flew a long time without Gyros.. Most of my planes today don't have them. But I have found a few planes that really benefited from them. If they are setup/tuned correctly.. Mind you, I'm using them for stabilization assistance.. Not self leveling. That said, the self leveling feature is so helpful to the new pilot whom is still a bit unsure of themself and aren't on a buddy box.. I think all pilots should try to achieve the skills to fly without ANY Gyro, but I find many pilots enjoy themselves flying with the self level Gyro on all the time and just cruise around the circuit.. To each his own.. I guess...

Excellent. Happiness and Joy to you. Have a blessed time. Greetings ~ Mil

@SteffenRC

3 ай бұрын

Thanks you my friend..

Informative, the forward program relearn is a nice feature. Still feel gyros are more hassle than they’re worth. 👍

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

They have there place for sure. Kinda like rates, expo and battery voltage telemetry info.. The hobby is open for all, and offer pieces and parts to enjoy however you want.. (A lot different than when I started in the early 80's...). Thanks for watching and commenting - Will

@BillCranford

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRC yes agreed. It seems the new nx line is making setup much easier. The gyros I’ve played with require laptop or blue tooth setups such as the ar636 receiver. I’m still using an older dx9.

I always fit a gyro to a new model - it can always be switched off? Nothing fancy though - byme a - with full gyro, wind mitigation mode and off. No messing with gains, no needing a pc etc. Gives me all i need. But always, always pre check control surfaces working correctly with and without the gyro - every single flight. Plane silly not to....

@dronepilot260rc

4 ай бұрын

This is what I use and I can hook ELRS RX to it and have “unlimited range” never worry about signal loss or fail safe 🎉

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

You nailed it.. Know how to use your equipment...

The correct way to do all this, is when you first bind your new rx, make sure everything is going the right way, the forward programming tells you everything must be correct and you have to click through that screen.. rx setup 101. PLUSSSSS, put the gyro settings on a switch, so you can turn it off in flight, that would have also saved him.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yep.. 100%, you shouldn't need to mess with the Relearn Servo if you did the setup correctly.. He didn't.. I always suggest putting the Gyro on a switch.. He probably had it setup that way.. (not positive). That said, the pilot didn't really know what was happening to think about the switch.. Thanks for weighing in on this John.. Appreciate it. Will

We discussed this just this am. My thought exactly.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

These planes can be complicated for sure.. Lots of stuff to go wrong other than the guy moving the sticks the wrong way..😀

Wow. How sad for Mike to learn all of this the hard way. Great video Will. You provided a lot of things to think about. But, I know you - aren't you gonna get out your bucket of various glues and piece that B 25 back together?

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Thanks buddy.. No repair job on this one.. Although it was tempting.. It would've required a new Fuse, but actually the rest could've been repaired...

I make mistakes but its just common sense to check the surfaces out, you do that when you set it up. That to me was a very expensive mistake

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yep.. Thats the issue with this situation. A regular surface check by moving the sticks doesn't catch this issue. You gotta be purposeful on checking the GYRO surface input.. Very expensive mistake for sure...

Agreed!!! Always setup a 'gyro system' on a 3 position switch so it can be turned OFF if necessary. It breaks my heart to see any airplane CRASH because the gyro wasn't properly setup and TESTED before flight. Sometimes the cost of learning comes high!

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

No doubt.. BNF are super simple and easy.. Its when pilots go to the PNP planes, things get a bit more complex.. Gotta pay attention to all the details.

@txkflier

4 ай бұрын

I’ve been programming Spektrum receivers for several years and frequently make the maiden flight in SAFE mode - not because I need it; I want it. I’ve been flying R/C for 60 years. None of my planes have an off position for the gyro.

@williamhoenstine5057

4 ай бұрын

All model airplanes that I have fly much more realistic with SAFE turned ON and they tend to last much longer too @@txkflier

I use a basic Radiolink gyro and have never had one fail during flight. That’s not to say I haven’t done rush jobs and set planes up incorrectly 😂

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

There is so much good equipment out there for the model aviator to use.. Most is really good stuff. The key to it is, know how to use your equipment...

I have had this problem with some of my planes, but checked them before flying. I have had to just turn off the gyro on that axis completely, but looked for the relearn servos. I could never find it with an unlocked receiver. How do I find it?

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I go through the menu to find “ Relearn Servo” in the video. Make sure the plane is powered

@antonsokol4008

4 ай бұрын

I have done this and it does not seem to be there so I’m not sure what to do.

@koalatails5711

4 ай бұрын

@@antonsokol4008Have you tried redoing the whole rebinding/gyro learning process from scratch? (After changing the settings on your transmitter).

The only real problem that I have had was the gyro becoming unstuck in flight and with the gyro moving around it done some crazy flying until it dismantled itself on impact with the ground it all happened very quickly but if I had known all I had to do was turn the gyro off.

@SteffenRC

2 ай бұрын

Ouch.. That stinks.. Sorry for your loss..🥲

Also. A range check is performed before flying begins for that day. I have seen most of our club members do not do this. Bad idea. Always check.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yep.. I've had an RX start to lose is range capabilities. I don't range test every day, but I often review the Spektrum Monitor log to see if there is an abnormal amount of fades or frame losses.. If so, I range check and try to determine whats up..

Why are gyros needed in fixed wing aircraft anyway? I get they are needed for tail rotor and flybarless control in helis, but why on airplanes? Has the base design of models changed so much that they are inherently unstable, or a pilots not "getting their wings" and learning basic flight control, airplane setup and trimming? Maybe I'm just old, but starting with free-flight, going to gliders and then a high wing trainer (all build up from balsa kits) just doesn't seem to happen these days.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I think of the SAFE/Stabilized mode like a buddy box (or a stinky, grumpy guy next to me ready to yank the 72mhz. Kraft Transmitter out of my hand when I would panic..) Helps them learn to fly and get to that point they don't need it anymore other to help steady the planes on a windy day... But, some pilots really enjoy just keeping it in SAFE and doing their circuits.. They are having fun, and it really doesn't bother me anymore...

Title should say IMPROPERLY SETUP gyros kill planes.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Probably.. But thats too long for a Thumbnail.. The official title is "How to test your Gyro to prevent a crash.." But, I know what you mean... Thanks for watching. - Will

Wish I saw this before I went out today - same thing happened to me

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Bummer.. Sorry that happened.. Hope you can repair it.. I've found we can repair almost all foam planes to a certain degree. I've made several videos on my repairs... Thanks for watching and commenting - Will

But also you should be able to turn it off as well , guess you didnt set it up right

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yes. I mention that in the video. It should always be on a switch and frankly, I don’t use a gyro on maiden. But this pilot did. 😢

Or, we could just use our thumbs like the good ole days. LOL

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I guess.. Some folks like to use them and helps them learn also, some planes really benefit from a little stabilization.. I flew in the good old day.. (well early 80's). Balsa, covering, nitro and no expo.. I kinda like the new electric, digital radios and expo. I still like the balsa and covering, but foams ok too.... Thanks for watching and commenting.. - Will

@BellyUpFish

4 ай бұрын

​@@SteffenRC Yeh, I was mostly kidding.

I never understood how people won't take the time to learn and study systems that are new to them or things they don't understand. Don't even get me started about not reading the manual multiple times until you understand it. Too much money or not enough free time? Maybe not the patience? IDK, it is just a little mind-boggling to me hehe. Oh well, we are all different I guess.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I hear you.. I was a FrSky OpenTX guy for years (still use it).. Nobody flies that at my field.. All Spektrum, so I got into that just to learn a new system.. (I kinda like it....). Tinkering, building, learning new stuff is all part of the fun of this hobby. So many of the YT videos I make are based on questions or issues that come up at the club.. Great place to find new content.. Which is always hard for me and my channel.. :-). Appreciate you watching and commenting.. - Will

Well for one, you should never ever take off a plane with gyro for the very first time. This should be tested way up in the air.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Mike.. I mention that in the video..

@user-cc3cq7xi6p

4 ай бұрын

Again, if set up properly, using a gyro is way safer.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

@@user-cc3cq7xi6p There are two reasons you should maiden you plane without a Gyro. 1. Trimming and balancing (moving the CG) should be done without a Gyro, since the gyro is correcting for a poorly setup plane. Better to get it tuned up perfect, then use a gyro for better performance. 2. Setting the gains on a plane can be a risky situation if you set the pitch or roll too high. The oscillation will/could be a disaster. So, flying at altitude and turning on the gyro is a much safer way to address the situation around setting gains.. At least thats my opinion. You may have a better way to accomplish that..

@user-cc3cq7xi6p

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRC To be honest I’m not familiar with spectrum’s gyro system. If you’re talking self leveling gyro, then obviously it will hide mechanical trim issues. “Environmental” correcting gyros won’t affect or correct trim issues. Trim issues will still show up in flight, at least the kind I use. Everyone does their own thing, IMO, gyros have vastly improved the hobby and made flying more safe. They have always helped me maiden successfully. I will never fly anything without one anymore. Again, just my opinion.

so NOT the gyro's fault but user error on setting it up correctly. got it

@SteffenRC

2 ай бұрын

You got it.. Gyros are cool and handy, but if you don't configure them correctly, they can cause your plane to crash.

Been flying 11 years with zero gyros... KZread for some reason does not allow me to reply to comments on any videos for some reason for ladt few months.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I grew up without gyros. I find they can help some planes. Other planes don’t need it. A well tuned plane usually flies great without a gyro. But then there’s that odd ball.

Idk, I learned to fly 40 years ago. No gyro, no trainer cord, just a grumpy old guy in the club helping (yelling at) me while smoking a cigar. Learn to fly, & throw the gyro in the garbage where it belongs. Everyone wants the easy way out now.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I grew up flying the same timeframe.. I still have a Sig Kadet and a K&B .40 waiting for me to finish it (45 years later....)

@spindle2323

17 күн бұрын

Nailed it Gyros definitely belong in the trash can Most people at my club always take home broken r/c aircraft in garbage bags They will never be accomplished pilots but known as muppets with no skillset

My f18 was also destroyed like that because of the gyro

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

It happens often. I notice it most when Spektrum pilots who are used to BNF get a non-Eflite plane and need to configure the Gyro. There are several steps that must be done... Else...... You know... Thanks for watching and commenting.

I have a suggestion, how about flying without a gyro and truly learn to fly without the safety net of a gyro? ;)

@koalatails5711

4 ай бұрын

I’m grateful that I was taught to fly without a gyro. I now own two planes with gyros and many without. No doubt the gyros saved my planes a few times. But they are an extra component that must be checked and be connected by a switch.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

I have many planes with and without. I learned to fly with nothing.. (not even Expo...). I think the self leveling gyro is wonderful for the new pilot that doesn't have a coach or buddy to help them fly without destroying their plane.. I would recommend they work off that tool as there skill progresses.. Also, there are some planes that flat out fly smoother with a stabilization gyro in the plane. (tuned well). But, most will fly well without.. Just my opinion.... Will

@txkflier

4 ай бұрын

Contrary to popular malformed opinions, learning to fly with a gyro does not ruin someone for life.

@koalatails5711

4 ай бұрын

@@txkflier learning to fly with a gyro, doesn’t prevent someone from learning to fly without a gyro. As long as they realise that it is a skill, they have not learned.

@txkflier

4 ай бұрын

@@koalatails5711 Having the student fly their initial flights in SAFE mode lets them learn which way to move the sticks without the plane getting upside down and having to be saved by the instructor. Once they instinctively know which way to move the stick, they can come out of SAFE mode and learn to level the plane when they want to fly straight and level. Since 1972 or 3, I've been teaching what I call the "Get up wingtip" method for flying a plane back toward the pilot. I tell my students to push the stick toward the low wingtip and say "Get up wingtip" to themselves. They can also use it to make turns from level flight and not go the wrong way. And they can use when they're coming into land. They don't have to think about left or right or if the direction is reversed.

My experience- step one remove gyro. Step two- throw it in the trash.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Ha. I get it. But hey, sell them on eBay to offset the cost of the plane. Or send them to me. 😂

Long story short, he failed to properly set up his flight controller.

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Yup. That’s about right.

I bet u wish u were Johnny on the spot nd just flicked ur switch turned off ur gyro wen u had the chance

@SteffenRC

4 ай бұрын

Mike, the pilot really does wish that.. But as you saw.. It was a goat rodeo and he didn't have time to think about what was going on... RIP B-25......

@samsonight2721

4 ай бұрын

@@SteffenRC oooo I no it happens to everyone at some point if they say different prob lying ive seen people shrugg it off shit happens ive seen it just ruined people's days with nasty attitudes