Putting aside the gimmicky circle, figure 8, and inverted functions, I think the real advantage this unit gives is the ability to RTH at the flick of a switch. I tend to fly too far sometimes and become disorientated occasionally. So far, I've been lucky and managed to sort things out. However, I wouldn't need to wash so much underwear with a Return To Home switch!
“Sh!t is about to get real” 😂 Been reading your website from 10 years ago when I first learnt to fly. Came back to flying recently and found your videos. Awesome stuff as usual. Thanks John. 👍🏼
I`m a scale flying pilot I think this would help me. And I have poor arm and hand movement .Thank you for such a good video. I am thinking about getting this. Have a good day...
That video was awesome! You have more Guts than I would I guess if I flew as long as you have I would try it. But to hear you laugh so hard was great. Also the idea that someone with a disability could be able to fly again would be awesome. The feeling of doing what they used to it would get them back outdoors. Great video.
im currently learning helis from fixed wing and bought your book[ thought my printer was gonna overheat🤣] and i also have the accurc2 with vr, im trying to give myself the best chance at successfully learning to fly helis, as for this, its a great unit but i will stick with my dji mavic for hands off/on dumb fun, i can definately see a market for this and maybe when im skilled enough to do my intended scale/ sports flying i might get one for lazy days. thanks for the work you put in to get us noobs in the air!
I think like you. Learn to fly 3D the right way, then if, as you said, lose loss of hand skills, due to many different reasons, which do happen, at least you can still fly. Maybe another application would be, if you invest a lot of money into a kit, this would be like a SAFE MODE to back you up at the flick of a switch since you can turn it off and on. John I was messaging with someone on RCGroups, and they really love your videos, and might even be a friend, I don't know. But I just got into flying RC Heli's in mid April. Started with a Blade 70S RTF. IMO, best flybarless trainer FP made, and at a perfect price, so if you feel it's "Not your thing", your wallet will still be very heavy. Anyway, he helped me out quite a bit while learning FP, and made a lot of good suggestions, quoting you a lot! He got me on the right path of how to train and progress. I've flown fixed wing RC for 17 years, plus cars and boats, but I was always very hesitant about flying Heli's, as I knew they were the hardest to learn. Well, the technology is at the best I've seen yet, with that little 70S, and I couldn't resist the price. The gentleman even said, quoting you again, that "The RC controller in the RTF with the 70S, is really not bad at all, as it gives you the feel of a real type stick RC controller, and less toy like." Of course that's not verbatim, but, I understood what he meant, being a fixed wing pilot, and seeing some of the crappy "Toy Like" controllers that come in a lot of these RTF Helis. So I just wanted to thank you, and him, for suggesting to watch your vids. I'm now subscribed. BTW, I'm just about to fly my Nano S2 for the first time I received recently. I have over 100 flights on the 70S and hours of sim time, RealFlight 9, flying the 230S V2. I've bought a 230S V2 as well. But it's just going to sit in the box for a little longer, until I can fly the Nano S2 comfortably. I have no doubt I can fly the 230S V2 right now, in intermediate mode, but I would rather learn CP on the little Nano S2 first. No real 3D, some flips of course, and learning to hover inverted as well as flying it that way as well. As you can tell, I'm hooked now. And with that, like my fixed wing planes, I already own 2 Blade 70S's, the Esky 150 V2, (Just couldn't resist that little red LED in the tail when you throttle it up), the Nano S2, and the 230S V2 already. I already have my eye on 2 more. Anyway, again thank you very much!
How is it going? I also started this Hobby new last year. Started with the XK K110 and now moved on to the Omphobby m1. Cant believe you didnt get one of these babys to Start. John Also recommends them
@@chrisbee5481 Hi Chris, it's going great! A lot more sim time on my Real Flight 9.0 that I recently upgraded to 9.5 for free, and have been flying my 230 V2 for quite a while now, on the 3rd mode, no more training wheels, and I'm competent doing some 3d. Flips forward and backwards, stationary rolls, waterfalls, but not every trick in the book by far, and I fly 3 mistakes high when performing them, just to make sure. I'm not fully competent with flying inverted full time yet, but I'm still practicing that on both the real heli, and the sim. I don't have as much time as I used to, since the lockdown to fly, as I've started back working again a while ago now, but, I'm still very much into Heli's and feel I'm hooked for life. I've been putting a little bit away in the savings for a Blade 480 Fusion, or something comparable that have parts readily available though. I really want to fly one of the really big boys now. I have that guy on RCGroups to thank, and John as well, or I probably would've never had the courage to just buy one and start flying. By the way, if you don't have a Blade S 230 V2, they discontinued it recently, and now it's called the Blade 230 S Smart. People are having a lot of trouble with the connector on the smart battery you need to fly it, and currently there's no adapter for the proprietary plug, so you can't charge the battery with any aftermarket chargers, even the ones THEY make! The only way to fly and charge it currently is to buy the RTF version, as it comes with the crappy, yet only charger currently on the market that will charge the battery for you.
@@barneyrebel0123 i guess you are from north America (somewere on the continent). Horizon Hobby is very popular there. Guess thats why you went for the Blade. Here in Germany you get HH Blade products, but I find rather expensive. Had a blade mcpx long ago. Then I went for a trex 450. Okay, I forgot to mension the piece of crap Esky Belt CP before that. Best decision I ever made was to Start all over again after 8 years break last year. Had lots of time during lockdown. John Salt inspired me and adviced me to the k110 and M1. What I live about the K110 is its crash durability. Most time you can just pick it up and keep going. The 450 class is great. You need lots of space though. Here law regulations are sub 250g if you want to fly just about anywere. I have respect of the bigger Helis. With the micros you can just fly in your garden or park next door. They dont scare people. I never likes sims as much as just flying. With the k110 i practice rolls, flips and inverted and dint have to worry about crashing. Took me a month to get into 3d. So cheap to get one. You should try it. 😉
Small helis are harder to fly than larger models. I had a couple of wl toys V977 micro cp helis. In 6 axis mode, it’s easy. As soon as I turn off the accelerometer, the ground comes up fast! My wife bought me a blade 330s for Christmas, but can’t open it till then. In real flight 9.5 it’s much easier to fly than the blade 230s
John Salt I've suffered excessive laughter 😃 watching your video you have put so much time & effort 👌 with great knowledge into this video keep them coming Topman 👍 just excellent work
Great video John. A no brainer to fly with the H1. But I think it's great for scale flying. Maybe I will put this H1 gyro in my 600ESP Airwolf. Can't wait to see the set-up tutorial.
Fantastic review John. I recently purchased the FW450 which included the H1 already setup. All I had to do is a calibration using the software and it fly’s as it’s intended.
Wow this is what I need. Totally not interested in learning properly. Tired of wasting money on crash & repair. I just want to fly no stress. Thanks for the alternative.
Congratulations for your work!!! it was the best tutorial I found so far, I already have my controller in hand and I didn't start the assembly for lack of a better explanation, now I'm going to follow your guidelines and assemble on my T-rex450, I liked it and I'm subscribed !!!! thank you friend!!!
Ok john just like to mention on the flywing fw450 l to abort the rth on low battery put the switch to home then again to gps and it will then cancel the return to home. Now thats on the radio that comes with the fly wing.that was a almost crash for me in a very confined area .it happened at 36%on a 3300 4s. 100 c battery.long story short it scared the heck out of me when it took off and no controll on the sticks.
I think what you are saying John is basically "a monkey can fly it." Lol I hope you and your Family are all staying Safe and Healthy my friend! Thanks for sharing another great video John. 😍👍🚁
I guess if you're crop dusting it's useful, we have boring big drones for that though. A gadget for the xbox generation I guess although I hate the 6 axis stabilization systems too as they take all the fun away. Useful for a beginner if it gets away from them unless they forget to flick the switch of course. Quick note about flying with a hand injury. I was born without my left hand, only have about 2 inches below my elbow and I learned to fly, just took determination and practice, like anything. Can't comment if it was any harder for me than a regular flyer.
Wow! Interesting Test! Always wanted to try Dji Naza H. Well, being able to fly 3D already your computer controlled flight really looks unreal & robotic as u mention. Maybe there’s a tweak somewhere to make it more subtle. Thanks for sharing bro💕
Getting here 2 years late, but I guess not everyone has access to live help when starting out. It would have been awesome to see regular manual flight in unison with autopilot, where auto recovery only kicks in while losing control in that you must let go of the sticks to level out. Another option is to have the GPS used like an invisible fence for a number of reasons.
I was trying to say these would be nice to have features used towards learning instead of this tech leads to developing bad habits and or only helps the handicapped yada.
Brilliant explanatory video. Initially I was super excited, but after consideration it’s not for me. As you explain it can develop real bad habits. It should suit a different segment of the Rc market because the system presents little challenge , even for newbies like me that are building our skills at a super slow rate but finding it hugely rewarding in the process. Happy flying
Yep, the RC heli instructor in me hates this technology and what negative impact it has the potential to do to our hobby; yet the nerd in me sure appreciates the technology & science involved. 🙃 Happy flying your way too.
thank you again for another great vid please do a setup video please. maybe address the 2 esc wiring for motor tail and motor main.... great vids as always
That's absolutely awesome tech! I flew helis for years all flybars never really got good at 3d. A friend of mine years ago would tease me, yeah I'll wait till the tech to fly autonomous comes out and I'll fly circles around you with a push of a button! Dang it's here! Lol, why when you flew inverted why did the tail bob go away? 🤔 Great stuff but I'm with you on the it teaches you nothing but bad habits! All my helis still have flybars! 👊😎👍
Not sure? The IMU sensor inside the H1 is apparently floating so perhaps while inverted, the dampening characteristics of the isolation foam the IMU is attached to changed but that is just a wild a** guess. I too am still a fan of trusty flybars even though I only have a few flybared machines left in the fleet. No programming, no PID tuning, no compatibility BS, hassle free & robust - build the heli, setup your pitch & throttle curves, go flying.
@@Rchelicopterfun Interesting and sounds like a good theory to me. One day I will get a flybarless unit, might get me back to flying regularly! Thanks buddy, have a great day!
I picked up a thunder tiger raptor 50 for $40, and am scared shitless to fire it up. Been thinking about using a beta flight controller with gps for it, but I’d rather get something made for helis
I'll be doing a setup/configuration video of the H1 unit, but binding is a function of your specific radio system and receiver, not the H1 unit. You are not binding the H1 unit to your radio, you are binding the receiver. In short binding will not be addressed since it's radio system dependent.
Well John many people give up Heli flying because of all the crashes+expense so really this is a cool bit of kit I have ordered mine from r/c motion "Europe" as bang good pain at the moment I wondered as you set-up with s-bus did you have to change the servos to do this ? as normally s-bus will only work with programme servos .great video you are the tops !!!!
As an instructor for almost 30 years now, the reason most beginners crash is because they don't follow a skill building, systematic ground up lesson plan, nor do they setup their helicopters correctly for learning on. There is no reason any beginner should ever crash a CP heli when learning the fundamentals correctly. If you think GPS systems like this will prevent beginners from crashing, I have a bridge to sell. Not only are the crashes almost as frequent (again because they simply don't know the basics & overfly their skill level), they are often more catastrophic because the heli is higher, moving faster & can't throttle down at low stick. All that combines to a much greater release of energy. Worst part is, it can be far away when this happens as the close in beginner safety net area where most beginners are confined to due to orientation skills (lack there of) is gone. Now they can get much higher & further away with the equivalence of a flying lawnmower they have *zero control over*. Property damage is the outcome, and another RC flying field loses its uphill battle to secure next years lease from the land owner; and even more over reaching regulations are imposed on our hobby. Look around - it's happening everywhere. It's why we don't allow GPS systems on helicopters at our field and we most certainly won't sign off any student who is relying on one to pass their beginner heli certification. Anyway with my little instructor based and loss of RC field rant over with, S-Bus will work with any type of servo. You most certainly don't need programmable servos with S-Bus RX connectivity. S-Bus is a serial communication protocol only that occurs between the RX and the flybarless system or flight controller; it has zero influence over type of servo that needs to be used. What is important with the H1 as I stated in the video is the servos are rated at high enough voltage that the H1 operates at (ie. HV servos). There are ways around that as well which I cover in the description of the H1 setup video.
Good review John. Have to say this thing has no appeal for me as it would take all the fun and challenge (and fear) out of flying a collective pitch heli.
Yes I agree too. Most of us fly CP for the engagement & challenge - this removes much of that. As I said in the video, I see it as a wonderful aid however for folks who have lost the ability to fly for some health reason. I know a few good pilots that after having strokes had to shelve their birds, these things might help them get them flying again.
@@Rchelicopterfun Yes, that alone would be a very good thing. Who knows, they may yet build in the improvements you suggest. Will have to keep an eye on this one.
Can you advice if this will be good on a 90size gas helicopter like a gsr260s? I had an ace one autopilot but the imu is bad thinking or replacing it with this since the price is very OK
The M2 and now the new M2 EXP is/are a better quality helis (both electronics & mechanics); but, you pay more so that quality increase naturally comes with a price tag attached to it. The new M2 EXP is $280 making it only $80 more than the 150 so the price gap has narrowed. Of course, another cost savings that can't be overlooked with the 150 is the built in RX if you already fly with Speky. Personally, I'd take the M2 or M2 EXP over the 150 for the direct drive main motor technology alone, but that's just my 2 cents and personal preference.
I'm sixty, and built an Align 470 LP a couple of years ago, but I never fly it because my vision is poor and slow to focus, causing me to lose orientation quickly, and constantly. I've been trying to learn to fly with the Heli-X simulator, and with an old 230S. I do fine with the simulator, but my vision just will not allow me to fly the 230S, due to losing orientation constantly. Something like this would allow me to fly my 470LP.
Imagine this now in a scale model helicopter. Now the fear of crashing it could be eliminated! Nice. What are some good resources to learn more? What aircrafts, transmitters etc can this be applied too?
Dear Sir This is Alp from Istanbul - Türkiye. I watched and excatly did your H1 setup video but I could not start the Align Trex 700.(I mean can not start motor and any thing else of Heli) I use orginal radio of Flywing FW450 . As you know this heli use same H1 system.What could be problem.Sorry for my English Best Regards
Hello John. I have the Flywing H1 for my T-Rex 470 LM I made all the settings on my helicopter and the radio control but when I want to take off the engine does not turn. My remote control is the Spektrum NX 10. There is certainly a button to assign to activate the motor but I don't know. Tutorials on CZcams do not explain very well how to set up the H1 with Spektrum radio controls. I have spent many hours trying to get the engine to run without success. Do you have an idea? Franck from France
There is no doubt in my mind. When you were in that weird inverted mode, hovering inverted, and slowly sinking, I would not have been able to get out of the habbit of applying more negative collective to stop it from hitting the deck, the muscle memory is too strong for me to withstand. I would have been in the ground for sure!! LOL!!
Sorry, but I got rid of the H1 shortly after reviewing it in this video. Way too many bad habits were forming, actually surprised just how quickly they were forming. 🙃
Hi I am having some trouble with this I have set the H1 unit up as per the instructions. Everything moves in the right direction pitch set at 12 deg + -but I have a problem, as I raise the throttle the motor slows down a lot. Blades are of the correct way. Stuck.
Bought the fw 450 with the h1 gps would like to get the Roban uh1 army huey 800 size when they become available, they recommend the Bavairian BestX and I see it's set up has what's missing in the H1
The H1 would be a horrid system in a big scale ship. I too would recommend the Bavarian Demon 3X - they are one of the best FBL systems for scale in my opinion. I've got a 3X in my Roban 700 super scale AS350 and it flies like a dream. You need lots of cyclic pitch filtering / derivative gain on big scale helis with lots of boom mass (which the Roban 800 UH1 most certainly does) or you will get horrible porpoising. The H1 will porpoise in a standard pod & boom heli just by looking at it the wrong way. The 3X however can handle it no problem.
Hi. First of all, very nice video. My question is if you need to take a laptop and "dance" to calibrate the system yet. I've read that they were preparing an app for phones to eliminate this dance. Thanks
Hi Jone i have install H1 to trex 600 recently ,everything done the same as you but collective pitch not going up for take off ,just moving around two decree in full throttle can you help me thanks
As stated in the description, a compromised setup. I don't remember the exact setting because I got rid of the H1 shortly after and have the Ikon2 back on that heli.
15:57 "Shit, is about to get real!" I absolutely lost my shit when i heard that! Is that something you programed into it? Or does it do it by itself? And what part actually does that? Is it the transmitter?
It's part of the OpenTX voice/sound pack for the specific radio (transmitter) I'm using - yes it's programmed into the radio like all the voice call outs are. Voice/sound pack is called "Amber" (google search). She has some good sayings 😄
hey john ..love your content...i have the 380 alzrc and the swash is backwards from the 500 and i had to change Left and right servo connections to get swash moving right.... do you think that ok ???
Apparently yes with a Spektrum receiver that has PPM output such as the AR7700. Channel mapping is wrong as well since the H1 uses Futaba channel mapping (AETR) not Spektrum/JR mapping (TAER) requiring some creative mix programming.
Hi John How do you cure the tail bob in GPS mode, in your vid whilst flying in 3d mode you had no tail bob, then when you switched it back to GPS mode tail bob returned, you said it could be the accelerometer, are you referring to the (fixed breaking force) function or (Flight speed) function been set to high in the H1 setup wizard. I have tail bob in GPS mode on my align Trex 600 in forward and backward motion. Be interesting to know if you solved the problem in software setup settings. Thanks
Yes. Pretty much the same tuning steps taken to deal with cyclic pitch oscillations on any FBL system with combined cyclic axis gain adjustment, lack of PID access, or lack of elevator (cyclic pitch filtering). I basically tuned the cyclic gains while experimenting with different heads speeds with different amounts of head dampening and blade bolt torque to change the lead and lag characteristics of the blades. With that said, it can be tuned to work well in either autopilot mode or regular gyro mode - not both. To get it to work somewhat acceptable in both modes along a broader head speed range, it's a compromise between stability in one, and vagueness in the other.
Thanks for the great review. I ordered mine from BG 8 days ago, so still a while to wait! Couple of questions: you power yours straight from BEC, but in the manual it says you can't do that, the voltage range they give is 6,4-8,4v? Also, we could do with a table of channel assignments, maybe in the setup video. The other improvement would be to make the inverted channel assignable, I don't think ch 6 is used? It would be really good if ch 6 could be for inverted instead of ch 9, then you could get away with an 8 channel system. Thanks again, looking forward to that in-depth setup video.
Depends what your BEC voltage is. The BEC in this hobbywing ESC is programmable and I have it set to 8.0V since I'm running HV servos in this 505. Channel mapping is straight forward (standard futaba for the first 4), and the toggle activation is as shown in the video for ch 5,7,8,9, but I'll cover it in the setup video. Yes, for some reason there is no channel 6, and you can't have a channel 6. Perhaps because that's the collective pitch channel with most radios and they likely left it our for radios that you can't change the output assignments like you can with OpenTX. In short, you need a 9 ch or better TX & RX if you want to use the ch9 invert function.
Hi John, How would you rate this product the Fly Wing H1? Is it a quality product (like my Mikado Mini V-Bar), and have them improved the firmware since you first had it??
Hi Michael, Not sure I would even try to compare the H1 to any proper FBL system. The V-Bar is a proper and wonderful performing flybarless system, it runs circles around the H1 or any other GPS autopilot in terms of good heli feel and performance. In contrast, the H1 is a GPS autopilot system that turns a potentially dangerous RC helicopter into a mindless drone. Basically giving people with no flying skills at all, the ability to fly a very dangerous helicopter with no training. Yes, I hate these GPS things on collective pitch helicopters because I see how they are destroying our hobby from a legality standpoint. We won't even allow them at our field anymore, but too little too late, MAAC lost it's Transport Canada exemptions this past weekend and I now have no more flying field. Thanks entitled droners! No idea if turd wing improved their setup software, I removed the H1 from this heli and put the Ikon back on within a month because I wanted a good flying helicopter again.
Hi John, I recently came across your channel as I'm teaching myself to fly a heli. I think you're right on this it doesn't help or teach you to fly however, if you were learning and using the 3 axis gyro then panicked you can flick it into gps to save you? It's like a cheap 3gx? What would your thoughts be? Also I thought the video was great at explaining the programing and everything! I hope flywing take onboard what you said
This flight control system may work for rescue (clunky), but there are far better FBL units with proper rescue functions such as the Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Spirit, & Vbar. I talk about these FBL units in detail along with "rescue" mode on my Best FBL system on my website: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-flybarless-system.html
I can think of another purpose for this gyro, as it could be toggled to regain control during 3D maneuvers. In fact, I recently experience a crash with my 450 that could have been saved by such a feature
I don't know if it could? Rescue mode is not a feature that is advertised. There are far better flybarless systems on the market that have rescue modes that are purpose designed for that exact purpose (rescue during 3D), such as Bavarian Demon, Ikon, VBar & Spirit.
@@Rchelicopterfun Hi john, I have another question for you that I'm hoping you might be able to provide some insight on. With that said, I'm leaning toward the Ikon, though I was wondering if you knew, if any of the flybarless systems you mentioned allowed for simplified flying mode? For example; I have a V450D03 which offers three modes to fly-in, the first is a very simplified collective pitch type mode, which is great for circuit flying etc, whereas the second and third, are 3D modes, one light version(as I like to call it), with lower rpm and mild stick response, whereas the other is a higher rpm with aggressive control response. Thanks again for all your help on this btw, I truly appreciate it
John Salt that’s great news , been sitting on my trex 550 scared to fly it 🤦🏼♂️ been flying my trex ‘s 450 for couple years , decided to upgrade to a 550, feel like it might be too much so i got the h1, now they are both collecting dust lol h1 and taranis tutorial would be amazing 🥳 thank you
Hello, I have exactly the same problem as in your video, the helicopter wobbles and rocks like crazy. In your video they say the same thing, flying beautifully is something else. Do you have an explanation for this? Because for me only the 550 T-Rex does that, my 3 Logo 550se don't do that and stand like a ONE
John, the cord on your H1 is as you say about 16" long... the unit I just got and others I see advertised are about 3.5" long. I am building a 505 also and the cord is too short to get past the canopy . Where did you get the one with the longer cord ? Is there an extension ??
The one I got from Banggood (link is in the description) came out of the box with the GPS pod harness of that length. No idea if there are extension cables & perhaps they decided to change the length of the cable. I don't sell theses things (I don't even recommend them for the vast majority of people for obvious reasons), so I have no idea what they are currently shipping with. Ask FlyWing or the vendor.
hI, I have a T-rex600 Nitro. I have already bought a H1 autopilot too. I need to know before mounting H1, where to put the throttle servo...i mean if i have to put it into receiver or into the 'esc' of H1. Thanks a lot in advanced for helping me.
No idea how you could make the H1 work with a nitro? Fixed throttle output with no control over idle or starting throttle position - can't see how it could possibly work never mind not trusting the H1 in a high vibration environment. Contact Fly Wing is all I can suggest.
Nope, they just tweaked some pre-set settings. If you want a save function with a good flying RC helicopter, get a decent FBL system like an Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Spirit, V-Bar, Futaba etc. and don't even consider this GPS auto pilot crap. By the way & as I said in the video, more tuning was required to address the bounce and after a half dozen or so more test flights, playing with head speeds, the gain values, blade grip torque, and head dampening, the bounce was totally cured; so it's not due to the setup software, although it would be nice to have separate gains on cyclic like every other good FBL system offers.
@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks John, What would be the best "beginners" flybarless system with maximum aid/functionality? I've moved on from a 450 with a directional gyro but I'm really after extra help from a flybarless system like rescue modes. Im not at all confident at 3D yet and I can see the GPS H1 system will cause bad habits. FYI I've read your webpage about the flybarless units...
@@Rchelicopterfun Just re-read your website on FLB systems and your comments above - purchased a Spirit (they now do a GPS option too for some confidence). Thanks!
Great review! Just wondering... If I wanted to put this on an old Raptor 30... And leave the Flybar on... Would it be OK? 😊 Wanna put the raptor back into an old airwolf body! 😊 It's so old though I'm not sure I wanna convert to Flybarless or even if that's available!
No one seems to be addressing the elephant in the room... The required voltage for the H1 is incompatable with all my 4.8v tail servos. What would happen to the H1 if you run it on 5v. I know what will happen to my tail servos running 6.4v.. smoke and very likely an expensive crash.
*What elephant?* We have been running lower voltage tail servos on our RC helicopters when using higher voltage RX packs & BEC's for at least 20 years by using a voltage regulator on the tail servo. You can purchase them inexpensively, or build your own for dirt cheap. Lots of info on it and I do cover this in the H1 setup video in the description: czcams.com/video/_WCnYritAXI/video.html *What happens if you power the H1 with only 5V?* No idea. I presume you would experience processor restarts, if it/they even boot up at all. The real elephant in the room is the *danger that all GPS enabled collective pitch helicopters pose to the future of our hobby.* We all know the mess the mindless GPS droners have done to the hobby of RC aviation, and that is with low energy quad copters. Imagine the same entitled pricks going on FPV hero missions with a 700 size heli putting out 8HP at the rotor shaft spinning razor sharp carbon blades. That's the big mother f-ing elephant in the room every RC aviation enthusiast should be concerned over; not the need to add a simple & inexpensive servo voltage regulator or a couple 20 cent HER 503 or 1N4001 rectifying diodes on an old low voltage tail servo. 🙂
Hello, Mr. Salt. Several years ago, when I am a beginner, I bought two of your eBooks. One is "The RC Helicopter Tips & Setup eBook", the other is "How to build a training gear for RC helicopter". Both worked good for me!. Thank you very much. Now I am not a beginner but an intermediate pilot. Anyway, I have a question. I got H1 GPS and equipped TREX 450 with it. I always check my helicopters using my turning table ("Lazy Susan") BEFORE the maiden flight. As usually, I checked my TREX 450 with H1 GPS. When the collective pitch is positive, the TREX 450 locks its tail completely. When the collective pitch is negative, however, it does not lock its tail, turns anticlockwise. And it flies uneventfully at least when it is NOT inverted (ie., the main rotor is upside and the skid is downside). I am afraid that something catastrophic occurs when it flies inverted. I have not yet tried an inverted flight using H1 GPS. I want to ask you if it is normal that my TREX 450 turns anticlockwise on Lazy Susan when the collective pitch is not positive but negative. Or I hope that you give me an advisory comment.
Hi Hitoshi. Have you tried it without being strapped down? With these fully autonomous flight controllers (actually even normal flybarless systems), the heli HAS to be able to float and bob as it naturally would in the air without any movement restriction. The H1 is looking for feedback from ALL the sensors and if the heli is strapped down to something, it's not going to get that feedback correctly and will do strange things - cyclic and tail drift among them. If you have tried it untethered and you are still experiencing yaw drift, you can contact on my website if you wish for further discussion since I don't sort complex technical issues in the comments section of CZcams.
Hi John, thanks for the review. I have one of this H1 installed and set up by a guy and I like how it works, coming from DJI Naza H. Now, on inverted flight, I've never tried that, does H1 automatically invert the heli for you by just flicking a switch? Or you have to invert it manually then let H1 control the flying on auto mode?
I know how to fly collective but I am looking for something with rescue for those rare moments when I get confused or distracted. Which unit do you recommend?
Any good FBL system with rescue. Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Maxx, BeastX, Vbar... I go over them and what to look for in a flybarless system on my best flybarless system page: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-flybarless-system.html
Fly Wing H1 Setup Tutorial & Tips Video: czcams.com/video/_WCnYritAXI/video.html
Learn more about the wonderful & fascinating hobby of RC helicopters: www.rchelicopterfun.com/
Love the voice for your flight modes. lol
Putting aside the gimmicky circle, figure 8, and inverted functions, I think the real advantage this unit gives is the ability to RTH at the flick of a switch. I tend to fly too far sometimes and become disorientated occasionally. So far, I've been lucky and managed to sort things out. However, I wouldn't need to wash so much underwear with a Return To Home switch!
"hangs in the air like dirty odor." Nice, gonna have to use that.
Amazing---the hobby came a long way since I was flying some 30 years ago.
15:58 now that's a badass Radio control 😂😂😂
Beautiful scenery John, man oh man to be able to have that view waking up in the morning gives one a sense of reverence for the all mighty!
“Sh!t is about to get real” 😂
Been reading your website from 10 years ago when I first learnt to fly. Came back to flying recently and found your videos. Awesome stuff as usual. Thanks John. 👍🏼
Thanks back 👍
I`m a scale flying pilot I think this would help me. And I have poor arm and hand movement .Thank you for such a good video. I am thinking about getting this. Have a good day...
Thanks John, really enjoyed the review! Reminds me of the "invert switch" we had back in the 80s. I think I might try one of these...... Cheers
15:58 - LOL that audio for 3D mode is hilarious.
love to see the full setup video.
Man you live in the paradise, thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching
Yes I want to learn more about setting it up. I have a Align 500X.
That video was awesome! You have more Guts than I would I guess if I flew as long as you have I would try it. But to hear you laugh so hard was great. Also the idea that someone with a disability could be able to fly again would be awesome. The feeling of doing what they used to it would get them back outdoors. Great video.
im currently learning helis from fixed wing and bought your book[ thought my printer was gonna overheat🤣] and i also have the accurc2 with vr, im trying to give myself the best chance at successfully learning to fly helis, as for this, its a great unit but i will stick with my dji mavic for hands off/on dumb fun, i can definately see a market for this and maybe when im skilled enough to do my intended scale/ sports flying i might get one for lazy days. thanks for the work you put in to get us noobs in the air!
I think like you. Learn to fly 3D the right way, then if, as you said, lose loss of hand skills, due to many different reasons, which do happen, at least you can still fly. Maybe another application would be, if you invest a lot of money into a kit, this would be like a SAFE MODE to back you up at the flick of a switch since you can turn it off and on.
John I was messaging with someone on RCGroups, and they really love your videos, and might even be a friend, I don't know. But I just got into flying RC Heli's in mid April. Started with a Blade 70S RTF. IMO, best flybarless trainer FP made, and at a perfect price, so if you feel it's "Not your thing", your wallet will still be very heavy. Anyway, he helped me out quite a bit while learning FP, and made a lot of good suggestions, quoting you a lot! He got me on the right path of how to train and progress. I've flown fixed wing RC for 17 years, plus cars and boats, but I was always very hesitant about flying Heli's, as I knew they were the hardest to learn.
Well, the technology is at the best I've seen yet, with that little 70S, and I couldn't resist the price. The gentleman even said, quoting you again, that "The RC controller in the RTF with the 70S, is really not bad at all, as it gives you the feel of a real type stick RC controller, and less toy like." Of course that's not verbatim, but, I understood what he meant, being a fixed wing pilot, and seeing some of the crappy "Toy Like" controllers that come in a lot of these RTF Helis. So I just wanted to thank you, and him, for suggesting to watch your vids. I'm now subscribed.
BTW, I'm just about to fly my Nano S2 for the first time I received recently. I have over 100 flights on the 70S and hours of sim time, RealFlight 9, flying the 230S V2. I've bought a 230S V2 as well. But it's just going to sit in the box for a little longer, until I can fly the Nano S2 comfortably. I have no doubt I can fly the 230S V2 right now, in intermediate mode, but I would rather learn CP on the little Nano S2 first. No real 3D, some flips of course, and learning to hover inverted as well as flying it that way as well. As you can tell, I'm hooked now. And with that, like my fixed wing planes, I already own 2 Blade 70S's, the Esky 150 V2, (Just couldn't resist that little red LED in the tail when you throttle it up), the Nano S2, and the 230S V2 already. I already have my eye on 2 more. Anyway, again thank you very much!
How is it going? I also started this Hobby new last year. Started with the XK K110 and now moved on to the Omphobby m1. Cant believe you didnt get one of these babys to Start. John Also recommends them
@@chrisbee5481 Hi Chris, it's going great! A lot more sim time on my Real Flight 9.0 that I recently upgraded to 9.5 for free, and have been flying my 230 V2 for quite a while now, on the 3rd mode, no more training wheels, and I'm competent doing some 3d. Flips forward and backwards, stationary rolls, waterfalls, but not every trick in the book by far, and I fly 3 mistakes high when performing them, just to make sure. I'm not fully competent with flying inverted full time yet, but I'm still practicing that on both the real heli, and the sim. I don't have as much time as I used to, since the lockdown to fly, as I've started back working again a while ago now, but, I'm still very much into Heli's and feel I'm hooked for life. I've been putting a little bit away in the savings for a Blade 480 Fusion, or something comparable that have parts readily available though. I really want to fly one of the really big boys now. I have that guy on RCGroups to thank, and John as well, or I probably would've never had the courage to just buy one and start flying. By the way, if you don't have a Blade S 230 V2, they discontinued it recently, and now it's called the Blade 230 S Smart. People are having a lot of trouble with the connector on the smart battery you need to fly it, and currently there's no adapter for the proprietary plug, so you can't charge the battery with any aftermarket chargers, even the ones THEY make! The only way to fly and charge it currently is to buy the RTF version, as it comes with the crappy, yet only charger currently on the market that will charge the battery for you.
@@barneyrebel0123 i guess you are from north America (somewere on the continent). Horizon Hobby is very popular there. Guess thats why you went for the Blade. Here in Germany you get HH Blade products, but I find rather expensive. Had a blade mcpx long ago. Then I went for a trex 450. Okay, I forgot to mension the piece of crap Esky Belt CP before that. Best decision I ever made was to Start all over again after 8 years break last year. Had lots of time during lockdown. John Salt inspired me and adviced me to the k110 and M1. What I live about the K110 is its crash durability. Most time you can just pick it up and keep going. The 450 class is great. You need lots of space though. Here law regulations are sub 250g if you want to fly just about anywere. I have respect of the bigger Helis. With the micros you can just fly in your garden or park next door. They dont scare people. I never likes sims as much as just flying. With the k110 i practice rolls, flips and inverted and dint have to worry about crashing. Took me a month to get into 3d. So cheap to get one. You should try it. 😉
Small helis are harder to fly than larger models. I had a couple of wl toys V977 micro cp helis. In 6 axis mode, it’s easy. As soon as I turn off the accelerometer, the ground comes up fast! My wife bought me a blade 330s for Christmas, but can’t open it till then. In real flight 9.5 it’s much easier to fly than the blade 230s
John Salt
I've suffered excessive laughter 😃 watching your video you have put so much time & effort 👌 with great knowledge into this video keep them coming Topman 👍 just excellent work
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video John. A no brainer to fly with the H1. But I think it's great for scale flying. Maybe I will put this H1 gyro in my 600ESP Airwolf. Can't wait to see the set-up tutorial.
Fantastic review John. I recently purchased the FW450 which included the H1 already setup. All I had to do is a calibration using the software and it fly’s as it’s intended.
Same for me, great Heli and the H1 flight controller is very good
Calibration every time you start?
Hi John. Please, please do a full setup video.
Looks like I'm doing a setup video this week. 🙂
Wow this is what I need. Totally not interested in learning properly. Tired of wasting money on crash & repair. I just want to fly no stress. Thanks for the alternative.
Been using a NAZA-H for several years. This looks much better.
Congratulations for your work!!! it was the best tutorial I found so far, I already have my controller in hand and I didn't start the assembly for lack of a better explanation, now I'm going to follow your guidelines and assemble on my T-rex450, I liked it and I'm subscribed !!!! thank you friend!!!
Amazing system , good alternative for the Naza H system in scale helicopters ( as rescue ) , need some updates fore sure . Thanks for review 👍👍
why do you need it for scale helis if you only do boring circles in the sky like old man ?
caliber because i am , so what ? And what can you do to have some fun ? Comment on other people 🤮
Ok john just like to mention on the flywing fw450 l to abort the rth on low battery put the switch to home then again to gps and it will then cancel the return to home. Now thats on the radio that comes with the fly wing.that was a almost crash for me in a very confined area .it happened at 36%on a 3300 4s. 100 c battery.long story short it scared the heck out of me when it took off and no controll on the sticks.
Yes we whould love you to do a video on setting it up please
This is my dream all I ever wanted, I'm tired to put my helis on the fireplace
I think what you are saying John is basically "a monkey can fly it." Lol
I hope you and your Family are all staying Safe and Healthy my friend! Thanks for sharing another great video John. 😍👍🚁
Yup, I'm the monkey.
Nice back drop
That is a freakin' amazing piece of tech for an extremely cheap price! Great video, John.
Agreed.
I guess if you're crop dusting it's useful, we have boring big drones for that though. A gadget for the xbox generation I guess although I hate the 6 axis stabilization systems too as they take all the fun away. Useful for a beginner if it gets away from them unless they forget to flick the switch of course. Quick note about flying with a hand injury. I was born without my left hand, only have about 2 inches below my elbow and I learned to fly, just took determination and practice, like anything. Can't comment if it was any harder for me than a regular flyer.
Very motivational - thanks for sharing your experience🙂.
Or FPV
Wow! Interesting Test! Always wanted to try Dji Naza H. Well, being able to fly 3D already your computer controlled flight really looks unreal & robotic as u mention. Maybe there’s a tweak somewhere to make it more subtle. Thanks for sharing bro💕
Would love to see a full setup video please
Getting here 2 years late, but I guess not everyone has access to live help when starting out. It would have been awesome to see regular manual flight in unison with autopilot, where auto recovery only kicks in while losing control in that you must let go of the sticks to level out. Another option is to have the GPS used like an invisible fence for a number of reasons.
I was trying to say these would be nice to have features used towards learning instead of this tech leads to developing bad habits and or only helps the handicapped yada.
Brilliant explanatory video. Initially I was super excited, but after consideration it’s not for me. As you explain it can develop real bad habits. It should suit a different segment of the Rc market because the system presents little challenge , even for newbies like me that are building our skills at a super slow rate but finding it hugely rewarding in the process. Happy flying
Yep, the RC heli instructor in me hates this technology and what negative impact it has the potential to do to our hobby; yet the nerd in me sure appreciates the technology & science involved. 🙃 Happy flying your way too.
John Salt - ya the ultimate paradox 🤪
Can you please do a full tutorial set up,
Working on it...
thank you again for another great vid please do a setup video please. maybe address the 2 esc wiring for motor tail and motor main.... great vids as always
That's absolutely awesome tech! I flew helis for years all flybars never really got good at 3d. A friend of mine years ago would tease me, yeah I'll wait till the tech to fly autonomous comes out and I'll fly circles around you with a push of a button! Dang it's here! Lol, why when you flew inverted why did the tail bob go away? 🤔 Great stuff but I'm with you on the it teaches you nothing but bad habits! All my helis still have flybars! 👊😎👍
Not sure? The IMU sensor inside the H1 is apparently floating so perhaps while inverted, the dampening characteristics of the isolation foam the IMU is attached to changed but that is just a wild a** guess. I too am still a fan of trusty flybars even though I only have a few flybared machines left in the fleet. No programming, no PID tuning, no compatibility BS, hassle free & robust - build the heli, setup your pitch & throttle curves, go flying.
@@Rchelicopterfun Interesting and sounds like a good theory to me. One day I will get a flybarless unit, might get me back to flying regularly! Thanks buddy, have a great day!
I saw a video where someone said the tail bobbing can be corrected by increasing the Head-speed to 92 percent gain
I picked up a thunder tiger raptor 50 for $40, and am scared shitless to fire it up. Been thinking about using a beta flight controller with gps for it, but I’d rather get something made for helis
Well by version 2 it might be worth getting
nice vid brother....
this is indeed good tool to help us in rc heli. now single rotor will as stable as the multi rotor drone.😄👏👍
Good job on the review!
Can you make a video with the complete set up of the h1 and transmitter binding and setup
I'll be doing a setup/configuration video of the H1 unit, but binding is a function of your specific radio system and receiver, not the H1 unit. You are not binding the H1 unit to your radio, you are binding the receiver. In short binding will not be addressed since it's radio system dependent.
It's an awesome product. Thanks john 👍
You bet
Amazing technology.
Yes please full setup
Well John many people give up Heli flying because of all the crashes+expense so really this is a cool bit of kit I have ordered mine from r/c motion "Europe" as bang good pain at the moment I wondered as you set-up with s-bus did you have to change the servos to do this ? as normally s-bus will only work with programme servos .great video you are the tops !!!!
As an instructor for almost 30 years now, the reason most beginners crash is because they don't follow a skill building, systematic ground up lesson plan, nor do they setup their helicopters correctly for learning on.
There is no reason any beginner should ever crash a CP heli when learning the fundamentals correctly. If you think GPS systems like this will prevent beginners from crashing, I have a bridge to sell. Not only are the crashes almost as frequent (again because they simply don't know the basics & overfly their skill level), they are often more catastrophic because the heli is higher, moving faster & can't throttle down at low stick. All that combines to a much greater release of energy.
Worst part is, it can be far away when this happens as the close in beginner safety net area where most beginners are confined to due to orientation skills (lack there of) is gone. Now they can get much higher & further away with the equivalence of a flying lawnmower they have *zero control over*. Property damage is the outcome, and another RC flying field loses its uphill battle to secure next years lease from the land owner; and even more over reaching regulations are imposed on our hobby.
Look around - it's happening everywhere. It's why we don't allow GPS systems on helicopters at our field and we most certainly won't sign off any student who is relying on one to pass their beginner heli certification.
Anyway with my little instructor based and loss of RC field rant over with, S-Bus will work with any type of servo.
You most certainly don't need programmable servos with S-Bus RX connectivity. S-Bus is a serial communication protocol only that occurs between the RX and the flybarless system or flight controller; it has zero influence over type of servo that needs to be used.
What is important with the H1 as I stated in the video is the servos are rated at high enough voltage that the H1 operates at (ie. HV servos). There are ways around that as well which I cover in the description of the H1 setup video.
Good review John. Have to say this thing has no appeal for me as it would take all the fun and challenge (and fear) out of flying a collective pitch heli.
Yes I agree too. Most of us fly CP for the engagement & challenge - this removes much of that. As I said in the video, I see it as a wonderful aid however for folks who have lost the ability to fly for some health reason. I know a few good pilots that after having strokes had to shelve their birds, these things might help them get them flying again.
@@Rchelicopterfun Yes, that alone would be a very good thing. Who knows, they may yet build in the improvements you suggest. Will have to keep an eye on this one.
Can you advice if this will be good on a 90size gas helicopter like a gsr260s? I had an ace one autopilot but the imu is bad thinking or replacing it with this since the price is very OK
Great review! I enjoy all your videos! Let me ask you. How do you compare the Blade 150s over the OMP ? For the money? Thank you
The M2 and now the new M2 EXP is/are a better quality helis (both electronics & mechanics); but, you pay more so that quality increase naturally comes with a price tag attached to it. The new M2 EXP is $280 making it only $80 more than the 150 so the price gap has narrowed. Of course, another cost savings that can't be overlooked with the 150 is the built in RX if you already fly with Speky. Personally, I'd take the M2 or M2 EXP over the 150 for the direct drive main motor technology alone, but that's just my 2 cents and personal preference.
Great review John appreciate it
Very welcome
The robot cursed at you at 15:58 .
seems to be pretty cool, but i will stick to my vbar neo with vbar control :)
I would agree!
I'm sixty, and built an Align 470 LP a couple of years ago, but I never fly it because my vision is poor and slow to focus, causing me to lose orientation quickly, and constantly. I've been trying to learn to fly with the Heli-X simulator, and with an old 230S. I do fine with the simulator, but my vision just will not allow me to fly the 230S, due to losing orientation constantly. Something like this would allow me to fly my 470LP.
Imagine this now in a scale model helicopter. Now the fear of crashing it could be eliminated! Nice. What are some good resources to learn more? What aircrafts, transmitters etc can this be applied too?
thanks
Dear Sir This is Alp from Istanbul - Türkiye. I watched and excatly did your H1 setup video but I could not start the Align Trex 700.(I mean can not start motor and any thing else of Heli) I use orginal radio of Flywing FW450 . As you know this heli use same H1 system.What could be problem.Sorry for my English Best Regards
Hello John. I have the Flywing H1 for my T-Rex 470 LM I made all the settings on my helicopter and the radio control but when I want to take off the engine does not turn. My remote control is the Spektrum NX 10. There is certainly a button to assign to activate the motor but I don't know. Tutorials on CZcams do not explain very well how to set up the H1 with Spektrum radio controls. I have spent many hours trying to get the engine to run without success. Do you have an idea?
Franck from France
I need this in my life.
Tail bouncing seems not having trouble in inverted mode.
There is no doubt in my mind. When you were in that weird inverted mode, hovering inverted, and slowly sinking, I would not have been able to get out of the habbit of applying more negative collective to stop it from hitting the deck, the muscle memory is too strong for me to withstand. I would have been in the ground for sure!! LOL!!
Yes me too! I would have burrowed that puppy right in
Hello Jhon ! can you check into the new Gps H1 upgrade..just a short video how to upgrde..Thanks..
Sorry, but I got rid of the H1 shortly after reviewing it in this video. Way too many bad habits were forming, actually surprised just how quickly they were forming. 🙃
Hi I am having some trouble with this I have set the H1 unit up as per the instructions. Everything moves in the right direction pitch set at 12 deg + -but I have a problem, as I raise the throttle the motor slows down a lot. Blades are of the correct way. Stuck.
Bought the fw 450 with the h1 gps would like to get the Roban uh1 army huey 800 size when they become available, they recommend the Bavairian BestX and I see it's set up has what's missing in the H1
The H1 would be a horrid system in a big scale ship. I too would recommend the Bavarian Demon 3X - they are one of the best FBL systems for scale in my opinion. I've got a 3X in my Roban 700 super scale AS350 and it flies like a dream. You need lots of cyclic pitch filtering / derivative gain on big scale helis with lots of boom mass (which the Roban 800 UH1 most certainly does) or you will get horrible porpoising. The H1 will porpoise in a standard pod & boom heli just by looking at it the wrong way. The 3X however can handle it no problem.
Has the H1 approved any census video was put out? Have they updated its firmware, can you do coordinate of turns?
Hi. First of all, very nice video. My question is if you need to take a laptop and "dance" to calibrate the system yet. I've read that they were preparing an app for phones to eliminate this dance. Thanks
Sorry, no idea as I'm not Fly Wing Tech Support. I only know of Laptop connectivity on the H1.
can you show how to setup frsky radio to helicopters, nothing on fros on X10s
yeah do a setup video
Hi will H1 work on trex 500x with spektrum transmitter and receiver
i fly heli with torque tube and belt drive. some how belt drive does the up and down tail boom shakes. not sure on yours heli.
Nice video, if you CG the heli the wobble goes away. I had the same issue and needed to move battery forward.
Thanks for the CG tip to get rid of tail bob. Unfortunately, my CG adjustment had no affect; I had to play with the gains to get the bob sorted.
note that while inverted it didn't bee bop around at all...??
Hi Jone i have install H1 to trex 600 recently ,everything done the same as you but collective pitch not going up for take off ,just moving around two decree in full throttle can you help me thanks
Hi John,
What’s your final setting under GPS mode to stop the tail from bouncing. I’m about to install H1 system on my 505.
As stated in the description, a compromised setup. I don't remember the exact setting because I got rid of the H1 shortly after and have the Ikon2 back on that heli.
Sweet
Looks like a nice little unit. Seems to have some bugs, but overall nice.
15:57 "Shit, is about to get real!" I absolutely lost my shit when i heard that! Is that something you programed into it? Or does it do it by itself? And what part actually does that? Is it the transmitter?
It's part of the OpenTX voice/sound pack for the specific radio (transmitter) I'm using - yes it's programmed into the radio like all the voice call outs are. Voice/sound pack is called "Amber" (google search). She has some good sayings 😄
Thank you John for your very prompt replies. One last question: do you use governor mode on the ESC? Thanks
Not on this particular bird.
hey john ..love your content...i have the 380 alzrc and the swash is backwards from the 500 and i had to change Left and right servo connections to get swash moving right.... do you think that ok ???
Consult your FBL manual/setup wizard, it will say what is and isn't okay for servo connectivity.
First off... Thank you John for the detailed video!!!! do you happen to know if this can be used with Spektrum radios? The SBUS has me a bit concerned
Apparently yes with a Spektrum receiver that has PPM output such as the AR7700. Channel mapping is wrong as well since the H1 uses Futaba channel mapping (AETR) not Spektrum/JR mapping (TAER) requiring some creative mix programming.
Hi John How do you cure the tail bob in GPS mode, in your vid whilst flying in 3d mode you had no tail bob, then when you switched it back to GPS mode tail bob returned, you said it could be the accelerometer, are you referring to the (fixed breaking force) function or (Flight speed) function been set to high in the H1 setup wizard.
I have tail bob in GPS mode on my align Trex 600 in forward and backward motion. Be interesting to know if you solved the problem in software setup settings. Thanks
I cover this question in the description below the video.
John, were you able to fix the tail jumping issue and how did you accomplish this? Thanks for the video and your time.
Yes. Pretty much the same tuning steps taken to deal with cyclic pitch oscillations on any FBL system with combined cyclic axis gain adjustment, lack of PID access, or lack of elevator (cyclic pitch filtering). I basically tuned the cyclic gains while experimenting with different heads speeds with different amounts of head dampening and blade bolt torque to change the lead and lag characteristics of the blades. With that said, it can be tuned to work well in either autopilot mode or regular gyro mode - not both. To get it to work somewhat acceptable in both modes along a broader head speed range, it's a compromise between stability in one, and vagueness in the other.
Thanks for the great review. I ordered mine from BG 8 days ago, so still a while to wait! Couple of questions: you power yours straight from BEC, but in the manual it says you can't do that, the voltage range they give is 6,4-8,4v? Also, we could do with a table of channel assignments, maybe in the setup video. The other improvement would be to make the inverted channel assignable, I don't think ch 6 is used? It would be really good if ch 6 could be for inverted instead of ch 9, then you could get away with an 8 channel system. Thanks again, looking forward to that in-depth setup video.
Depends what your BEC voltage is. The BEC in this hobbywing ESC is programmable and I have it set to 8.0V since I'm running HV servos in this 505. Channel mapping is straight forward (standard futaba for the first 4), and the toggle activation is as shown in the video for ch 5,7,8,9, but I'll cover it in the setup video. Yes, for some reason there is no channel 6, and you can't have a channel 6. Perhaps because that's the collective pitch channel with most radios and they likely left it our for radios that you can't change the output assignments like you can with OpenTX. In short, you need a 9 ch or better TX & RX if you want to use the ch9 invert function.
Hi John, How would you rate this product the Fly Wing H1? Is it a quality product (like my Mikado Mini V-Bar), and have them improved the firmware since you first had it??
Hi Michael, Not sure I would even try to compare the H1 to any proper FBL system. The V-Bar is a proper and wonderful performing flybarless system, it runs circles around the H1 or any other GPS autopilot in terms of good heli feel and performance.
In contrast, the H1 is a GPS autopilot system that turns a potentially dangerous RC helicopter into a mindless drone. Basically giving people with no flying skills at all, the ability to fly a very dangerous helicopter with no training. Yes, I hate these GPS things on collective pitch helicopters because I see how they are destroying our hobby from a legality standpoint. We won't even allow them at our field anymore, but too little too late, MAAC lost it's Transport Canada exemptions this past weekend and I now have no more flying field. Thanks entitled droners!
No idea if turd wing improved their setup software, I removed the H1 from this heli and put the Ikon back on within a month because I wanted a good flying helicopter again.
Hi John, I recently came across your channel as I'm teaching myself to fly a heli. I think you're right on this it doesn't help or teach you to fly however, if you were learning and using the 3 axis gyro then panicked you can flick it into gps to save you? It's like a cheap 3gx? What would your thoughts be? Also I thought the video was great at explaining the programing and everything! I hope flywing take onboard what you said
This flight control system may work for rescue (clunky), but there are far better FBL units with proper rescue functions such as the Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Spirit, & Vbar. I talk about these FBL units in detail along with "rescue" mode on my Best FBL system on my website:
www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-flybarless-system.html
hello minimum number of channels on a radio to install the h1 thank you to you
I can think of another purpose for this gyro, as it could be toggled to regain control during 3D maneuvers.
In fact, I recently experience a crash with my 450 that could have been saved by such a feature
I don't know if it could? Rescue mode is not a feature that is advertised. There are far better flybarless systems on the market that have rescue modes that are purpose designed for that exact purpose (rescue during 3D), such as Bavarian Demon, Ikon, VBar & Spirit.
@@Rchelicopterfun
Hi and thanks so much for the info. I was not aware of rescue mode or its uses - and will definitely be looking into this
@@Rchelicopterfun
Hi john, I have another question for you that I'm hoping you might be able to provide some insight on.
With that said, I'm leaning toward the Ikon, though I was wondering if you knew, if any of the flybarless systems you mentioned allowed for simplified flying mode?
For example; I have a V450D03 which offers three modes to fly-in, the first is a very simplified collective pitch type mode, which is great for circuit flying etc, whereas the second and third, are 3D modes, one light version(as I like to call it), with lower rpm and mild stick response, whereas the other is a higher rpm with aggressive control response.
Thanks again for all your help on this btw, I truly appreciate it
nice video. would love to see a full set up
Coming soon.
John Salt that’s great news , been sitting on my trex 550 scared to fly it 🤦🏼♂️ been flying my trex ‘s 450 for couple years , decided to upgrade to a 550, feel like it might be too much so i got the h1, now they are both collecting dust lol h1 and taranis tutorial would be amazing 🥳 thank you
Hello, I have exactly the same problem as in your video, the helicopter wobbles and rocks like crazy. In your video they say the same thing, flying beautifully is something else. Do you have an explanation for this? Because for me only the 550 T-Rex does that, my 3 Logo 550se don't do that and stand like a ONE
Do a setup would like to see it.
Already did. Links in card, description & first pinned comment.
how do you program the voices when you hit switches ?? please help
John, the cord on your H1 is as you say about 16" long... the unit I just got and others I see advertised are about 3.5" long. I am building a 505 also and the cord is too short to get past the canopy . Where did you get the one with the longer cord ? Is there an extension ??
The one I got from Banggood (link is in the description) came out of the box with the GPS pod harness of that length. No idea if there are extension cables & perhaps they decided to change the length of the cable. I don't sell theses things (I don't even recommend them for the vast majority of people for obvious reasons), so I have no idea what they are currently shipping with. Ask FlyWing or the vendor.
hI, I have a T-rex600 Nitro. I have already bought a H1 autopilot too. I need to know before mounting H1, where to put the throttle servo...i mean if i have to put it into receiver or into the 'esc' of H1. Thanks a lot in advanced for helping me.
No idea how you could make the H1 work with a nitro? Fixed throttle output with no control over idle or starting throttle position - can't see how it could possibly work never mind not trusting the H1 in a high vibration environment. Contact Fly Wing is all I can suggest.
John, I see there is a new update to the software, not sure if they've added much but hopefully enough to remove the tail bounce or a save function...
Nope, they just tweaked some pre-set settings. If you want a save function with a good flying RC helicopter, get a decent FBL system like an Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Spirit, V-Bar, Futaba etc. and don't even consider this GPS auto pilot crap. By the way & as I said in the video, more tuning was required to address the bounce and after a half dozen or so more test flights, playing with head speeds, the gain values, blade grip torque, and head dampening, the bounce was totally cured; so it's not due to the setup software, although it would be nice to have separate gains on cyclic like every other good FBL system offers.
@@Rchelicopterfun Thanks John, What would be the best "beginners" flybarless system with maximum aid/functionality? I've moved on from a 450 with a directional gyro but I'm really after extra help from a flybarless system like rescue modes. Im not at all confident at 3D yet and I can see the GPS H1 system will cause bad habits. FYI I've read your webpage about the flybarless units...
@@Rchelicopterfun Just re-read your website on FLB systems and your comments above - purchased a Spirit (they now do a GPS option too for some confidence). Thanks!
Great review! Just wondering... If I wanted to put this on an old Raptor 30... And leave the Flybar on... Would it be OK? 😊 Wanna put the raptor back into an old airwolf body! 😊 It's so old though I'm not sure I wanna convert to Flybarless or even if that's available!
It's for flybarless only. I also wouldn't trust it in a nitro.
No one seems to be addressing the elephant in the room... The required voltage for the H1 is incompatable
with all my 4.8v tail servos. What would happen to the H1 if you run it on 5v. I know what will happen to my
tail servos running 6.4v.. smoke and very likely an expensive crash.
*What elephant?* We have been running lower voltage tail servos on our RC helicopters when using higher voltage RX packs & BEC's for at least 20 years by using a voltage regulator on the tail servo. You can purchase them inexpensively, or build your own for dirt cheap. Lots of info on it and I do cover this in the H1 setup video in the description: czcams.com/video/_WCnYritAXI/video.html
*What happens if you power the H1 with only 5V?* No idea. I presume you would experience processor restarts, if it/they even boot up at all.
The real elephant in the room is the *danger that all GPS enabled collective pitch helicopters pose to the future of our hobby.* We all know the mess the mindless GPS droners have done to the hobby of RC aviation, and that is with low energy quad copters. Imagine the same entitled pricks going on FPV hero missions with a 700 size heli putting out 8HP at the rotor shaft spinning razor sharp carbon blades. That's the big mother f-ing elephant in the room every RC aviation enthusiast should be concerned over; not the need to add a simple & inexpensive servo voltage regulator or a couple 20 cent HER 503 or 1N4001 rectifying diodes on an old low voltage tail servo. 🙂
Hello, Mr. Salt. Several years ago, when I am a beginner, I bought two of your eBooks.
One is "The RC Helicopter Tips & Setup eBook", the other is "How to build a training gear for RC helicopter".
Both worked good for me!. Thank you very much.
Now I am not a beginner but an intermediate pilot.
Anyway, I have a question.
I got H1 GPS and equipped TREX 450 with it.
I always check my helicopters using my turning table ("Lazy Susan") BEFORE the maiden flight.
As usually, I checked my TREX 450 with H1 GPS.
When the collective pitch is positive, the TREX 450 locks its tail completely.
When the collective pitch is negative, however, it does not lock its tail, turns anticlockwise.
And it flies uneventfully at least when it is NOT inverted (ie., the main rotor is upside and the skid is downside).
I am afraid that something catastrophic occurs when it flies inverted. I have not yet tried an inverted flight using H1 GPS.
I want to ask you if it is normal that my TREX 450 turns anticlockwise on Lazy Susan when the collective pitch is not positive but negative.
Or I hope that you give me an advisory comment.
Hi Hitoshi. Have you tried it without being strapped down? With these fully autonomous flight controllers (actually even normal flybarless systems), the heli HAS to be able to float and bob as it naturally would in the air without any movement restriction. The H1 is looking for feedback from ALL the sensors and if the heli is strapped down to something, it's not going to get that feedback correctly and will do strange things - cyclic and tail drift among them.
If you have tried it untethered and you are still experiencing yaw drift, you can contact on my website if you wish for further discussion since I don't sort complex technical issues in the comments section of CZcams.
@@Rchelicopterfun
Thank you, John, for your quick answer. I will see your website soon.
Is it better than the "old" Naza-H???
Hi John, thanks for the review. I have one of this H1 installed and set up by a guy and I like how it works, coming from DJI Naza H. Now, on inverted flight, I've never tried that, does H1 automatically invert the heli for you by just flicking a switch? Or you have to invert it manually then let H1 control the flying on auto mode?
Flick of the invert switch.
I know how to fly collective but I am looking for something with rescue for those rare moments when I get confused or distracted. Which unit do you recommend?
Any good FBL system with rescue. Ikon, Bavarian Demon, Maxx, BeastX, Vbar... I go over them and what to look for in a flybarless system on my best flybarless system page: www.rchelicopterfun.com/best-flybarless-system.html