Align 3G - Hot off the press...

[Mike3DPro]

the suspense is killing me . . . besides should I get flybarless now, or wait and get a bad ass speedglas 9100xx welding helmet for my advanced arc and beginning tig class? have cheapo harbor freight helmet now. . .

[hurricane.br]

If you watch Alan's videos, you will se a picture of all models with flybarless heads.

[Slyster]

I decided NOT to wait... all these new units are going to be bleeding edge and could have issues... so I went with Mikado.. and WOW! Was really impressed how easy they were to set up. Mikado has a pretty good manual and great videos... and the Mikado forum people are so helpful!

[OnTheSnap]

Sly, shouldn't you fly it first before you rave about how good it is? It could take an immediate dirt nap. :lol:

[Slyster]

Sly, shouldn't you fly it first before you rave about how good it is? It could take an immediate dirt nap. :lol:True.. BUT... I can still say the software and installation was a snap!... I have flown my friends Mikado and it was amazing... and this same friend helped me set it up and confirmed that its correct... so I go on the assumption that it will be just fine.

I will report soon though.. since there is a warm spell coming...it is supposed to get above freezing in 4 days... and I plan to maiden my 500 FBL... I'll let you know how it goes.

[lindahl]

or wait and get a bad ass speedglas 9100xx welding helmet for my advanced arc and beginning tig class? have cheapo harbor freight helmet now. . .
BUY THE WELDING HELMET! You can not fly without eyes!

[Edvard R]

Boys and girls,

I have around 30 flights on this system now, and I figured it would be time for a little update.

I got the unit re-programmed to reflect the latest fine-tuned program - still works like a charm for me...

Here are a few things I have noticed:

The internal mechanical damping of the system is more than adequate for even a 700N. I have pretty much hard mounted the sensor with 3M tape, and the cyclic inputs are now super crisp and still with no sign of oscillations. As a result, I was able to decrease the gain.

I have tried CY710 and Align 690D blades - both perform very well. The 690D blades seem a tiny bit more agile, but alas they suffered a terrible death today... :shock:

I run +/-12 degrees pitch on both cyclic and collective. Scary fast roll and flip rates, but easily controlled. A lot of comments has been made on piro performance - all I can say is that it piros as good as my V-bar equipped Logo 600. One plus side is that it is not needed to adjust anything on tail torque comp - the system adjusts that automatically and no matter what I have been able to throw at it, I have not been able to get the tail to break out :thumbup:

I have changed the linkage rods to Kasama Ti rods. Not really needed, other than it is easier to adjust perfect 0-pitch.

Still a happy camper :YeaBaby:

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133143&stc=1&d=1263047694

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133144&stc=1&d=1263047694

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133146&stc=1&d=1263047694

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133145&stc=1&d=1263047804

[TheBillMan]

Hi Edvard R,

Thanks for the update on the new Align 3G unit. I do though have one question. What did you mean by saying that you “got the unit re-programmed to reflect the latest fine-tuned program”?? It almost sounds like you’re implying that the firmware was somehow updated by Align. Is that correct, or did I just misinterpret your statement?

Thanks again for all your helpful information on the new product!

-Bill

[nexgen]

to add to TheBillMan's question. does this "latest fine-tuned program" somehow give you access to some more features besides just gain?

[MrMel]

Looking at the T500 video on YT when Alan is flying, while very nice flying, I would say that system isnt ready for a T500 by a longshot, I hope it's just a tweaking thing, but look when he is doing tictocs, built in "crack", lol. (Wobble on tail and on cyclic like crazy)

[Mike3DPro]

Is there a changelog of these firmware updates?

[HiroboFreak]

I run +/-12 degrees pitch on both cyclic and collective. Scary fast roll and flip rates, but easily controlled.

Hi Edvard,

I'm confused. :thinking

In your original setup post, you say to set both collective & cyclic to 14*
Then set limits.

I figured that the cyclics were setup like a HH gyro. ie set limits so the unit knows where to stop (max travel), then adjust swash mixes for flip & roll rates.

Now that you are running only 12* , did you need to redo the initial setup of the unit?

I saw that my pre-order delivery has also been delayed due to firmware revision.
Do you know if future firmware updates will be an end-user option?
That would be more convenient than sending the unit back to Align for updates.

[OnTheSnap]

Hmm, they already delayed shipment for a firmware revision? And the unit isn't field upgradable as far as we all know? And there is no published spec sheet or manual? This is all very strange to me. Not the usual marketing hype you see before a major product release from Align or any other manufacturer.

[Edvard R]

What did you mean by saying that you “got the unit re-programmed to reflect the latest fine-tuned program”?? It almost sounds like you’re implying that the firmware was somehow updated by Align. Is that correct, or did I just misinterpret your statement?


Yes - the firmware was updated to the release version

to add to TheBillMan's question. does this "latest fine-tuned program" somehow give you access to some more features besides just gain?

Not yet

Looking at the T500 video on YT when Alan is flying, while very nice flying, I would say that system isnt ready for a T500 by a longshot, I hope it's just a tweaking thing, but look when he is doing tictocs, built in "crack", lol. (Wobble on tail and on cyclic like crazy)

Not going to argue with you what Alan did on the sticks, but mine is smooth with no wobble.


In your original setup post, you say to set both collective & cyclic to 14*
Then set limits.

I figured that the cyclics were setup like a HH gyro. ie set limits so the unit knows where to stop (max travel), then adjust swash mixes for flip & roll rates.

Now that you are running only 12* , did you need to redo the initial setup of the unit?

I saw that my pre-order delivery has also been delayed due to firmware revision.
Do you know if future firmware updates will be an end-user option?
That would be more convenient than sending the unit back to Align for updates.

I adjusted my final cyclic and collective pitch range to 12' after the initial setup.
User upgrades could be possible through the data port, but I have not seen this yet.



Normally I love to try new cutting edge toys and I'm an incessant early adopter. But so far this thing is starting to taste like lemonade. :thinking

Really? Because the firmware was updated prior to release?
I reckon ANY manufacturer will always strive to send out only the latest and greatest edition when they release a product...

[OnTheSnap]

I wouldn't be as skeptical if Align gave us a list of features that included the ability to update firmware on it.

[Tail boom]

Guys,

Align is experienced in mass production. Jason Krause once said in an interview how impressed he was from what global mass productions means and how Align manages that.

I think the unit is in its beta phase, with field tests running like Edvard does.

Relax. Align will release it with latest firmware, manual, marketing collateral etc., and potentially data port and software (as indicated by Edvard).

Give Align a chance, and just wait and see. I am excited and impressed about Aligns balanced feature and setup approach :thumbup:

Best,
Frank

[Edvard R]

What Frank said +1

I am bringing the video cam to the field today - hopefully I can get someone to hold the camera...

[HiroboFreak]

Thanks for the info Edvard.

Do you know what the recent firmware changes were?
Do you know what tail gyro is in the 3G? GP750 or the new 780?

[Edvard R]

Do you know what the recent firmware changes were?
Do you know what tail gyro is in the 3G? GP750 or the new 780?

Not sure on the details of the firmware change. For me it flies the same... I reckon it simply went from a release candidate to an actual release version.

The tail gyro seems to be based on the new 780. The primary difference you will notice is that when you adjust the limits, you can continue to move the pitch slider back and forth until you have the right setting. Then simply release the stick and keep at center for 2 seconds. Repeat to the other side, and you are done.

[Edvard R]

Here's a video from today.

This is the first flight of unit #30. Before you analyze the bejebus out of the video, the bouncing in the beginning is to check the elevator gain... For a 1st flight, it flies pretty well..

Pilot is one of the regulars on the field.

V-bar fanatics - let the trashing begin. All the rest - enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pFkgjfQE-w

[HiroboFreak]

Not sure on the details of the firmware change. For me it flies the same... I reckon it simply went from a release candidate to an actual release version.

The tail gyro seems to be based on the new 780. The primary difference you will notice is that when you adjust the limits, you can continue to move the pitch slider back and forth until you have the right setting. Then simply release the stick and keep at center for 2 seconds. Repeat to the other side, and you are done.


Edvard,

Thank you sincerely for the information.
Much appreciated.

I'm glad the tail gyro is based on the latest equipment.

[HiroboFreak]

Thankyou for the video & thanks to "Joe Average" for the flight.

Looks good enough to me.
I eagerly await the arrival of mine. :D

[Edvard R]

You're welcome - I think you will enjoy it...

Here are a few photos from the field today - FL760 #30 and a pano of the field... Beautiful day, but very windy...

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133322&stc=1&d=1263122824

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=133323&stc=1&d=1263122824

[MrMel]

I'll trade that wind with you for -10C and half a meter of snow ;)

[Edvard R]

I'll trade that wind with you for -10C and half a meter of snow ;)

Let me think about that....

...

Sorry - no deal :lol:

26 degrees C and blue skies... :thumbup: