View Full Version : Spartan ds760
MarkWebber
04-12-2007, 05:53 AM
I just got the prototype gyro in the mail yesterday. It's on loan to me from Spartan for a few weeks before a show in the UK. Hopefully I'll be able to get the assistance of a better pilot to see what it's capable of in person. The video on their website looked pretty good.
I just had to post because I've never had my hands on a new product before it hit the market before and it's all very exciting :D
Please pardon my gloating :roll:
MarkWebber
05-01-2007, 05:31 AM
Well, it was flown at SEFF by some guys with skills and very well received. Looks like they've got a winner with this one :D Some video was taken but I haven't seen it yet. Hopefully it'll be good enough to post.
The parts are starting to come together. Here's what it'll look like.
miami6
05-01-2007, 08:12 PM
mark i wont ask when what I wil ask is what is the street price for this new gyro
MarkWebber
05-01-2007, 08:51 PM
For the moment, I'm not at liberty to say, not really my place. I have been told preliminary estimates and they are very competitive with the other high end gyros.
Greg Alderman
05-02-2007, 07:09 AM
Mark, the video was taken with just a digital still camera...so it is not the greatest...but should work...
The prototype has been on my Trex 600 the past couple of weeks and I have had around 15 or so top pilots on the east coast have a pull or two on it and ALL of them were very impressed...obviously because of sponsorships I can't tell you who they were...
going to be tough to get the prototype out of my bird...Ihave armed guards around it now Mark! And when you come to MI on thursday I will have it in safe keeping in an unknown location...you ain't getting it back! I love the way it flys!!!
Thanks for letting me take it around to events for people to try!
MarkWebber
05-02-2007, 07:18 AM
Oh...I think I'll be getting it back :twisted: You'll just have to settle for a production unit :D
Angelos
05-02-2007, 10:15 AM
Greg,
Thank you for your efforts in getting the ds760 thoroughly tested and pushed to the limits. I sure hope you have not reached them yet ;)
-Angelos
Greg Alderman
05-02-2007, 12:10 PM
No problem Angelos...I would never be able to push the limits of the gyro with my flying...but I do know a lot of great pilots and they have really been beating up the gyro (along with my Trex 600) and it just keeps on ticking without missing a beat...
MarkWebber
05-05-2007, 11:40 AM
The video turned out pretty good. Thanks a million, Greg. Also to the unnamed pilot and camera operator.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOco5wY6L0E
Finless
05-05-2007, 01:28 PM
Hmmmm looks pretty good.... I think I know who that is flying too based on the style ;)
My lips are sealed ;)
What tail servo was being used?
Bob
Greg Alderman
05-05-2007, 02:11 PM
Bob...not sure if you do know who the unnamed pilot is...
The gyro can be selected to for 1520uSec servos (9254/9253, etc) or the 720uSec servos (9251/9256...
All I did to my Trex600 was pull my 611 sensor and amp box and installed the ds760...took all of 1 minute to set gyro up...
1. set servo type
2. set direction
3. set travel limits
4 GO FLY!
No brainer gyro!
Although I did find an anomaly in getting the prototype to enter "set up" mode using my DX7...it was taking too long for the DX7 to "bind" with the AR7000 RX...I found a work around by unplugging the gyro from the RX until the system finished "binding"...then plug the gyro back in and enter "set up" mode...I understand that this anomaly has already been addressed and won't be an issue with the production units...I also tested it on a 14MZ and G3 RX and it entered setup mode just as the directions described...so it has to be how long it takes for the DX7 to bind and communicate with its RX.
Right now I am in love with this gyro...I hope to put one in all my electrics and turbines...can you imagine a gyro with this capability in a Trex 450! it also is about 1/2 the size of a 401!!!
MarkWebber
05-05-2007, 03:05 PM
That is some killer flying, isn't it. I haven't seen him fly before but I'll definately be on the lookout at events.
Angelos
05-05-2007, 03:38 PM
Greg,
Mark made me are of the difficulties you experienced with the DX7. For the benefit of others I will explain how the ds760 works and what the problem was.
The ds760 first waits for a valid signal from the receiver. Then it starts to calibrate which takes around 4 seconds. To enter the setup mode you toggle the mode 3 times between heading hold and normal during calibration.
I am told that the problem is that the Spektrum receiver drives its outputs immediately after power in. Also it takes several seconds to pair. By that time the ds760 has already calibrated. In my view the receiver should not drive its outputs until it has received position information which is how all other receivers work.
I have found a possible workaround which I will add in the firmware before the market release. And of course also your method works plugging the gyro to the RX after the receiver has paired. It only has to be done once.
-Angelos
Now available for more than $200 a piece.
If anyone have it, please post a review. Thanks!
MarkWebber
08-20-2007, 06:12 AM
While I make no claims about my 3D skills, I've installed one on my Trex 600 and am very happy with it. The tail held very well in all the maneuvers that I can do. The piro rate was consistant throughout pitch pumping test. It was a snap to set up, like Greg said and is working way better than the 401 it replaced.
Angelos
08-29-2007, 11:17 AM
Have you guys seen the Gohbee's promotional video of their upcoming Phazor 600? Guess which gyro they used! I am so happy ;-)
The video is posted on this thread: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=42962&highlight=ds760
-Angelos
MarkWebber
09-17-2007, 09:08 PM
Just got the new issue of RC Heli. Apparently, they've gotten one for testing and will be doing a review on various helis for writeup in upcoming issues.
It's cool to see firsthand something going from prototype to production like this.
Edit: I should have read further into the mag. Seems they reviewed a Logo 500 with the ds760 installed. Of course it worked great, as expected.
bullaculla
09-23-2007, 02:33 AM
Impressive videos :thumbup:
MarkWebber
10-12-2007, 08:54 AM
Finless is doing an install/flight series on this now. Check his forum for details.
MarkWebber
10-26-2007, 02:52 PM
Brand new Trex500 about to hit the market...check out the gyro on it:thumbup:
http://www.thetrexforums.com/index.php/topic,2287.195.html
MarkWebber
11-05-2007, 08:21 PM
Just posted on RR...Alan has signed with Spartan RC.
http://runryder.com/helicopter/t384748p1/?p=3050123#RR
How is this gyro working out on 90 size helis?
MarkWebber
11-19-2007, 09:24 PM
So far, it's been working very well on all sizes. I haven't had a spare on hand yet to put on my gasser. I'm confident that it's going to be great.:thumbup:
Alan's had it on his Aurora, as far as I know. He seemed to like it well enough.
avatar71
11-24-2007, 09:43 AM
i put one on my 600n as well and I am very happy with it.
The installation was great ( I really like having the plugs all near the reciever) and its flight is much more confident than my 401.
backwards seems easier. it holds better.
I am eagerly awaiting its little brother to come out for my 450...and perhaps my lepton and raptor 50.
MarkWebber
11-24-2007, 10:35 AM
Glad to hear it! We're hoping to have some 'little brother'(ds650's) out of the next production batch. We'll have to see what Spartan can manage. Sales are quite brisk so we're competing with the rest of the world for the units they're able to get produced.
Happily, the only thing 'little' about the ds650 will the the lower price. Performance will be on par with your ds760.:thumbup:
I'm a lot happier with the ds760 on in place of the 401's I had. So much easier to set up and way better performance. I sold all but one 401 and it'll go as soon as I get some spare ds760's in stock.