DX6i - Gyro Gain by F.Mode - Gyro Mode by Gyro Switch

[JimLerch]

So, I think this works, but I am looking for comments.

Situation : Depending on head speed, I need different amounts of Gyro gain (high head speeds = less gain, as tail is more responsive at higher RPM). To make things simple, I tied the gyro gain screen to my Flight Mode switch. Life is good. Below is a picture showing gyro gains (this is for flight sim / testing, so not real numbers)

http://lerch.no-ip.com/Gyro/Gyro.jpg


So far so good, but there is a problem, I can't put the Gyro into Rate mode for tweaking the tail mechanical trim for centering, or setting HH center on the gy401 (switching between rate and HH 3x), and Maybe I'd like to fly in Rate mode one day :-)

I think I found a solution, but it is convoluted and would like comment on it..

In the Gyro Screen, Gains must be set to Heading Hold values ONLY, as pictured above

To select rate mode, I want to change the gyro output by -200% (-100 % takes it to center output, another -100% makes it the same gain as in HH mode.

Problem is, DX6i doesn't have a SOP to do this, but this trick appears to work:

Select Mix 1, Gyro -> Gyro, -125% as seen here:

http://lerch.no-ip.com/Gyro/Mix-1.jpg

Select Mix 2 to get the remaining 75% as seen here:
http://lerch.no-ip.com/Gyro/Mix-2.jpg

Watching the servo monitor screen on the Transmitter indicates that this works. I also connected the Tx to my eFlightWorks USB adapter and monitored the servo positions on the computer. This also indicates that it works.

The question / problem is, it Violates the KISS principle and created a new RULE. That RULE being I MUST NOT enter a value less than 50% on the Gyro gain screen...

So, what do your freaks think? Is this a neat hack, or just stupidity waiting to reveal itself?

[JimLerch]

OK, found another facet of this hack.

On the two MIX menus, if I enter -125 and -75% for the D setting (instead of the 0% in the above images). I can now enter rate mode gain rates in the gyro screen (Values < 50%). The gyro switch will now just work as a not(Mode) boolean switch.. (BTW, I agree, that is a lot of layers of "Geek Speak"!) :YeaBaby:

Still violates the KISS principle, but at least nothing bad will happen other than cussing the tail one day when it won't go into the mode I asked.

Of course, in practice I may find out I need X gain for idle up in heading hold, and a different value for idle up in rate mode (IE not 75% vs 25% gyro gain). I guess time will tell

Oh, I also thought of another reason to want rate mode instead of heading hold. That reason is when the bird is on the workbench and I don't want the tail rotor servo moving to its end of travel and burning itself out (not a problem on gy401, but is a problem on my E-flight and Honeybee gyros as they don't have travel limit adjustments)

[ghtracey]

Nice use of mixes. Really though I don't see why you would want to fly in rate mode other than for setup, in which case you would just temporarily modify one of the gyro numbers. Flying in rate mode with out revo mixing wouldn't be a lot of fun other than in FF flight. FFF in rate mode is just cheating and letting the tail weathervane so you can bank and yank like you were flying a plank. :P

A better use of those mixes would be Aileron->Throttle and Elevator->Throttle