Introduction - Skookum Robotics SK720 Black Edition

[carey shurley]

Introducing the new Skookum Robotics SK720 Black Edition. This is the latest version which now uses the SK540 footprint, its a much smaller unit

• CNC Aluminum Case - Single unit
• New Pinpoint Gyros
• Upgraded accelerometers
• ARM 32 bit processor
• Compatible with PWM, DSMx, DSM2, SBus, PPM and DMSS receivers
• SK-GPS ready (optional component)
• Self leveling mode
• Built-In Governor (Stator Gator compatible)
• Governor "Bail Out" mode
• Flight and vibration recording and playback
• Easy to use setup wizards

I'll be installing this in a gas helicopter in a future build and testing out the self leveling feature

[Rudy]

What is Governor "Bail Out" mode?

[carey shurley]

Governor Bail Out Mode:

Taken Directly from the Skookum Robotics description:

If you start with your radio putting out a throttle value of around 0% (collective stick down, idle up N, throttle hold off), then you should get a normal spool up.

But if the governor has seen positive RPM in the last 30s, and you release throttle hold while in idle-up (radio’s throttle above zero), then you get a much faster spool up.

So basically, if you flip out of throttle hold, the spool up time will be much shorter than a normal spool up with the governor

[Rototerrier]

Are these the same gyros as are in the 540?

In other words, is this just the 540 with the additional features that make it the 720 (GPS, Bail Out...)?

[Azalin]

Originally Posted by Rototerrier

Are these the same gyros as are in the 540?

In other words, is this just the 540 with the additional features that make it the 720 (GPS, Bail Out...)?

Yes! Sensor technologies in the 540 and 720BE are same. 720BE has GPS support and accelerometers which will not work on gassers.

[Rudy]

Originally Posted by Azalin

720BE has GPS support and accelerometers which will not work on gassers.

Why would you say that?

[Azalin]

Unlike FBL sensors the accelerometers are VERY vibration sensitive.

[carey shurley]

In other words, is this just the 540 with the additional features that make it the 720 (GPS, Bail Out...)?

The circuit boards are not the same between the 540 and the 720BE

• the 540 uses 2 - 3 axis MEMS gyro sensors
• the 720be uses 3 separate pinpoint gyros, one for each axis

• the 540 does not contain accelerometers
• the 720be has two accelerometers for the self leveling function

both use 32 bit proceesors

[Rototerrier]

Thank you Carey...that's the answer I was looking for. I've been considering getting a new FBL controller to eliminate the crows nests I have growing up in the nose of my machines. Was thinking of going with the 540...but I think I like the more advanced tech in the 720. Have to take all that into consideration.

[DEDO]

Hey Carey,

I would like to see your report of this unit done using the Goblin Gasser as your test bed machine.

[carey shurley]

it may eventually get there, but it won't start off there

[goodhunting]

I know this is an old thread... and that SK moved from hobby helis to commercial UAV's... but still
Did you ever test this set-up on a gasser?

I currently have a Frankenheli with most Vario components and the side plates from a camera ship platform... and am running blue Vbar... Nothing wrong with this set-up but I run SK720 (both blue and black) on all my other helicopters...

I initially intended to put an SK720 black on the gasser but after reading all the threads and vibe issues I opted fro Vbar...

Just wondering what the results were...
gh

[carey shurley]

I didn't have any issue with the FBL and governor system working as expected. No issues.

the rescue system however was not stable, and wasn't usable at least on the helicopter that I installed it on

[Doug Darby]

I used the Skookum Black and the GPS for about a year on an Electric to have the rescue and hard deck features. I worked hard to get the Electric smooth enough that these features worked reliably all the time. I did try it on a gasser with all the tricks I had learned to minimize vibration, and as Carey found, it would fly the heli OK but the rescue features were unusable. When the NEO came out I could use it and have all the benefits of the Rescue feature on my gassers without issue. I love the Skookum data and vibration logging too but it just can't handle the vibrations if you are wanting the rescue/hard/soft/deck features.