KDS Flymentor first look.

Kepler · 08-09-2009, 11:29 PM

Well there’s a new kid on the block. China have done what they do best and created a low cost flight stabilization system with very similar features to the Helicomand 3D.

Due for release at the end of this month, I have been lucky enough to test fly a sample unit provided by XC-RC www.xc-rc.com.au . So far I have setup and flown both CPII and Helicomand equipped helicopters so I have a good basis for comparison.

Below is the manufacturer’s description.
__________________________________________________ _________________________________
Product Description :
The functions of Flymentor:

New type of sensing process provides reliable geographical positioning, completely independent of the visible horizon.
Particular CCD sensor can catch the ground picture to compare, and prevent helicopter from drifting.
Adjust the working status of Flymentor by AUX Channel, switchable gain system offers three different positions: Off, stabilisation and Position-holding mode.
Head lock gyro outside setting and Swashplate mixer.
Control the sensitivity and mode of gyro by GEAR Channel.
Support helicopters with 3S 120��swashplate,or 3S 140��swashplate,or 4S 90��swashplate, or 4S 90��+45��swash plate.
Attitude stabilisation in inverted flight.
Set Flymentor by computer USB adapter.
If you use FM/PPM radio equipment, Flymentor will make the ailerons, elevator and tail servo back immediately. The pitch will remain in the final signal position. And Flymentor will switch to position mode automatically. The sensitivity is 70%.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________

Setup is all done via PC so you must have a laptop to make changes at the field. Setup is not difficult and it took me about an hour to have the unit installed in my Trex450 ready for flight.

First impressessions. Better then I was expecting.

The unit has two flight modes, Position mode and Horizontal mode.
Position Mode utilizes a CCD camera to control drift.
Horizontal Mode is for stabilization only.

Without going into too much detail at this point, horizontal mode works very well and has no problems keeping the model flat when hovering and doing slow circuits. It quickly recovers the heli without osolation. Still need to further explore the units characteristics during aeros but with the standard settings, the interaction is too much and makes aeros very uncomfortable. However I think this can be tuned out with the override percentage function. Further testing required here.

Position mode so far does not seem to have a huge effect and only marginally improves the drift over horizontal mode. However, this may be improved through further tuning as the settings are still in their default postion.

The unit has a built in heading lock gyro. Very similar in its performance to the Helicomand tail gyro. Not great but certainly useable.

So after about 10 flights in total I think this product has some promise and certainly worth spending more time further testing and tweaking.

This unit looks like it will be very well priced and without doubt the best priced ccpm helicopter stabilization system to date.

nightflyr · 08-10-2009, 04:38 AM

looks as if performs nicely on video, curious as to the pricing will be.

JohnAu · 08-10-2009, 07:43 AM

I found this german shop has them 249 EUR

http://www.microhelihobby.de/Shop/OS...roducts_id=187

JohnAu

nightflyr · 08-10-2009, 08:27 AM

And that equates to ?? in US dollars? ...got it, bouts $350.00 think I'll stick with helicommand if I'm going to spend that much again

Kepler · 08-10-2009, 03:09 PM

Europe gets hit hard with taxes so purchasing a product made in China from a European supplier will rarely be a bargain.

I am tipping more like low $200 USD as a more likely figure.

klh66 · 08-10-2009, 06:01 PM

I have found them on line at about $130.00 USD to $180.00 USD + Air mail to the USA. This gives me one more reason to get a lap top computer.

nightflyr · 08-10-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klh66

I have found them on line at about $130.00 USD to $180.00 USD + Air mail to the USA. This gives me one more reason to get a lap top computer.

FOR THAT MONEY NOW IT PAYS TO LOOK INTO IT, WHERE DID YOU LOCATE A SELLER?

Bit-Man · 08-10-2009, 07:10 PM

Seems to be on Ebay - now 10 availible

http://cgi.ebay.com/KDS-Flymentor-KD...4.c0.m14.l1262

199.00 + 65 shipping from Hong Kong

JohnAu · 08-10-2009, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the link Bit-Man, Does it come with the USB Cable ?.

Here is the Instruction PDF http://www.kdsmodel.com/script/News/...r%20Manual.pdf
JohnAu

Kepler · 08-11-2009, 01:00 AM

Yes it come with a USB cable and software. Software is very easy to use however I did have a few issues getting it to reconize the virtual serial port it creates. My laptop defaulted to serial port 11. I need to re config this to serial port 2 before it would connect.

08-09-2009, 11:29 PM	#1
Kepler Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne Australia	KDS Flymentor first look. Well there’s a new kid on the block. China have done what they do best and created a low cost flight stabilization system with very similar features to the Helicomand 3D. Due for release at the end of this month, I have been lucky enough to test fly a sample unit provided by XC-RC www.xc-rc.com.au . So far I have setup and flown both CPII and Helicomand equipped helicopters so I have a good basis for comparison. Below is the manufacturer’s description. __________________________________________________ _________________________________ Product Description : The functions of Flymentor: New type of sensing process provides reliable geographical positioning, completely independent of the visible horizon. Particular CCD sensor can catch the ground picture to compare, and prevent helicopter from drifting. Adjust the working status of Flymentor by AUX Channel, switchable gain system offers three different positions: Off, stabilisation and Position-holding mode. Head lock gyro outside setting and Swashplate mixer. Control the sensitivity and mode of gyro by GEAR Channel. Support helicopters with 3S 120��swashplate,or 3S 140��swashplate,or 4S 90��swashplate, or 4S 90��+45��swash plate. Attitude stabilisation in inverted flight. Set Flymentor by computer USB adapter. If you use FM/PPM radio equipment, Flymentor will make the ailerons, elevator and tail servo back immediately. The pitch will remain in the final signal position. And Flymentor will switch to position mode automatically. The sensitivity is 70%. __________________________________________________ ___________________________________ Setup is all done via PC so you must have a laptop to make changes at the field. Setup is not difficult and it took me about an hour to have the unit installed in my Trex450 ready for flight. First impressessions. Better then I was expecting. The unit has two flight modes, Position mode and Horizontal mode. Position Mode utilizes a CCD camera to control drift. Horizontal Mode is for stabilization only. Without going into too much detail at this point, horizontal mode works very well and has no problems keeping the model flat when hovering and doing slow circuits. It quickly recovers the heli without osolation. Still need to further explore the units characteristics during aeros but with the standard settings, the interaction is too much and makes aeros very uncomfortable. However I think this can be tuned out with the override percentage function. Further testing required here. Position mode so far does not seem to have a huge effect and only marginally improves the drift over horizontal mode. However, this may be improved through further tuning as the settings are still in their default postion. The unit has a built in heading lock gyro. Very similar in its performance to the Helicomand tail gyro. Not great but certainly useable. So after about 10 flights in total I think this product has some promise and certainly worth spending more time further testing and tweaking. This unit looks like it will be very well priced and without doubt the best priced ccpm helicopter stabilization system to date. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Kepler; 08-11-2009 at 01:41 AM..

08-10-2009, 07:43 AM	#3
JohnAu Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: world Wide	I found this german shop has them 249 EUR http://www.microhelihobby.de/Shop/OS...roducts_id=187 JohnAu __________________ E-Flight Blade 400 3d T-Rex 450 GF RCer Dragonus II 450 T-Rex 500 GF T-Rex 600E GF

08-10-2009, 07:57 PM	#9
JohnAu Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: world Wide	Thanks for the link Bit-Man, Does it come with the USB Cable ?. Here is the Instruction PDF http://www.kdsmodel.com/script/News/...r%20Manual.pdf JohnAu __________________ E-Flight Blade 400 3d T-Rex 450 GF RCer Dragonus II 450 T-Rex 500 GF T-Rex 600E GF Last edited by JohnAu; 08-10-2009 at 09:24 PM..

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08-10-2009, 04:38 AM	#2
nightflyr Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Long Island, NY	looks as if performs nicely on video, curious as to the pricing will be.

08-10-2009, 08:27 AM	#4
nightflyr Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Long Island, NY	And that equates to ?? in US dollars? ...got it, bouts $350.00 think I'll stick with helicommand if I'm going to spend that much again

08-10-2009, 03:09 PM	#5
Kepler Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne Australia	Europe gets hit hard with taxes so purchasing a product made in China from a European supplier will rarely be a bargain. I am tipping more like low $200 USD as a more likely figure.

08-10-2009, 06:01 PM	#6
klh66 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Washington State	I have found them on line at about $130.00 USD to $180.00 USD + Air mail to the USA. This gives me one more reason to get a lap top computer.

08-10-2009, 07:10 PM	#8
Bit-Man My HF Map location Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: MA	Seems to be on Ebay - now 10 availible http://cgi.ebay.com/KDS-Flymentor-KD...4.c0.m14.l1262 199.00 + 65 shipping from Hong Kong

08-11-2009, 01:00 AM	#10
Kepler Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne Australia	Yes it come with a USB cable and software. Software is very easy to use however I did have a few issues getting it to reconize the virtual serial port it creates. My laptop defaulted to serial port 11. I need to re config this to serial port 2 before it would connect.