Review - FMA's new Co-Pilot II

[nightflyr]

I got theDX 7 and doing that "funky"CPII & gyro shared channel crap...lol..works like a charm haven't had any issues using it AND get to install lighting with the freed up channel too

[rockjock3]

Hello all. Just wanted to let you know I hadn't forgotten the review. I have just returned from a training seminar. Work continues. I did get out with the system this afternoon though. I tried flying with the system disabled while doing loops and inverted hovering. I then put it in an inverted hover (at least my version) and hit the switch to turn the CPII on). It did the roll just like it is supposed to and with only about 10 - 15 feet of altitude drop. I have to admit that even with my prior testing of the unit I was a little worried about abandoning control while the heli was inverted. I mean, a lot more can go wrong with the heli when it could roll/flip over in any direction.

Recovery was absolutely perfect though. It rolled just like it is supposed to do (I have the vertical sensor installed). The CPII engaged just as quickly as when I used the switch as a bailout during normal attitude testing. The primary altitude loss, as far as I could tell, was simply from my control of the blade pitch during recovery.

More to come.

[nightflyr]

nice going..I'm grounded till my replacement parts arrive...

[rockjock3]

Originally Posted by nightflyr

Hmmmm Interesting...should be pulling a bit more from your packs, due to the fact something esle is operating your servos....

The draw of the system (per the specs) is < 10 milliamps. The only real draw difference might be that you servos operate more, especially in wind or if you have your stick priority really low (CPII has more control of heli). Under these conditions your servos are what might draw your system down faster. The unit is simply telling the servos what to do. It isn't the fact that something else is controlling your servos that draws the extra power (if the draw is significant) it is the fact that your servos might be moving more than if you where controlling the heli. This will be based on the amount of the control you give the system as well as the conditions you fly it in and how much you use it; i.e. high winds versus low winds, always on or switched only when you need it, high level of control versus low level of control.

[nightflyr]

Originally Posted by rockjock3

The draw of the system (per the specs) is < 10 milliamps. The only real draw difference might be that you servos operate more, especially in wind or if you have your stick priority really low (CPII has more control of heli). Under these conditions your servos are what might draw your system down faster. The unit is simply telling the servos what to do. It isn't the fact that something else is controlling your servos that draws the extra power (if the draw is significant) it is the fact that your servos might be moving more than if you where controlling the heli. This will be based on the amount of the control you give the system as well as the conditions you fly it in and how much you use it; i.e. high winds versus low winds, always on or switched only when you need it, high level of control versus low level of control.

I understand that I only switch it on in high winds ( which seems to be every day lately) other than that I pretty much have it off, been thinking about removing it off the 450 and moving onto the new 600

[Kevo450]

Originally Posted by nightflyr

Looks good, But I do believe you just voided your warranty hope it works well for you

Warrantys are for whimps



I even got me a multi-tool with "Warranty Voider" silk screened on the side.

[rockjock3]

They are working on the second production run as we speak and expect to start shipping by Friday. They have the components and are simply testing and assembling them. They advised if you ordered prior to May 28th then your order should ship NLT June 12th.

[t2o]

Thanks for the update. I better get busy. As if flybarless, CP-too'd isn't enough, I ordered a Davis Deisel head for it. This should prove to be very exciting! Hope it will fly for 30 minutes on one tank. If I have a Tx failure it will go miles and miles before running out of diesel.

[SDGeo]

It seems most people are recommending using the TX trim with the CPII off then ON and leaving the ANGLE ADJ alone.

Is there a reason for this? When I first used the CPII, it had a slight left and foward drift. I used angle adj and gave it (not super sure) D-9 and L-9 and it seemed for fix it.

Just wondering if the angle adj should be avoided.

Thanks.. Geo

[nightflyr]

Originally Posted by SDGeo

It seems most people are recommending using the TX trim with the CPII off then ON and leaving the ANGLE ADJ alone.

Is there a reason for this? When I first used the CPII, it had a slight left and foward drift. I used angle adj and gave it (not super sure) D-9 and L-9 and it seemed for fix it.

Just wondering if the angle adj should be avoided.

Thanks.. Geo

Not at all, if it works for you so much the better, most are finding that a couple of ticks of trim is all that's needed to get there heli's as drift free as possible, or they tilt the sensor to compensate

[rockjock3]

Here is my final review, after working with the CoPilot II this last few weeks. Hope you all enjoy.

[nightflyr]

Originally Posted by rockjock3

Here is my final review, after working with the CoPilot II this last few weeks. Hope you all enjoy.

Nicely done!!!!

[CorollaGT]

Just bought mine yesterday, can't wait for it to arrive here in Malaysia

[wparmer]

Mine arrived yesterday. Won't have time to mess with it until this weekend.. looking forward to seeing it work for myself! These reviews and "how to's" are a big help. Thanks everyone.

[volvoc304]

Hey CorollaGT,

Paid for mine last week. Can't wait for it to arrive in KL!

Don't know how much it'll cost when the LHS get it here. Have you seen the price for the CPD4 CoPilot in Malaysia? Very expensive compared to ordering it direct.!

Steve.
KL, Malaysia.

[boomer6]

Great write up.Very informative.

[volvoc304]

Originally Posted by boomer6

Great write up.Very informative.

Agreed, It was based on this review that I ordered the CoPilot2. I'm sure it'll work as expected.

rockjock3, thanks!

[rockjock3]

Thanks for all the compliments everybody. It was truly a pleasure doing this. I am absolutely sure you will all have a blast with the product when you get it.

[CorollaGT]

Originally Posted by volvoc304

Hey CorollaGT,

Paid for mine last week. Can't wait for it to arrive in KL!

Don't know how much it'll cost when the LHS get it here. Have you seen the price for the CPD4 CoPilot in Malaysia? Very expensive compared to ordering it direct.!

Steve.
KL, Malaysia.

Ya loh, can't wait for mine too hehehe

Not sure, but gotta test this bugger first. If it's any good, then I think I'll grab a few pieces to sell here, sure worth it I guess

[CorollaGT]

Owh, anybody managed to "hack" it in a heli fuselage yet? Maybe some "itchy" handed guys out there, hmmmm no? Hehehe

I know manual says no but yeah, like I said itchy ...