Mikado VBAR User manual

Manual
V4.05
VBar

2
Questions / Help
VBarisaninnovativetechnologydevelopedandproducedinGermany.
Its applications are diverse. When installing or operating V-Bar, you
mayhavequestionswhicharenotansweredbythismanual.Purchase
of this VBar System entitles you to technical support by the
manufacturer. If you have any questions or comments, please go to
theV-Bar Forumonthefollowingwebsite: www.vstabi.de(Questions
can be asked in English) or use the following contact:
phone:[phone]
email:[email protected]
This manual must be read in its entirety before
installing and operating the V-Bar System!
CONTENTS
1. General Information..............................................................3
2. Mounting the VBar on your Heli.............................................4
3. How to program your VBar....................................................7
4. Installation of the PC Software................................................8
5. Wiring the VBar to the Receiver............................................10
6. Pre-defined Set-ups (Presets)..............................................12
7. Mounting the Sensor...........................................................20
8. Checking Travel Directions..................................................21
9. Trim Flight.........................................................................22
10. Flight Settings.................................................................23
11. Tail Settings.....................................................................24
12. Bank Switching................................................................24
13. Optimization....................................................................25
14. Control Panel...................................................................25
15. Important Safety Guidelines...............................................26
16. Rotorhead Set-up.............................................................28
17. Additional Components.....................................................29
18. Technical Data.................................................................30
19. Warranty, Sending back a VBar.........................................31

3
1. General Information
VBarstandsfor„VirtualFlybar.“ (In Germanit iscalled"VStabi“,from
Virtual Stablizer Bar). The VBar simulates the behavior of the flybar
and all its associated mechanical parts, so that these parts can be
entirelybe dispensed with.
TheVBar isnot an autopilot! Anautopilot cansteeror holdthe heliin
a given position. This is not what the VBar does. Rather, the VBar
simulatesthe expected behavior of aconventional rotorhead (which
includesaflybar).WiththeVBar,controlofthehelicopter’smovements
remains fully with the pilot. Errors in controlling the helicopter will
inevitablyleadto crashes.Thereare severaladvantagesof theVBar,
comparedto a conventional rotorhead. We will mentionjust a few of
theimportantones here. Firstly,asthe digitally controlledrotorhead
hasfewer mechanicalcomponents, weightandair dragare reduced.
Secondly, by changing the settings in the VBar System, it is much
easier to adjust the heli’s performance to the pilot’s individual
requirements.Ina multi-bladehelicopter, amechanicalflybar cannot
be used at all, so that the digital rotor head can supply all the
advantagesof aflybar head.
How does the V-Bar work?
VBar is an electronic unit which is placed between the receiver and
the servos. It reads and analyzes the receiver signals. In addition it
registers the helicopter‘s yaw rates along all three axes (elevator,
aileron,andrudder)byMEMSsensors.Allmeasurementsareentered
into a mathematical algorithm, which outputs the desired values to
betransferred to theservos.

4
Which helicopters are suitable for the VBar System?
Generally speaking, the VBar System can be used in any model
helicopter, with the one prerequisite that the use of the V-Bar must
notleadtoany restrictionsconcerningthesafe operationofthemodel.
Ofcoursethe VBarcannot beusedin anyhelicopter carryinghumans
or animals, or in helicopters which could in any manner endanger
persons, animals or things. You must refer to the safety
recommendations included in section 15 of this manual.
2. Installation
TheVBar System includes the following components:
•CentralUnit
•GyroSensor
•BluetoothModule (optional)
•ControlPanel (optional)
Each component must be installed in the helicopter properly. For
instance, the wires of the central unit must be placed correctly.The
gyro sensor needs to be calibrated along the longitudinal axis and
the pitch axis. On the pages to follow, we explain some important
detailsontheplacementofthe individual components of the VBar.

5
The essential criterion for positioning the central unit has to do with
wiring.Thereceiver mustbe connectedwithout pullingorbendingthe
wires. At the same time, the central unit must connect to the
swashplateservos. The tail servo must alsobeconnected.
Thecentral unit must be protectedfrom stronger vibrations (e.g. ina
90-size nitro helicopter). Do not tense or bend any wires. Always
securetheunit, sothat itcannotfall off.Ensure thatitisnevertouched
byany moving part ofthehelicopter.
- Gyro Sensor
The gyro sensor houses three individual sensor elements - one for
elevator,one for aileron,and oneforthe rudder.Thefirsttwoof these
sit in perpendicular fashion with respect to each other. This is why
the gyro sensor must be aligned perfectly along all three axes. The
sensorsare equippedwith excellentinterferencerejection properties
regarding any axis which is not the one they are meant to work for.
As a result it is irrelevant where the gyro sensor is placed in relation
to the rudder axis. However, it is very important that the sensor is
installedsothatthewiresleadinlongitudinaldirection,facing forward
orbackward.
- Central Unit
The central unit houses the microprocessor and the power/voltage
supply for the V-Bar. The supply voltage is 3.5 to 9 V.

6
Inaddition, you should try tofinda place for the gyro sensorwhere it
isexposed to aslittle vibration aspossible.Althoughthesensor itself
is resistant to vibrations, the measured values can be blurred by
vibrations.Thisisturnleadsto ahigher propensityof thehelicopter to
oscillate.The most commonreactionto high vibrationsofthe sensor
elementsisbyoffset.Youwillnoticethiswhen thetrimmingofdifferent
cyclic rates varies too much.
Aslong the trimming varies onlyslightly, this istolerable.However,if
thetrimming isgreatlyoff balance,the level ofvibration is toohigh. In
thiscase the source of the vibrations mustbeeliminated. Otherwise
you cannot use the VBar in this helicopter.
For mounting the gyro sensor it is recommended that you use the
pieceofadhesivefoamincluded with the VBar kit.
- V-Bar power supply (very important)
Please note: With 4 digital servos and the VBar, the current
consumptionof thereceiverunit willbeat least50%more thanwhen
usingaconventionalflybarrotorhead.Youneedtoadjustpowersupply
foryour receiveraccordingly.
The central unit houses the microprocessor and the power/voltage
supplyfor theV-Bar.Thesupply voltageis3.5 to9V.Sufficientpower
mustbe availableto thecentral unitatall timesduring operation,also
duringpeaks. The three swasplateservosalone may jointly drawup
to 20A during peaks. You must use wires which are suitably
dimensioned.(Twoleadsarerecommendedtoconnecttothereceiver.)
Youmust ensurethatthe power supply used has sufficientcapacity.

7
3. How to program your VBar
Before you can use the VBar in your helicopter it needs to be
programmed. There are several means for carrying out the
programming:
EveryVBar unit comes with a USB cable and software whichallows
for programming it via a PC or Laptop. You can also use a mobile
phone,blue-tooth module(Mikado itemno. 4056)or thespecial VBar
control panel (Mikado item no. 4145).You can switch among these
options at any time, so you can program your VBar at home, at the
flyingfieldor anywhere you choose.
Programming VBar
Control Panel
Bluetooth
Module USB/
Bluetooth
Module
PC/Laptop
Mobile

8
4. Installation of the PC-Software
To installthe Software,insert theCDinto the CD driveandfollow the
onscreen instructions. After Software installation, please leave the
CDin theCD drive, asa driverfor the USBconnection willneedto be
installed upon the first initial connection of the VBar.
Theinstallation processcreatesa newfilepath forsoftware4.0. This
allows for parallel installation of various VBar Software versions, if
needed.
TheVBarsoftwareisfullycompatiblewiththemostcommonWindows
operationsystems. Thereis oneexception,namely the64 bitversion
of Windows Vista. If you are using Windows Vista 64 bit, or an
Apple, MAC or Linux System, please refer to the our VBar support
pageonwww.vstabi.de,whereyou will findtherelevant instructions.
Aftersuccessfulinstallation,go to the Startmenuwhereyou will find
3different links:
-The Program forstandard USB connection
-The Program for theBluetooth connection
- Asimulation,whichallows to viewVBar parameterseliminating the
needto overwrite yourcurrentlyset parameters.
The following series of images leads you through the installation
software step by step.

9
Onopening thesoftware,you willsee a screenas shown below.This
isthe page for usingthe pre-installed model set-ups.For the VBar to
be able to connect to your PC or Laptop, you need to install a driver.
Installingthe USB Driver
Connectthe VBarmain unitwith yourcomputerusingtheUSB cable.
Now turn on your transmitter and receiver. Your Windows program
willrecognize the new hardware and you will see this window:
Afterabout5seconds,theVBarisreadytoaccepttheUSBconnection
to your computer. On initial connection your PC will prompt you to
install the USB driver. If your PC cannot find the required driver
automatically, please find it your VBar CD. The CD should still be in
theCD drive of yourPC.
The VBar icon on your desktop

10
Once your system has installed the USB driver and recognized the
VBar you can start up the software in USB mode. The green bar in
theupper left corner of the screen indictates successfulconnection.
TransmitterSettings
It is sufficient to use a simple 4- channel transmitter with no active
mixing. This is because flight control and swash plate mixing will be
controlled entirely by the VBar. The only exception to this would be
cyclic to throttle in a nitro heli.
Select a model on your transmitter and set it to mechanical swash
mixing(noccpm). Thisway,wehaveonereceiverwhereonechannel
is dedicated to each control function of elevator, aileron, pitch and
tail.
Inaddition, the pitch curve needs to be linearfrom0 to 100%. Servo
travelsmust be set to100%, and servo centersatmid position.Also,
make sure all subtrims are set to zero, and all servo directions to
normal.Resetdualrate to 100% and expo to linear,Turnoffany tail
mixers that apply to your radio.
Bear in mind that some of these settings change with flight modes,
so you might need to reset them in all flight modes or copy one
setting to all the others.
5. Wiring the VBar to the Receiver
Hook up the input connectors of the VBar unit with the output
connectorsof yourreceiver. Pleaserefer to yourradio manual forthe
appropriate channel function assignments, in order to assign the
connectionsfor Pitch,Elevator,Aileron andTail correctly.The4th slot
isleft unusedif you areusing threeswashplateservos. Thetail servo
is connected to the outermost slot.
You must make sure the polarity is correct. As is indicated on the
printed label on the VBar main unit, the ground connection, usually
brown or black, has to face upwards.

11
Warning: The connector of the gyro sensor must be plugged
into the appropriate 3-pole input jack. If it is plugged incorrectly
into the 4-pole jack (which is intended for the control panel or
the servos) the sensor will be destroyed immediately.
USB
Contral Panel
BTAdapter
Gyro Sensor
Tail Servo JR/Graupner - Receiver
Aileron Servo right
Aileron Servo left
Elevator Servo
Channel 1
Channel 3
Channel 4
Channel 2
USB
Contral Panel
BT Adapter
Gyro Sensor
Tail Servo FUTABA - Receiver
Aileron Servo right
Aileron Servo left
Elevator Servo
Channel 6
Channel 2
Channel 4
Channel 1
B. Connecting the VBar with a Satellite Reciever
Thereare two types of Satellite Receivers: .
-Spektrum Satellites: These are connected on the side of the VBar
toRX1undRX2.Smallermodelsneedonlyonesatellite,largermodels
needtwo.
-Satellites made by Fasst and Jeti: These are connected to the plug
labelled “AUX“ in the strip of conncetors at the front of the Vbar.
Tailrotor Servo
VBar with Receiver Satellite
Spektrum Satellite
Aileron Servo right
Aileron Servo left
Elevator Servo
Speed Controller
RX-2 RX-1
Satellite
Fasst,Jeti

12
Mini VBar can be operated with one or two Spektrum satellites. To
initiateoperation (binding) andforprogramming, please connect the
satellitesto the VBar and supply powertothe VBar,using a receiver
battery. Then conncet the VBar with your PC via the USB cable. On
first connection the PC will ask for installation of the drivers. (These
areautomatically loaded onto yourPCwhen installing the MiniVBar
PCsoftware.)
Nowyou must selecttheuse of thesatellitesand their typeinthe PC
softwareand activatetheir useas receivers.Todo so,go tothe Setup
Menue and to auf TX Calibration. By clicking the doctor‘s hat you
getto „receiver adjustments“.
Here you select the applicable receiver. For Spektrum the default is
setfor DX7, sothat the correctchannelsare automatically assigned.
To finish,clickon „preparebinding.“
Spektrum Satellites (see also Video 4b on www.vstabi.de)

13
Nowyou must selecttheuse of thesatellitesand their typeinthe PC
softwareand activatetheir useas receivers.Todo so,go tothe Setup
Menue and to auf TX Calibration. By clicking the doctor‘s hat you
getto „receiver adjustments“.
PleaseuseAUXforSingleLine satellite receivers.
Now disconnect the VBar from the power source for a very brief
momentl,nomorethantwo seconds.Thenstartthebindingprocedure
on your radio. During binding the LEDs in your satellites will flicker.
Oncethe bindingprocessis completed,theLED lightswillremain on
withoutflickering.
If you need to repeat the binding process at any point, you must
check the box „prepare binding“ in the set-up menu first.
Note:Each time you change the receiver settings,you must confirm
these by clicking ENTER, followed by a cold start of the Mini VBar
(on/off switch), so that it can initialize again.
ConnectionVBar - receiver(via 4 patchwire):

14
6. Pre-defined Set-ups (Presets)
Thissection explains howyou will achieveacompletely finished set-
up in just a few steps. You may start with this section if and only if
you have installed and opened the PC software sucessfully on your
computer. Onceyou haveconnected theVBar withthe receivervyou
canbegin.
Only if your model is not included as one of the pre-defined set-up
optionshere, you need to carry out a few extrasteps. Then,in each
section, click on the little blue doctors hat (where applicable) for
additionalset-up options.
By clicking the smiley you can return to the previous screen. In this
manual we will present all information on these additonal options in
bluefont.
TheVBar softwarehas two differentuser interfaces,or programming
pages:theoneyouseerightafterstart-upshowstheFlightParameters,
and the other one is for set-up on the bench. To set up your heli,
press „Setup“ in the upper right corner.

15
Onthe leftyou will find the serial number of your V-Bar and the date
it was manufactured. If you wish to update the software at a later
point in time, you will need this serial number.
The dialogue leads you through the necessary steps for the basic
set-up.In Step1, choose a pre-definedsetup- we call thisaPreset -
andloadit into the VBar.Thecomponentsshown in each preset are
intendedasrecommen-dationsonly.Youcanchooseotherappropriate
equipment.
What’simportant later is the correct alignment ofthesensor and the
directionof theswash plate movement. Otherwisethe preset willnot
function correctly. If there is no Preset for your heli brand, please
select a universal preset and read the hints in the pop-up tutorials
carefully.
Afterloadinga preset intotheVBar, thediagram atthe bottom of the
screenindicatesthe current assignment of swash plate servos.
If your helicopter does not appear among the listed models, select
the heli symbol at the very top. You will be able to choose among
severaldifferent swashplate set-ups. Choose an appropriate set-up
foryour helicopter.

16
Step2 Calibration of your Radio
Now turn on your radio and the receiver and connect the VBar with
yourPC. The software will now beinset-up mode for making further
adjustments:
To ensurecorrect and troublefree operationofthe entire system, the
transmitterneedsto be calibrated.
The stick inputs must match certain directions, center positions and
overall throws in the VBar. There is no real standard for radio
equipment,sowewill havetodealwithvariousdifferentsignalranges,
dependingon theequipmentused.

17
First,if necessary,please match thedirection by usingservo reverse
in your radio. Then adjust the servo center positions using sub trim.
Finally, adjust the maximum servo travel using the servo throws in
your radio. The goal is to achieve on all 4 functions travels of 100%
aswell as the correct servo travel direction.
Step 3: Tail Rotor Settings
InStep3 ofthe setup procedure youcan carry out thenecessarytail
adjustmentsforthe tailassembly. Thisincludes choosing the correct
servo type. If your specific servo is not listed, please contact our
support team on the online VBar site (www.vstabi.de) to obtain the
appropriatesetting.
In your VBar software, you can adjust the servo direction and the
limitsfor bothdirections. Withno stickinput,the tailservo isin neutral
positionin setupmode. This helpsto mounttheservo armat the best
angle possible. Then adjust the length of the tail rod in such a way
thatthe tail blades show 2-3° pitch. Thisisfor torque compensation.
Nowdouble-check thedirection of thetail pitch.Thenose ofyour heli
mustmove intothe directionof stickinput.If thisis notcorrect, check-
markthe reverse box in your VBarsoftware.
Check the mechanical limit sof the tail assembly carefully.

18
The goal in piro optimization is to be able to fly a pirouette without
cyclic input. The piro optimization function ensures that during the
movement through the pirouette, the elevator input is corrected in
such a way that the swashplate’s tilt is kept constant in relation to
thedirection of motion.
It is easy to see that for this to happen correctly, the system must
recognizestickinput correctly.Tocheck this,goto rudderadjustments
in the set-up menu and click on the little blue doctors hat. The red
ballin thediagram representsthenose ofthehelicopter.Turn theheli
around its vertical axis by 90 degrees. The ball must move in the
samedirection.
a)Piro Optimization
If your helicopter does not appear among the listed models in hte
presets, you will need to program Piro Optimazation and Torque
compensation for the tail.The following text shows you how.
As you may know, one great advantage of the VBar is its integrated
tail gyro. This makes it a 3-axis system, which is able to compute
simultaneously the movements of the heli and the pilot’s inputs. It is
thisfeature which allows for automatic piro optimization.

19
b)Torque compensation for thetail
OnegreatadvantageoftheVBarisitsintegratedtailgyro.Thismakes
it a 3-axis system, which is able to compute simultaneously the
movements of the heli and the pilot’s inputs. It is this feature which
allowsforautomatictorquecompensation.Thiscompensationprocess
hasseveral advantages.For instance,it optimizes themovements of
thehelicopter and it saves extra power.
Automatic torque compensation will require that the system
recognizes stick input correctly.
To check this go to the expert tail menu, note the original torque
compensation value, then set it to 100.
On pitch stick input, starting from center, and regardless of positive
or negative pitch input, the tail pitch angle must now increase to
counterthe expected increased torque.
For clockwise main blade rotation, the compensation moves the tail
boom to the left, and the nose will be moved to the right. And for
counterclockwisemainblade rotation,themodel's nosewillbe moved
to the left, while the tail moves to the right.
If the travel direction for torque compensation is incorrect, all three
tail travel directions must be reversed in your V Stabi PC software.
Theseare:tailservo, tail gyro and RC input.
You must reverse directions of the tail servo, tail gyro and the tail
channelinput.
Oncethis check is done, returnthe torque compensation value toits
orignalsetting.
If your model is not equipped with asymmetrical main blades, for
example if you have a scale model with -5 to +12 degrees of pitch,
the point of the least expected torque needs to be programmed for
the static mixer function.
To do this, gotothe advanced menu which ishiddenbehind the little
blue doctors cap. Move the transmitter’s pitch control to the zero
pitch position and click the zero pitch button to set it to zero pitch.

20
Step 4. Settting up the Swashplate
The swashplate in a model helicopters normally moves upward on
pitch positive. The same has been implemented in the universal
Presets.
Itis alsopossible foryou to choosethe directionof swashplatetravel.
If it is necessary that your swashplate moves downward on positive
pitch, simply set the check-mark at the box of for collective reverse.
Youcandoso by clicking onthelittle blue doctors hatin step 4 of the
set up menu.
In setup mode all servos are decoupled from control. This enables
mechanicaladjustmentsbecausethecontrolloopisrenderedinactive.
Now set all sticks to center position.
Mountthe servo armsasclose to a90°angle to thecasingor control
rods. The direction of the servo’s collective pitch movement is set
usingservo reverse in step 4 onyourscreen.
After the direction of collective pitch has been set correctly, the
directionsof elevator and aileron should alsobecorrect. If this is not
the case, please re-check the servo assignments on your VBar.
Nowfine-adjustthe servoarms toanexact90-degreeangle usingthe
control buttons in Step 5 on your screen.