Mikado VBAR User manual
Owner,s Manual
VBar Control
Owner,s Manual
Mikado Model Helicopters GmbH
Friedrich-Klausing-Str. 2 · 14469 Potsdam · Germany
Telefon +49 331 23749-0 · Telefax +49 331 23749-11
© Mikado Model Helicopters 2014. All rights reserved.
v1.11 12-2014
4
5
Table of Contents
6
Software Highlights: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Hardware Highlights: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7
Welcome to VBar Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What is VBar Control? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Purpose, Modications and Export Regulations . . . . . . . . . 7
Icons used in this Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
8
Precautions for the Use of the 2.4 GHz Band . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Handling the VBar Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Built-in Rechargeable Lithium Polymer Battery
and Battery Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9
10
11
How to turn the VBar Control on and off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Main Screen and the Easy Dialog System . . . . . . . . . 11
Basic VBar Control Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Transmitter Setup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Application Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
How to change the Stick Mode and adjust the
Stick Tension, how to change the Stick Length . . . . . . . . . 14
How to use VBar Control as a USB Game Controller . . . . 16
Binding a VBar Control Satellite Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Battery Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tips for using your VBar Control Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . 16
17
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Control LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
VBar Control Receiver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Placement of Antennae in the Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
18
Installing and Using VBar Control Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Registration, Update, Getting Additional Software
Features (VBar Control Apps) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18
Recycling the Built-In Rechargeable Battery . . . . . . . . . . . 18
VBar Control Transmitter and Receivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
19
19
19
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
After-Sales Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
20
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
R&TTE Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
21
23
Updating an existing VBar or Mini VBar to
communicate with your VBar Control Transmitter . . . . . . . 23
24
Express-Version, Mikado LOGO series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Express-Version, non-Mikado helis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
29
YGE 90 LV and similar with Mikado OEM-rmware
for stick programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Kontronik ESCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Unknown/other ESCs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
32
Express/Basic Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Mainrotor Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tailrotor Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Governor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Model Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Tail-Servo List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
34
35
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Wiring your VBar/Mini VBar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Initialization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Pre-Flight Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Exemption from Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
6
Benefits at a Glance
■Setup, programming and adjusting of VBar-controlled
models accomplished directly via VBar Control radio.
■No computer, control panel or smartphone necessary.
■Instant access to almost every ight parameter from
the transmitter controls, even in ight.
■Easy programming for new helicopters via the familiar
VBar setup wizard.
■New ESC setup wizard for programming all types of
speed controllers.
■Bank switching with three banks.
■Real time logging and real time vibration analysis read-
able from the transmitter.
■Several telemetry functions are available, such as volt-
ages, current, rpm, speed, and power consumption of
the batteries (may need additional hardware).
■Storage of event log les like VBar event log, VBar
Control event log, GPS way points, voltage/current
logging etc.
■Multiple timer functions available with warnings and
reminders via sound, voice, or vibration output.
■Wireless buddy boxing with two VBar Control radios,
fully congurable.
■Easy bind process, allows bind and y of any model
equipped with VBar Control (e.g. a buddy’s heli) with
your own transmitter (Model Sharing).
■Software updates via internet using a simple VBar
Control Manager app and the web browser.
■Option for adding new features via apps, simple instal-
lation via internet, supports both Windows and Mac OS
X-PCs, no drivers needed.
■Additional airplane software will be available in summer
2014.
■80 Channel 2.4 GHz FHSS bidirectional ight con-
trol, programming/setup and telemetry remote control
system.
■VBar Control Satellite connects directly to VBar ybar-
less controller via 2.4GHz VBar-Link protocol.
■Unlimited model memory.
■Virtually unlimited number of control channels. High
range, low latency, antenna diversity both on transmit-
ter and receiver.
■ Intelligent antenna monitoring and management.
■XXtra Bright Graphic Display featuring high contrast
and ambient light sensor to automatically control the
display brightness, making it equally well readable in
bright sunlight and in the dark.
■Easy Dialog System with rotary dial for convenient and
safe inputs, with optical, tactile and acoustic feedback.
■Precision gimbals with four ball bearings, fully adjust-
able.
■Collective stick equipped with optional throw limiter.
■Fully equipped with four 3-position-switches, two
quick-break-switches and two rotation knobs, all fully
programmable.
■Delicate rubber lining for comfortable, slip-free and
safe holding.
■3-point neck-strap attachment, for optimum balance.
■Large 2 Watt loudspeaker for alarms and voice output.
■Vibration alarm (adjustable).
■Internal 8 MB ash memory.
■Memory accessible as a USB memory stick, no drivers
needed.
■4.000 mAh Lithium Polymer battery allows for long run
times.
■Charge through USB connector or built-in charger.
■Power supply for fast charging included.
7
Introduction
Thank you for choosing this highly specialized yet versatile
product. To safely operate and y your radio controlled
models using the VBar Control, you must read and follow
this device manual carefully. For software and model set-
up, see the quick start guides and manuals provided with
this radio, as well as documentation provided with the nec-
essary components, such as motor, electronic speed con-
troller, servos, the helicopter kit itself. For latest informa-
tion, new features and updates, visit our product web site
www.vstabi.info.
VBar Control and the VBar Control accessories are devel-
oped and manufactured in Germany. They are state-of-
the-art products following highest quality and safety re-
quirements. Every device has been inspected thoroughly
during manufacturing and initial programming. VBar Con-
trol meets European requirements (ETSI) as well as
US-American requirements of the Federal Communica-
tions Commission (FCC). VBar Control has been ight-test-
ed thoroughly. Highest standards with regard to high noise
immunity and operational reliability have been applied.
☝Attention Unforeseeable changes in manufacturing pro-
cesses and software development make this manual sub-
ject to change without notice. Mikado Model Helicopters
strongly recommends that you visit the product web site
www.vstabi.info regularly to get the latest information re-
garding your VBar Control transmitter.
☝Attention Mikado Model Helicopters strongly recommends
connecting the VBar Control transmitter to a personal com-
puter at least every six months, and make a connection to
the internet using VBar Control Manager to get the latest
updates automatically.
☝Attention We provide general information and video tutori-
als on our support web site www.vstabi.info/VBar_Control.
☝Attention For service and support regarding programming
and operation of your VBar Control and other Mikado prod-
ucts, please contact your local dealer or visit our product
web site www.vstabi.info and the technical support forum
there.
Telephone and e-mail support are available through
Mikado Model Helicopters GmbH
Friedrich-Klausing-Str. 2
14469 Potsdam
Germany
phone +49 331 23749-0
www.mikado-heli.de
VBar Control is an advanced multi-function FHSS radio
control system for model helicopters. With it’s unique con-
cept of programming and operation, it is the ideal compan-
ion to go with your radio-controlled and VBar-equipped
models.
VBar Control is designated for use with model helicopters
(and in the future also for use with model airplanes). VBar
Control is not designated for any other purpose than re-
mote control of models for recreation or hobby.
Outside of the country of manufacture, VBar Control has to
be approved by the laws applicable in the country of im-
port, especially regarding emission of radio frequencies.
On every re-export, VBar Control may be subject to regu-
lations. Prior to use, approval of the relevant authorities
may be required. If in doubt, contact your dealer to ensure
that all regulations applicable have been met. VBar Control
must not be used to control other than unmanned radio-con-
trolled models on line of sight.
Mikado Model Helicopters takes no responsibility for any
modication or replacement of parts on VBar Control. Any
modication other than described in the product documen-
tation may render the warranty void.
☝Attention Problems and physical damage or physical inju-
ry may occur if not followed carefully.
⚠Warning Dangerous conditions may occur, causing seri-
ous physical injury or death, or massive physical damage,
if not followed carefully.
☠Danger Dangerous conditions may occur, causing death,
serious physical injury or high physical damage if not fol-
lowed carefully.
☒Procedures and actions that are prohibited.
☑Procedures or actions that are mandatory.
8
General Safety
Precautions
VBar Control operates in the 2.4 GHz band, which is in
common use with e.g. industry, science and medical (ISM)
applications. It is widely used for microwave ovens, short-
range wireless communications like WiFi, bluetooth, cord-
less appliances like headphones, or amateur radio. Exces-
sive use of the 2.4 GHz band (like in urban areas) may
degrade the control response and range of VBar Control. If
you experience adverse radio interference, immediately
stop using VBar Control.
In public places, such as airports, hospitals, or racetracks
for example, special limitations may apply.
Transmission is impeded or blocked when any objects are
in the line of sight to the model. This degrades control re-
sponse or even causes the model to go out of control. Al-
ways operate a radio-controlled model so you can safely
control it within line of sight.
Check that all parts and manuals are provided in this box
(see package contents on page 9). Turn on VBar Control
and check that the battery is charged properly. We recom-
mend that you connect your VBar Control to the wall charger,
or to a personal computer using the USB cable to fully charge
the battery. We also recommend to install the VBar Control
Manager (available at www.vstabi.info) to connect VBar
Control to the internet and upgrade to the latest software.
If there are any items or manuals missing, please immedi-
ately contact your local dealer or the service department of
Mikado Model Helicopters.
⚠Warning Never use VBar Control on rainy days or if there
is any precipitation. Electronics may malfunction if they get
damp or wet.
⚠Warning Never disassemble or modify VBar Control be-
yond what is described in this manual. Heat, re or an elec-
tric shock may cause injury or physical damage.
⚠Warning The power unit (engine/motor/gears) as well as
rotating parts (rotor head and blades, tail rotor head and
blades etc.) may start up at high speeds, causing danger.
Always turn on VBar Control rst, and make sure the throt-
tle stick/switch is set to the lowest/motor off position, then
turn on the receiver/model. Make sure that all fail safe pre-
cautions regarding an electric speed controller are met.
Connect a ight pack only when sticks and switches are set
to lowest/motor off position. When turning off power, always
turn off the receiver/model rst, also disconnect the ight
pack. Note: as a safety precaution, VBar control can only
be turned off after the connected VBar Flybarless controller
and receiver have been turned off.
⚠Warning Pay full attention when setting up an electronic
speed controller (ESC) or an IC engine. Injury or physical
damage can be caused.
Do not start an IC engine with the throttle set to a high rpm
position. Injury or physical damage can be caused.
⚠Warning When using components from other manufactur-
ers, you must make sure that all components in the system
are compatible with each other. Especially the power sup-
ply of the radio control system as a whole must be suitable
to meet the needs of all appliances connected. Malfunc-
tioning components or components drawing too high a cur-
rent, or generating back voltages, may disrupt the safe op-
eration of the radio control system as a whole.
⚠Warning VBar Control and the VBar Control Receiver as
well as the VBar and the other components are sensitive to
shock. Avoid hard impacts. Do not drop them. This may
cause malfunction.
⚠Warning If you detect that control degrades, stop operation
of your model, check battery and general condition. The
model may get out of control, causing injury or physical
damage.
⚠Warning Never operate the model next to known radio inter-
ference, passing vehicles or people, next to high-voltage
power lines, buildings, and be careful in mountainous areas.
The model may get out of control, or malfunction may oc-
cur, causing injury or physical damage.
⚠Warning Every electronic component that has gone damp
or wet may malfunction at any time, even if it seems to work
again normally after being fully dried. Do not continue to
use such components and contact the service and support
of the company for the product for a check-up.
☝Attention Do not spill fuels or liquids from the exhaust of a
combustion engine on VBar Control: they can leave perma-
nent marks on surfaces. Remove such residues immediately.
☝Attention Before any radio control operation, check the
following:
»Are the batteries charged fully/sufciently?
»Is there enough fuel in the tank?
»Are any liquids spilled on the electronics, like water or fuel?
»Make sure all linkages are secure and no slop or binding
occurs in operation.
»Make sure that the overall vibration level on the model is
low, and that all control functions work reliably when the
power unit and drive train are running at the expected rpm.
»Make sure all fail safe precautions are met: in case of a
loss of control the motor/engine must turn off.
»When running the power unit/drive train, keep clear of
rotating parts and mind the danger of main or tail rotor
blades spinning.
»On the rst ights of a newly set up model, select a safe
place for takeoff, and test the control functions and oper-
ation close by but at a safe enough distance for several
minutes. Do not y at great distances.
»Familiarize yourself with safety precautions, such as how
to switch off the motor in case of any unwanted/uncon-
trolled operation. This is to take the energy and vibration
out of the system. Be prepared to attempt an emergency
landing/autorotation.
☝Attention VBar Control will warn if the battery level falls
below 3.5 V. VBar Control will switch off automatically when
9
the battery level falls below 3.2 V except when a model is
connected (safety feature).
Land immediately and turn off the model if a battery
warning occurs.
■ Take special care with the following to prevent unwant-
ed heat generation, re and explosion.
☠Danger Use only the supplied wall charger with the appro-
priate adapter. Check the voltage in the country you are in,
it must not exceed 100-240 V AC.
»Do not misconnect (+) and (–)
»Do not place VBar Control or the charger next to heat or
open re.
»Keep open terminals (+) and (–) away from conductive
materials like metal surfaces, carbon bre, tools.
»Never disassemble or modify VBar Control beyond what
is described in this manual, and never use a soldering
iron on the electronics.
☠Danger Never use batteries other than those sold by
Mikado Model Helicopters. The batteries have been care-
fully selected and adapted for use in VBar Control. Always
monitor the charging process, even though the integrated
charging circuit takes care of the proper charging parame-
ters. Stop the charging process immediately if the device
gets hot.
»Never allow the battery to have any contact with liquids.
»Never damage the insulation, connecting wires, connec-
tors.
»Stop using a battery that has taken damage to the insu-
lation, connecting wires, connectors.
»Battery liquids are dangerous. If your eyes, skin or
clothes come in contact with these, rinse thoroughly and
wash your clothes with clean water.
»Always monitor the condition of your batteries by check-
ing the operating time and charging time. When operat-
ing times or charging times start to differ strongly, the
end of a battery’s lifetime may have come.
»Battery failure may cause your model going out of con-
trol, causing dangerous situations.
☝Attention Never store your VBar Control and the battery in
high temperature, or in very dusty or very humid conditions.
»Store the VBar Control and the battery outside of the
reach of infants and children.
»Never charge the battery of your VBar Control in very
cold conditions (lower than 0 °C).
»A used Lithium Polymer battery is not domestic waste. To
dispose of a Lithium Polymer battery, discharge the bat-
tery, insulate the terminals with tape. Then take it to a
store/dealer who can dispose of small rechargeable bat-
teries, or take it to a collection point for harmful substanc-
es.
»Never keep the VBar Control in direct sunlight for an ex-
tended time. Keep it in the shadow when it is not used.
Package Contents
■ VBar Control Transmitter
■ Neck strap
■ Wall charger with connector for your area
■ USB lead
■ VBar Flybarless controller (optional)
■ VBar Control Satellite Receiver (optional)
■ This device manual
■ Software setup manual
10
Transmitter Controls
and Features
■ Gimbals
■ Adjustable sticks
■ Switches 1-6
■ Rotating knobs 1+2
■ Easy Dialog System Dial (EDS)
with LED ring
■ XXtra Bright Graphic Display
■ Ambient light sensor
■ 3-point neck-strap attachment
■ Speaker
■ Rubber grip lining
■ Antenna
■ Carrying handle
■ USB connector and reset button
with protective rubber cover
■ Charging connector
with protective rubber cover
■ Transmitter battery (installed)
■ Stick tensioners
■ Collective stick brake & spring
■ Main board
USB connector and
reset button with
protective rubber cover
Charging connector
with protective rubber
cover
Stick tensioners
Main board
Collective stick
brake & spring
Transmitter battery (installed)
Gimbals
Adjustable sticks
Antenna
Rubber grip
lining
XXtra Bright Graphic Display
Ambient light sensor
3-point neck-strap
attachment
Speaker
Easy Dialog System Dial
(EDS) with LED ring
Switches 1-3
Switches 4-6
Rotating knobs 1+2
Carrying handle
11
Basic Transmitter
Operation
■ Turn on your VBar Control by
pressing down the Easy Dialog
System Dial (EDS Dial), and at the
same time rotate 90° clockwise.
■ Turn off your VBar Control by
pressing down the EDS Dial, and
at the same time rotate 90°
anti-clockwise. Choose OK from
the Shutdown menu by rotating the EDS, then click OK.
■ Mind that you cannot turn off your VBar Control as long
as a VBar Control Receiver is connected, so always
turn off your model rst.
■ On powering on, the main screen shows the current
date and time in the upper left corner.
■ The transmitter battery status is displayed in the lower
left corner with an icon and the percentage.
■ The current version number is displayed in the lower
right corner.
■ To the right, next to the EDS Dial, you see the still-
closed setup menu, which is labelled
.
■ The EDS Dial is both navigator (turn right or left) and
selector (press down).
⚠Important Before you begin to set up a VBar equipped
model, you must adjust at least basic settings such as
Stick
Mode
and
Mandatory Switches
assignments. You must also
remove the stepped brake plate from the collective stick
gimbal and possibly change the collective stick to match
your preferred stick mode (see page 14).
■ Rotate or press the EDS Dial to access the menu. If
you do not continue, it will close again after a few
seconds without input.
■ Without a VBar Control Receiver connected, you can
access only the transmitter setup functions.
a VBar Control Receiver to the VBar Control trans-
mitter. Click for a list of available devices (10-digit serial
number of connected VBar Flybarless controller or model
name for already set-up models), select the device you
want to bind. See page 16.
helps to enable or disable the Apps
you wish to use. Check or uncheck the boxes as is appli-
cable. Disabled Apps will not show in the setup process. All
setup information required for ight operation is stored in
each individual VBar, so you will not lose functionality or
settings if you decide to disable or uninstall the App in or-
der to empty menus or free memory.
allows to choose between
mode (for
normal operation or setup/update purposes),
(renders the VBar Control a USB game controller to go
with your favorite simulator), or
(disables the USB
connector temporarily).
sets the black/white contrast of the dis-
play.
12
sets the low threshold for the ambi-
ent light sensor. The display will not go darker than the
value set here. To save on battery life, use the lowest con-
venient value.
can be set separately for the EDS Dial
feedback as well as for system messages, telemetry and
timer apps.
lets you select the stick mode (mind
that you have to change the hardware if you switch be-
tween throttle-left and throttle-right modes, see page 14).
In case you want to have the collective stick reversed,
choose modes 5-8 instead.
the gimbals by selecting one control
function at a time and thereby ‘show’ the VBar Control the
limits and the center position by just moving the stick. It will
learn and store the values automatically.
13
allows to set the zero collective
position, even though the gimbal has no spring to center
itself. Move the stick to the precise mechanical center po-
sition according to the zero pitch line on the gimbal’s scale,
press
!.
assigns three switches needed for
basic ight operations and the directions according to your
liking. Defaults are Motor—upper left, Bank switch (ight
modes)—upper right, Buddy Box—lower right. The graph-
ics show the actual assignments.
you can set
to lock the rotary
knob(s) eventually assigned for changing parameters in
ight, so you can not accidentally change parameters once
this switch is ipped. It also contains a
switch,
which acts as a safety feature to double-lock the heli
agains accidental spool-up. Select if you want to use this
feature and assign a switch.
The
panel as well as the main screen show a pad-
lock icon which indicates whether the safety is disabled
(open padlock as shown below) or enabled.
lets you assign
functions to
switches according to your liking. Later you will assign
functions within additional apps. For this, you may
require additional hardware and/or software.
allows you to name your radio. To enter
the name, select the position and then the character, using
the EDS dial. Select
when done, select
to clear
the name and start over.
These menu items contain le viewers for
,
,
and if a GPS sensor is used
on the model, the
of the model, with a
QR code which you can scan with your smart phone to e.g.
nd a lost model using the smart phone’s map App.
allows for basic settings of different apps.
14
■ Tools needed: 3 mm and 2 mm hex screwdrivers, PH0 x 50 Philips
screwdriver, pliers.
■ Turn off your VBar Control transmitter
■ Remove the neck strap.
■ Put the VBar Control transmitter face down on a soft surface.
1 Remove the six screws M3x20 mm to take off the bottom case. Then ip
the case over so the screws fall out of the bottom case.
■ Flip the still-closed transmitter 90° to the left, and carefully start open-
ing VBar Control like a book.
■ Carefully disconnect the both switch wires and the vibration alarm
motor, and open the VBar Control fully, like a book.
■ Do not touch the main board!
2 Locate and unscrew the metal brakes from the existing throttle stick.
■ If the stick mode is already OK for you, just remove the stepped brake.
3Unplug the wire going through the plastic brake.
4Unscrew the plastic brake on one end and unhinge it on the other end.
5 Reconnect the wire, make sure to x it in the plastic clip.
6Unscrew spring tensioner of the existing elevator stick (next to the bat-
tery, to the left or to the right).
■ Gently unhinge the spring and remove both the plastic holder and the
spring.
7 Remove the metal bracket by gently pulling it out, away from where the
spring was attached.
8 Disconnect the wire which now has to go through the plastic brake.
9 Carefully thread it through the opening in the plastic brake and x the
wire in the plastic clip.
■ Re-connect the wire.
0Fix the metal brake and tighten to your liking.
■ Use the inner holes for a smooth brake feeling, or the outer holes for a
stepped brake feeling.
qPlace the metal bracket 180° from it’s original position on the other side,
under the future elevator stick.
■ Take care that everything is rotated 180° compared to where you
dismounted the parts.
wPut the plastic holder in the slot, and hinge the spring to the bracket and
the plastic holder. You may use the cable tie from the USB lead, and
form a hook to handle the spring.
■ Adjust the springs on all sticks to your liking.
■ Carefully close the VBar Control again, and re-connect the switch
wires and the vibration alarm motor.
■ Carefully replace the bottom case,
■ Fasten the six screws but do not over-tighten them.
■ To change the stick length, carefully twist the upper half of the stick
counter-clockwise to loosen the stick, while holding the lower half.
Adjust the lower and the upper half to the length of your choice. Fix the
stick by twisting both halves against each other.
1
15
2
q
8
5
3
w
9
6
4
0
7
16
■ Select USB mode
from the Transmitter Setup.
■ Connect the USB lead to your computer.
■ There is no driver needed on Windows PCs nor on
Macs. The operating system will detect VBar Control
automatically as a game controller.
■ In your preferred simulator software, select VControl as
a controller and set up/calibrate as needed.
☝Attention: Use the Simulator’s menus to adjust the Simu-
lator to the VBar Control transmitter. Do not change set-
tings (e.g. switches) in your VBar Control transmitter; this
will affect behavior of your real-life models, too.
■ Option 1
»Turn on VBar Control transmitter.
»Make sure motor/throttle controls are in OFF position.
»Select
from the
menu.
»Turn on the VBar with the VBar Control Satellite
Receiver connected.
»Wait a few seconds for the VBar Control to scan for
available devices.
»Select the VBar Control Satellite Receiver from the list.
»VBar Control will conrm with the message ‘Connect-
ed’.
■ Option 2
»Turn on the VBar with the VBar Control Satellite
Receiver connected.
»Wait for 10 seconds for the receiver to go into bind
mode.
»Only now turn on VBar Control transmitter.
»Make sure motor/throttle controls are in off position.
»Select
from the
menu.
»Wait a few seconds for the VBar Control to scan for
available devices.
»Select the VBar Control Satellite Receiver from the list.
»VBar Control will conrm with the message ‘Connect-
ed’.
☝Attention If the re-binding procedure is no completed, a
previously bound VBar Control Satellite Receiver remains
bound to the last VBar Control transmitter it was bound to.
The binding information is not automatically deleted by mis-
takenly powering up the model. Just turn the model off, turn
on your VBar Control transmitter, then turn on the model
again: it will re-connect at once.
■ The built-in battery will be charged every time VBar
Control is connected to a personal computer, using the
USB cable. A green light will come on in the EDS Dial
when the VBar Control is connected to a live USB port.
■ To charge VBar Control without a PC, connect the wall
charger provided to a wall outlet. Select the appropriate
adapter for your country. A red light will come on in the
EDS Dial when the VBar Control is connected to the
wall charger.
■ Connect the charger to VBar Control.
■ Charging time from the wall charger will be approx. 1.5
hours. The battery is full when the LED turns off.
■ When left on the wall charger, trickle charge will keep
the battery fully charged.
■ Charging time from the USB cable will be approx. 10
hours (with the transmitter turned ON) or 40 hours (with
the transmitter turned OFF). This is due to technical
regulations of the USB power supply.
■ You may connect both the USB cable and the wall
charger at the same time. The integrated charging circuit
in your VBar Control transmitter will always use the input
with the highest power and disable the other input.
■ In case the battery is exhaustively discharged, the
charging time will noticeably increase to safely get the
battery back to life.
■ Power saving
Set the low threshold of the ambient light sensor to a low
value, so the transmitter always uses the least power
needed for the display.
■ Range check, check of antennae
Once a VBar Control Satellite Receiver is connected,
you can check the antenna status at
/
. You will see bars indicating the overall link
power as well as the signal strength of the four anten-
nae (Tx=radio, Rx=receiver).
⚠If one of the four vertical bars falls below the indicated
threshold, stop using VBar Control and nd and remedy the
cause.
17
For a range check, walk around your model in a 30 ft/10 m
radius. Point the antenna of VBar Control at the model as
if you were ying it. Link power may not read below the
vertical threshold line.
⚠If link power falls below the vertical threshold line, re-ar-
range the antennae and repeat the test.
☒Do not place the model onto a metal surface for this test.
VBar Control Satellite
Receiver
■ Antennae
»Coaxial antenna wire
»Actual antenna wire
■ Connector
■ Connecting cable (for Mikado VBar or Mini VBar only)
■ Control LEDs
☝Attention The black coded wire connects to the black mark
of the Control Panel Connector of a VBar main unit or to the
triangle mark on a Mini VBar.
■ The green LED signals that the receiver is bound to
and synchronized with VBar Control.
■ The red LED ashes when data are being sent, e.g.
telemetry is active.
■ Place the receiver next to the VBar Flybarless control-
ler.
■ Fix it using e.g. double-sided adhesive tape or velcro
tape. Make sure it does not touch the frames/chassis
directly to avoid vibration inuence.
■ Avoid places where liquids could spill on the receiver,
take waterproong measures if necessary.
■ Avoid places where high temperature changes can
occur.
■ Take measures so wires or antennae do not get
damaged e.g. by sharp-edged carbon ber or alumi-
num frames.
■ Make sure the connector is securely attached and the
wire is not subject to tension and that they are not bent
or kinked.
■ Place the antennae in a way so the actual antennae do
not touch frames or chassis elements. The free space
around the tip should have the size of a table tennis
ball.
■ If the actual antennae touch conductive or shielding
material such as metal or carbon ber surfaces, the
reception will be reduced considerably.
■ Align the antennae in a way so they point at a 90°
angle.
■ Separate the antenna tips as far as possible, their
mutual distance is even more important than achieving
a 90° angle.
■ Do not unnecessarily cover the actual antennae.
■ Do not bend or kink the actual antennae.
■ The coaxial wires may be bent, but only in a gentle arc,
not 90° sharp, so as not to damage the actual antenna
wire inside.
■ Separate the antennae as far as possible from electric
motors, electronic speed controllers or other sources of
electric/electronic noise.
■ Separate the antennae as far as possible from conduc-
tive or shielding materials/surfaces. When installed
inside a fuselage, try and place the antenna tips
outside the fuselage.
☝If you are mounting the VBar Control Satellite inside a fus-
alage, always perform a comprehensive range check.
Antennae
Coaxial antenna wire
Connecting cable
Control LEDs
Actual antenna wire
18
Updating and Enhancing
your VBar Control
Transmitter
■ PC
»Go to our product web site www.vstabi.info, browse
to the downloads section and get a download link for
the VBar Control Manager (you will need a MikadoID
(= login name to at www.mikado-heli.de) to do so).
»After the actual download, open the installer and
follow the instructions on the screen.
»The program will be installed to the \Program
Files-Folder on your hard disk. A shortcut will be
created on your desktop.
»Double click the shortcut.
»Once the VBar Control is connected to the computer,
VBar Control Manager will automatically connect to
the internet and register with our support web site
www.vstabi.info.
»If you have not done so already, log in to www.vstabi.
info using your MikadoID.
»VBar Control Manager will always check for updates
and automatically install them to your VBar Control
transmitter, so you always have the latest rmware
and features available.
■ Mac
»Go to our product web site www.vstabi.info, browse
to the downloads section and get a download link for
the VBar Control Manager (you will need a MikadoID
to do so).
»After the actual download, open the disk image (dmg-
le) and copy the VBar Control Manager App to your
/Applications Folder.
»Double click the App.
»Once the VBar Control is connected to the computer,
VBar Control Manager will automatically connect to
the internet and register with our support web site
www.vstabi.info.
»If you have not done so already, log in to www.vstabi.
info using your MikadoID.
»VBar Control Manager will always check for updates
and automatically install them to your VBar Control
transmitter, so you always have the latest rmware
and features available.
☒Never disconnect the VBar Control transmitter while USB
or File System operations are in progress. Check the dis-
play on your VBar Control transmitter and the VBar Control
Manager prior to unplugging the USB cable. Please be pa-
tient especially if you did not connect your VBar Control
transmitter to the internet for an extended time: the update
process can take several minutes if many les have to be
transferred and updated.
■ Mikado Model Helicopters strongly recommends that
you register your VBar Control transmitter using your
MikadoID.
■ Registration helps us keeping you informed about
latest developments, changes, necessary updates,
safety bulletins and the like.
■ Registered users have access to free software, up-
grades and updates as well as to the App Store on our
support web site www.vstabi.info.
■ VBar Control Manager lets you connect your VBar
Control to the internet to receive automatic updates.
Just click on ‘Applications’ to access the App Store for
VBar Control. There you nd a selection of Apps for all
kinds of tasks.
Recycling VBar Control
and the Rechargeable
Battery
Spent Lithium Polymer batteries are not domestic waste.
Discharge the battery, insulate the terminals with tape or
similar, and bring it to a store/dealer that disposes of small
rechargeable batteries, or bring it to a collection point for
harmful substances.
Used electronic devices are not domestic waste. You can
reduce the environmental impact of electronics through
proper recycling. Please refer to your local regulations or
contact your local dealer to learn how to dispose of used
small electronic devices properly.
19
Technical Data
Working temperature range 0 °C to +40 °C
32 °F to 104 °F
Current consumption Standby 190 µA
Normal 280 mA
Maximum 1,200 mA
Weight 880 g
Working temperature range -5 °C to +45 °C
23 °F to 113 °F
Current consumption Receive max. 70 mA
Transmit max. 80 mA
Supply voltage 3.5 to 8.4 V (2S LiPo)
Weight 8 g
Working temperature range -5 °C to +60 °C
23 °F to 140 °F
Current consumption ca. 120 mA
Supply voltage 3.5 to 8.4 V (2S LiPo)
Working temperature range 0 °C to +50 °C
32 °F to 122 °F
Current consumption ca. 80 mA
Supply voltage 3.5 to 8.4 V (2S LiPo)
Care and Cleaning
☝Attention Use a soft brush to remove dirt and sand from
surfaces and from the gimbals, to avoid scratches.
☝Attention Use a dry or damp microber or other soft cloth to
clean the surfaces. Do not rub rmly. Only neutral detergent
may be used (check on a hidden surface rst if in doubt).
☝Attention Take special care when cleaning the display, for-
eign parts like dirt or sand for example might scratch the
surface even when a soft cloth is used.
☝Attention Do not use dripping wet cloth, and do not use hot
water, benzine, gasoline, model fuels, thinner or other vol-
atile detergents for example, as they might permanently
damage or mark surfaces or damage the electronics inside.
Getting Support and
Service for your VBar
Control
Mikado Model Helicopters offer free warranty repair or re-
placement during the legal warranty period applicable only
if VBar Control is faulty during or after use according to the
specication and this manual, and based on the regula-
tions of Mikado Model Helicopters.
Mikado Model Helicopters will charge cost for repairs or
replacements necessary e.g. because of improper use, af-
ter the warranty period, and without proof of purchase pro-
vided.
Warranty will be limited to the VBar Control itself and does
not cover other components on the model like servos,
power units, the model itself and especially non-Mikado
products.
Mikado Model Helicopters do not take responsibility for
any physical damage or physical injury as well as loss of
use or data saved on the device or any similar claim.
After the warranty period has expired, or in case the dam-
age was not a warranty issue, Mikado Model Helicopters
will repair VBar Control with costs. We will provide a repair
estimate to the customer.
Repairs will only be made if VBar Control can be used
safely again in the future.
Please note that costs of some repairs might exceed the
value of the device and might not be economically sensible.
☝Attention Legal warranty periods may differ depending on
the laws applicable in the country you live in. Please ask
your local dealer/distributor for further details.
☝Attention Make sure you save the les on your VBar Con-
trol to your computer before you send it in for warranty or
general repair. The device may be reset and re-installed at
the service shop, causing loss of all data saved on the in-
ternal memory.
Mikado Model Helicopters provides extensive worldwide
after-sales service on the forums at the support web site
www.vstabi.info as well as via e-mail through service@mi-
kado-heli.de.
Spare parts and accessories for your VBar Control are
available at www.mikado-heli.de.
20
Compliance Information
for the U.S., Europe and
Other Countries
☝Attention This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environ-
ment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in ac-
cordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to cor-
rect the interference at his own expense.
☝Attention Changes or modications not expressly ap-
proved by the party responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the device.
☝Attention This equipment complies with the regulations of
R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC. It carries the CE sign which
demonstrates conformity and is accepted within the EU as
well as additional countries such as Sweden, Norway, Est-
land and Switzerland for example. VBar Control may be
sold and used in these countries. Please note that it is sole-
ly in the user’s responsibility to put radio equipment into
service.
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