Mikado VBAR User manual

Manual
Version3-Achser3.6.16USB

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.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorcomments,pleasecontact:
phone:[phone]
email:[email protected]
or go to the V-Bar Forum on the following website: www.vstabi.de
(Questions can be asked in English.)
This manual must be read in its entirety before
installing and operating the V-Bar System!
This version of the V-Bar (3 axes) can be used
in electric helicopters as well as in nitro
helicopters.
CONTENTS
1. What does the VBar do? ....................................................3
2. How does the VBar work .....................................................3
3. Which helicopters are suitable for the VBar system?...............4
4. Installation............................................................................4
5. How to program your VBar.....................................................7
6. Were can I get addtional information on VBar?........................8
7. Installation of the PC Software and of the USB driver...............9
8. Connection Diagram: Receiver - VBar - Servos......................14
9. Programming when using factory stet-ups............................15
10. Expert Menu....................................................................19
11. VBar Control Panel...........................................................20
12. Easy Panel Software........................................................20
13. Important Safety Guidelines...............................................21
14. Rotorhead Settings...........................................................24
15. Additional Components.....................................................25
16. Technichal Data................................................................26

3
1. What does the VBar do?
VBarstandsfor„VirtualFlybar.“(In Germanitis called"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.
2. 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, and rudder) by SMM (Silicon Micro Machine) sensors. All
measurements are entered into a mathematical algorithm, which
outputsthe desired values to betransferredto the servos.

4
3. 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 13 of this manual.
4. 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
- 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.
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.

6
Inaddition, you should try tofinda place for the gyro sensorwhere it
isexposed to aslittle vibration aspossible.Although the sensoritself
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.

7
5. 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.
Threedifferent softwaretypesare available.
a)Using pre-installed model-specificsettings
Ready-to-usepre-installed set-upsareincluded forthemost popular
model helicopters, such as the different LOGO and TRex models.
Just a few steps are necessary to program the VBar if you use one
ofthesepre-installedset-ups.
Programming VBar
Control Panel
Bluetooth
Module USB/
Bluetooth
Module
PC/LaptopMobile/PDA
Preset-
Model
setups
VBar
Setups VBar
Setups
external
Setups external
Setups
Expert
Menu Expert Menü Expert
Menu
Easy
Panel
Preset-
Model
setups
Preset-
Model
setups

8
Alternativelyyou may use setups whichwerecreated by other pilots
if they were created for the model you intend to be using.
b) easy Setup
Ifyou cannot finda read-to-use setup for yourtypeof helicopter,you
shouldusethe Easy Setup option. When installing the software you
will be asked if you wish to include the Easy Setup option on your
desktop.Ifyousay „yes“ a special icon will appear on your desktop.
Tostartthe Easy Setup click on theicon.Adialogue willbeinitalized
and you will be lead through the set-up in 21 steps.
c)Expert Software
Very experienced pilots who have been using the VBar for some
time and are familiar with the individual parameters may choose to
make adjustments via the Expert Software.
6. Where can I get addtional information on the VBar?
a) VBar Wiki
The VBar Wiki is an information data base in which you will find
most everything that might be of interest about the VBar. You will
findthe Wiki on www.vstabi.de.The Wiki is available in Englishand
German.
b) VStabi Forum
Ifthe Wiki does not answer your question, youmayget in touch with
some expert pilots in the online forum on www.vstabi.de. They will
help you along as best they can. Please use the Wiki as a resource
first. It contains the answers to the majority of frequent questions.
Reading the Wiki will also help avoid potential mistakes.

9
7. Installation of the PC-Software and of the USB driver
TheCD contains the PC software and the software for thedriverfor
the USB connection.
Thesoftwareruns with most Window versions. The minimum
requirementsare:
- RAM: 256 MB minimum
- CPU: 100 MHz minimum
- Screen: at least 1024x768 px
- Interface: USB 1.1 and up
-Other: one CD ROM drive
Allset-upandadjustment operationsmustbe carriedoutwithextreme
careand withoutrushing. Whereeveryou are, alwaysmake surethat
you take your time and are aware exactly of what you are doing.
Obviously, a misplaced click or entry can lead to a configuration of
theheli which isnotsuitable for flying.Thisis why each stepmust be
carriedout carefully and subsequently checked.
Howto install the set-up software
The following series of images leads you through the installation
software step by step.

10
Pleaseconfirm here the folder to which software willbeinstalled.
At this point you may choose to install the Easy Setup and the
OverviewPanelsoftware.TheOverviewPanelshowsyouallparamaters
thta can be adjusted.

11
The options chosen are displayed. Click on „Install“ to begin
installation:
The copying process takes a few seconds.
Anewfolder is created.

12
After starting the program, the first screen shows the starting page
for the pre-installed model set-ups. To connect your PC/Laptop with
the VBar you need to install the drivers first.
Installation of the USB driver
Place the CD into the CD drive. Connect the mainboard and the
computer via the USB cable. Now turn on the VBar. Your Windows
programwill recognizethenew hardwareand open anew window
On successful installation, your desktop will show an icon for the
VBar. By clicking on this icon you can start the software. You can
also start the software using the Windows Start menu.
Now chose the box "Install software automatically“. Now Windows
willload the new driverfrom the CD.

13
TheVBar isnow connectedandall VBarparameters arereadout, so
that they can be displayed on the screen. Whenever you make a
changeon one of thecontrolbars, it will betransmittedto the central
unitand stored automatically.Themodification will become effective
immediately. This is why it is advisable to save the current set of
parameters to your hard drive. This is done under "File ---> Save“.
You can always restore a saved set of parameters.
Onstarting the VBar software, the red"noconnection“ message will
switch to a green "connected“.
The VBar icon on your desktop

14
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.
JR - Empfänger(Graupner)
Mini USB
Bedienteil/Bluetooth
Gyro Sensor
Heckrotor Servo
Roll-Servo rechts
Roll-Servo links
Nick-Servo
Kanal 1
Kanal 3
Kanal 4
Kanal 2
Heckrotor Servo
FUTABA T14/T12 - Empfänger
Roll-Servo rechts
Roll-Servo links
Nick-Servo
Kanal 6
Kanal 5
Kanal 2
Kanal 4
Mini USB
Bedienteil/Bluetooth
Gyro Sensor
Heckrotor Servo
FUTABAEmpfänger
Roll-Servo rechts
Roll-Servo links
Nick-Servo
Kanal 6
Kanal 2
Kanal 4
Kanal 1
Mini USB
Bedienteil/Bluetooth
Gyro Sensor
8. Connection Diagram: Receiver - VBar - Servos

15
9. Programming when using pre-installed set-ups
In this section we guide you to a ready-to-fly set-up in just seven
steps.
Prerequisites:You may beginwith this procedureonly afteryou have
sucessfullyinstalledandstarted the PC software on your computer.
Subsequently you must connect the VBar with the receiver and the
servos.
.
Step 1
Click on "Start Setup“ in order to switch to the set-up menu

16
Step 2
Inthe menu please follow steps 1 to 6 and complete the process by
clicking on "Finish Setup“. During the set-up procedure you have
access to a test mode. You can simply test the individual control
functionsinthebox„Manual Control“.
1) Press "load preset“. Choose your helicopter model. All relevant
model-specifc parameters and set-up data will be loaded into the
VBar.
2) TX calibration (very important!). This step is necessary to check
the effective direction of the radio. If necessary you need to switch
theeffective directionofyour radio.Only after youhave checked that
allcontrol channelsofyour radioare effective incorrect direction you
can procede with the next step here. Note that your radio must be
freeof any pre-programming. It is used asasimple 4-channel radio.
3)Thisstepchosesthetail servoyouareusing.Pleaseadjusteffective
direction,servo center and servotravel.

17
4)Checkthe effective direction for cyclic, elevator and aileron here.
Invertif necessary.
5) Swashplate Trimming: This step is to trim the swashplate. Note
thatat 0°pitch thestickis centeredand the servoarms arein neutral.
6) Cyclic Travel Limitation: This lets you control the maximal cyclic
travel. Ensure that the cyclic travel is set so that the swashplate
nevertouchesthemainshaft.
Step 3
By clicking on "Finish Setup“ you return to the page showing the
setup parameters.At the same time the Manual Control mode is
deactivated.
Using the control bar for the main and tail rotor you can adjust the
flightproperties of the helicopter.

18
In addition you may activate the expo-function for cyclic, elevator
and aileron in your radio and adjust the flight characteristics of your
helicopter to your taste.
Thereare three differentoptionsto adjust theflightcharacteristics of
yourhelicopter:
VBar Classic
Ifyou choose the VBar Classicmode, the helicopter will performlike
a conventional helicopter with a flybar and paddles. In fast-forward
flight the helicopter will pitch up slightly.
Extended
In the Extended mode the elevator function includes an addition
HeadingHold componentwhichoperates in relationwithpitch. Itwill
ensurethe helicopterwill moveforward perfectlyin fastforward flight.
Thissettingmaytakesomegettingusedtoforsomepilots, especially
at stick center.
Ultra
The Ultra mode combines very good hovering characteristics with
perfectforward flight. This mode is preferred by advanced3Dpilots
due to its highly dynamic characteristics. This mode requires that
veryfast andpowerfulswashplate servosare used.
Important note: The first flights for set-up and trimming must
be carried out in Classic mode. You must feel familar with the
use of VBar in your your current helicopter to go to Extended
and Ultra modes.

19
10. Expert Menu
To get to the Expert menu click on the button „Expert Setup“ on the
left bottom of the panel.
Thedescription for the set-up options of theExpertSetup Menu can
befound in the VBar Wikiunder www.vstabi.de- bothinEnglish and
German.

20
11. VBar Control Panel
TheVBarControl Panelcontainsthe set-upmenufor thepre-installed
setupsas well as for the Expert software. The menus arestructured
verysimilar to howit isdonein thePC software.Anexactdescription
of the menu structure is included with the control panel.
12. Easy Panel Software
By using the Easy Panel Software you can create a basic set up for
yourhelicopter.Youwould dothisifyouare using a model for which
no pre-installed set-up has been provided in the software or from
anothersource. Youareguided througha dialogue of21 steps. After
youhave completed each step youwill have a ready-to-fly VBarset-
up. The software for the Easy Panel is installed together with the
VBar software. There will be a separate icon for the Esay Panel on
yourdesktop.Aset-upwhich has been created by theEasyPanel is
fullycompatible with both the PCand the Control Panel software,so
itcan be further adjusted using either device.