Method of working

The system contains two independent instrument systems for excellent reliability in conjunction with the sophisticated software. The professional version contains additional instruments which provide autonomous control of all functions.

The position is measured by sensing the ground, using a principle similar to that of the optical computer mouse; the difference is that the positioning system continues to work at altitudes of up to 20-30m, and even at the onset of dusk. A movement sensor senses the ground in flight, i.e. it virtually replaces the eyes of an airborne pilot. Almost every ground surface exhibits contrast, and this allows the system to detect all relative movements in the horizontal direction, just as accurately as a computer mouse on its mat. The supplementary attitude stabilisation features an artificial horizon and three electronic gyros, and works completely independently of the prevailing visual conditions. 

As a result, the HeliCommand is capable of stabilising the helicopter in the horizontal attitude independent of the visual circumstances (in contrast to previous types of stabilisers). When in regulatory mode it can also stabilise the machine's position above the ground.

The HeliCommand-PROFI was developed for commercial applications, and is equipped with additional instruments, including a ground distance sensor for automatic landing, and an air pressure sensor for altitude stabilisation, plus a second redundant ground sensor for drift measurement. The Profi version also contains ultra-precise hardware, enabling it to provide enhanced stability and precision even in unforgiving mission conditions.
Of course, in exceptional visual conditions, e.g. in the dark, above water, over smooth floor coverings or a featureless snow blanket, the visual sensing systems are unable to supply a signal.

If this should occur, the other airborne instruments automatically assume the stabilising role. Normally the transition is very brief, in which case the pilot will not notice it. If it lasts longer, the stabilisation automatically switches from “position mode” to “horizontal mode”. In this case the pilot will notice the difference, as he has to compensate for any slow drift by giving straightforward control commands. Even in this situation the level of stabilisation is equivalent to that provided by conventional “inertial control” technology, i.e. it provides tilt stabilisation, as if you had switched off the altitude regulation and several other features of the HeliCommand.

Action chart: HeliCommand 3A, 3D, Rigid

Basic version for the beginner.

Includes all the features described under "M-Series".

Contains all the system components required for normal flying. No stabilisation for inverted flight or 3D manoeuvres!

Contains all necessary part for mounting and connecting to your helicopter, incl. USB-PC-adaptor and PC-software to adjust the HeliCommand perfectly to your machine, needs and flight style.

In case of resigning on the position mode and covering the optical sensor, the unit can easily be placed inside a canopy without cutting a window into the canopy. All other functions (horizontal mode, tail gyro, etc.) are fully functional.

Specification:

Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 22.5 mm
Operating voltage: 4.8...6 V (4-5 NiCd/NiMH)
Current drain: 55 mA
Weight, incl. cables: 33 g

Dual independent instrument systems and sophisticated software for excellent reliability

1) Electronic triple-axis gyro with accurate attitude control and artificial horizon, completely independently of the visible horizon.

2) New type of sensing process provides stable positional hold.

Instruments can be activated individually and in variable stabilisation level. For further information see "Technology".

Integral functions

Tail rotor gyro

The HeliCommand unit includes an integral fully-featured heading hold gyro as standard. Of course, a separate gyro can be used as an alternative if required.

Auto-Trim

The system also features automatic trim. Pressing a button at the transmitter automatically neutralises the three control axes elevator (pitch-axis), aileron (roll-axis) and tail rotor. The auto-pilot trim is only required during the first flight (after initial installation). However, the trim can also be used during manual control. The automatic trim system only requires a period of reasonably smooth flight lasting at least seven seconds in order to define correct trim values. The values are stored, but can also be amended at any time.

Swashplate mixer

The system also includes an integral fully-featured swashplate mixer (H1, H3 90°/120°/140°, H4 90°/90+45°), which makes it possible to control any current type of helicopter using a simple radio control system (without swashplate mixers). In this case the USB-PC-adaptor and PC-software are required to set up the syste (included in all HeliCommands from July 2010!).

The mixers are set up using a new, straightforward procedure, avoiding the need for the user to study menu systems etc.

PILOT channel

The effect of the stabilisation / positional mode is infinitely variable via a separate radio control channel; it can also be switched off for 3D flying.
Three levels of regulation can be selected in flight:
- Stage 0 = Off (conventional)
- Stage 1 = Attitude regulation (stabilisation)
- Stage 2 = Positional and “ground-speed” regulation

Failsafe

A superior fail-safe function for use with FM receivers. If the radio link fails, fail-safe responds very quickly and virtually continuously: the aileron and elevator functions are returned to neutral, while the collective pitch function retains the last valid value.



In the following table you will find a technical overview regarding functionality and parameters of the M-series' products: