Helicommand or AP2000i

[MarkWebber]

I feel certain in saying that Spartan is very aware of what we all hope to have for the AP2000i. I do my best on the forums to provide as much support as possible to allow Angelos to do what he needs to reach that end.
I can not speak for him regarding the delayed inertial sensors. He has said elsewhere that the work on the inertial sensor would resume following the completion of the gyro. If or how the ds760 might be incorporated into the new sensor, I've no idea.
Based on the performance of the ds760 I've got on my heli, if it plays any part in an inertial sensor it will be great.

[j_kookboy]

Originally Posted by MarkWebber

I do my best on the forums to provide as much support as possible to allow Angelos to do what he needs to reach that end.

Mark,

I would just like to say that this is one of the very few products I have seen with this type of dedicated support. I know you have helped me (outside of work hours) on your own time both via phone/email/forums and many others as well with the AP2000i and multiple gyro setup.

I cannot stress how much you have personally contributed and helped out in the forums alone.

You alone and your constant support/ideas are what has prevented me from trying another system in the past.

I am glad you continue to give support on what is a great product.

Jesse

[phil007]

heliflight,

Great post on why people, like myself, are buying the Helicommand. I was about to mount the AP2000i on my heli but after some research I decided to sell it and buy the HC3A. I'm flying around trees, buildings while the sun is at a low angle and didn't want any of the surprises that can come up when using the FMA IR sensor. It's too bad that Spartan was beat to market, or gave up, with the internal senor system because they do have great support after the sale. In my opinion, the Helicommand is a better product and won my vote or $$$.

With any of these systems the set up isn't easy but you only need to do it once. I like that the HC software lets you save the current profile while experimenting with other setups. There was trial and error until I had everything correct. All of the errors came from me with something plugged in the wrong way but I still had it working by the end of the weekend.

Phil

Originally Posted by heliflight

Enter the HeliCommand. Apparently, this unit has done very well in Europe and is now becoming popular here as a way to eliminate the IR sensor problems with the AP-2000i although at a higher cost. Absent any news from Spartan on the promised products, I think most are now opting for the HC as they feel that even if Spartan eventually does come out with the sensors, the added cost will make the bottom line of the products the same, and the HC is available now. Those that I know who have used both have indicated that the HC eliminates a lot of the AP-2000i problems, and although it is not perfect either, they would not go back.

[Ruud Westerhout]

Originally Posted by phil007

With any of these systems the set up isn't easy but you only need to do it once. I like that the HC software lets you save the current profile while experimenting with other setups. There was trial and error until I had everything correct. All of the errors came from me with something plugged in the wrong way but I still had it working by the end of the weekend.

Agree that the HC is not guilty for me (or us) to take soo long to configure it right. But I still think a "as good as Spartan" service would have solve my problem much and much faster. I cannot talk for the technical qulaity of the AP2000 but the service beats HC clearly.

Ruud

[trackhead]

I found the HCA almost easier to set up than the AP2k, atleast with the PC interface.

I unpackaged mine, and was flying it about 2-3 hours later. No big deal.

Of course, that was with the help of the RR thread.

[Ruud Westerhout]

I thought to have had the same. All seem to work, only AT did not work.
After ages I finally took the time (and the HELP) to get AT to run, then Pos.Mode did not work anymore. When I got that to work I found out that I had run all the time with my cables mixed up (for the two front servos). Yes, nobody guilty but me, but it took a long time to find somebody able to help me with this.

Certainly some devices are made much more easy to understand than this one.

Regards,
Ruud

[trireme]

Thanks for all the feedback.

If I buy the 3d HC, can it be upgraded with the pc cable to do the RIGID software for flybarless?? Dont plan to deal with that now, but would like to someday.

[j_kookboy]

Originally Posted by trireme

Thanks for all the feedback.

If I buy the 3d HC, can it be upgraded with the pc cable to do the RIGID software for flybarless?? Dont plan to deal with that now, but would like to someday.

No.

I would strongly recommend to buy the RIGID.

I made the mistake of buying a 3A and now had to send it back to germany and have them upgrade it to a RIGID (144 euros + shipping).

You end up paying more money buying the 3A and then upgrading it to a RIGID.

The reason behind the higher cost is that the manufacturer already produces the units and sells them as 3A/3D/RIGID. Only difference between them is the firmware. For them to receive a 3A/3D and upgrade to new firmware, they have to disassemble it, it takes time. They charge for that time.

This hobby is advancing fast and there's more and more manufacturer's coming out with flybarless systems. It seems obvious as there is less mass rotating = more efficient, less parts, less cost.

If you are looking to get a HC in the long run, I recommend to get the RIGID.

My 2 cents.

Jesse

[dreslism]

Originally Posted by trireme

Thanks for all the feedback.

If I buy the 3d HC, can it be upgraded with the pc cable to do the RIGID software for flybarless?? Dont plan to deal with that now, but would like to someday.

As Jesse said the answer is no.

I see this is one of the downsides of the HC vs the ap2000.
The ap2000 is field upgradeable.

The HC is not, you have to send it back to Germany.

[Ruud Westerhout]

Yes, Jesse is completely right.

I made that same mistake, bought a 3A. I am still not planning to go to 3D or Rigid, but all the arguments fit. I do not know if they really have to disassemble to upgrade the firmware, would be a little "bad thinking" I would say if it is, but they might just say that to justify the money. I used to work for a company who "did this" (take bigger amounts of money then the work actually cost, but justify by telling the client about the huge amount of work).

Regards,
Ruud

[trireme]

Originally Posted by j_kookboy

No.

I would strongly recommend to buy the RIGID.

I made the mistake of buying a 3A and now had to send it back to germany and have them upgrade it to a RIGID (144 euros + shipping).

You end up paying more money buying the 3A and then upgrading it to a RIGID.

The reason behind the higher cost is that the manufacturer already produces the units and sells them as 3A/3D/RIGID. Only difference between them is the firmware. For them to receive a 3A/3D and upgrade to new firmware, they have to disassemble it, it takes time. They charge for that time.

This hobby is advancing fast and there's more and more manufacturer's coming out with flybarless systems. It seems obvious as there is less mass rotating = more efficient, less parts, less cost.

If you are looking to get a HC in the long run, I recommend to get the RIGID.

My 2 cents.

Jesse

So, are you saying if I get the RIGID version, I can used it just like the 3A, 3D or RIGID settings?

[j_kookboy]

Yes.

3A - stab
3D = 3A + inverted stab
RIGID = 3A + 3D + flybarless stab

[bullaculla]

what ever happened to the "profil" version?

From esprit model.com

"Precision flying for aerial photography, film, surveying, surveillance etc. Ideal support for long-range flying. Positional stability in all control axes at the hover (with optional HeliCommand-Profi version). Fail-safe with fully automatic landing."
http://www.espritmodel.com/index.asp...OD&ProdID=5847

[jimheliboy]

The profi is available, PRICEY $4,000 for the high dollar helis....check out ercmarket
http://www.ercmarket.com/

[jimheliboy]

Sorry the price is USD $5,000.....