SK720 Release Date?

[growmaster4]

sounds really close.i cant wait,my atom i begging to go fbl

[cogito]

Originally Posted by rickn816

Art told Chris on the podcast, that the unit will be released within a month.

I want one.

Rick

I want a couple.

Art said in the podcast, "we keep thinking it's getting really close to release, but it's an engineering project so release is always a month away. At least near the tail end of the project."
-which I took to mean it may be released within a month, but it's possible we may have to remain patient a bit longer.

It does sound like just the flybarless unit I've been waiting for: 3 axis unit with 3 axis accelerometer, flybarless, horizontal stabilization (either constant or switched on in flight,) single unit (except for larger helis due to heavier wiring causing vibration trouble,) uses satellite receivers, upgradable.

I do AP, so the discussion of a potential gps add-on was also intriguing to me as well.

[Rollo Ron]

Will the SK360 update be available around the same time as the 720 release? Will definitely be a Happy holiday season if so ;-)...

Ron

[heli4fun]

Originally Posted by alvinchai

I've been working with Art testing the SK720 for several months now, things are progressing well. Hopefully we will be able to post some videos soon of the new unit flying showing its capabilities - both stabilty/hands-off and 3D.

Alvin

Alvin,

I am very interested in scale flying and want to give the new SK720 a try. Please when posting videos of it make sure include some nice and stable (possible with scale body...) flying videos as well.

Thanks ,

[OnTheSnap]

After listening to the inside heli podcast today, I'm even more excited about the SK720! The hardware sounds awesome. The addition of auto training on the hiller gain sounds like it will show up on both the 360/720 units which is good news. Art also provided some more detail on the logging capabilities, which include the ability to play back stick movements and eventually combine this with logged GPS data. Eventually you'll be able to play back a virtual version of your flight! Too cool!

There was also a discussion of adding features to establish a "do not cross" line on both a vertical and horizontal plane. So basically you'll be able to setup your heli so it won't hit the ground or cross the flight line. This feature is a long ways away though, but the hardware is capable.

This thing sounds truly next generation if it delivers on it's promise.

[growmaster4]

i expect it will.ive had nothing but a great experience with the 360

[rickn816]

Originally Posted by alvinchai

I've been working with Art testing the SK720 for several months now, things are progressing well. Hopefully we will be able to post some videos soon of the new unit flying showing its capabilities - both stabilty/hands-off and 3D.

Alvin

Um, that would be great, but

I'd rather have one in my hands!!!

Rick

[rickn816]

Originally Posted by growmaster4

i expect it will.ive had nothing but a great experience with the 360

I have one in my T-Rex 250 - I had to take it out of the case and put it in a custom box, but it works.

I:'m building a T-Rex 500 just for the 720.

Rick

[xcraftllc]

I hate to sound ignorant, but I wanted some clarity on the issue of accelerometers. Will the stock unit have accelerometers in it that can govern the heli's position and acceleration in 3D(like a true autopilot that is popular in aerial photography)? Or are they saying that the unit will be compatible and expandable with accelerometers that can be plugged into the unit?

[growmaster4]

they are built into the unit

[rickn816]

Originally Posted by xcraftllc

I hate to sound ignorant, but I wanted some clarity on the issue of accelerometers. Will the stock unit have accelerometers in it that can govern the heli's position and acceleration in 3D(like a true autopilot that is popular in aerial photography)? Or are they saying that the unit will be compatible and expandable with accelerometers that can be plugged into the unit?

Not a true autopilot. The accelerometers help the machine return to the original, upright position, when the software for that feature is selected. According to the podcast, the software in the unit will allow you to flip a switch on your Tx and your heli will return to a stable, upright hover. The GyroBot has a similar feature, but you cannot select it in flight.

Rick

[hurricane.br]

They will be built in, but not necessarily used in normal flight.

[heli4fun]

Originally Posted by rickn816

According to the podcast, the software in the unit will allow you to flip a switch on your
Rick

Can you please post a link to the podcast !!!

thanks,

[mapas]

http://cdn4.libsyn.com/insideheli/In...f5353fc2b39bac

[heli4fun]

Thanks for the link !!!

[OnTheSnap]

Search for All Things That Fly Podcast in Itunes. This includes InsideHeli and the ATTF podcasts. They are great podcasts! You have a few years to catch up on..

I hope this thing shows up before 2010. Daily I keep reconsidering the v-bar or Gyrobot.

[rickn816]

Originally Posted by OnTheSnap

Search for All Things That Fly Podcast in Itunes. This includes InsideHeli and the ATTF podcasts. They are great podcasts! You have a few years to catch up on..

I hope this thing shows up before 2010. Daily I keep reconsidering the v-bar or Gyrobot.

Don't misunderstand. My GyroBot 900 leaves the SK 360 in the dust. I trust Art's skills and the fact that he upgraded the hardware beyond the GyroBot (32 bit processor, 2 GB memory, etc.). I have my T-Rex 500 ready to go - except for the SK 720 or GyroBot 700.

Rick

[OnTheSnap]

I think we all agree (including Art) that 2 axis systems have big limitations. This is why he's abandoning the idea. The big advantage was price point. But most guys just sell the tail gyro anyway when they buy the 3 axis system.

[xcraftllc]

and the coming generations won't even be buying tail gyros in the first place.

[mapas]

Originally Posted by xcraftllc

and the coming generations won't even be buying tail gyros in the first place.

or know what a flybar is...