Which Gyro?

[Crazy Ant]

Hi Guys
Just wondering why everyone uses the 401, is there something wrong with any of the other Gyro's eg: JR 410T etc? and can I put the Gyro in the front of the heli instead of at the back?
regards, Glen

[cbflys]

The Futaba GY401 is simply a very good and popular gyro. There are also many "deals" offered on this unit. It's JR equivalent is the G500T. They are both switchable between heading hold and rate mode as well as gain adjustment from the transmitter. If you don't need remote mode and gain control, then the less expensive Futaba GY240 or the JR G410T are for all practical purposes - just as good.

As far as gyro placement - the closer to the main shaft the better. However - it doesn't matter if it's in front or behind it. Right below it is the ideal spot - but most heli designs do not provide a practical means of mounting it there.

[Crazy Ant]

Hi cbflys,
Thanks for the info, it clears things up a bit for me.
only thing is, I'm not sure if I need "remote gain" or not, or if the 2610 will do remote gain!
none the less, you've got me heading in the right direction
thanks for your help Regards, Glen.

[cbflys]

Any transmitter with a spare proportional channel can do remote gain. Usually a "switched" channel is used to toggle the gyro between two different settings. Whether you need remote gain or not is up to you. For most, once a gyro is setup, it's usually not fiddled with anymore. Being able to adjust it from the transmitter is just convienent.

[Crazy Ant]

No worries!! Got it sorted thanks to you.
best Regards, Glen.

[AaronS]

One more feature you get in the Futaba GY 401 and JR G500 is the digital servo compatibility, which will improve gyro perfomance when combined with a good digital tail servo. This is not required untill you demand excellent holding power as you progress into backwards flight. The other thing you get is the adjustable travel volume (ATV) feature directly on the gyro, becasue when you set up your tail you cannot use your ATV featrue in your transmitter. the gyro won't know that you have limited the available travel volume, just that you haven't moved the stick as far, but the gyro will stil use the full servo travel when it responds to torque demands. Whether you select a gyro that has ATVs/end point adjustments on it or one that does not, it is critical to ensure the tail servo does not bind at the travel extremes.

[Crazy Ant]

Thanks AaronS.
Sorry for the delay in reply, I have been away for a while, My new 401 arrives tomorrow :D
I couldn't find the G500 in OZ anyway, and the 9254 won't be far behind.
Thanks to all who helped me out with all this great info, you are all a great bunch of Guys
Best Regards to all, Cheers, Glen