VPP Transmitter Setup

[ouch!]

Since a few people are having some troubles or are confused about VPP setup, I decided to post my old VPP setup off of an axi 2208 34. Most of the setup applies to other motors, based on pitch extremeties, different pitch bar servo locations and such. Before you do any testing, make sure you really crank down any loose screws and test in a safe area. If you have another person around get them to hold the plane for you.

You'll need a few things
Computer radio- kinda a given (for the setup, I'm using a 9C regular)
Clear area with a bench or some place where you can hold the plane
and if your really picky, a pitch meter.

The swash plate type reccomended would be a type 1 setup, where no servo will affect the swash plate and pitch mechanism, basically servo mixing is nulled. Heres a quick shot of the 9C I'm using to set it up. For other things such as EXP and rates I'll leave that up to user preference.

[ouch!]

On the Animal I had, there were two IDLE ups, IDL 1 and IDL 2. Two parts to the IDL curve, your pitch and throttle. For the throttle end IDL 1 ran at half power as a transition to IDL 2 which was full power. Later on you will need to tweak to maximize efficiency as full power might not be needed. Heres a pic of IDL 1 and 2 throttle curves.

[ouch!]

For the pitch end of things, setup will depend on two factors, servo placement and arm placement, I set my arm perpindicular, (90 Degs) to the ground and set that as my middle and adjusted end points to match extremities of pitch. As said before these are only guidelines. When you initially run the setup you will have to increase or decrease throws to suit rpm and amperage. You will see over amping/voltage drop the first few times you go to throttle/pitch ends, don't worry all ESC's have a cut off to protect against any damage.

Varying from the norm IDL1 and 2 will have the same pitch curve, a linear curve witch should be adjusted. The best way is to listen for and rpm drop when too much pitch is applied and back off. Testing in the air will also help out to find the most pitch needed for various flight attitudes.

[ouch!]

Now for regular mode, set yourself a standard linear curve for throttle and a flat curve for pitch. Once again adjustment will be needed as flight testing goes on. Now your pretty much set, I like to place the tx as close as possible to the plane when testing, and the curve menus open to adjust for on the ground static testing.
Unfortuneatly my vpp threw a blade (remember tighten everything and use glue or loctite to secure nuts) so I can't provide any videos.

Good luck and have fun doing crazy stuff

[madmax]

Sean, this is excellent information!! In Champaign a few weeks ago I realized that VP is now out in force as every one of the competing pilots were running it -- not to mention plenty of other flyers.

So is there anyone here who has has run, or is planning on diving into VP with the smaller electrics?

Thanks Sean, excellent write up bro.

[JeeUm]

Man, this is just like setting up pitch and throttle curves on a heli.