Gyros in Jets

[toothbuzz@hotmail.com]

Got a question on the mounting of gyros. Info in the manuals recommend placing the gyro as close to the cg as possible. Here's my question: If the gyro is measuring the angular deviation from axes, then why can't you mount the gyro in, for example, the nose of the aircraft? Yes, the gyro unit itself will move physically a greater distance in space when a deviation from the flight path occurs, but the gyros angle to the flight path will be the same no matter where in the airframe the unit is mounted - right? Is the sensitivity increased as you move the gyro farther from the CG. Roll is roll, I would think, no matter where it is mounted, but the pitch and yaw axes I'm not sure about. Thanks to everyone who can help with this.

[Pheonix]

RE: Gyros in Jets

Got a question on the mounting of gyros. Info in the manuals recommend placing the gyro as close to the cg as possible. Here's my question: If the gyro is measuring the angular deviation from axes, then why can't you mount the gyro in, for example, the nose of the aircraft? Yes, the gyro unit itself will move physically a greater distance in space when a deviation from the flight path occurs, but the gyros angle to the flight path will be the same no matter where in the airframe the unit is mounted - right? Is the sensitivity increased as you move the gyro farther from the CG. Roll is roll, I would think, no matter where it is mounted, but the pitch and yaw axes I'm not sure about. Thanks to everyone who can help with this.

Ideally, it should be as close to the CG as possible.  Often times, this is not possible due to the wires and battery and other stuff.  In my F-5, I put it in the forward part of the fuse, right before the nose wheel and this did not make any diffence in performance.  I am mostly using Eagle Tree gyros and these can be mounted anywhere as long as they are facing the right way and centered in the fuse.  Notice where pilot Ryan put the gyro in the P40-B (800mm).  It flies great at this placement.  You can experiment and see what happens with the gyro in different places other than at the CG.  In my war birds, it is rarely at the CG for the reasons mentioned above and I have not had any problems as long as the gyro is set up right.  I always use a 3-positon switch in case I have to turn off the gyro.  This is key in saving your plane.  I hope this helps a little.

[toothbuzz@hotmail.com]

RE: Gyros in Jets

Got a question on the mounting of gyros. Info in the manuals recommend placing the gyro as close to the cg as possible. Here's my question: If the gyro is measuring the angular deviation from axes, then why can't you mount the gyro in, for example, the nose of the aircraft? Yes, the gyro unit itself will move physically a greater distance in space when a deviation from the flight path occurs, but the gyros angle to the flight path will be the same no matter where in the airframe the unit is mounted - right? Is the sensitivity increased as you move the gyro farther from the CG. Roll is roll, I would think, no matter where it is mounted, but the pitch and yaw axes I'm not sure about. Thanks to everyone who can help with this.

Ideally, it should be as close to the CG as possible.  Often times, this is not possible due to the wires and battery and other stuff.  In my F-5, I put it in the forward part of the fuse, right before the nose wheel and this did not make any diffence in performance.  I am mostly using Eagle Tree gyros and these can be mounted anywhere as long as they are facing the right way and centered in the fuse.  Notice where pilot Ryan put the gyro in the P40-B (800mm).  It flies great at this placement.  You can experiment and see what happens with the gyro in different places other than at the CG.  In my war birds, it is rarely at the CG for the reasons mentioned above and I have not had any problems as long as the gyro is set up right.  I always use a 3-positon switch in case I have to turn off the gyro.  This is key in saving your plane.  I hope this helps a little.

Yep, helps a lot. I use Eagle Tree Guardians and have a 3-position switch set to 3D-Off-2D along with gain on a rotary knob. Gonna mount it up in the Stinger 90. Also, I have one of the HP inrunner setups but I'm thinking about keeping the stock setup in for the maiden and check flights. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks

[Cr8nkyM0nk3y]

RE: Gyros in Jets

Eagle A3 Super II is meant to go close to the CG as well. The benefit is that you can mount it in different orientations. The free PC software lets you specify which orientation you went with. I really like the Auto balance mode (hooked up to a 3 pos switch) makes landing that much easier.

[ryramZ]

RE: Gyros in Jets

I also placed it way forward in the nose of the Freewing Mirage. it was the A3L

[Alpha]

RE: Gyros in Jets

I've had both an A3 and A3-L mounted under the instrument panel on the Mirage as well. Worked like a charm. As close to the CG as possible is ideal, but not always necessary. Just be mindful of it and be prepared to adjust the elevator's sensitivity if needed since the moment is longer.