HSD F-16 105mm EDF Jet

[Aros]

Thanks, I'm going for the Solo Turk Display F-16.
I bought a Cortex Gyro which I've never used. I put it in the Eurofighter after about 6 flights but ironically had another problem with the plane so I still haven't tried it. I was thinking about putting in the F-16?
One of the show pilots in my club swears by them.

Yes please do! I have heard raving reviews about that gyro ("Once you try it you will never want another gyro") and would love someone's opinion on it in this model before I spring for one. The other guy I have found on YouTube with that gyro in this jet just loves it.

[Aros]

Aros................so what does the size and weight of an airframe have to do with the function of a gyro?
What are the "real" differences about that is espoused by the RCG threads in a nutshell ?
You sparked my curiosity about these since I'm now venturing into giants also and read both of the Cortex and iGyro 3e device features/nomenclature and don't see any technical things that just standout.
I just couldn't see any justification of spending $170+ more from a Hobby Eagle to an iGyro e3 or Bavariandemon Cortex. ;)The latter does have a :Cool:logo.

Well those are all valid points, hence my trying to get to the bottom of it. I believe a Hobby Eagle or Eagle Tree, etc, would work "fine" in this and other larger models but when you hear from those who have paved the trail before you on the large scale stuff swearing by them, it does get my attention. For me I am trying to go "behind the curtain" if you will, to see if it's all the same general tech just under different wrapping, or if there are truly fundamental differences in the quality and performance of these high end gyros. I am fine sticking a $35 Hobby Eagle in this F-16 IF I can somehow get verification that there is no appreciable difference in its performance, ease of setup and feature sets. As my buddy says:

"I'm not sure how people can really tell how one performs versus another unless they tested many different brands in the same aircraft under similar flying conditions. Setup is definitely something that can be very difficult so ease of setup might matter to some. I'd have to actually dive into the detailed specs to see if the iGyro or Cortex uses better chips but I'm guessing they're probably similar."

One thing I was convinced of was I was fighting with a sub par stock gyro in this jet. If I can invest in a top quality gyro that other large scale pilots rave about, it may be worth it to me. Still researching...

[TiredIronGRB]

Well those are all valid points, hence my trying to get to the bottom of it. I believe a Hobby Eagle or Eagle Tree, etc, would work "fine" in this and other larger models but when you hear from those who have paved the trail before you on the large scale stuff swearing by them, it does get my attention. For me I am trying to go "behind the curtain" if you will, to see if it's all the same general tech just under different wrapping, or if there are truly fundamental differences in the quality and performance of these high end gyros. I am fine sticking a $35 Hobby Eagle in this F-16 IF I can somehow get verification that there is no appreciable difference in its performance, ease of setup and feature sets. As my buddy says:

"I'm not sure how people can really tell how one performs versus another unless they tested many different brands in the same aircraft under similar flying conditions. Setup is definitely something that can be very difficult so ease of setup might matter to some. I'd have to actually dive into the detailed specs to see if the iGyro or Cortex uses better chips but I'm guessing they're probably similar."

One thing I was convinced of was I was fighting with a sub par stock gyro in this jet. If I can invest in a top quality gyro that other large scale pilots rave about, it may be worth it to me. Still researching...

I'm not going to run one in mine.

[OV10]

I'm gonna do some more digging also. :Thinking:
Whoever gets some further low down about the validity of the "is better" claims report back here.;)

[Aros]

Sounds good to me. TI, I flew mine both with and without a gyro and I think a good quality gyro would really help with this model. I always felt I was fighting the sticks without a gyro...Now if she had the wing load of the 70mm little sister no gyro needed for me! LOL

[TiredIronGRB]

Sounds good to me. TI, I flew mine both with and without a gyro and I think a good quality gyro would really help with this model. I always felt I was fighting the sticks without a gyro...Now if she had the wing load of the 70mm little sister no gyro needed for me! LOL

It seems to me it's the smaller planes that benefit the most from a gyro.

[Aros]

Yes, true, the smaller ones do benefit tremendously from a gyro. In this particular instance I am talking about the stress of flying a heavier wing-loaded F-16 (even the FW 90mm F-16 is a bit on the chunky side) versus the stress-free flying of a light 70mm version. I found the HSD F-16 to be touchy to me on the sticks at times. Some flights, absolutely nails. Other times, she acted tail heavy or nose heavy or twitchy, etc. The stock gyro never seemed to do much and some have even claimed it caused crashes...This is a model for me at least that I would feel a lot better with a quality gyro in it.

I am not stating that it NEEDS a gyro for everyone...Just for me personally based on my experience with it so far.

[Twowingtj]

I'm gonna do some more digging also. :Thinking:
Whoever gets some further low down about the validity of the "is better" claims report back here.;)

The turbine flyers that I know tend to go with higher end gyros on the birds with high wing loading. If you've got 10K in a jet, why not spend $200 for a good gyro. Most tend to use them mainly on landing to lighten pilot work load.

The big prop birds we are flying are pretty lightly loaded for warbirds. IMHO they really don't need gyros. I think you'll find that they fly better and are more stable and predictable that the smaller birds.

[Aros]

That's how I feel with this F-16. No it's not a high end composite turbine, it's still EPO but it is a heavy wing loaded bird and where I fly (lots of obstructions, no choice) I really want a high quality gyro I know will help take off some of that work load, especially on landings. Could I throw a Hobby Eagle in it? Sure. Would it work? I am sure it would but would it perform at that same level of quality and performance as the high end ones? That's what I am not sure about so I may as well go with the high end one just for the feeling of security alone.

[Twowingtj]

Many folks I fly with swear by Bavarian Demon Cortex. I've never seen one act goofy or give glitchy responses. If I had any birds that I felt needed one, that would be my choice. Pro grade components and QC.

[Aros]

Yep I am definitely leaning that way. Even the piece of mind is worth the money to me. If I had a wide open huge field of unobstructed land I probably wouldn't spring for the high end gyro but unfortunately I fly in an area with buildings, street poles, fences, trees, etc, etc...

[Grossman56]

Just as a matter of interest, these guys with the high end gyros.......Did they ever try anything else or is this more of a 'Prada purse' kind of thing??
From what Motion R/C tells us, the Hobby Eagle line of gyros is high end not high priced. A gyro sends a signal, it doesn't care how big the servo is at the end of the signal at least to my way of thinking...
Sounds like the old drive a Beamer 'cause they're cooler than a Nissan syndrome.
Of course, they may come with an insurance policy for that kind of money, somehow I doubt it though..............
Just saying....

Grossman56

[OV10]

Just as a matter of interest, these guys with the high end gyros.......Did they ever try anything else or is this more of a 'Prada purse' kind of thing??
From what Motion R/C tells us, the Hobby Eagle line of gyros is high end not high priced. A gyro sends a signal, it doesn't care how big the servo is at the end of the signal at least to my way of thinking...
Sounds like the old drive a Beamer 'cause they're cooler than a Nissan syndrome.
Of course, they may come with an insurance policy for that kind of money, somehow I doubt it though..............
Just saying....

Grossman56

About the same thoughts I had..........and so far I can find no tech info justifying the additional expense, but I'm not giving up yet Aros.
TJ....I do concur about no gyro's on the prop warbirds both small and large. Depends on were your skill set is.
I had a Lemon 7 chan stabilizer Rx in the A-10 but never had it activated, that bird didn't need it.

[Grossman56]

So, I suppose the only thing to do is buy one of the dang things and put it in, and hook up a Hobby Eagle gyro as well. Then have a switch to turn one off and turn the other on. I'll bet there isn't a whole lot, if any difference.
Of course its not my bird in the air, but it seems a side by side comparison would settle it one way or the other.

Grossman56

[Aros]

Agreed, I wish there was someone who actually took the time to field test an economy-priced gyro and a high-end gyro in the same high end jet or model. I suspect there would be a difference - say driving a Porsche versus a Toyota - as they both ultimately get you to your destination, but one is a lot smoother of a ride than the other. Everything I have heard, that really is the difference. A level of smoothness even in high winds that the economy gyros don't quite duplicate.

[fhhuber]

I've got a couple of EXTREME low end gyros. Not really impressed, but they do work to smooth out turbulence. No auto-sensing if the plane is level, just 3 axis rate gyros that try to dampen change of rate of roll, pitch or yaw.
Not sensitive to aircraft orientation when initialized, because they don't seek to return to the level attitude sensed at initialization. The aircraft just has to NOT MOVE for a few seconds.

I've flown a couple of SAFE equipped models and the SAFE is considerably better but sensitive to not being properly initialized. (airplane LEVEL FLIGHT ATTITUDE... that means prop up the tail of a tail-dragger)
If initialized in a tail-dragger sitting tail-wheel on the ground, the panic button tries to go to that attitude, which can have the airplane stall and then the gyro fights to recover and repeat until impact. (if you let it) The training mode which limits bank and pitch angle also tries for the nose up attitude if improperly initialized.

Haven't had any experience with others.

[spec450]

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3016237-HSD-F-16-fighting-falcon-105mm

For anyone in the Corona, Ca area.

[dahawk]

I see Andy from www.rcjetwerx.com is now offering HSD jets beside selling the Roaring Top batts. I know he's mainly a turbine guy.

[Aros]

I don't see the actual models for sale but accessories/turbine units, etc...?

[EDFjetpilot]

I don't see the actual models for sale but accessories/turbine units, etc...?

RC Jetwerx was an HSD dealer until HSDgo went active. However, Andy will still offer customized HSD jets, from customized paint and decals, to upgraded gyros and EDF units. You can email him for details.

He is flying both the EDF and turbine F-16. He has helped me greatly working through a few set-up issues on my EDF F-16. Oh yea, and the F-16 power bundle is great...all the batteries and connectors you need to get into the air!

Sean