General safety precautions 2, Main features 2, Overview/quick start 2 – Eagle Tree Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer User Manual
Page 2: General safety precautions, Main features, Overview/quick start
Copyright 2013-2014 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC Page 2
Receiver Connection Harness – The cable included with your Guardian that lets you connect your Guardian to your receiver’s outputs.
Mode/Config Switch – A two or three position switch on your radio transmitter which you have configured to control the “Mod” input on the Guardian’s Receiver
Connection Harness.
Toggle – One fairly rapid movement the Mode/Config Switch between its extents. (UP/DOWN or DOWN/UP)
Configuration Gestures – A series of toggles of the Mode Config/Switch. The number of times you toggle the switch determines which configuration step is performed.
Gain Knob – A knob or switch on your radio transmitter which you have configured to control the “Gain” input on the Guardian’s Receiver Connection Harness.
General Safety Precautions
In addition to other warnings and other precautions in this manual, the following should always be observed:
1)
The Guardian is intended for recreational use only! Any other use is not supported.
2)
Fly safely! Please refer to the American Model Association’s Safety Code at
or the appropriate safety code for
your country. Always obey the law when flying.
3)
If you have never set up or operated an RC model before, you will need help from an experienced modeler. Local RC clubs are great ways to meet experienced
modelers, and receive the required training.
4)
Never operate your model aircraft near or over buildings, power/telephone lines, or other obstacles. Never operate your model aircraft near or over yourself or
other people!
5)
RC models and accessories are not toys, and should be kept away from children, without proper adult supervision.
6)
Be sure to always fly conservatively and exercise common sense!
Main Features
The Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer has two main modes of operation: 2D Mode and 3D Mode. While in flight, a spare switch on your radio lets you switch between 2D mode,
3D aerobatic mode, and no stabilization. Imagine performing a difficult 3D maneuver with ease, then just flipping a switch to instantly return to level flight!
Please see the Tuning Stabilization Gains section for notes on preventing damage from re-leveling too quickly.
2D Mode
When set for 2D Mode, the Guardian provides much smoother flight and wing leveling stabilization for your model, which makes it a lot easier to adjust and fly your plane.
In this mode, the Guardian "remembers" level flight for your model and returns it to level flight when needed. In 2D mode, flying in moderate wind can seem just as easy
as flying in no wind at all!
Additionally, the Guardian provides precise "fly by wire" control, in which it interprets your control stick deflections as command angles for Pitch and Roll. For example,
pushing and holding your control stick left will cause your model to enter a level altitude banked left turn. This mode is ideal for beginners as well as experts looking for a
reduced workload on take-off and landing. It also can be useful for aerobatic pilots seeking to recover quickly after losing orientation.
The Guardian also includes an advanced “Oscillation Suppression” feature that can quickly detect and eliminate oscillations stemming from too high gains.
2D Heading Hold Submode
With 2D Heading Hold submode, the Guardian will assert Aileron deflections to keep your model locked on its current 2D heading. Whenever the control stick is moved to
turn, this heading is reset and subsequently relocked as soon as the stick is centered again.
Automatic Turn Coordination
When enabled, Automatic Turn Coordination will cause the Guardian to employ the “step on the ball” method of actuating your Rudder for you. As you enter a banked
turn, the Guardian will assert a coordinating response on the Rudder automatically. This deflection is completely based on the side-to-side g-force measured by the
Guardian and does not introduce any movement on the Ailerons. This mode is great for models that skid easily.
Expected behavior here is that on the bench, the Guardian will introduce a Rudder movement that will yaw the model towards the direction it is being rolled. For
instance, if a stationary plane is rolled to the right, the Rudder should assert a right yaw moment to follow the detected turn.
Since this is based on horizontal g-force, the Guardian may exhibit different behavior in the air in a “skid” condition where the model is moving one direction, but
pointing another. The Automatic Turn Coordination will work to point the model in the direction that it is moving through the air in this case.
3D Mode
In 3D Mode, the Guardian works to smooth out turbulence and stall characteristics to bring stability and precision to your model while leaving the feel of flying the same as
without stabilization. This mode is intended for more advanced pilots looking for improved stability without compromising on performance and feel.
3D Heading Hold Submode
Centering the control stick in 3D Mode will engage 3D Heading Lock, which will cause your airplane to hold its present flight orientation (assuming it is aerodynamically
able to do so). In this mode, when the control stick is centered the Guardian remembers its current Pitch, Roll and Heading and works to keep those locked. Moving the
control stick immediately resets the locked heading, allowing for instantaneous transitions from locked maneuvers to dynamic flight. Actuation of the Rudder control will
reset just the Yaw axis, without affecting the lock on Pitch and Roll.
Direct Rate 3D Control Submode
Unlike many other gyro stabilization systems, the Guardian employs Direct Rate 3D Control to translate your stick deflections to angular rates without forcing you to “fight
the gyro.” With this feature enabled, the Guardian interprets your stick deflections as commanded angular rates and attempts to have your model follow those commands.
This way, snap rolls and other high speed maneuvers are possible without compromising on stabilization effects.
Overview/Quick Start
First, read through the manual to get a “big picture” understanding of mounting, connection, configuration and operation of the Guardian.
Consider watching the Guardian tutorial video located a
While the Guardian has a wealth of configurable features and options, getting in the air for most airframes requires minimal setup and configuration. At a minimum, the
Guardian should be connected between your receiver and your servos and then told some basic orientation and trim details of your model. These steps are detailed as
follows. Note: it is assumed here that you have a transmitter switch connected to the Guardian’s Mode/Config input.
Connect the Guardian to your receiver using the included servo wire harness. Refer to the Receiver Connection Harness section for more information.
Connect your servos to the matching servo output channels on the Guardian. Note that the servo connectors’ signal wires should be on top when the Guardian’s
label is facing the sky. See the Wing Type Configuration section for details on specific airframes.