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How to Set Up a Head Lock Gyro in an RC Helicopter

The gyro is responsible for maintaining flight stability while the radio-controlled (RC) helicopter is airborne. These essential devices make it easier for you to control the vehicle during sporadic wind shifts by ensuring that the aircraft remains on a level plane with the blades spinning horizontally to the ground. As the helicopter changes direction, the gyro will bring it back to center. Learning how to set up a head lock gyro is essential to a fully functional helicopter.

Instructions

- 1
  Place the helicopter on a flat, level surface with the gyro facing up. Turn the dial on the gyro to the "NORM" position, indicating that it is in normal mode.
- 2
  Plug your rudder servo plug into the gyro, then plug the gyro into the fourth channel on the receiver. Plug the signal wire (which differs from the gyro plug by a distinguishable yellow wire) into the fifth channel on the receiver.
- 3
  Set the gyro to "SW" using the switch located on the gyro itself. This setting will engage the head-holding mode (instead of the rate mode, if it is an option with your gyro).
- 4
  Turn the servo limit on the gyro to about 10 percent using the transmitter's menu settings. Set the delay switch for the gyro at 70 to 80 percent. Both of these options are found in the transmitter's setup menu options, but they may be abbreviated differently so it is best that you consult the user manual to identify them.

Aviation