AS3X Technology

[Fishbonez]

I am curious about AS3X Technology and what you all might think about it. I do not own a plane with it but do own a quad copter with it and really have not gotten a grasp on the Tech. I noticed very little talk about AS3X Tech. and would really like to hear your thoughts on the subject. Do you recommend it for a beginner plane or say 2nd plane? Maybe not at all intermediate only. I have been looking at a couple of planes with the tech in it but had to wonder I am not a beginner but at the same time my skills are nothing to brag about. SO come on Wattheads what do you think about this Tech.

[rcers]

I have been VERY impressed with it on my UM Mig. It is quite amazing how it smooths out the wind and creates a much more stable platform. So I am a fan.

Mike

[Fishbonez]

Originally Posted by rcers

I have been VERY impressed with it on my UM Mig. It is quite amazing how it smooths out the wind and creates a much more stable platform. So I am a fan.

Mike

Do you think that it would allow a beginner to move up to a Mig quicker or even better question would be would you recommend that plane as a first plane? For example the Taxi seems like it would make a good first plane am I out in the weeds on this? I will be quiet and patiently await you replies

[simibill]

AS3X technology has now progressed to include VisionAire by ParkZone which is a BNF 3D Park Flyer available here: http://www.horizonhobby.com/webapp/w...pe=productgrid

Also Spektrum now offers a new Rx (AR635) with AS3X technology included.

[Fishbonez]

Originally Posted by simibill

AS3X technology has now progressed to include VisionAire by ParkZone which is a BNF 3D Park Flyer available here: http://www.horizonhobby.com/webapp/w...pe=productgrid

Also Spektrum now offers a new Rx (AR635) with AS3X technology included.

This is really cool in fact it was one the reasons I wanted to bring this up because I wonder if they may sell this Rx separately and make it possible to add it to any number of planes. Would this make my planes more stable? Like adding a gyros?

Edit: Whoops I see they do sell it
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...eiver-SPMAR635
pretty pricey but...

[rcers]

Originally Posted by Fishbonez

Do you think that it would allow a beginner to move up to a Mig quicker or even better question would be would you recommend that plane as a first plane? For example the Taxi seems like it would make a good first plane am I out in the weeds on this? I will be quiet and patiently await you replies

No AS3X does not make a EDF a beginner plane, just makes it more enjoyable to fly planes with otherwise difficult characteristics. The Mig is no trainer with or without AS3X.

The GeeBee is a good example of a plane really hard to fly - made easier by the stabilization.

Mike

[xmech2k]

Bonz, the best way I can describe AS3X is, it counteracts turbulent winds' effect on the plane. It does nothing to level the plane or anything like that. If the plane is out of trim, it will drift off course. If you aim it at the ground and don't correct, it will fly into the ground. When it really comes into play are when the winds are gusting. It's fun to do close, slow flybys with my MiG on a gusty day, and watch it dance around as if suspended on strings, yet continue to fly a straight and level course with little input from myself.

I never feel it is between me and the plane, as some have noted. (That could just be me, of course!) It reacts instantly to your inputs, but if upset by an outside force, will apply control inputs to counteract them. For instance, when I first started flying my MiG, my landings were hard, and I fully expected each time for it to do a ballooning bounce way high up, but that force of hitting the gear was counteracted by AS3X which held the plane level, and it resulted in me bouncing along a few times, but each bounce was very low with no ballooning. Hopefully I'm describing it well enough.

I'm interested to try a micro-heli, or even that quadcopter with it. I think it's a great system for micro flying vehicles, as it seems to remove the twitchiness that I don't like about them.

Sorry for the long post!

[Fishbonez]

No worries about the long post. Kinda the reason I started this thread was to stir up talk about this new Tech. So I guess it is safe to say that it is more of a stability type technology more than say gyro tech. Maybe the way I read the advertisemnet, but it sure makes it seem like this Technology allow a beginner to "think" he can quickly progress to bigger and better things with out much effort.

[xmech2k]

Have you seen Horizon Hobby's promo video about it?

AS3X Technology

If it's too boring, skip to 1:55 to see a side by side comparison of a Beast in wind with and without AS3X.

(Dangit! How do I embed a YouTube video?!? )

Edit: So anyways, I guess it would make a micro plane easier to fly, as you don't have to fight the wind hardly. But you still have to know how to fly!

[Fishbonez]

UNfortunatly I could not see your video because here in Afghan You tube is blocked but I did find the manual for the Rx online and it has some interesting info in it.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/pdf/SPMAR635-Manual_EN.pdf
Also it says not for beginners so I think that is good to know however I think they should say that in their advertising MHO. Also going to as a dumb question but what class would be .90 airplanes? The VisionAir seem like a rather large aircraft with a wingspan of 45.0 in (1143mm) and an overall length of 42.5 in (1088mm)

[Chucksolo69]

I have had some issues with my UMX Spitfire not wanting to turn left a couple of times, but for the most part, the plane flies as advertised with the AS3X system.

[xmech2k]

Originally Posted by Chucksolo69

I have had some issues with my UMX Spitfire not wanting to turn left a couple of times, but for the most part, the plane flies as advertised with the AS3X system.

Sticky servos maybe? I've heard of cases of these linear servos sticking due to dirty wipers, or whatever they're called. The name eludes me at the moment. I've heard of people carefully cleaning them with an eraser, or some fancy cleaner for, of all things, electric guitars?!?

[xmech2k]

Oops! Double post!

[Panther]

The new Orange RX3s V2 is the same technology, is cheap, tiny, and works very well. It is adjustable whereas I'm not sure the built in ones are. I have 2 of these and while one of them has a dicky rudder pot, they do a good job. https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...elta_AUX_.html

[Fishbonez]

Originally Posted by Panther

The new Orange RX3s V2 is the same technology, is cheap, tiny, and works very well. It is adjustable whereas I'm not sure the built in ones are. I have 2 of these and while one of them has a dicky rudder pot, they do a good job. https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...elta_AUX_.html

Wow huge price difference for sure. Other than adjustable I wonder what the difference between the two would be. I found the manual on HK website amd will have to read up and compare. The info on it says they cut out the middle man allowing for cheaper price. I just assumed that Horizon had gotten a contract with a company to produce this Tech for just them obviously I was incorrect or has China performed another one of its "Trade Secret Espionage"

[Panther]

Actually just checked the Gyro I thought was dicky and it is fine. I checked the pot ohms in different positions relative to the other two pots and it is fine. Working well. The HK one can be turned on and off in flight if need be and the channels are reversible as well. I think the document you found on HK site is for the early version, not the V2 which has only just been released recently. I am happy with the way they perform anyway.

[rcers]

V1 had major issues - a big issue with all the HK stuff that gets a bit more technical. Just like their DSM2 module's the 9XR with issues, and the new Orange TX with issues.

They do tend to eventually get em worked out - but I don't buy anything V1 one from them.

Then even as you point out Panther you have one that is Wonky of your two. That didn't inspire me to click buy.

Mike

[flypaper 2]

Version 1 works fine other than it doesn't have turn off capability from the trans. and doesn't have elevon mode. I have two in use in 3D planes with no problems. Version 2 I have in a VTO Pogo and also works fine with elevons. On the 3D planes it doesn't matter that they don't shut off as I have the CG much further back than normal as the gyro looks after the oscilations that you would normally get, making it much more aerobatic. The gyro makes flying in the wind a non event. Should be great for warbirds and trainer planes that you wouldn't normally want to fly in the wind. How many novice fliers do you know that are losing flying time because they cannot fly because of the wind. These gyros are going to be a boon to all RC flying. Hope this helps.

[luisfc1972]

is there a list out there of planes with this tech?

[rcers]

Originally Posted by luisfc1972

is there a list out there of planes with this tech?

Exclusive to Horizon Brand planes...

http://www.horizonhobby.com/browse/productgrid/a-41002

Mike

[luisfc1972]

Originally Posted by rcers

Exclusive to Horizon Brand planes...

http://www.horizonhobby.com/browse/productgrid/a-41002

Mike

hmm im a little confused, doesnt the stratos and the new glasair sporstman have this tech? they are not in that list. i thought virtual instructor was the same thing.

[rcers]

Originally Posted by luisfc1972

hmm im a little confused, doesnt the stratos and the new glasair sporstman have this tech? they are not in that list. i thought virtual instructor was the same thing.

No... AS3X is a Horizon trademark. I don't know what virtual instructor is???

[luisfc1972]

check out this link

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/HBZ7600.html

the new glasasir sportsman has it. the plane just came out this week for sale and the few who have flown it say its going to be a super cub ares gamma killer. they were very impressed with the virtual instructor tech. i think its more for a beginner wanting to start out on a 4 channel aileron plane

[Fishbonez]

Originally Posted by luisfc1972

check out this link

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/HBZ7600.html

the new glasasir sportsman has it. the plane just came out this week for sale and the few who have flown it say its going to be a super cub ares gamma killer. they were very impressed with the virtual instructor tech. i think its more for a beginner wanting to start out on a 4 channel aileron plane

I quote the manuel from the glassir
"Virtual Instructor™
Technology
The patent pending Virtual Instructor (VI) system will not activate until
the throttle stick or trim is increased for the fi rst time. Once VI is active,
the control surfaces may move rapidly and noisily on the aircraft.
This is normal. VI will remain active until the battery is disconnected.
The Virtual Instructor™ technology features 4 assisting systems:
Wing Leveling–Uses a stabilization sensor to keep the wings level
during normal fl ight.
What you will see...after the throttle is increased above 25% for
the fi rst time, the ailerons and rudder will move when the aircraft is
moved. In the air, the model will gently roll back to wings level when
the aileron stick is released.
Envelope Control - Active only when VI is in Training Step 1 or 2. Uses
stabilization sensors and computer logic to reduce aileron control
input automatically so the model will not continue to roll and enter a
spiral dive.
What you will see...ailerons will decrease in defl ection after the stick
is held for a short period of time.
Aileron to rudder and elevator mixing - Assists with stability in
turns. Active only when VI is in Training Step 1 or 2.
What you will see....the elevator and rudder moves when the ailerons
are moved.
Roll and Yaw Damping - Uses stabilization sensors to resist
uncommanded movement due to wind and turbulence.
What you will see...ailerons and rudder move when model is moved,
once VI has been activated with the throttle stick.
These automatic systems work together to help prevent the kind of
situations experienced by new pilots, such as over-correction, that can
lead to accidents."


Though interesting tech. and I think may be good for beginners if it does not act the same as ACT on the SC, it is not AS3x tech. If I understand the manuel correctly Virtual Instructor allows for correction when the pilot lets go of the stick thus recentering the plane. AS3x is more of a "gyro" type technology. I may be mistaken here but I dont think the glassier comes with AS3x.

[rcers]

I don't see any mention of AS3X there. It appears to be something else and not the same thing.

AS3X is not a training system - but a 3 axis gyro for increased stability.