Gyrosaucer by Keyence
This is the four rotor gyro-stabilized flying platform...
It seems to be available only in Japan (which causes great
jealosy among residents of other countries!).
The picture shows the saucer and the transmitter module.
- Gyro Saucer is controlled by the special 4 channel transmitter.
- It is NOT a kit, but is sold as you see it (except for the red
arm. I painted it to help orientation).
- It has three axis gyro stabilisation. A single axis rate gyro
to slow down rotation (yaw), and a two axis position gyro for
horizontal dampening (pitch&roll). All gyros are ball bearinged
throughout.
- It has four arms. Each arm contains a small motor that is
geared down to drive a propeller. The propeller shaft is
double ball-bearinged. Props in arm 1 and 3 rotate in one
direction, and 2 and 4 in the other, to cancel out torque.
- Control is accomplished as follows:
- Collective: increase(decrease) power to all motors simultaneously.
- Yaw: decrease(increase) power to motors 1,3 and increase(decrease)
power to 2,4.
- Pitch/Roll: decrease power to prop in the desired direction to move,
increase power to opposite prop.
- It is quite twitchy even with all the gyro damping.
- The propellers are fixed pitch and made of thin styrofoam.
What this means is that if you "oops!" it, and it crashes,
all you are left with is four prop hubs, and a good amount of
styrofoam dust all over the place. Replacement props are sold
in lots of 12! Props need to be very light, not only to reduce
weight, but also to reduce their inertia. Otherwise
gyro stabilization would not be effective.
- Flight time is limited to 3 min. because motors overheat.
It is possible to use a tether cable. An airborne battery is available
(120mAh, 7.2V), but lasts about 1.5min.
- Made of styrofoam all around. It is very light (about 90gr 3 oz).
- Only to be flown indoors. Power is marginal, so even small disturbances,
such as from an air conditioner, cannot be tolerated.
Am I satisfied with it? Yes and no. It needs constant maintenance
(last time it came too close to my curtains, shaved off a prop, fell
1.5m (5feet) and broke off two arms...). On the other hand, the
mechanics are very strong. No problems at all with the gyros/electronics.
And it is easy to repair the foam body.
Do I recommend it? YES! It is a very interesting piece of machinery!
I don't think you can learn helicopters on it though...
New addition:
"Where do I find it?": AFAIK, it is only sold in Japan
If you come here, you can find it in any mid size model
shop. Spares usually in stock.
"How much do I have to pay for it?": It should set you back about US$450.
Gyrosaucer and TX are sold as a package, and cost about US$400, battery
special charger, spare props (a MUST), etc.etc. add another $50.
"Can I send you one if you pay for the expenses?": Generally no; I don't
know enough about export procedures; and how to arrange the money
transfer so that nobody takes a risk...
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