User guide

Co-Pilot II™ Supplemental User Guide for Hard Deck (HD100) – 2 – REVOLECTRIX
Thank you for purchasing the REVOLECTRIX Hard Deck Mod-
ule for Co-Pilot II.
Hard Deck Module is an accessory to the Co-Pilot II Flight Sta-
bilization System. It incorporates a barometric pressure sensor to
determine the altitude of a fixed-wing model aircraft or model
helicopter at any given moment. Used in tandem with the sup-
plied static pressure tube (for fixed-wing) or static streamer (for
helicopter), the Hard Deck Module can accurately detect the alti-
tude of a model aircraft in any orientation or flight angle. With a
user-selectable altitude setting of between 50 and 255 feet, Hard
Deck acts like an automatic panic button, enabling Co-Pilot II
stabilization at a user-defined altitude.
The Hard Deck Module physically connects to the ACCY port of
the Co-Pilot II Avionics Computer and draws a small amount of
power from the Computer Module’s power buss.
During Quick Setup of Co-Pilot II, turn on the Accesory device
“Hard Deck Alt.” when prompted. When Hard Deck is detected
by the CP II Avionics Computer, the setup screens offer a new
3D Flight Mode called “Level in H.Deck” which is then assigned
to a particular position on a remote AUX control on the pilot’s
transmitter. Once enabled, Hard Deck Flight Mode creates an
invisible, safe flying boundary at the chosen altitude. Fly above
the Hard Deck with stabilization completely disabled (default
setting, user-adjustable). Practice new maneuvers with
confidence knowing that if you become disoriented, Hard Deck
will restore your model to level flight in the blink of an eye by
automatically enabling CPII Flight Stabilization (with
Emergency Recovery) any time the model reaches the Hard Deck
altitude. CPII and other Flight Stabilization systems have had
“panic button” capability for some time now. But Hard Deck
Module is the first device ever offered to enable Level Flight
Stabilization based on a pre-defined altitude, without the pilot
having to fumble for a switch as he watches his model tumble
towards earth out of control.
HELICOPTERS UNDER THE DECK - When flying heli’s
below the Hard Deck altitude, pitch and roll angles are limited to
about 40 degrees. This new, super-stabilization, makes it
impossible to invert the heli below HD altitude, lets the pilot
know HD is operational, and prevents the pilot from over-
controlling the model just after a HD recovery has occurred.
Additionally, the Stick Priority function is disabled below HD
altitude.
FIXED-WING UNDER THE DECK - Fixed-wings do not
angle limit under HD altitude; however, Level stabilization is
turned ON. Emergency Recovery will initiate if the model is
inverted while in the deck.
ABOVE THE DECK - Stabilization can be reduced or turned
completely OFF (the default setting) in User Preferences.
HARD DECK DISABLED - As long as there are no system er-
rors related to altitude or emergency recovery, and the sky-to-
Introduction
User Guide Contents
This manual provides complete instructions for installing, setting
up and using the Hard Deck Module with an existing (or newly-
purchased) Co-Pilot II Flight Stabilization System. The manual
contains these sections:
• Introduction
• User Guide Contents
• Package Contents
• Other Items you may Need
• Safety Precautions
• Theory of Operation
• Getting Ready for the Installation
• Specifications
• Prerequisites
• Recommended Sequence of Events
• Computer Software and Firmware Updates
• Installing the Hard Deck Module in a Fixed Wing Airplane
• Installing the Hard Deck Module in a Helicopter
• Flying with Hard Deck Module
• Revolectrix Limited Warranty
© 2012 FMA, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication is prohibited. Co-Pilot is a trademark of FMA, Inc. User Guide Version 1.13
U.S. Patent 6,181,989. Foreign and other patents pending. 10/15/2012
ground temperature difference is > 15 deg F, the hard deck will
be enabled whenever the Hard Deck Flight Mode is enabled.
The super-bright green LED will remain lit. Conversely, if sys-
tem errors are detected or the sky-to-ground temperature is < 15
deg F, CPII signals that the hard deck is disabled in the preflight
screen and by angle-limiting to 45 degrees in all directions to
prevent inverted flight. Angle limiting will also occur above
the hard deck to signal a problem and prevent rapid loss of alti-
tude from 3D flying or deep dives. Angle limiting only applies
to a helicopter setup. Additionally, the super-bright green LED
will turn OFF.