User Manual

ManualsBrandsEagle Tree ManualsFPVEagleTree Guardian 2D/3D Inertial Flight Stabilizer

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Packing List 1

Specifications 1

Main Features 1

General Safety Precautions 2

Have questions or Feedback? 2

Overview/Quick Start 2

Guardian Physical Connections

and Controls 3

The Receiver Connection

Harness 4

Receiver Requirements 4

Mounting the Guardian in your

Model 6

Preflight Checks 6

First Flight 6

Tuning Stabilization Gains 7

Status LED 8

Mode/Config Switch Behavior 9

The Guardian PC Software 12

Guardian Configuration Page

Software Reference 12

Troubleshooting / F.A.Q. 14

Limited Warranty 14

Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer

Document Version 1.5

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase! Based on Eagle Tree's proven inertial stabilization technology, the Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer (the

Guardian) stabilizes gas or electric models, wings, foamies, sailplanes, turbines, or just about any other fixed wing model.

To stabilize your model, just mount the Guardian in a level orientation (it can even be mounted

upside down), connect it to your servos and receiver with the included cable, tune it to your

plane with a small screwdriver, and set optional features with your radio sticks. No computer

or additional equipment is required for stabilization. If desired, our powerful PC software

can also be used to quickly configure the Guardian’s advanced features (“micro” USB cable

required, but not included).

This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your

Guardian. The latest version of this manual is available in the Product Manuals section of the

Support tab on http://www.eagletreesystems.com. The online manual is in full color, and

includes any updates that were made after this manual was produced. Please read the entire

manual carefully before proceeding. If, after you read the manual, you have further

questions or problems, see the “Have Questions or Feedback?” section below.

Packing List

Your package should include the following: The Guardian, the receiver connection harness

with labeled connectors, the quick reference card, and a printed version of this manual.

Specifications

• Input Voltage Range: 4.5v to 16v

• Current Draw: Approximately 31mA

• Dimensions: 41mm x 22mm x 11mm (1.62 inches x 0.86 inches x 0.42 inches)

• Mass: 11 grams (0.4 ounces) including harness

• Maximum Servo Current through Guardian: 5 Amps

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 (wing leveling) 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! Note: Please see the Tuning Stabilization Gains section for note 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.

Summary of content (14 pages)

PAGE 1
Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer Document Version 1.5 Introduction Thank you for your purchase! Based on Eagle Tree's proven inertial stabilization technology, the Guardian 2D/3D Stabilizer (the Guardian) stabilizes gas or electric models, wings, foamies, sailplanes, turbines, or just about any other fixed wing model.
PAGE 2
D 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.
PAGE 3
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.
PAGE 4
• • • Micro USB port – this port accepts a “Micro B” USB cable (not included). Connection to a PC lets you update the Guardian firmware, and also configure and tune your Guardian via your PC. Please see the PC User Interface section for more information. Accessory (Data) Port – this port is for future expansion, and is not used presently. Please let us know how we should use this port! LED Viewports – for your convenience, the status LED can be seen from both the top and side of the Guardian case.
PAGE 5
Under normal conditions, the BEC voltage should be at least 4.5 volts to achieve the best stabilization performance. Never exceed 16V! If the voltage drops below 3.5 volts for a short period of time, the Guardian will experience a “brownout.” In this case, the Guardian will attempt to recover gracefully. During recovery, stabilization may be disabled or suffer from performance issues while it does so.
PAGE 6
Mounting the Guardian in your Model Please refer to Figure 5, which indicates acceptable and unacceptable Guardian mounting. Mount the Guardian securely with two sided servo tape, Velcro, or similar, so that it is in line with your direction of flight. It should be mounted near the model’s center of gravity and level to the horizon when your plane is flying straight and level, but the Guardian will compensate for small mounting errors.
PAGE 7
take off with power. Once in the air and only when safe, release the control stick so it sits at zero deflection with 2D Mode enabled. Your airplane should fly straight and level. If not, your Guardian may be mounted improperly or you need to re-trim your airframe. Disable stabilization by flipping the Mode/Config switch to the center position (if available). Trim your controller in this mode until the plane achieves level flight. Land and follow the instructions for “Resetting Trims” on the ground.
PAGE 8
Oscillations Sometimes, when the controller gains are set very high or if your model flies at a very high airspeed, oscillations can develop. If oscillations occur, turn down the Master Gain knob or the specific gain dial for that axis, until the oscillations stop. Other causes of oscillations include mechanical slop in control surfaces and slow servos. If your model has digital servos, higher gain values may be possible by increasing the Output Servo Pulse Frequency.
PAGE 9
Mode/Config Switch Behavior The Mode/Config input on the Guardian lets you change your stabilization mode in-flight between 2D Mode, 3D Mode and Disabled (if a 3 position switch is used). Additionally, you can configure the Guardian in the field via a series of toggles of the Mode/Config switch (within 15 seconds of Guardian power up), referred to as “Configuration Gestures”. Leaving the Mode/Config input disconnected will cause the Guardian to switch to the Default Flight Mode.
PAGE 10
configured through the Radio Stick Menu. Entering the Radio Stick Menu Entering the Radio Stick Menu is done by powering the model with the Guardian connected and quickly toggling the Mode/Config Switch back and forth four times within the first 15 seconds following power-on. One second after the last switch movement, the menu will be invoked.
PAGE 11
control stick from its centered position. Once the stick is moved past a certain point, controlled by this setting, stabilization is fully disabled. (2D Mode Only) Radio Stick Menu Options: 1-10: Center Stick Box Width 4. Automatic Turn Coordination Employs the “Step On The Ball” method to move the Rudder in order to coordinate your turns in 2D Mode. All you need to do is roll your plane and the Guardian will take care of the Rudder to coordinate your turn.
PAGE 12
14. Output Servo rvo Pulse Frequency (PC Software Configuration ONLY) Sets the pulse frequency of the servo signals going out of the Guardian. A default of 50 Hz is recommended for analog servos, servos but some digital servo support higher frequencies. If the electronics are ddesigned esigned for it, the maximum frequency of 400 Hz will improve stability on more responsive airframes.
PAGE 13
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. See: 2nd Elevon Reversed See: Onboard Dual Aileron Mixing Enabled See: Default Flight Mode [Removed] See: Model Control Type Reset Neutral Servo Deflections: When pressed, th this will record the current servo signals coming into the Guardian from your receiver. If no receiver is connected and powered at this time, then the zero servo deflection of 1.
PAGE 14
Troubleshooting / F.A.Q. Question: Is it OK to use expanded rates / ranges on my transmitter? Answer: While using expanded servo ranges on your controller will not cause problems, they are not needed and may cause confusion. The Guardian will use its own expanded ranges depending on your gains, and any Custom Servo Ranges that may be defined through the PC App. In both 2D and 3D Modes, higher gains will result in an improved responsiveness.