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FMA Direct CO-PHot
by Gerry Yarrish
ne of the newest devices to aid us in flying our models is
the Co-Pilot Infrared Stabilization System from FMA
Direct. For this article, we really put the Co-Pilot through
its paces by installing it and testing it in three different types
of airplanes. We tested it in the Multiplex Brummi, a simple,
3-channel electric high-wing trainer, and also in Hangar
9's high-performance, low-wing glow-powered ARF, the
k
Advance 40. Then, to completely change things, we
installed it in the JR Ergo Sport, a
fully aerobatic .60-size helik
copter. The Co-Pilot handled
Ik each plane and its particular
characteristics perfectly. If
you've ever wanted to
k install a compact and
reliable autopilot
system in your
*" RC model,
read on.
We're sure you'll be as
4
, impressed as we are.
3 tests
—helicopter, highperformance
and trainer
aircraft-works iike a champ!
74 MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS
SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT: Co-Pilot Stabilization System
MANUFACTURER: FMA Direct
INPUTS: aileron, elevator and auxiliary
channel for remote on/off switching
OUTPUTS: pitch (elevator) and roll
(aileron or rudder)
SYSTEM WEIGHT: 1 oz.
DIMENSIONS
SENSOR HEAD: 1.35 in. across
(octagonal) x 0.53 in. thick
CONTROLLER UNIT: 1.5x0.89x0.6 in.
POWER CONSUMPTION: 5mA
PRICE: $119.95
COMMENTS: the Co-Pilot is an infraredsensing,
two-axis onboard stabilization
system that plugs into your model's
receiver system. The unit is very easy to
set up and calibrate and can be used
with fixed-wing airplanes, flying wings,
and helicopters. The unit comes with a
24-inch ribbon wire to connect the
sensor head to the microprocessor
controller unit.
HITS
• Works exactly as advertised.
• Easy to install.
• Simple to calibrate and operate.
MISSES
• Only one sensitivity adjustment; it would
be nice to be able to adjust pitch and
roll independently.