Gyros: the SmartLock range

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Finding it hard to choose a gyro?
 Should you go for Conventional or Heading Lock? Fast pirouettes or a rock-steady hover? Clean stops or high holding power? The SmartLock range gives you the best of both worlds - whatever level you're at.

CSM has been working to improve gyro performance for the 3D pilot in several major areas and to break down some traditional trade-offs:
Stop Quality v Hold We don't see why you should have to sacrifice stop quality for holding power or vice versa. That's why we developed SmartLock - Heading Lock with brains. It gives you the holding power of high levels of Heading Lock without having to sacrifice stop quality.
Drift v Dynamic performance We didn't want to accept reduced control in high speed pirouetting manoeuvres for reduced drift in the hover. We have been working with our sensor supplier so that our second generation sensors deliver excellent stability while increasing the possible pirouette speed.
Symmetrical Handling By their very nature, helicopters are asymmetric. However, we think your gyro should do its utmost to iron out imperfections of the machine so you don't have to. Although there is no substitute for a well designed and set up tail system, our Acceleration Gain and Dual Independent Stop-Gain facilities help to put real polish to your heli's performance.

SmartLock gyros offer two modes, which you can switch in-flight for the best performance. SmartLock mode gives you Heading Lock with brains, for high control and fast stops. With Standard mode, you get the 'feel' of a conventional gyro, but with Yaw Rate Demand: consistent response to yaw commands, even with high gain levels.

Plus, ALL our Smart Lock gyros now have the following features:

  • Available in Micro size: 24mm x 24mm x 20mm, weight 12g. The smallest fully-featured gyros in the world!
  • Quick Setup: easy initial set-up on the field
  • Quick Trim: for the most accurate and symmetrical trim setting
  • Two-stage power supply regulation: usable with a wide range of power supply voltages
  • Accurate measurement of transmitted pulses, with a filter to remove stick bounce

SL560. Our top gyro after the SL720. PC Interfaceable for full customisability. Digital servo support.
SL420 The same as the 560 but without the PC interface for customisation. Also recommended: the SL420e gyro, specially set up for use in T-Rex 450 and similar models.
SL310 Beginners' dual mode gyro. Standard size for conventional servos only, micro verson suitable for digital or conventional servos. Specially set up to give the best performance and easiest use in basic and intermediate flight.

Please note: CSM are constantly updating the internal microchip programmes in their gyros for extra performance. But this doesn't mean that existing customers miss out. You can get your gyro upgraded to the latest version for £12. See the technical support page for details. We do not recommend updating your Micro SL420 Rev 3 if you plan to use this gyro with a small electric helicopter.

 

SL560

  • Controls pirouettes up to 750 degrees a second
  • Optimal performance with Digital/Super servos (conventional also usable)
  • PC interfaceable: access to over 20 internal gyro parameters, so you can customise your gyro to your flying style.
  • Dual Independent Stop Tracking to optimise both left and right stops
  • Set your own Modes: either SmartLock and Standard, or any two customised settings
  • Plus all the usual SmartLock features


G is for Gyro!

Available in two sizes:

CSM0025..... SL 560 Standard Size.......£Ask your shop! (discontinued)
Rugged case and internal anti-vibration mounting for the electronics. Ideal for large or gasser/petrol-driven models. Supplied with mounting foams, built-in leads for connection to the receiver (300mm long) and PC interface and software.

CSM0030..... SL 560 Micro................. £102.75
The smallest fully-featured heading lock gyro in the world! 24mm x 24mm x 20mm, weight 11g
Ideal for small electric helicopters where weight is critical.
Supplied with mounting foams, 300mm leads and software. PC interface available.

Leads of 100 - 500mm are available separately - see our Gyro Accessories page. This gyro is also suitable for use with our new Anti Vibration Mounting System

 

More technical information on the SL560

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SL420

Essentially, the SL420 is identical to the SL560, with the one difference that it has no PC interface and so cannot be customised by the pilot.

  • Controls pirouettes up to 750 degrees a second
  • Optimal performance with Digital/Super servos (conventional also usable)
  • Plus all the usual SmartLock features.

NOW AVAILABLE! A Micro 420 programmed specially for small electric helicopters

Available in three versions:

CSM0026..... SL 420 Standard size....... £Ask your shop!(discontinued)
Rugged case and internal anti-vibration mounting for the electronics. Ideal for large or gasser/petrol-driven models. Supplied with mounting foams, built-in leads for connection to the receiver (300mm long) and PC interface and software.
The smallest in the world - whatever your currency!

CSM0038..... SL 420 Micro...................£88.00
The smallest fully-featured heading lock gyros in the world! 24 mm x 24mm x 20mm, weight 11g
Ideal for all helicopters 30 size and up. Supplied with mounting foams, 300mm leads and PC interface and software. Leads of 100 - 500mm are available separately. This gyro is also suitable for use with our new Anti Vibration Mounting System.

CSM0039.....SL420e Micro ................£88.00
SL420 Micro gyro with Revision 4e software for small electric helicopters

Please note: to get the optimum performance from your small electric heli, you will need a high-speed digital servo, most of the main manufacturers now do a mini or micro digital servo.

More technical information on the SL420 and SL420 Micro
More technical information on the SL420e for electric helicopters

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SL310

The SL310 is the ideal dual mode gyro for beginners. Please note: the SL310 and SL310 Micro have different features.

SL310 Standard:

  • Controls pirouettes up to 750 degrees a second
  • Optimal performance with conventional servos
  • Plus all the usual SmartLock features

CSM0037..... SL310 standard........ £Ask your shop! (discontinued)
To download the manual (in pdf format) click here

 

SL310 Micro Sport gyro, for basic and intermediate flight:

  • Usable with Conventional or Digital servo
  • Second Integral to enhance the performance of cheaper servos
  • Specially designed for hovering and simple flight
  • Greater support for inexperienced flyers
  • Extended manual: easy-to-follow installation, plus a full guide to helicopter set-up for beginners
  • Plus all the usual SmartLock features

Frequently Asked Questions for beginners
More technical information on the SL310 Micro

CSM0044.... SL310 Micro.......£68.45
To download the manual (in pdf format) click here

 

All our products are distributed worldwide through RC Models Distribution Ltd, and should be available from your local model shop or mail order company. To find your nearest stockist see the RC Models shops page, phone (+44) 161 929 5955 or email sales@rcmodels.org