Rotorcraft Australia Forums - Blogs http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/blog.php Rotorcraft Australia - Sports Rotorcraft, Gyrocopter - Gyroplane and Helicopter Forums, News, Classified Ads, Arcade, Galleries, Aviation Link Directory. en Fri, 18 May 2012 05:35:01 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/images/BP-Grey/misc/rss.jpg Rotorcraft Australia Forums - Blogs http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/blog.php Helmet Cams And Gyro Videography. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?27-Helmet-Cams-And-Gyro-Videography Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:28:55 GMT Is there such a word...videography?

I really enjoy videoing my flights in the gyro.

To that end I am constantly looking for 'The Camera'.

Initially I wanted to get something cheap to experiment with various mounting postions and check out the quality of HD video.

Presently I am using a little $245 Aiptek 600Z HD camera. I open the viewing screen and fold it back in on the main body of the camera. This means that the screen is now one exposed side of the body of the camera. It is this face which I place against the outboard portion of my right knee. I use electrical tape to then fix the camera to my leg. I do this whilst sitting in the gyro, with my knee in a comfortable normal flying position. A fair attempt at getting the camera set as close to 90 degrees to the horizontal is made at this point.

By and large this little KMart special is great. It needs lots of light and is not ideal, though adequate in the stills department. 5Meg.

I'm not going to rag on and on cause I'm not a techno whatever, so I will tell you what's best about it.

The DVD setting at 60 fps.

So the WVGA 60f (DVD) setting gives excellent results for onboard camera work. The HD settings end up dropping off the steady shot function and video distortion is quite evident. This is not the case when shooting on terra firma. I am only talking about onboard flying results. The 720P has 60f but drops the steady shot. The 1080P is only 30f and no steady shot function.

So the cheap little Aiptek gives excellent results at DVD setting with 60f.

The 60f is great for action filming to edit slow motion video later.

I really like the 720P and the 1080P HD video but without a steady shot function and use of 60f to optimise high speed shoots, I have continued to be on the lookout for 'The Camera'.

Thought this was the one.

It may well be in the future, if they add the 60f at 720P, downsize a little or offer a WVGA 60f setting, then perhaps it will be the one I get on board my Monarch.

GPS data overlays on screen video....awesome!

http://www.gizmag.com/gobandit-actio...ps-data/14819/

http://www.gobandit.com/tecspecs.html ]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?27-Helmet-Cams-And-Gyro-Videography Inaugural Flight From New Home Airfield http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?26-Inaugural-Flight-From-New-Home-Airfield Tue, 20 Apr 2010 14:50:36 GMT ---Quote (Originally by Mitch)--- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzCg52Lwlb4 ---End Quote--- Had a blast the other day flying out of the new...
Quote Originally Posted by Mitch View Post
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzCg52Lwlb4
Had a blast the other day flying out of the new airfield for the first time.

Elise filmed some touch and goes, then I headed off for a 3/4 hr flight down the river and back to the coast.

Looking forward to some nice evening flights now I'm only a 5 minute drive and 2 minutes to unlock and roll out the Monarch.......preflight and gone!!!!!!!:mrhappy

Fly Safe ]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?26-Inaugural-Flight-From-New-Home-Airfield Cranbourn Hangars Broken Into...Damage Done Items Stolen. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?25-Cranbourn-Hangars-Broken-Into-Damage-Done-Items-Stolen Sun, 11 Apr 2010 04:34:52 GMT Before I left for Sydney I had intended to fly the Monarch over to its new hangar. Time was against me, so this did not eventuate. Day before... Before I left for Sydney I had intended to fly the Monarch over to its new hangar.

Time was against me, so this did not eventuate.

Day before I left I got a call advising all hangars had their locks cut off.

Some aircraft were damaged and some instruments stolen.

New aircraft under construction were damaged and $$$$ of tools stolen.

The club house was ransacked and microwave, TV and other items damaged throwen out onto the paddock and some other items stolen.

At this time it appears the Monarch was left untouched, although I have not attended at the field yet.

Apparently all the sheets and covers are still in place.

Geoff's gyro was away having the head on his engine replaced.

Police are investigating, for what that is worth.

Mitch. ]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?25-Cranbourn-Hangars-Broken-Into-Damage-Done-Items-Stolen New Hangar New Airfield http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?24-New-Hangar-New-Airfield Fri, 26 Mar 2010 11:13:35 GMT G'Day,

Well, we have been patiently waiting for a 40 ft High Cube to come our
way. Approximately 8 months ago I began negotiating with the owners of the
property to set-up here full-time........ and here we are!:mrhappy
Will likely fly the Monarch across from Cranbourne this comming week.

So now I will be based on this property at Greens Beach.
We have a key and can come and go as we please. The owners are
pleased to have the gyro on site, as I will be an extra set of eyes and ears,
keeping an 'eye on the property'. The place has all amenities and twin double beds...(should I be relegated to the 'dog house.') Mind you the 40 ft container has potential for many things other than simply the Monarch's hangar.

The new strip is 3.5 miles from us as the crow flys and 4.7 miles
by road. It is literally a 4-5 minute drive up the road from home.
Look forward to any and all comming to visit and fly from this
property. (right on the coast, less than 500m to the Beach.)

Lefthand circuits keep me well clear of the sleepy little seaside
township. Essentially, I will fly from here to other locations and try
to minimise the noise and impact on locals closer to Greens
Beach.........It would be an ideal place to train from as there are
lots of vacant paddocks to the west and many other strips close by
including George Town Airport, 2 mins by air across the Tamar River.
Cranbourn airfield is 14.59 miles from the new strip and home base.

This well established airfield property was for many years utilised as a training grass strip by fixed wingers from George Town sealed runway.

Today I mowed two wide taxiways, which double as secondary runways, plus the main strip which I widened.....put the 19.5 horse JD rideon to the test......will need to smudge up and do more work over time, though I feel we have a nice little operating airfield now. Not to mention a nice new hangar with ......NO FEES! Hangar, water, power or otherwise.

There is an agreement in place to cover half of the council rates, which approximates to a 1/3 of current yearly hangar and associated fees.:clap:

So, next Tasmanian Holiday you plan, think about trailering your gyro, we now have access to several strips around the state, for on site camping and flying to exotic places around the state.

Looking forward to a long association with the current owners of the property.

Cheers,

Mitch.;)
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?24-New-Hangar-New-Airfield G Force Video http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?23-G-Force-Video Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:57:03 GMT G'Day All,

I dont know why I waited so long to Upgrade to the G Force All Terrain Landing Gear.

It is extraordinary.

Ole Mate Nudge flew out to Cranbourn to video the 'Landings' so as I could judge the angle of the extended flare. Essentially to study and improve on the technique. I need to not hold the nose so high, this will keep the tail from touching and I need to hold the nose wheel off for longer, being carefull not to dump the front end forward.

Mental note is that until all wheels are safely grounded, fly the rotor all the way, 'down'.

I also noticed whilst flying and via the video, that I am drifting/turning a tad to the right with most landings but not all.......some of them were sweet!

I felt the landings were of a lesser quality than Saturday, when I first flew the G Force with the full 16" of stroke.( I still believe to this day my first solo landing is the best landing I ever executed) Mind you I was not being filmed and flying circuits with long established approaches. This mornings 20 minute session was about filming multiple landings to study the video as previously stated, in the hope of improving on the skill set.

Here is the video. I had a blast flying and enjoyed editing the footage down and making this little video for Youtube.

I hope you enjoy watching it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh3xBRyANY

Cheers,

Mitch. ]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?23-G-Force-Video Played with the All Terrain G Force Landing Gear Today! http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?22-Played-with-the-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Today! Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:12:44 GMT Last night it occurred to me that a 'window of opportunity' was presenting itself. A three day 'High' and permssion to fly, a done deed combination.

The Blue Monarch had been returned to the Cranbourn Airfield some weeks earlier and was effectively ready for testing. In reality this was not quite the case as I had yet to manufacture a series of cables, that would allow for an incremental stroke on the mains gear, affording me 'baby steps', whilst getting a handle on the G Force.

This morning I rose earlier than usual and began to pack the Ute. At some stage during this process it dawned on me that I needed to make the cables.

After packing the vehicle, I packed the kids and we were away.

Thirty minutes later I rendevoued with the wife, handed over the children and departed for the strip another 10 minutes away.

The day had finally come and I was going to test the All Terrain G Force Landing Gear.

Opened up the hangar and there was Geoffs Raptorr gyroplane, sweet! It had been away getting some repairs. Next to the Raptorr was the Monarch covered insheets as I had left her with blade straps in-place. Right then I remember I needed to fill the brake cylinder and bleed the brakes as soon as 'she' was uncovered.

The brakes have always been a 'pain in the rear' but this morning the job was done in less than 5 minutes. No bubbles and full holding power at the discs. Excellent.

I remembered the Opps Mgr saying get Nudge or Geoff to check every bolt and nut. They weren't there so I attended to that task also.

Rolled the Monarch out of the hangar and over to the spin up area approx 60 mtrs away. Entered the Club House and made a coffee. As I drank I told myself, it was time and we needed to do this right.

As I back tracked Runway 32, I decided the suspension was not what it used to be. This made perfect sense, the motorcycle shocks were located and mechanically fixed differently from the std suspension. When I say it was not what it used to be, I dont necessarily mean that in a negative way, although my first impression was this was the case.

In the past some who have flown the Blue Emperor or Monarch Butterly have mentioned the spongeness of the sprung suspension. I always liked it.

Now the suspension has a slightly more solid feel and a little less travel or so it feels.

I did think at first that it made the steering a little lighter and I needed to concentrate on this in the early stages. All in all by the end of the day, I was surprised at how I had adapted to the new feel of the suspension and subtle changes in ground handling easily addressed.

First couple of runs where simply that, strip runs, with the blades spinning at 100 odd rpm.
Pulled up and checked everything out. All Good!

OK so this is it, test the G Force out with it in the up position. Note here my cable is a little long and allows for the mani strut to drop about 1 1/2", plus the springs unload and extend, all of this coupled with the slightly elevated hieght of the seating position come into play with the first landing.

Taking off for the first time, I bought the blades up slowly, only using the MLS pre-rotator to get the blades started. It was a fairly typical gyroplane take-off. I had 20 liters of fuel onboard.

I noted rrpm was up on pre-G Force model by 5-10 rotor rpm. Later in the day when I took off with 30 liters I was off the ground at 275 rrpm and watching the numbers quickly climb all the way thru to 370-375 at 50 feet. First time I've actually watched the rotor tach during take-off..wild.

First landing was like any gyro landing, though the wheels touch well before I though they would....Ah I thought....lets try that again. Power on and around we go. I flew tight left hand circuits and made regular radio calls. After the 5th landing I wanted to try with an extention strap, giving me some stroke on the gas filled shock.

Fact of the matter is I only made up one of these training cables, though it allowed for 3" ext and then 8" .

I didn't like the 3" extention at all. It seemed like it was neither normal nor G Force, just enough length in the undercarriage to be conscious of the fact that one could not dump it in yet at the same time requiring holding a nose high position to allow for G Force 'squat'. It felt to me like when one side touched first the other side came into play very quickly. There would be another 4 landings at this extention.

Now I felt I had the feel and the stick control to take the gear out to the half way mark. I re-adjusted the cable and took off. By Now I was doing Metro Launch pre-rotations from 270 -295 and with 5 -10 knots was getting airbourne in seconds.

At about 200 feet I look down left, then swallowed hard, looked down at the right landing gear then told myself, hold the nose up, dont let it drift, keep it straight, hold the nose up till she squats and before I knew it, she had mushed down on the mains and I lowered the nose gently. No way! That was way too cool. Let's do that again!

I dropped her in 5-6 times, various approach speeds and then took off to the Northern Training area and did some paddock bashing.

After another coffee and some food, I decided to take the train cable off and allow the full 16" of stroke. I gotta say it's kinda spooky looking down at your wheels when they are extended by 8" plus. You really need to know where they are.

Taking off knowing that your landing gear is now going to be hanging 16-18" lower than when you left the ground is a little disconcerting.

I'd been meaning to adjust my trim spring but with 30 liters of fuel and the G Force hanging so low I could take my hand off the stick and she would fly S & L. There is obviously additional drag there but it does not seem to be problematical on a slightly low thrustline setup. Certainly I was putting the Monarch into dives of up to 65-70 knots IAS and felt very stable the whole time. I was crankin around the low level trainging area whilst the Hill Family were tending their land. I did a tight left hand desending sprial for the first time today, held 20 knots on the clock and that was fun, so I'll be wanting to practice some of those for sure.

OK about the landing......dont you know I was off burning off some of those 30 odd liters before I attempted to land with my wheels looking more like 4" than 6" they were so far away.

Joined down wind called left on base, kept it tight, called left on final, let the gyro crab on approach, then straightened her up at 100 or so feet, on the center line. Flared at 10 feet, stopped in mid air, thought this aint right, got the power on the nose down, got a head of speed up and clinbed out to do it again.....G Force ......You have G Force. Yeah Yeah I know.

This time I vertically descended in from 500 got the nose down at 100 feet, made sure I had 35 knots, flared high as the speed washed off and held the nose up as she touched down on the left first, quickly followed by the right, making fine adjustment with the stick she squated dwn very quickly, with absolutely no jolt or feeling of impact at all.

My Dad served on an aircraft carrier and I love the way the jet pilots talk about 'controlled crashing' into the deck. Some of these jets have landing gear which will soak up 700 ft/min impact.

After another 5 full G Force drop-ins, I realised the experience that G Force provides is one of a 'controlled crash', rated to 500 ft/min impact, essentially the gyro is being landed in a way that is outside of the normal flight envelope, ie: landing to slow, flaring to high and subsequently dumping it in with the G Force absorbing the impact, keeping the gyro and pilot safe from harm.

I must say that after 5 hrs at the airfield and 2 1/2 hrs in the saddle, to have come home having 'PLAYED' with the All Terrain G Force Landing Gear and gone the full stroke, I'm rapped!

I was not unhappy with the performanceof the Patroney Composite 23 1/2 footers and I look forward to seeing what difference a set of 25 foot Goodwin tip weight blades might make.

All things being equal I'll be back at the airfield Monday, to have some video done and practice some more landings......more time to play with the All Terrain G Force Landing Gear.


Mitch
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?22-Played-with-the-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Today! All Terrain G Force Landing Gear Release Cables made and installed 21 1/2 hrs Total http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?21-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Release-Cables-made-and-installed-21-1-2-hrs-Total Fri, 12 Feb 2010 05:36:09 GMT Manufactured the cables from the cable release box thru to the G Force Struts and installed. At this time I have decided not to manufacture the... Manufactured the cables from the cable release box thru to the G Force Struts and installed.

At this time I have decided not to manufacture the cable release lever.

I feel that during the training period it could be inadvertantly used to release the landing gear to it's full extention..16"

The G Force will initially have a locking cable, allowing for approx 3" stroke. If the release lever was installed, it would be possible to pull the lever and release the landing gear to the full 16".......

This setup will allow me to start off with the landing gear locked in position as per std gyro configuration with motorcycle shocks giving rough field suspension. Take off and the gear remains up. Fly the gyro with the gear up untill comfortable with the new configuration.

Next, change out current cable length for one 3" longer. Upon take-off the gear will automatically extend that distance affording 3"-4" stroke on the G Force Struts.

Each successive substituted 'training cable' will allow for increasing the strut stroke by 3" increments, ie: 3", 6", 9", 12" and finally 16" full stroke on the struts.

All that is left to do now is top up the brake cylinder and bleed brakes. Load the Monarch into the Butterfly GyroVan and return to Cranbourn for testing.

Initial testing will be with half fuel load and my original composite Patroney Blades 23 1/2' disc.
That is to say the only change to the aircraft is the landing gear.......there is other stuff I want to do, like relocate the pull start back to a position up high on the mast and install a smoker......though I think it prudent to not make a series of changes at this time.

Test the All Terrain G Force, then change out the blades for the 25' alloy Goodwin blades and make the other changes systematically.

This has been fun changing out the gear as it all went together like a dream. Quality parts, fantastic instructions and anyone can do it!

Mitch

rocksfly@gmail.com

Australia and New Zealand licensed distributor manufacturer of Larry Neal's range of Butterfly Gyroplanes and Roadable Rotorcraft (Super Sky Cycle)
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?21-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Release-Cables-made-and-installed-21-1-2-hrs-Total 4Th Day All Terrain G Force Landing Gear Total 20 hrs to date. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?20-4Th-Day-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Total-20-hrs-to-date Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:38:34 GMT All that remains is to fabricate the release cables and lever mechanism, then install. I will be making up a number of short cable lengths that... All that remains is to fabricate the release cables and lever mechanism, then install.

I will be making up a number of short cable lengths that will allow the G Force to extend to various levels. This is for the process of training and getting used to the G Force in 3" increments.
IE: 3" Landing gear extended, 6" landing gear extended etc.....up to the full 16" landing gear extended.

The parts all fit together like a glove. Very impressed with the quality of parts and ease of build process.

Looking forward to my next flight.

Check out the website www.thebutterflyllc.com

Contact me at rocksfly@gmail.com


Here are some final pics for tonight.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?20-4Th-Day-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear-Total-20-hrs-to-date 4th Day Brakes and wheels installed on both axles. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?19-4th-Day-Brakes-and-wheels-installed-on-both-axles Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:27:35 GMT After cleaning up the wheels and brakes with my trusty old citrus based grease cleaner, I gave the Tail and rest of the gyro a quick wipe over before... After cleaning up the wheels and brakes with my trusty old citrus based grease cleaner, I gave the Tail and rest of the gyro a quick wipe over before roller the Monarch out into the light of day.

I jumped up on the seat and rocked the gyro side to side, very agressively. The All Terrain Suspension works as it should.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?19-4th-Day-Brakes-and-wheels-installed-on-both-axles 4th Day Brakes removed from old axle stubs. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?18-4th-Day-Brakes-removed-from-old-axle-stubs Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:17:09 GMT Had an opportunity to do a couple hrs on the Monarch upgrade this morning. I am running Hegar split rims and Hegar up to 1000 lb AUW rated... Had an opportunity to do a couple hrs on the Monarch upgrade this morning.

I am running Hegar split rims and Hegar up to 1000 lb AUW rated brakes.

The straight out brake connector to the discs needed to be removed and replaced with 90 degree fittings.

The pics are self explanatory.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?18-4th-Day-Brakes-removed-from-old-axle-stubs 3rd Day Right side All Terrain G Force Installed. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?17-3rd-Day-Right-side-All-Terrain-G-Force-Installed Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:55:14 GMT Last lot of pics for the 3rd days session. 18 hrs Total Time spent so far. Right Rear. Deatil of All Terrain Fixings. Right side... Last lot of pics for the 3rd days session.

18 hrs Total Time spent so far.

Right Rear.

Deatil of All Terrain Fixings.

Right side front view.

See rear view over top of tail.

Front view of All Terrain G Force Landing Gear strapped up and axle stubs clear of the ground.

Next pic shows plastic straps holding the struts in the up position temporarily.

Last Pic Folks.............................Monarch hanging clear of the ground ATGFLG installed.

Will post more pics in a couple days, after wheels, cable release mechanism and brake lines are all installed.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?17-3rd-Day-Right-side-All-Terrain-G-Force-Installed 3rd Day Left side G Force Completed. Various Views. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?16-3rd-Day-Left-side-G-Force-Completed-Various-Views Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:43:09 GMT Various pics showing the left side install. Various pics showing the left side install.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?16-3rd-Day-Left-side-G-Force-Completed-Various-Views 3rd Day All Terrain install. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?15-3rd-Day-All-Terrain-install Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:36:59 GMT I thought installing the main strut would present some difficulties. This did not eventuate, thankfully. The bottom section of the mains strut... I thought installing the main strut would present some difficulties. This did not eventuate, thankfully.

The bottom section of the mains strut houses the spring shocks from my original suspension.

Springs have been recond and repainted.

Centre holes on both plates drilled out to 3/8"

Bottom section of main left strut installed.

Front View, Left side All Terrain G Force Landing Gear installed.

Rear View, left side.

Close up detail of All Terrain.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?15-3rd-Day-All-Terrain-install 3rd Day G Force left side install. http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?14-3rd-Day-G-Force-left-side-install Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:15:36 GMT Plates and U Brackets attached to axle stub barcket, in readiness to take the G Force Strut setup. Front left side brace tube attached to the... Plates and U Brackets attached to axle stub barcket, in readiness to take the G Force Strut setup.

Front left side brace tube attached to the check plate 'U' bracket swivel.

Front left side brace tube lined up with a driver, through the axle stub 'U' braket swivel.

Left side install shows double axle and front brace tube.

Next the main G Force strut is attached to the top mains braket, you can see the pulley wheel and cable retainer. Later cable will be routed on both sides as part of the cable release mechanism.

Last pic shows a rear view of the left side, main strut connection.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?14-3rd-Day-G-Force-left-side-install 3rd day (18 hrs ) All Terrain G Force Landing Gear http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?13-3rd-day-(18-hrs-)-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:53:37 GMT A few pics to start.

I like to use a screw driver to find the 'path' that the bolt will 'travel'. On the more difficult holes I will chase the driver back thruogh the hole with the bolt. Very handy.

You can see the brake lines for both axle mains have now been removed, in readiness to connect to the new previously installed line.

Top and Bottom left hand side main axles installed.

The cluster plates had to be drilled both sides to take the swivels for the front brace tubes and note the holes on the back of the cluster plate, this will be used later for fixing the cable release mechanism cable and cable end.

Left axle stub braket installed, view from the front.

Left axle stub bracket viewed from the rear.
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]]> Mitch http://www.rotorcraft.com.au/entry.php?13-3rd-day-(18-hrs-)-All-Terrain-G-Force-Landing-Gear