A couple of weeks ago, I decided to try something new on my Miniature Aircraft Fury 55 helicopter. I have been flying Beastx flybarless controllers on all of my helicopters since I got my first flybarless machine. The only other FBL controller I have flown, briefly, was the Align 3GX which came with my T-Rex 450 Pro 3GX helicopter super combo kit.

After alot of thought and consideration, I have decided to try a Skookum SK540. I have to admit, that after using Beastx controllers for so long, I had quite a bit of difficulty setting up the SK540. The basic setup was relatively easy because the setup wizards walk you through it step by step, and I am about 80% sure I set it up correctly/ However, 80% sure is just not good enough when you`re putting a big expensive helicopter in the air.

The first issue I had with the SK540 (which was my own oversight) was an error light at start up. The error was in the INIT TRIM and was caused by the cyclic stick on my transmitter being out off calibration. A few months ago, I adjusted the stick tensions on my Sprektrum DX8 transmitter and never re-calibrated it....ooops! I got that figured out with the help of my good friend in the UK...Team Sirocco Pilot Heli Chris. Thank you, Chris!

The second thing I had trouble with, was the tail gyro. I`m not sure how to get it set up properly, and I could not get it to go into heading hold mode. Again, not the unit`s fault...I just need to learn the system and learn how to set it up correctly. Also, when applying throttle in Normal flight mode, the throttle servo moves very slowly until it reaches it`s travel limit. I honestly think that this is normal, and it is supposed to ramp up slowly in normal flight mode.

I removed the SK540 from my helicopter for safety reasons (for now) and re-installed the Beastx. I will be attending the Orlando Mini Helicopter blowout next month, (May11 2013)  so I will bring the SK 540 with me, and seek a knowledgeable SK 540 user to guide me through setting it up and make sure I do it correctly. 

Once I get it set up correctly, I believe it will be a very solid controller and I can`t wait to find out. :)