RunRyder RC Helicopter Topic - CAPTRON HeliCommand Profi - GPS Autopilot System Review

RR Rated M For Mature

HOME rrTV-PHOTO GALLERIES MY GALLERY HELP-FAQ

myHOME PM pmRR MEMBERS 772 ONLINE 18 EVENTS SEARCH REGISTER START HERE

11 pages [ << < 1 2 ( 3 ) 4 5 NEXT >> ]

4320 views

POST REPLY

Revolution Models	.	CarbonXtreme	.	Midland Helicopters
	.		.

Aerial Photography and Video > CAPTRON HeliCommand Profi - GPS Autopilot System Review

iskoos
Key Veteran
Location: Orlando, FL

My Posts This: Topic Forum

So noonbs if the money would not be the issue, which one (Profi or DJI) would be your pick for an intermediate APer?

If you are not able to post, would you please PM me?

Thanks

09-27-2009 09:06 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE GALLERY

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Well, I'm not surprised. I knew I would get these kinds of questions after this review.

I've been receiving a lot of emails asking me to compare the two systems.

Well honestly I can't say which system is best. I'm not sure if you could even compare the two as there is quite a price difference.

So here it is... I'll let you decide...

NOTE: THIS IS BASED ON XP3.1'S FIRMWARE 31005 BASIC SETTINGS.

Comparison between DJI's XP3.1 Standard and Captron’s Profi GPS

FAILSAFE
- Both have FAILSAFE that will perform actions according to your programming.
- If you wanted to land in FAILSAFE with the XP3 it will descend according to the negative pitch you’ve entered. At full negative it’s a bit of a hard landing.
- If you wanted to land in FAILSAFE with the Profi GPS you can add the SINK STOP feature that will gently land the helicopter.
- With the Profi a FACE HOME feature can be activated and add a bit of forward cyclic. …FLY HOME…
- Profi has a JUMPER mode where it totally bypasses the system in an emergency. Only available to H1/CCPM helicopters.

GPS/Compass

Both held equally in most cases.
Both have 16 channels.
Both will drift within their given limits.
In my tests I found DJI to drift a bit more in higher altitudes. The Profi GPS held a little bit better. In fact I landed on the same spot where I originally took off from after climbing 300feet with the Profi.

Tail Gyro

Profi has a SMM AVCS tail gyro built in.
XP3.1 none.

If using the internal tail gyro of the Profi the Futaba 9254 is recommended.
If using external gyros with either system anything can be used except I had problems getting Futaba 611 to work with the XP3.1.

The GPS/Compass and Tail gyro work together for the FACE HOME feature in the Profi.
XP3.1 does not have this feature.

Tail control is more flexible with the Profi.
XP3.1 limits yaw in AUTO mode.

Optical instruments

Profi has four imaging systems.
XP3.1 none.

IR Instruments

Profi has an IR instrument that’s works within 1.5 meters for ground sensing. Obviously not affected by time of day.

XP3.1 none.

IMU

Both systems have inertial measurement systems for maintaining attitude.
Attitude control really depends on the pilot’s taste.
XP3.1 limits the pilot’s control by minimizing cyclic and collective input in AUTO mode.

Profi, even with the gains at max, the pilot still has considerable control even when set to altitude hold and position hold.

Comparing attitude modes in both systems (Profi’s horizontal hold and XP3.1’s attitude mode) the Profi performed better in my opinion as instant input was available.
Input to XP3.1 is like in AUTO mode but without the GPS… slow.

Barometric sensor

Both have this sensor.
Profi GPS has it externally.
XP3.1 has it built in.
Both perform equally.
Both are affected by sudden wind gust and will climb or drop.

Receiver channel availability

With the Profi you can use all the channels in your receiver.
With the XP3.1 you are limited to what is available with the “adapter”.

This leads to Power Management.
With the Profi it is powered with regular RX power source.
With the XP3.1 a 2s Lipo is required to power the XP3.1 system. This does not include the RX power.

Both can be wired for redundant power source.
XP3.1 limited to 4.8V
Profi can handle 6V.

Vibration damping

Both have vibration damping system.
With the XP3.1 it uses 4 “rubber” feet.
The Profi has it built in internally.

Flight data recorder

Profi GPS none.
XP3.1 has an SD card that records flight data.

LED Status indicators

Profi has it built in as well as the GPS. This is not viewable from the ground. Although not required in my opinion.
XP3.1 has an external LED status indicator. This can be viewed from the ground.

Flybarless

Profi has Rigid capability.
XP3.1 none.

Software

Profi GPS software has a lot more to offer and more flexible than XP3.1. There are too many features to list. Given the flexibility of the Profi it also requires more time to setup and fine tune. XP3.1 is a bit easier to setup in the software.

Calibration is a bit more work with the XP3.1 especially with larger helicopters.
Calibration with the Profi is much easier.

Flexibility
Profi allows adjustment of gains “on the fly”.
XP3.1 does not.

With the Profi the pilot still has the feeling of flying a helicopter.
With the XP3.1 the pilot has the feeling of flying a robotic helicopter. DJI says, “One joystick at a time”.

So in obstacle avoidance you would have instant input with the Profi.
Best to switch to manual mode with XP3.1

NOTE: THERE HAS BEEN IMPROVEMENTS WITH XP3 31006 FIRMWARE WITH PILOT INPUT. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO TEST IT YET.

Weight

Profi is about 0.75lb
XP3.1 1 lb

Warranty
Profi 2 years
XP3.1 Standard 6 months
(future) XP3.1 Professional 1 year.

Cost
Profi $7000 USD
XP3.1 $4000 USD

Again, personally, you can't compare the two. Different price ranges.

09-28-2009 05:56 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

jffry7
Heliman
Location: On the Field Flying

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Again another superb explanation/comparison.

I guess choice is a matter of preference on what a pilot needs and it couldnt have been more clear.

Thanks for the comparison Ros....

09-28-2009 06:46 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE

PhotoShip One
rrAdvertiser
Location: Arizona & Taiwan

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Excellent and informative as expected! Thanks.

One feature I would like some more detail on is the "sink stop landing" feature.

What more can you tell us about this?

DJ

Design Team - PhotoShipOne

09-28-2009 07:07 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE

nooobs

Elite Veteran - Location: Toronto, Canada - My Posts This: Topic Forum

SINK STOP is part of the Altitude tab.

It is one of the "Stick" Options for obtaining altitude hold. Basically it's the same as "Spring Center" but with the added feature of sensing the ground during descent.

This is only available if Altitude Hold is enabled. Does not work in Altitude Dampen mode.

Heli must be trimmed to hover at mid-stick.

Governor mode active in ESC.

Autotrim will trim the servos to hover.

When landing add negative pitch and minimize gain levels for altitude hold and watch the heli slowly descend.

Too much gain will cause the heli to "yo-yo" but will eventually land.

Don't think you can drop the heli with -10 pitch and expect the sensor to perform.

09-28-2009 08:01 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

Seablade
Key Veteran
Location: floating around

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Also, imho, the Profi is more compact and easier to mount.
This will be overcome in time as the electronics just keep getting smaller.
Just a thought, why couldn't the Profi GPS antenna be mounted upside down so that the LED's could be seen if they were bright enough? Of course, sitting on the ground your not going to see them!
I know they say to mount the antenna horizontally, but I am wondering why it cannot be mounted vertically so the LED's could be seen from the side? What is in the antenna that needs horizontal...probably the compass.
As Nooobs says, not really a big problem.

"Vini, Vidi, Velcro"

09-28-2009 09:46 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE GALLERY

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

LED's are useless when you're flying at a distance. Profi's GPS LED is too small to see even if you can install it inverted.
For example, red light blinking, poor GPS signal, so what are you going to do whether or not you can see it? Heli will drift in both systems. Just fly it normally. You don't need LEDs to tell you your heli is drifting.

Here's a video of the first FACE home test. I felt like a kid with a brand new toy. Couldn't stop "running around" in circles... LOL Really, I was having too much fun...

The only reason why this wasn't added because I forgot to include myself showing the TX switching to FACE home.

09-28-2009 11:27 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

daytonabeach
Elite Veteran
Location: Oslo, Norway

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Thx Ros for the detailed input!

I would say, you simply get what you pay for, as usual.

DJI, is big bang for bucks, and Profi for those who want the little extra, like iex design, a bit like BMW vs Lamborghini, both good cars

Never argue with an idiot, he'll drag you down to his level and beat you with experience...

09-28-2009 12:31 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

rerazor
Elite Veteran
Location: Mich.

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Yes, I just want to go on the record and say I do appreciate Ros reviews, and respect the guy a lot.

Yes, I'm a distributor for DJI and yes I did have an early Profi (non-GPS), nothing but great things to say about Captron as a company and Joachim.

I don't want this to be a "mine is better then yours" thread. So with that said when I ask or add my insight its not for promotion etc..

*****************

Ros,

Why do you feel that at higher altitudes that is effecting the drifting? I wouldn't think would have any effect unless it is picking up more satellites. When the Red LED is off you have 7 or more satellites.

I think its also important from my experience that for normal Aerial Photography these units are very impressive and more then adequate. I find most will never find the limitations. Its when you get into forward flight for video purposes that the extremes are reached. Coordinating a bank turn / yaw is a very complex maneuver and anybody that knows the details of a autopilot will agree.

I just want to contribute and learn in this thread. but DJI has a lot of cool stuff coming out in the next few months. Sorry had to throw that in there. LOL!!

Robert
N.A. DJI Distributor

09-28-2009 02:26 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE GALLERY

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Quote
Why do you feel that at higher altitudes that is effecting the drifting?

Not sure what was causing the drift at times. If you watch the XP3.1 high altitude video notice how the angle of the helicopter's profile towards the camera. It changes slowly. The heli was moving away from the camera. Move to 04:30 onwards.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Profi GPS does not drift.

09-28-2009 03:03 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

More test videos...

First time attempting to fly out into the distance with the Profi.

Pushing the comfort zone... I normally don't fly too far but with these systems...

09-28-2009 03:24 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

daytonabeach
Elite Veteran
Location: Oslo, Norway

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Oh man, once your in the comfort zone, theres no turning back, that is the music also a proof of, welcome to the club!

Never argue with an idiot, he'll drag you down to his level and beat you with experience...

09-28-2009 03:30 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

daytonabeach
Elite Veteran
Location: Oslo, Norway

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Tell me, did you bail out with the "get me home NOW" button at the end? LOL

Never argue with an idiot, he'll drag you down to his level and beat you with experience...

09-28-2009 03:34 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

rerazor
Elite Veteran
Location: Mich.

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Yes, with the GPS systems you can fly a long way and you just keep gaining confidence. I would never fly like that before, no way, now its just a matter how big your ______ are.

That music is great!!

Quote
Not sure what was causing the drift at times.

Bump up the "P" setting in Advance tab and it will hold better. It does make coming out of a full speed (36mph) forward flight when you let go of the sticks a little more abrupt.

Robert
N.A. DJI Distributor

09-28-2009 03:37 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE GALLERY

Vortex Aerial
Veteran
Location: Huntington Beach Ca

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Quote
Pushing the comfort zone... I normally don't fly too far but with these systems...

Wow! Thats far!

Did you measure that distance?

Is there a FF or "sideways flight" speed limit to this thing ?

Thanks for all this great info Ros !

09-28-2009 04:27 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

Crazy-Joe
Heliman
Location: Germany

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Hey guys,

nice thread, thanks Rosauro (once again) for the great work. "Perfect" would be too less to describe it.

Just 2 things about your "second review" in here :-)

FAILSAFE
The HeliCommand Profi additonally has a new Instant-Booting-Option (not sure if you had it in your prototype unit already?! In case not let me know and send it back for an update, no problem). Instant-Booting means that if you have a defect on the sensor unit, all mixers stay active and you can still control the helicopter, even with H3 and H4 linkages. The only things getting lost in case of a total failure of the main unit would be no Rigid and no tail gyro (worst case), but still a good chance to get the baby down. E.g. in case one of the head gyros or some other minor electronic parts fail, the heli remains controllable all time.

And number two: the pressure sensor of the Profi is not external, it is built-in. Only the intake of the air pressure is external (if you like, you can also place the intake direktly at the Profi), to have the possibility of optimising the location of the air intake at a mostly calm place on the heli, out of the downwash.

And yeah, price is totally different to the DJI, so are the features. I think both units will find their cutomers and all of you out there will hopefully be happy with them.

Unfortunately I do not find the time so often to read and write here, so please: if there are question, do not hesitate to mail me: info@helicommand.com. Thanks.

Cheers for today and have a good night (11pm here) :-) Have to get up early again to get rid of the new manuals...

Joachim.

09-28-2009 10:03 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

daytona, no I didn't hit the switch. That was manual. All I could see what this tiny stick spinning around.

Robert, that would be tricky right now...

vortex, I'll have to physically measure it. According to Google maps the flight was about 900 ft. My 400+ ft guess was way off...

No there is no FF or sideways limit as far a I know. Cyclic travel is not decreased by the system. That is up to you. Those flight videos I'm manually controlling the speed.

Joachim I don't think mine had instant booting. I'll send it out to you tomorrow. Yes, sorry, I meant the filter was external.

09-29-2009 12:30 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

Helicek
Senior Heliman
Location: istanbul - turkey

My Posts This: Topic Forum

Thanks for a very useful topic. Very informative and very good.
1)Is HC Profi/GPS combo only useful for hovering?
How does it behave during forward(or bacward) flight? Will it maintain constant altitude?
2)How does altitude and GPS data downlink work?
Thanks,
Ahmet

09-30-2009 09:50 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

nooobs
Elite Veteran
Location: Toronto, Canada

My Posts This: Topic Forum

All the info you need is right here...

http://rosaurophotography.com/html/captron/

09-30-2009 10:58 AM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE

signwiz
Senior Heliman
Location: Lexington, KY and Sevierville, TN

My Posts This: Topic Forum

I'm filing for Canadian Citizenship

Immediately to follow contacting Rosauro concerning him adopting me!

I can hear me saying,"Dad could I play with those cool toys?"

09-30-2009 03:25 PM

PROFILE PM EMAIL POSTS BUDDY IGNORE HOMEPAGE GALLERY

11 pages [ << < 1 2 ( 3 ) 4 5 NEXT >> ]

4320 views

POST REPLY

HeliProz	.	Ron’s HeliProz South	.	MTA Hobbies
	.		.

Aerial Photography and Video > CAPTRON HeliCommand Profi - GPS Autopilot System Review

Print TOPIC

Advertisers

Subscribe to This Topic