HFG5000 / HFG5000+3GX/MG Gyro Combo Quick Start Up Guide

By: Jason Holder

Thank you for choosing the Hitec HFG-5000 high performance micro gyro. Following this guide will help you fully understand all the features of this gyro and allow you to achieve a rock solid tail just like the pros.

1. Connecting the Gyro to the Servo & Receiver

  1. Plug the tail rotor servo into the female connector coming from the gyro (make sure to connect it in the proper orientation, noting black wire orientation on both sides).
  2. Plug the connector coming out of the gyro that has one wire into the receiver rudder channel slot (normally CH 4).
  3. Plug the connector coming out of the gyro that has one wire into the receiver gyro gain slot (normally CH 5).

2. Calibrating the Gyro to Your Transmitter

When using the HFG-5000 for the first time, you’ll need to do this simple procedure to calibrate the gyro rudder output and the transmitter rudder output.

  1. Start with the receiver powered on.
  2. Hold the rudder stick all the way to the right, then turn on the gyro.
  3. Return the rudder stick to its neutral position.
  4. The LED lights will blink for about three seconds and then turn steady—calibration is done.
  5. Turn your receiver off and then back on. Calibration is complete.

3. Transmitter Rudder Data Settings

  1. D/R set to 100%.
  2. Sub trim and fine tuning setting: 75% to 150% depending on radio used.
  3. Gyro gain level: set to 0.0 (always leave these at 0.0).

4. Gyro Gain Channel Setup

Consult your transmitter’s manual for setting up the gyro gain channel. Use the gain channel to turn tail lock (AVCS) high/low between heading hold mode and normal mode.

Gain setting will operate as follows:

5. Basic Menu Structure

  1. Push and hold the menu button down for more than 3 seconds to enter menu mode.
  2. An LED light will illuminate to the right of the button. Push the menu button again to move to the next function.
  3. If the button is held for about 5 seconds, the gyro will reset with the flight off.
  4. While in the menu, holding the rudder stick will increase or decrease data values.
  5. Moving the rudder stick left will decrease values; moving it right will increase values. (If the rudder channel is reversed, this behavior will be reversed.)

6. Servo Type Selection (Servo Speed)

Push the menu button to select the “Servo Speed” LED. Hold the rudder stick over and push the menu button to select the servo type you’re using.

Caution: Never use Hitec gyro servo mode (First LED) with any servo other than Hitec’s optimized HSG-5083MG servo. The HG-5000 gyro uses a differential signal pulse width incompatible with any other servo product.

7. Gyro Compensation Direction (Direction)

First, make sure the rudder servo moves in the correct direction relative to stick input.

  1. When you move the rudder stick to the right, the tail rotor should move to the left, and vice versa.
  2. If the rudder servo and tail make the helicopter turn in the correct direction, leave the servo direction as is.
  3. If not, flip the rudder reverse switch on the transmitter.

This mechanical linkage setup is important for proper operation. Do not skip!

To gain optimal performance from the HG-5000 gyro, perform step 8 thoroughly!

8. Servo Linkage Setup

  1. Activate the standard rate mode (25% gain in the transmitter recommended).
  2. With the rudder stick at neutral, connect the linkage so that the servo horn and control rod are perpendicular.
  3. Adjust the length of the control rod so it rotates with the collar as the helicopter tail rotor turns.
  4. Continue adjustments until the gyro positions the servo horn at the neutral position when the rudder stick is neutral.
  5. When correctly set, the helicopter will not rotate when the rudder stick is at neutral.

9. Tail Rotor Limit Setting (Servo Limit)

  1. Turn on the Servo-Limit function using the menu button.
  2. Move the rudder stick to its full travel in one direction (without binding) and press the menu button to lock that endpoint.
  3. Repeat for the opposite direction (left and right end points).

10. Pirouette Rate (Rotate Rate)

  1. Activate the “Rotate Rate” using the menu button.
  2. Select the value from the transmitter channel around 70% to 80%.
  3. Lift off slowly into a hover and check the pirouette rate.
  4. Adjust the pirouette speed by setting the “Rotate Rate” value from 1 to 8 while holding the rudder stick and pressing the menu button.

First LED: Slow pirouette
Third LED: Fast pirouette

Gyro Default Settings

Default Pirouette Setting

First LED (Slow Pirouette): Left 25%, Right 25%

Error Codes

For videos of this gyro, please follow this link.