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Yaw Damper

A micro-controller, designed to be used either as a standalone device or with my autopilot system, that will attempt to keep an aircraft in coordinated flight by controlling the rudder. It utilizes a linear speed sensor to determine the direction an aircraft is yawing, and will attempt to counteract the yawing motion using a PID controller. The yaw damper will not override control chair inputs.

- To place the yaw damper in your aircraft, use the Selection Grid tool in the Stormworks vehicle editor to load this device into your vehicle. You can use the arrows to drag the device around and place it anywhere on your vehicle.
- The yaw damper includes a linear speed sensor that must be placed correctly in order for the device to work properly.
- This speed sensor must not be rotated or the device will not work. It should also be placed somewhere in front of your aircraft's center of gravity. Keep in mind that your center of gravity may change when your fuel tanks are full, so make sure to place the speed sensor far enough forward.
- The yaw damper comes with a toggle button and a dial already connected to the micro-controller. Both can be moved and rotated anywhere on your vehicle. The toggle button can also be replaced by a constant on signal.
- The included keypad labeled "In Flight Tuner" can safely be removed after the PID is properly tuned for your aircraft.

Input:

• Rudder Axis - Connect this node directly to the axis you are using to control the rudder, normally one of the control chair axis's.

Output:

• Rudder - If sending a positive value to the rudder turns your aircraft to the right, connect this node directly to the rudder. If sending a positive value to the rudder turns your aircraft to the left, connect this node to the rudder through a numerical inverter. It is recommended to connect this node to the rudder only, and not any steering mechanisms for your nose or tailwheel because it may try to counteract your steering while on the ground.

This device uses a PID controller to keep the aircraft coordinated, which means it must be tuned for each aircraft it is installed on. Tuning has been made easy by the use of a simple coefficient for each of the PID values.

1. Use the Select tool in the Stormworks vehicle editor to select the micro-controller.
   
2. In the properties window, turn the option "Enable In-Flight Tuning" on.
   
3. Spawn your aircraft and enter a value of 1 in the tuner keypad to start.
   
4. Once you are flying, turn on the yawdamper and observe the slip/skid indicator dial. The value should stay as close to zero as possible.
   
5. If the aircraft responds too slowly and the slip/skid indicator doesn't return to 0 while maneuvering, gradually increase the tuning value until the slip/skid indicator starts oscillating in level flight.
   
6. If the aircraft responds violently, or the slip/skid indicator oscillates back and forth, lower the tuning value gradually until the slip/skid indicator settles on 0 in level flight.
   
7. Repeat the previous two steps until you are satisfied with the responsiveness of the yaw damper.
   
8. Write down the value you have entered in the tuner keypad so you don't forget it.
   
9. Return to the workshop and select the micro-controller again, turn off "Enable In-Flight Tuning," and enter the value you wrote down into the "Tuner Coefficient" property box.
   
10. Make sure to save your vehicle, and enjoy your newly coordinated aircraft.