The Hobby Eagle A3 Super 4 gyro is a high-performance, 6-axis flight controller that’s become a go-to choice for fixed-wing RC aircraft enthusiasts. With a 32-bit processor, high-precision MEMS sensor, and an extensive list of features, the A3 Super 4 offers flexibility and reliability, making it ideal for both seasoned RC pilots and beginners looking to improve flight stability. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of this powerful gyro, provide a detailed guide to setting up Remote Master Gain, and share links to my YouTube reviews for a deeper dive into its performance.
Key Features of the Hobby Eagle A3 Super 4
The A3 Super 4 is packed with features, setting it apart from its predecessor and other gyros on the market. Here’s what makes it a standout option for fixed-wing aircraft:
1. 6 Flight Modes: This gyro provides six distinct flight modes: Gyro Off, Normal Stabilisation, Lock, Angle, Level, Hover and User Mode. Each mode is designed to cater to different flight needs, from basic stabilisation to locked-in precision control, making the A3 Super 4 versatile for various flying styles.
2. Multi-Protocol Receiver Compatibility: The A3 Super 4 supports PWM, PPM, and multiple digital serial receivers, which ensures compatibility with a wide range of radio systems.
3. Customisable Output Interfaces: It includes two pass-through output channels, making it easy to configure for dual ailerons, dual elevator systems, flying wing (delta wing), and V-tail setups.
4. Firmware Upgradable: The gyro’s firmware can be upgraded, so you’ll always have access to the latest improvements and features from Hobby Eagle. I recommend you always run the latest firmware revision which you can find here https://www.hobbyeagle.com/products/a3s4/
5. Remote Master Gain Control: This feature allows for on-the-fly gain adjustments, giving you the ability to fine-tune stabilisation in real-time directly from your transmitter—a huge benefit during test flights or in changing wind conditions.
Setting Up Remote Master Gain Control on the A3 Super 4
One of the standout features of the A3 Super 4 gyro is its Remote Master Gain Control. This allows you to adjust the gyro’s gain sensitivity during flight, which is particularly useful for tweaking stability in varying flight conditions or when transitioning between different flight modes.
Here’s how to set it up:
1. Connect the G channel: You need to connect the G output from the Hobby Eagle A3 Super 4 to a channel on your receiver. The manual (page 4) recommends you assign this to channel 8 on the Futaba R7008SB receiver, however I could only get mine working by using channel 7.
2. Bind the Channel: Set up the [G] channel on your transmitter. Most modern transmitters have dedicated channels or customisable sliders and switches. Assign the slider or knob you prefer to use for gain adjustments. On the Futaba T26SZ I used the Functions to assign channel 7 to RD (Right Dial).
3. Test Gain Control: Once the gain is assigned to a control, you can use the HobbyEagle A3 Configurator application to check the dial is configured correctly for Remote Master Gain. Then test it on the ground before taking flight. Turn the slider or knob and observe how the gyro responds—this helps you understand how much gain is applied at various settings.
You will see the G indicator at the bottom is now Green and when you move your dial or slider on your transmitter the GAIN values will change.
4. Fine-Tune During Flight: While flying, adjust the gain to find the optimal balance between stability and responsiveness. If you’re flying in windy conditions, you might increase the gain to help counteract turbulence; if the plane feels too rigid, reduce the gain for more natural control. If the control surfaces are fluttering you will need to turn the GAIN down.
Tip: For ease of use, make small adjustments in-flight until you find a setting that feels right. Higher gain can help with stability but may limit manoeuvrability, while lower gain increases responsiveness but can lead to instability.
Practical Applications: Exploring the A3 Super 4’s Flight Modes
The A3 Super 4 provides six flight modes, each suited for different needs. Here’s a quick overview of how they can enhance your flying experience:
• Gyro Off: When operating in GYRO OFF mode the gyro will be deactivated completely, and the airplane will be completely under the control of your transmitter as it was before installing the gyro. I recommend you always configure this mode and start all test flights with the Gyro Off. It’s better to turn the gyro on for the first time when you are up high, as you may have a channel reversed!
• Normal Stabilisation: The NORMAL mode, also known as the ‘Rate mode’, is the most basic function of the gyro. It works based on the rotation rate control of each axis of the airplane. When operating in this mode, the gyro will only correct currently occurring rotational movements, a momentary reaction will be applied to the servos when the airplane rotating on corresponding axis, the servos will move back to their neutral position as soon as the airplane stops rotating. The NORMAL mode can be used with nearly any size and type of airplanes. It can effectively improve the stability and precision of the airplane and reduce the stall point specially
• Lock Mode: The LOCK mode is also known as the ‘Attitude Lock mode’, ‘3D mode’ or ‘AVCS mode’. Different from NORMAL mode, the gyro will perform a permanent correction for rotational movements on each axis constantly. That is when you release the sticks the airplane will stop and hold its current position immediately. This mode is well suited for practicing basic 3D maneuvers such as hovering or knife edge. Since it can help you to lock the attitude of the airplane, it is also helpful for landing.
• Angle Mode: The ANGLE mode, also known as the ‘Trainer mode’ or ‘Attitude mode’, will limit the maximum angle of the airplane on both roll and pitch axes. Roll and loop are not allowed in this mode, the airplane will be stabilised all the time, independent of any stick input. This prevents the airplane from being tilted into a larger angle that may cause a danger. As soon as the sticks are released, the airplane will be brought back to horizontal position automatically. You can use this mode as emergency rescue, or in other applications, e.g., to have a training for new beginners or to use for FPV. The maximum allowed angle of this mode can be specified via the configurator or programming card.
• Hover Mode: The HOVER mode, also known as the ‘Auto-Hover mode’, provides the same functionality as the LEVEL mode. The only difference is that when you release the sticks, the airplane will be brought to vertical position (nose up) and keeps hovering. This mode is designed to help you to learn hovering manoeuvre and reduce the probability of crashing.
• User Mode: The User Defined Mode allows you to decide which flight mode to use on each axis separately. Please note that the HOVER mode is not available for user mode.
Each mode can be selected mid-flight, allowing you to transition seamlessly between stability levels based on the environment or your flying goals. The versatility of these modes makes the A3 Super 4 highly adaptable for both casual flying and high-precision manoeuvres.
For More In-Depth Insights: Watch the A3 Super 4 in Action
To see the Hobby Eagle A3 Super 4 in action and explore its performance further, check out my related videos on my YouTube channel.
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