The Heli-Lessons
'Bob-o-Meter'

The Heli-Lessons 'Bob-o-Meter' is a unique device which allows large numbers of people to understand exactly how a radio controlled helicopter pilot is controlling the collective pitch of the helicopter.  In particular, we designed it to complement Bob Johnston's Auto-Rotation 'Clinic' that he ran on the Saturday night of the 3D Masters 2005 competition.  Bob is regarded as the world's leading exponent of auto-rotations with radio controlled helicopters and the 'Bob-o-Meter' was named in his honour.

The 'Bob-o-Meter' with its creators Jon Fox and Nigel Fraser Ker
(Photo: Andy Shrimpton)

The 'Bob-o-Meter' consists of a large indicator board fitted with a servo-controlled pointer which in turn is controlled by a receiver on the same frequency as the pilot's transmitter.  Because of its size, the servo used was a quarter scale Hitec HS-805BB (running on 6 volts) and to calibrate the pointer to the actual pitch of the helicopter we used a JR 'Multi Box' which allows servo reversing, centering and end point adjustment.  You can watch a 'Runryder' video of it in action here.

Bob Johnston demonstrating Auto-Rotations with the 'Bob-o-Meter'

The 'Bob-o-Meter' is available for training or display purposes - contact us at Heli-Lessons for more details.