A Proposed RC Helicopter Based Control Theory Trainer for Diploma Students

This paper presents the motivation behind the proposed control system engineering laboratory trainer and its technical design. The trainer is targeted to be used in the teaching of control theory modules at the diploma and certificate level for engineering students. The students at these levels are less interested in the traditional passive lab trainers which provide less visual and auditory stimulations. In the proposed trainer, students will be attracted to the look of the helicopter, whirling sound of the rotor rotation, rotor and hovering motion of the helicopter. Furthermore, the association of the RC helicopter to a toy will make the learning process fun. The flexibility of the trainer allows instructor to customize the depth of coverage and types of experiments based on the needs of the students. The laboratory trainer covers the teaching of basic control techniques including open loop control, On/Off control and PID control catering to a wide and diverse need of instructors and students.