What Is Gyro Link?

Gyro Link is an RC radio system function that allows a transmitter adjustment, switch, dial or channel to directly control the gain or operation of a gyro installed in the vehicle. Instead of manually adjusting the gyro on the unit itself, Gyro Link lets the driver tune gyro behavior from the radio while driving.

In most modern RC systems, Gyro Link is commonly used with steering gyros in drift cars, crawlers and some off-road vehicles. The gyro helps stabilize steering inputs by automatically correcting unwanted movement caused by traction loss, bumps or sudden chassis rotation.

Gyro Link is especially popular in RC drifting because it allows drivers to instantly tune rear-end stability and steering correction without stopping the car.

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How Does Gyro Link Affect Your Car?

Gyro Link directly changes how much steering assistance the gyro provides to the vehicle. Increasing or decreasing gyro gain dramatically affects how the car feels on the track.

Higher Gyro Link Settings
Higher gyro gain creates more steering correction from the gyro.

Effects include:
• Increased straight-line stability
• Smoother drifting transitions
• Reduced twitchiness
• Easier control on slippery surfaces
• More steering correction during oversteer

However, too much Gyro Link can cause:
• Delayed steering feel
• Overcorrection
• Oscillation or steering wobble
• Reduced steering precision
• A disconnected driving feel

Excessive gyro gain often makes the car feel artificial or slow to respond.

Lower Gyro Link Settings
Lower gyro gain reduces steering assistance.

Effects include:
• Faster steering response
• More direct steering feel
• Increased driver control
• Better precision in high-grip conditions
• More natural chassis movement

However, too little Gyro Link may cause:
• Reduced stability
• More spinning out
• Difficult drift transitions
• Increased sensitivity
• Harder control on rough surfaces

Finding the proper balance is critical.

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How Do You Change Gyro Link?

Changing Gyro Link depends on the radio system and gyro being used. Most modern radios allow gyro gain adjustments through auxiliary channels.

Step 1: Connect the Gyro Properly
The gyro must be connected between the receiver and steering servo.

Typical setup:
• Receiver steering channel – gyro input
• Gyro output – steering servo
• Gain wire – auxiliary channel

Many gyros use Channel 3 or Channel 4 for remote gain adjustment.

Step 2: Assign the Gyro Channel
In your radio menu:
• Locate AUX (auxiliary) channel assignments
• Assign the gyro to a knob, dial or slider
• Verify the correct channel output

Popular radios like the Futaba 10PX allow very detailed Gyro Link assignments.

Step 3: Adjust Gyro Gain
Start with moderate gain values. Typical starting points:
• Drift Cars: 40-70%
• Touring Cars: 10-30%
• Crawlers: 20-50%
• Off-Road Vehicles: 10-25%

Drive the vehicle and slowly adjust gain upward until the car becomes stable without feeling artificial.

Step 4: Verify Direction
Most gyros include reversing options. If the steering reacts incorrectly:
• Reverse gyro direction
• Do NOT reverse the steering channel itself unless necessary

Incorrect gyro direction will make the vehicle nearly impossible to control.

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When To Change Gyro Link

Gyro Link settings should change based on traction level, driving style and vehicle type.

Increase Gyro Link When:
• Driving on low-grip surfaces
• Learning RC drifting
• Running on polished concrete
• Using high-power brushless systems
• Driving on rough terrain
• Experiencing excessive rear instability

Higher gain helps stabilize the car and reduce unwanted rotation.

Decrease Gyro Link When:
• Driving on high-grip surfaces
• Seeking maximum steering precision
• Racing competitively
• Experiencing steering oscillation
• The car feels slow to react
• The steering feels unnatural

Advanced drivers often reduce (or remove) gyro assistance for more direct control.

Side note: Most tracks do not allow gyro assistance during race conditions. It’s a good idea to check with the track rules prior to racing.

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What to Check After Gyro Link

After adjusting Gyro Link, inspect other vehicle settings that influence steering feel and stability.

Steering End Points
Incorrect EPA settings can limit gyro performance or cause servo binding.

Check:
• Full steering throw
• Servo strain
• Left/right steering symmetry

Servo Speed
Fast servos typically work better with gyros because the correction signals are processed more quickly.

A slow servo may create:
• Delayed corrections
• Oscillation
• Inconsistent steering feel

Steering Geometry
Aggressive steering geometry can amplify gyro reactions.

Check:
• Ackermann
• Toe settings
• Camber
• Bumpsteer
• Steering throw

Chassis Balance
Poor weight distribution can make the gyro work harder than necessary.

Inspect:
• Front/rear balance
• Tire traction
• Suspension setup
• Differential tuning

Gyro Mounting Position
The gyro should be mounted:
• Flat
• Securely
• Near the center of the chassis
• Away from vibration sources

Loose mounting tape or excessive vibration can create inconsistent gyro behavior.

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Basic Gyro Link vs Advanced Settings

Basic Gyro Link Settings
Basic setups are designed for stability and simplicity.

Common beginner settings include:
• Fixed gyro gain
• Single gain adjustment
• Gain controlled by a knob
• Moderate steering assistance
• One driving profile

This setup works well for:
• Beginners
• Casual drifting
• Parking lot driving
• General bashing

Advanced Gyro Link Settings
Advanced setups allow precise tuning for different driving conditions.

Advanced adjustments may include:
• Multiple gyro profiles
• Speed-sensitive gyro gain
• Independent gain curves
• Switch-based gyro modes
• Fine endpoint adjustments
• Steering response tuning
• Dual-rate integration
• AVC or electronic stability interaction

Advanced drivers often create different profiles for:
• High-grip tracks
• Low-grip tracks
• Competition drifting
• Technical courses
• High-speed driving

These advanced features are common in premium radio systems like the Futaba 10PX and Sanwa M17.

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FAQ

Q: What does Gyro Link do in RC cars?
A: Gyro Link allows your RC radio to remotely control gyro settings like gain and activation. It lets you tune steering assistance directly from the transmitter.

Q: Is Gyro Link only for drift cars?
A: No. While drift cars commonly use Gyro Link, it can also help touring cars, crawlers, off-road vehicles and high-speed bashers improve stability.

Q: What happens if Gyro Link gain is too high?
A: Too much gain can cause steering wobble, overcorrection, delayed response and unnatural steering feel.

Q: What happens if Gyro Link gain is too low?
A: Low gain reduces steering assistance and stability. The car may feel more difficult to control, especially on slippery surfaces.

Q: Should beginners use Gyro Link?
A: Yes. Gyro Link can make RC vehicles easier to control, especially for drifting or high-power vehicles. In fact, a vast majority of mid- to high-end RTRs come with a Gyro installed.

Q: Can Gyro Link improve lap times?
A: Sometimes. Proper gyro tuning can improve consistency and stability, but excessive gyro assistance may reduce steering precision. Beware, though, that gyros are not allowing at most tracks during racing conditions.

Q: Do all RC radios support Gyro Link?
A: No. The radio must support auxiliary channel assignment and remote gain adjustment.

Q: Can I turn Gyro Link off while driving?
A: Yes. Many radios allow Gyro Link to be assigned to a switch for instant activation or deactivation.

Q: Does Gyro Link replace proper suspension tuning?
A: No. Gyro Link helps stabilize the vehicle, but suspension geometry, tires, weight distribution and steering setup remain extremely important.

Back to the RC Transmitter Settings Guide.