TEAM ASSOCIATED FACTORY TEAM FT CS-1 DRIFT GYRO AS72239

Overview

The Team Associated Factory Team CS-1 Drift Gyro (AS72239) is a high-performance steering gyro designed specifically for RC drifting enthusiasts across the UK and beyond. Whether you're a first-time buyer exploring the world of RC car gyros or an experienced competitor preparing for the next drift competition, the CS-1 delivers the precision steering control that serious drifters demand. This compact, lightweight gyroscope sensor transforms how your RC drift car responds to input, providing the stability and consistency needed to maintain perfect line control through complex drift sequences.

Gyros are essential components for any RC drift car setup, and the CS-1 stands out as a Factory Team solution from Associated Electrics, a manufacturer trusted by RC enthusiasts worldwide. The gyro works by detecting unwanted yaw (rotation) movements and automatically correcting steering input to keep your drift car pointed in the intended direction. For UK RC hobbyists seeking a reliable gyro with competition-grade performance, the FT CS-1 offers exceptional value and proven reliability. It's equally suited to weekend recreational drifters and serious racers who demand consistent performance lap after lap.

What makes the CS-1 particularly appealing to the UK RC community is its versatility and ease of setup. Rather than requiring extensive tuning knowledge, the gyro features intuitive adjustment controls and dual gain modes that allow you to dial in the perfect feel for your specific driving style and RC drift car. Combined with its support for multiple radio protocols—including Futaba S.BUS2, PWM, and Sanwa SSR/SHR—the CS-1 integrates seamlessly into virtually any modern RC drift setup, making it an intelligent choice for anyone serious about improving their drifting performance.

Key Features

• CNC Aluminium Case for Superior Cooling and Protection — The gyro housing is machined from high-grade aluminium using CNC precision, which not only provides excellent thermal dissipation to keep the gyro operating at optimal temperatures during extended driving sessions, but also offers robust mechanical protection against impacts and vibration that can occur during competitive drifting or practice runs on UK tracks and venues.
• High-Performance Gyroscope Sensor — At the heart of the CS-1 is a precision gyroscope sensor engineered to detect even the slightest unwanted rotation movements, enabling real-time steering corrections that help maintain consistent line control and predictable handling characteristics throughout your drift run, which is essential for both learning and competition.
• Compact Size with Simple Installation — Weighing just 10 grams and measuring only 25.7 x 24.7 x 9.5 millimetres, the CS-1 is tiny enough to fit into virtually any modern RC drift car chassis without requiring extensive modification, yet the straightforward installation process means you can have it up and running within minutes, making it accessible to builders of all skill levels.
• Futaba S.BUS2, PWM, and Sanwa SSR/SHR Compatibility — Rather than limiting you to a single radio system brand, the CS-1 supports multiple signal protocols, meaning it works with Futaba radio systems (including the latest S.BUS2 digital protocol), traditional PWM analogue signals, and Sanwa SSR and SHR systems, giving you complete freedom to choose your preferred radio transmitter without worrying about gyro compatibility.
• Dual Gain Modes for Flexible Tuning — The gyro offers Normal and AVCS (Advanced Vector Control System) modes, allowing you to select between two different gain profiles depending on your driving conditions, personal preference, or specific track characteristics, which means you can optimise the gyro's sensitivity to match different RC drift cars or adapt to varying surface conditions across UK venues.
• EPA Feature for Matching Different Models — The EPA (End Point Adjustment) function allows you to calibrate the gyro's output range to match the specific requirements of different servo and receiver combinations, ensuring consistent performance whether you're switching between multiple RC drift cars or fine-tuning a single vehicle for competition.
• PID Control System for Stable Performance — The CS-1 uses a sophisticated PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) control algorithm that continuously monitors and corrects steering behaviour, resulting in smooth, stable handling that feels natural and responsive rather than twitchy or oversensitive, which is crucial for executing precise drift lines.

Technical Performance

The FT CS-1 Drift Gyro represents cutting-edge engineering in compact gyroscope design, combining precision-manufactured components with intelligent control algorithms to deliver competition-grade steering stability in an incredibly lightweight package. Operating across a voltage input range of 3.7 to 8.4 volts, the CS-1 is compatible with common RC battery configurations, drawing just 20mA at 6 volts during operation, which means it places minimal demand on your RC car's power system and won't significantly impact overall battery runtime. The gyro's PID-based control system continuously monitors angular velocity using its high-performance gyroscope sensor, making thousands of corrective adjustments per second to counteract unwanted yaw movements. The dual gain modes—Normal and AVCS—provide different levels of gyro assistance, allowing experienced drivers to switch between a more responsive feel and enhanced stability depending on their preference and driving conditions. With input signal support for PWM frequencies from 50 to 333Hz, as well as Sanwa SSR/SHR and Futaba S.BUS2 protocols, the CS-1 integrates seamlessly with modern RC radio systems used throughout the UK. The output signal is standardised at 1520 microseconds with 50Hz or 333Hz frequency options and Sanwa SSR compatibility, ensuring reliable communication with your RC drift car's receiver and servo systems. Operating reliably across temperatures from -10 to +50 degrees Celsius, the CNC aluminium case provides excellent heat dissipation while protecting sensitive electronics from moisture and mechanical stress. At just 10 grams, the gyro adds negligible weight to your RC drift car, preserving weight distribution and handling balance. The compact dimensions of 25.7 x 24.7 x 9.5 millimetres make it suitable for installation in virtually any modern RC drift chassis without requiring modification to your RC car's structure.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated Factory Team CS-1 Drift Gyro unit
• Installation documentation and manual

What You Need to Complete

• RC drift car chassis (such as Team Associated DC10 Drift Car, DR10, or SR7)
• Compatible radio transmitter and receiver system supporting PWM, Sanwa SSR/SHR, or Futaba S.BUS2 protocols
• Servo capable of accepting standard RC servo signals
• Battery system (3.7-8.4V compatible)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Team Associated CS-1 Drift Gyro suitable for beginners learning RC drifting? — Yes, absolutely. While the CS-1 is a high-performance component used in competition, it's equally suitable for first-time enthusiasts learning the fundamentals of RC drifting. The dual gain modes allow beginners to start with more aggressive gyro assistance to help stabilise their drift car, then gradually reduce assistance as their driving skills improve. The intuitive adjustment controls mean you don't need extensive technical knowledge to get started, and the gyro's consistent performance builds confidence as you develop your drifting technique.
• What battery voltage does the CS-1 require, and will it work with my current RC battery? — The CS-1 accepts input voltages from 3.7 to 8.4 volts, which covers the full range of common RC batteries used in the UK hobby. This includes single-cell LiPo batteries (3.7V), 2S LiPo packs (7.4V), and even some 2S LiFe configurations. Most RC drifters use 2S LiPo batteries in their drift cars, which fall perfectly within the CS-1's operating range, so you likely won't need to make any battery changes to use this gyro.
• Which RC drift cars is the CS-1 compatible with? — The CS-1 is officially listed as compatible with Team Associated drift models including the DC10 Drift Car, DR10, and SR7. However, because the gyro uses standard RC signal protocols (PWM, Sanwa SSR/SHR, and Futaba S.BUS2) and fits in a compact 10-gram package, it will work with virtually any modern RC drift car from other manufacturers, provided your radio system and servo are compatible with one of these standard protocols.
• What makes the CS-1 different from other RC drift gyros? — The CS-1 distinguishes itself through several key factors: the CNC aluminium case provides superior cooling and protection compared to plastic housings, the dual gain modes (Normal and AVCS) offer flexibility that some competitors don't provide, broad protocol support means it integrates with Futaba, Sanwa, and standard PWM systems without limitation, and the Factory Team branding ensures you're getting a component engineered by Association's official racing division with proven competition pedigree. The EPA function also allows customisation for different receiver and servo combinations.
• How do I install the CS-1 in my RC drift car? — The CS-1 features simple installation thanks to its compact size and standard signal connections. The manual included with your gyro provides detailed installation guidance. Typically, you'll mount the gyro on your RC drift car's chassis (often near the centre of gravity for optimal performance), then connect the input signal from your receiver and the output signal to your servo using standard servo connectors. The gyro requires power from your battery system (3.7-8.4V), which is usually drawn from the same source as your receiver.
• Can I use the CS-1 with my Futaba radio system? — Yes, the CS-1 fully supports Futaba S.BUS2 protocol, which is Futaba's digital signal standard used in many modern RC transmitters and receivers. It also supports traditional PWM analogue signals, so even if your Futaba system uses PWM rather than S.BUS2, the gyro will work perfectly. This broad compatibility is one of the CS-1's key advantages.
• What's the difference between Normal and AVCS gain modes? — The two gain modes allow you to adjust how aggressively the gyro corrects unwanted rotation. Normal mode provides standard gyro stabilisation, while AVCS (Advanced Vector Control System) mode offers a different correction algorithm that some drivers find more responsive or suited to specific driving styles. Most drivers experiment with both modes to find their preference, and the ability to switch between them makes the CS-1 more versatile than single-mode alternatives.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the TEAM ASSOCIATED FACTORY TEAM FT CS-1 DRIFT GYRO AS72239 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.