Eagle Tree Brushless RPM Sensor - Manual

Copyright © 2006-2011 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
Instruction Manual for the Brushless Motor RPM Sensor V2
Document Version 2.0
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Brushless Motor RPM Sensor V2 (the
Sensor). Please read the entire manual carefully before proceeding. If, after you read the manual, you have further questions or problems, see the Support
page on
http://www.eagletreesystems.com for additional information, or email us at [email protected].
Intended Uses
The Brushless RPM Sensor is intended to be used exclusively for recreational purposes in model planes, boats and cars. Any other use is not supported.
IMPORTANT: It is unlikely that the installation of the Sensor will affect your model’s radio range or control. But, as always after making an electronics
change to your model, it is very important that you range and function test your model once the Sensor is installed to ensure that there is no impact on your
system. Make sure that your “antenna down” operating range is within the manufacturer’s specifications. See your Radio owner’s manual for the correct
procedure for your equipment. DO NOT OPERATE IF YOUR MODEL DOESN’T PASS THE ANTENNA DOWN RANGE CHECK.
Packing List
Your package should include the following: The Brushless Motor RPM Sensor V2, and a printed version of this manual. Please check your packaging for
printed addenda to this manual which may be included if changes were made after printing.
How the Sensor Works
The Brushless Motor Sensor works with your Data Recorder/eLogger to measure RPM via pulses from any two of the wires leading from your Electronic
Speed Controller (ESC) to your motor. The sensor works with all known brushless motors. If you have a
brushed motor, the sensor will not work. Brushed motor RPM can be measured with our Magnetic or Optical
RPM sensors.
Supported Products
The Sensor works with the following Eagle Tree Products: eLogger (all versions), and all Seagull Flight
Systems and Data Recorder V2 products with firmware version “4.XX” or higher.
Steps to Follow
Installation and use of your Sensor should be quite easy and enjoyable if you follow these few steps:
a)
Read through the manual to understand the warnings, determine the installation and setup sequence, etc.
b) Upgrade the Windows Application and Firmware for your Recorder as described in the “Windows
Application and Firmware Update” section below.
c) Complete the installation as described below.
Connecting the Brushless Motor Sensor the Pro, Flight, Car or Boat Data Recorder
The Sensor plugs into your Data Recorder as shown in Figure 1. Make sure that you connect it in the correct
location on the recorder, and with the correct polarity (the plug is polarized).
NOTE: Make sure the power supply to the Recorder (from the Y cables or separate battery pack) is less
than about 5.6V when using the Brushless RPM Sensor, for the most reliable operation.
The Brushless sensor can also be used as a secondary RPM sensor with your Recorder. Up to 4 RPMs can be
measured in this way (with the Pro Recorder). To use the Brushless sensor as a Secondary sensor, please see
your Seagull or Recorder instruction manual for instructions on modifying it.
Connecting the Sensor to the eLogger V4 or V3
The Sensor plugs into the RPM port of the eLogger V4 or V3, as shown in Figure 2A.
Connecting the Sensor to the eLogger V1 or V2
The Sensor plugs into the RPM port of the eLogger, as shown in Figure 2.
Connecting the Sensor to your Power System
WARNING: The wires of the Sensor are designed to carry only the tiny currents required for the
Sensor to measure RPM. The wires must never be connected in a way where large current could flow
through them, or in a way where they could become damaged and short with other conductors.
There are two unconnected wires extending from the Sensor, labeled “Wire 1” and “Wire 2” (See Figure 3). These wires need to be electrically connected to
any 2 of the 3 wires leading from your ESC to your motor. The end of these wires can be soldered, clipped or
otherwise electrically connected to one of the motor wires. If you use “bullet” type plugs between your motor
and ESC, it is very easy to connect the RPM sensor wires, by just stripping off a short piece of the insulation, and
connecting the bullet plug with the stripped RPM wire inside it.
For convenience, if you plan on frequently moving the Sensor between motors, a small plug could be attached to
one of the motor leads and the mating plug attached to the “Wire 1” and “Wire 2” wires. Or, for more
portability, if it can be done safely, a short straight pin could be connected to the Sensor “Wire 1” and “To Wire