Eagle Tree Servo Current Sensor - Manual

Copyright © 2007 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
Instruction Manual for Servo Current Monitor MicroSensor
Document Version 1.3
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Servo Current MicroSensor (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].
IMPORTANT (READ FIRST!):
1)
Please note that only one servo current sensor can be used with our eLogger or Data recorder products. It is not possible to connect more than one of
these sensors with these products.
2) Please note that when using the sensor with our Data Recorders, that the plug polarity is reversed (the red wire goes to the left, rather than to the right).
This is shown in Figure 2.
3) It is extremely 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 Sensor with universal servo connectors, and a printed version of this manual. Please check our support
web page for the electronic version of this manual which may be updated if changes were made after printing.
What the Sensor Does
The Sensor is a precision Ammeter, with 0.01A resolution. It is capable of recording up to +/-10A burst
current, but no more than +/-5A continuous current. It connects to your eLogger, Seagull, or Data Recorder
product to provide current/amperage measurement of Servos, or other low amperage devices. Servo Current
can be displayed and analyzed in 3 ways: 1) The live current and maximum current are displayed on the
PowerPanel LCD or Seagull Dashboard Display. This is very useful for quickly seeing how much current
your servo(s) are drawing without using a PC. 2) Servo Current is logged in the Recorder, for download to
your PC. 3) Servo Current is displayed and graphed (charted) with the Eagle Tree Windows application, or a
spreadsheet program.
Supported Uses and Products
The Sensor is intended to be used exclusively for recreational purposes in model planes, boats and cars. Any
other use is not supported. The Sensor works with all versions of the eLogger product, with all versions of
our “Pro” and “Glide” systems, and with flash upgradeable firmware versions of our Seagull Flight, Car and Boat (and Recorder) products (units with
firmware version “4.xx”). If you have a “3.xx” or lower recorder firmware version, a hardware upgrade is required. Please see our support web page for
more information on hardware upgrades.
Windows Application and Firmware Update
To use the Sensor, you must update to Eagle Tree Windows Application version 5.50 or higher. To update, download the latest application from the
support page of our website, located at
http://eagletreesystems.com/Support/apps.htm . After downloading and installing the Application, the firmware of
your eLogger or Recorder and Dashboard will need to be updated. Version 4.91 or greater eLogger/Recorder firmware is required for the Sensor to
work correctly. Version 4.50 or greater Seagull Dashboard firmware is required if you are using the Sensor with the Wireless Dashboard. To upgrade
your firmware, just choose “Tools, Firmware Control” and click the Update button.
Connecting the MicroSensor to the eLogger V3
The MicroSensor plugs into the “LCD/TX” port of your eLogger V3, as shown in Figure 1A. If you have a
PowerPanel or other MicroSensors, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your
MicroSensor, with the polarity as indicated on the MicroSensor label.
Connecting the Sensor to the eLogger V1/V2
The Sensor plugs into the “Aux” or “LCD” port of your eLogger V1/V2, as shown in Figure 1. If you have
a PowerPanel or other MicroSensors, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your
Sensor, with the polarity as indicated on the Sensor label.
Connecting the Sensor to the Data Recorder
The 4 wire connector attached to the Sensor plugs into either the G-Force or EGT (“Thermo”) port of your
Data Recorder as shown in Figure 2. Make sure that you connect it in the correct location on the recorder, and with the correct polarity! NOTE: The
Servo Current Sensor is connected with the red wire on the left, which is backwards from the normal G-Force, EGT and transmitter connections.
Also, if you are already using both EGT and G-Force expanders, one of those can “daisy chain” to the Sensor as described in the section above.
Configuring the Sensor with the Windows Application
If you have not already done so, set up the Recorder software as described in your instruction manual. Then, choose one or more of the Sensor options
below: