Eagle Tree Altimeter V4 Standalone MicroSensor - Manual

Copyright © 2011 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
Instruction Manual for the Altimeter MicroSensor V4
Document Version 1.2
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Altimeter MicroSensor
V4 (the Altimeter). 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] . Please visit our support web page for the full color, electronic version of this manual which may be
updated if changes were made after printing, or if you want to view the manual on your computer.
Intended Uses
The Altimeter is intended exclusively for recreational use in radio control models and model rockets. Other uses are not supported. Further,
using the Altimeter in situations where its use or failure could result in loss of life, bodily injury or property damage is expressly prohibited.
What the Altimeter Does
The Altimeter is a precision instrument that uses barometric pressure to measure altitude, just as full sized planes do. Advanced
temperature compensation and factory calibration ensure the best possible accuracy, with no user calibration required. When used
standalone, the Altimeter displays your maximum altitude on the built-in 7 segment LED display. The maximum altitude continues to be
updated and displayed on the LED, until you turn power off and on the MicroSensor. When power is turned off and on, the maximum
altitude from the last flight is displayed, and now the MicroSensor is ready to record your next maximum altitude (even if it is lower than the
previous maximum altitude).
Additionally, the Altimeter can be connected to your eLogger V4 or V3 to provide altitude data for your entire flight, and can even be used in
your own microcontroller/firmware project. When connected to the eLogger, altitude data can be can be downloaded, displayed and
graphed using the eLogger’s Windows software. NOTE: the Altimeter V4 is NOT compatible with our prior eLogger V1 or V2
products.
Want to use the Altimeter for your own hardware/firmware project? Read on in the manual for more information!
Range check: It is extremely unlikely that the installation of the Altimeter 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 Altimeter is
installed to ensure that there is no impact on your system.
Packing List
Your package should include the following: The Altimeter, the Standalone Power Supply Cable, and a printed version of this manual.
Installing the Altimeter in your Model
The Altimeter can be mounted anywhere in the model. If you wish to read the LED without removing the wing or panel, a small
rectangular hole can be cut at the mounting location of the circuit board, and the board mounted with tape or Velcro, so that the LED is
visible at all times. NOTE: If your airframe uses a “ram-air” intake into its cockpit area for cooling or other purposes, the pressure increase
can cause a slightly lower reported altitude. To mitigate this, do not expose the Altimeter V4 to direct airflow or place it in a “ram-air”
chamber. Also, to reduce additional error, do not mount the Altimeter V4 anywhere it will be exposed to rapid temperature changes during
the flight. Further, if the sensor will be installed in a location where the sensing element (the small rectangular metal or plastic part next to
the LED) will be exposed to direct sunlight, please cover that area of the sensor with black tape – direct sunlight can sometimes cause the
readings to vary.
Using the Altimeter in Standalone
Mode
Powering the Altimeter in Standalone Mode