This is an extract from Southern California Aero Team's Electronic news letter, issue 1012 - see past issues at
www.aeromodel.com/TM/X3 see Editorial and latest news and events. There is other stuff of posible interest on the first web site below too.
Regards
Mike Fantham
(Word 'below' added above for clarity - 21/6)
F1Q Timer/Controller is now in production
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I recently told you about the prototype F1Q Timer/Controller developed by
Sergio Zigras. There has been further development work done by Sergio, and the
unit is now in production. It will be available from Bob Selman, a model
equipment supplier most noted for his micro R/C components, but a source of
components useful for any modeller. Details and ordering information will
appear on his website (_www.bsdmicrorc.com)_ (
http://www.bsdmicrorc.com) . The
timer will be priced at $30.00, plus shipping, and should be available in about
two weeks, so keep checking the website.
The production timer has all the features required for running and
controlling electric motors for the F1Q class. It is now easier to program than the
prototypes I reported on previously, and has a wider range of control
parameters. Moreover, it is versatile enough to be of use in other electric
competition FF classes, or for use in sport models. The main features of the timer
are:
1. ESC (Electronic Speed Control) control function, with motor run time
programmable from 1 second to 63 seconds, in 1 second steps
2. Motor speed from full-off to full-on, and anywhere in between, in 63
programmable steps
3. Optional dethermalising servo control built in, programmable from 15
seconds to 15 minutes, in 15 second steps
4. Soft start for motor to avoid harm to gears (if used) and to comply with
most safety starting requirements of commercial ESCs
5. Timer/Controller works with both brushed and brushless motor ESCs
6. Programmed parameters are saved in non-volatile memory (parameters do not
have to be entered for each flight, if no changes are needed)
7. A default mode is included in the programming, to set the F1Q 25 second
maximum motor run, full speed motor operation and 3 minute D/T setting, all at
a single setting
8. Built-in safety lock prevents unintentional restarting of the motor after
a flight (a requirement of the FAI class specification)
All this comes in a tiny package, weighing about 2 grams. When installed in
a model, there is a push button switch which can be conveniently located
under the modeller's thumb while the model is held ready for launch. To prepare
for a flight, the battery would be connected and when ready to fly this push
button would be pressed and held. Only then would the motor start and run
up to its pre-programmed speed. At the moment of launch the push button is
released, and the motor run timer starts. At the end of the programmed time
the motor stops, but the timer keeps running. At the end of the following
programmed period the timer signals the D/T servo to move from one end of its
travel to the other, in order to release a D/T line. The timer then waits 2
seconds, returns the servo to its start position, and shuts down. The motor run
time, motor speed and D/T time are very accurate and highly repeatable,
being microprocessor controlled. The use of the servo operated D/T function is
optional, and can be omitted, for instance if there is another D/T control.
Finally, in case anyone is wondering, I have no vested interest in the
timer. Reporting on it is just my way of helping to promote the F1Q class in
particular, and electric-powered FF modelling in general.
Jack Reid
And so is the Black magic F1Q
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This is a summary of the functionality
There is version of the Black Magic 3 servo timer specifically intended for F1Q. One of
the 3 servos must be an electric motor controller, optional with BEC capability. This
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