Weatronic Micro 12 gyro III User manual

WEATRONIC MICRO RECEIVERS USER

MANUAL

Revision 4

Contents

0. Scope of application. ................................................................................................................................. 5

1. General considerations. ............................................................................................................................ 5

2. Receiver package contents. ...................................................................................................................... 6

3. Safety considerations. ............................................................................................................................... 7

3.1. At the Flying Field. .............................................................................................................................. 7

3.2. Range Testing. .................................................................................................................................... 7

3.3. Routine checks. .................................................................................................................................. 7

3.4. Installation. ........................................................................................................................................ 7

4. System description. ................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1. General system philosophy. ............................................................................................................... 8

4.2. Dual FHSS considerations. .................................................................................................................. 8

4.3. Patch antennas considerations. ......................................................................................................... 8

4.4. Power bus and gyro considerations. .................................................................................................. 9

4.5. Transmitter system considerations. .................................................................................................. 9

5. Receiver and associated accessories setup. ........................................................................................... 11

5.1. Installing the Micro receiver unit. .................................................................................................... 11

5.2. Routing the Micro receiver antennas. ............................................................................................. 12

5.4. Plugging your servos. ....................................................................................................................... 13

5.4.1. Power rail considerations. ........................................................................................................ 13

5.4.2. Assigning servo output. ............................................................................................................. 13

5.5. Setting up telemetry and sensors. ................................................................................................... 14

5.5.1. MUX box setup and configuration. ........................................................................................... 14

5.5.2. The pitot tube device. ............................................................................................................... 15

5.5.3. The 125c temperature sensor. .................................................................................................. 21

5.5.4. The EGT sensor. ......................................................................................................................... 22

5.5.5. Current/ tension sensors. ......................................................................................................... 22

5.5.6. Tachometer sensors. ................................................................................................................. 22

5.5.7. Linkvario sensor. ....................................................................................................................... 22

5.6. Software configuring your receiver. ................................................................................................ 23

5.6.1. Gigacontrol settings. ................................................................................................................. 24

5.6.2. BAT settings............................................................................................................................... 25

5.7. Receiver firmware updating............................................................................................................. 26

5.7.1. Backup your settings. ................................................................................................................ 26

5.7.2. Download the latest firmware. ................................................................................................. 26

5.7.3. Load the firmware file in GigaUpdate. ...................................................................................... 26

5.7.4. Connect the receiver to the USB loader. .................................................................................. 26

5.7.5. Load the firmware. .................................................................................................................... 27

5.7.6. Post upgrade procedures. ......................................................................................................... 28

6. Batteries and cables sizing considerations. ............................................................................................ 29

6.1. Battery backer considerations. ........................................................................................................ 29

6.2. Battery sizing .................................................................................................................................... 29

6.4.2. Battery cables sizing. ................................................................................................................. 29

7. Micro receiver operations. ...................................................................................................................... 30

7.1. General. ............................................................................................................................................ 30

7.2. Binding the transmitter to a Dual Receiver. .................................................................................... 30

7.4. Quick Binding. .................................................................................................................................. 31

7.5. Range testing. .................................................................................................................................. 31

7.6. Advanced range testing and antenna placement optimization. ...................................................... 34

7.6.1. Ambient noise measurement. .................................................................................................. 34

7.6.2. Range test procedure. ............................................................................................................... 35

7.6.3. Antenna characterization procedure. ....................................................................................... 35

7.7. Range limit considerations. .............................................................................................................. 40

7.8. Data log analysis considerations. ..................................................................................................... 41

7.8.1. NavView configuration. ............................................................................................................. 41

7.8.2. RF link Database readout. ......................................................................................................... 46

7.9. Telemetry and voice read back considerations. .............................................................................. 48

8. System maintenance and servicing. ........................................................................................................ 49

8.1. Components precaution and servicing. ........................................................................................... 49

8.1.1. Checking the cables and soldering. ........................................................................................... 49

8.1.2. Electronic ‘noise’ suppression on electric motors. ................................................................... 49

8.1.3. Electronic ‘noise’ suppression on electronic ignition systems. ................................................ 49

8.1.4. Electrical harness considerations on jet models. ...................................................................... 49

8.2. Battery packs maintenance. ............................................................................................................ 49

8.2.1. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Batteries considerations. ..................................................................... 50

8.2.2. Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFe) Batteries considerations. .......................................................... 50

8.2.3. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries considerations. ........................................................... 50

8.3. Data log monitoring and maintenance considerations. .................................................................. 51

9. Annexes. .................................................................................................................................................. 52

9.1. EC certificate. ................................................................................................................................... 52

9.2. Flashing codes. ................................................................................................................................. 53

9.2.1. Receiver casing LED ................................................................................................................... 53

9.2.2. Special flashing sequence ( all LED ) on the DV 4 module. ....................................................... 53

0. Scope of application.

This user manual is applicable to the following product:

Micro 10,

Micro 10 gyro I

Micro 10 gyro III

Micro 12

Micro 12 gyro I

Micro 12 gyro III

1. General considerations.

The Weatronic 2.4 Dual FHSS line has been developed in Germany by a selected team of electronic and signal engineers as well

as IT experts. The system has evolved over the years to stay at the leading edge of today’s technology and is manufactured to

the highest quality standards using some of the most advanced components.

Achieving the very highest level of reliability was our design criteria and every component is subject to an extensive visual and

computer controlled electronic testing to ensure the highest possible standards. All of the research and development work is

conducted in Germany near Berlin and our products are assembled at the factory where the casings are also made. This is a

truly ‘Made in Germany’ product.

All the components used to build the Weatronic 2.4 Dual FHSS RC-Systems are CE tested and approved and meet the current EU

(ETSI) requirements as well as those from the American Communications Commission (FCC). All of our products have been

rigorously flight tested under the most exerting conditions and we have focused on developing a system which provides the

ultimate resistance to jamming as well as unsurpassed reliability.

To make the most of the system potential and to obtain the best results please take the time to read these instructions

thoroughly.

The Certificates of Conformity for both the ETSI and the FCC are contained in Annex 1 ( chapter 9.1. ) of this handbook.

2. Receiver package contents.

The Micro receiver package contains the following components:

. The receiver.

. A SCU plug jumper.

. A quick setup user manual.

3. Safety considerations.

The Weatronic 2.4 Dual FHSS radio control systems have been exclusively designed for controlling RC models, in particular

model aircraft or model helicopters and should as such only be used for that purpose. Children under the age of 14 should only

be allowed to operate remote controlled models under the supervision of an adult. Weatronic will not accept any liability for

the incorrect use of its products.

3.1. At the Flying Field.

Only operate your models on approved flying sites and always show respect and consideration for other pilots. Follow AMA

regulations at all times.

Keep you model within the sector allocated for flying in and never over-fly spectators, other pilots or anyone else who may

be in the vicinity.

The Weatronic 2.4 Dual FHSS system can safely be operated along-side transmitters using the 35 or 72 MHz bands with no risk

of interference.

Checking frequencies is not necessary and it is quite safe to have up to 120 Weatronic systems operating simultaneously.

3.2. Range Testing.

Before operating any model for the first time it is imperative that you carry out a full range test as described in para.7.5. and

7.6.

3.3. Routine checks.

The following routine checks should be carried out before every take-off:

• Check that the appropriate model memory is selected on your transmitter.

• Make sure that all control surfaces move in the correct directions and that they have full movement in each direction. Any

binding should be fixed before flying.

• Ensure that all battery packs are properly charged.

• Check that a Micro SD card is inserted in the DV4 module and the receiver with sufficient memory left to enable data logging.

• Any switched mixers should be checked to ensure that they work correctly.

• When the system is switched on, both the left green LED on the transmitter module (‘STATUS’) and the green LED on the

receiver must show solid. The transmitter module’s red ‘ERROR’ LED must be OFF.

• The meanings of and functions showed by the other LED’s are explained in Para. 9.

A model must be secured to a solid object, anchored down or held by a helper before the engine is started.

When starting your engine make sure that no-spectator is within a radius of 3 metres of the propeller or within 5 meters of

the rear of the model for a jet engine.

The throttle stick must always be checked to ensure that it is in the idle before starting. This is particularly important with

electric models to prevent the engine and prop. from spinning up unexpectedly.

3.4. Installation.

Proper installation of the receiver, battery pack, switches, antenna and cables is essential to the safe operation of the RC

system. Please adhere closely to the instructions detailed in the chapters below.

4. System description.

4.1. General system philosophy.

The Weatronic 2.4 Dual FHSS remote control system is exclusively developed by the Weatronic company and operates within

on the 2.4 GHz ( alternatively 5.8 Ghz ) band. Users of this band who are not licensed shall follow the regulations set by the ETSI

(European Telecommunications Standards Institute). The ESTI is a body that’s aimed at standardizing telecommunication

regulations within Europe.

To be allowed to transmit with the maximum output of 100 mW EIRP (effective isotropic radiated power) the ETSI have set a

series of regulations governing the use of FHSS (frequency hopping spread spectrum) systems. In line with this Weatronic

systems use 81 channels spaced at 1 MHz and both transmitter and receiver hop within these channels 100 times per second

following a random pattern which is individually set to each transmitter/receiver pairing. This sequence is communicated

analogically between the transmitter and the receiver and is therefore only known to transmitters and receivers which have

been bonded together. If an interference is experienced on any channel, such channel is excluded from use until it becomes

clear again. This system is called adaptive FHSS and is unique to Weatronic systems. The use of adaptive FHSS ensures that

minimum interference is caused to other users of this band and enables maximum use of the available frequency spectrum. It

also significantly enhances the reliability of the frequency hopping scheme used on our system.

4.2. Dual FHSS considerations.

Weatronic has implemented a specific Dual FHSS algorithm that features the following unique benefits:

• The transmitter module is a dual transceiver. The transmitter (and the receiver) send alternating signals on each of the two

antennas and receive on both antennas simultaneously. The receiver then decode both signals and check them for reliability

• The receiver contains 2 separate and independent receiver circuits and is fitted with a separate antenna dedicated to each

one.

The data transmitted is coded so that only the receiver which was bonded to the system can transcript the signal and move the

servos accordingly. There are millions of different codes available. Interference or probability of being hacked by another

system is nearly impossible. It is safe to use up to 120 Weatronic systems simultaneously in the same area together with old

narrow band (35 or 72 MHz) transmitters.

4.3. Patch antennas considerations.

The transmitter module is using two separate patch antennas which are of polar type. This kind of antenna has the great

advantage of generating a spherical pattern as opposed to the directional pattern offered by regular stick antennas.

This creates an equal signal regardless of where the transmitter is pointed at, ensuring a far greater level of reliability over the

traditional technology used by most manufacturers.

Polar antennas also generate a far better signal when operating in areas with obstacles such as buildings or trees. Such

obstacles deteriorate the performance of traditional stick antennas by masking and absorbing the signal much sooner.

4.4. Power bus and gyro considerations.

The power supply system consists of a normal rail that can handle 5 amps from each end. The micro receivers are not equipped

with any battery backer system or voltage regulators.

The Micro receivers are the world's smallest units with integrated gyros.

These are available on our Micro Gyro I and III receivers. These gyros are extremely stable under a broad range of

temperatures and can operate in Normal or Heading Hold mode.

The gyro gains can be set via the software or from the transmitter and can be assigned to any channel.

The receiver outputs can be freely assigned to any transmitter output and up to 8 servos can be synchronized if they are

connected to the same control surface simply by a click of the mouse.

The description of all of the GigaControl software/ BAT transmitter functions is detailed in a separate user manual.

4.5. Transmitter system considerations.

The Weatronic system can operate from both a specific DV4 antenna module that plugs into the existing transmitters like the

Taranis unit, or the dedicated Weatronic BAT transmitters.

The optional DV4 module or BAT series transmitter are fitted with a micro SD card that automatically stores all data transmitted

or received during the flight. Thanks to a small condenser the information will not be lost if the transmitter power fails or if the

transmitter malfunctions. The information can always be retrieved for analysis at a later stage. This can be considered as a black

box system. In the event of a system failure or crash this function will greatly assist in identifying the root cause of the event.

All Weatronic Dual 2.4 Dual FHSS systems include an extremely comprehensive telemetry function which can record

parameters as the signal strength received by both half receiver, the voltage of the batteries, the receiver temperature as well

as various telemetry data like GPS information or air speed indications.

As standard, our 2.4 Dual FHSS micro receivers feedbacks the following data to the transmitter:

• Signal strength (range warning)

• Receiver battery pack voltage

If these values fall outside of a certain range a warning will given. The red ‘ERROR’ LED will begin flashing on the transmitter

module and if an earphone is fitted a voice annunciation will be heard.

When using our GigaControl software a variety of other parameters can be broadcast to the ‘ERROR’ LED and/ or by voice to

earphones. Additionally, the Micro SD card will be storing all of the data received and transmitted and this information can be

shown as a ‘live stream’ on a PC screen.

Weatronic adapter modules are available for all popular Multiplex, Futaba and JR/Graupner transmitters which are fitted with

removable modules. Up to 12 channels can be operated with the DV 4 modules.

DV 4 Modules are currently available for the following transmitters:

• Futaba T12 FG/T14 MZ/FX-30/FX-40

• Futaba FF 7/FF 9/FF 10/WZ-2/FC-18/FC-28

• Multiplex Royal Evo/Royal Pro/Profi MC 3010/3030/4000

• Graupner MC19/MC20/MC 22/MC 22S

• Graupner MX 22/MC 24/JR 9X/JR 10X, JR12X

• Graupner MX 24S

• Graupner MC 32 and Multiplex Evo

Regular or Bluetooth ( Apple enabled ) versions are available.

Additionally our BAT transmitter series offer state-of-the-art functionality, reliability and range. This includes ( but not limited

to ): Advanced ergonomics designed by Airline industry specialist, a large colour touch screen, the most advanced stick design

of the industry, an advanced transmitter battery management function, lightweight design.

The BAT 60 features 22 physical control elements programmable to up to 96 functions ( channels ) whereas the BAT 64

features 28 control elements programmable to up to 96 functions. The current state of the software can handle up to 64

servos programmed through these functions. The Gizmo 30 receivers can be paired as master/ slave wirelessly to physically

plug up to 90 servos.

5. Receiver and associated accessories setup.

Our Micro receivers have been thoroughly tested to the most stringent levels of vibration and temperatures. However they

should always be mounted as far away as possible from known sources of heat or vibration, like engine exhausts.

5.1. Installing the Micro receiver unit.

The receiver can be mounted on a foam layer with velcro adhesives or rubber bands.

If using a Micro receiver with 2 Gyros, the receiver should be mounted horizontally to ensure that all gyros work along the

proper axis.

Once the gyros have been activated, it is EXTREMELY important to verify their correct way of action. For the pitch axis, place the

model on the ground on its wheels. Grab the tail and rapidly pitch the model up. You should the elevator moving down to

create a pitch down effect. If not, invert the gyro direction as shown above and try again.

For the roll axis have two people hold the plane from the nose and tail and bank the model towards one direction. The ailerons

should counter that roll effect. If not invert the gyro directions and try again.

5.2. Routing the Micro receiver antennas.

The receiver is fitted with 2 shielded wire antennas. They should be located as far from each other as possible at an angle of 90

degrees. The antennas must stay straight and we recommend mounting them into plastic Bowden tubes (NOT carbon fibre!)

for protection and guiding.

For fuselages which are made from Carbon fibre or those which have a high content of carbon fibre reinforcement, we

recommend mount the last 2 inches of the antennas outside of the fuselage.

Carbon fibre offers very good radio waves insulation and mounting the antenna internally would greatly reduce the range of

the system. This recommendation also applies to models covered with aluminium or metallic sheets, including chrome

paints.

In all above cases, refrain from mounting the antenna directly against the shielding element. Separate the last inch away

from it by at least one inch.

5.4. Plugging your servos.

5.4.1. Power rail considerations.

The power rail can handle 5 amps max. This means that you can drain up to 10 amps if plugging a battery on each side of the

rail. That can be on servo 1 and bat port of your receiver.

5.4.2. Assigning servo output.

The micro receiver is configured by default as a straight through system.

This means that Channel 1 will be output to servo 1, channel 2 to servo 2 and so on.

However all combination and mixing are possible through the Gigacontrol software or model configuration page of the BAT

transmitter.

Please refer to the appropriate user manuals for furhter details.

5.5. Setting up telemetry and sensors.

A broad range of telemetry sensors are available from Weatronic.

Some are specialized items. For example the variolink unit for gliders.

The sensor readout needs to pass by the SCU plug of the receiver. Some sensors can be plugged directly to the SCU port,

whereas some other need to be interfaced on a serial unit called the Muxbox.

The devices that are supported by the SCu port for direct plugging are the following:

Muxbox

Variolink

GPS

All the other remote sensors need to be plugged to the Muxbox.

Pitot tube

Voltage and current sensors

RPM sensors

Temperature sensors

EGT sensor

5.5.1. MUX box setup and configuration.

The MUX box requires two servo cables to be plugged to the receiver. One goes to the SCU port and the other one to a servo

output via a Y cable or to a battery port. The other cable is only just a power supply cable.

On this picture you can see the black "batt" cable at the bottom that goes to the receiver Y servo cable ( power supply ). The

blue plug goes to the SCU input slot of the receiver.

Once the MUX box is connected to the receiver, power up the system. You will see the MUX box green and red LEDs flashing for

a little while and then, the red should extinguish and the green become steady.

Once this is done, plug the DV4 module to the laptop via the USB port and open up the GigaControl software.

Go to the MUX box tab.

You should see this:

The MUX box 1 tab on the top left has turned green and shows the device type and serial number.

You can now plug the required sensors to the available slots.

5.5.2. The pitot tube device.

It is a great little device that works on the Prandtl principle. The front of the tube measures the dynamic pressure, while the

annular holes measure an average static pressure around the tube. The rounded shape of the tube front assures that the

dynamic pressure is read correctly in a reasonable range of angles of attack.

The back of the pitot tube will be connected to the pressure sensor by two very tiny silicone tubes. One is blue and connect to

the blue nipple, whereas the other one is white and connects to the non colored nipple. It is essential to ensure that the silicon

tubes are not pinched when installing them.

The pressure sensor is a very tiny little box with a servo plug connected to its back.

The servo plug has to connect to the A1 input of the MUX box as this is the only input that accepts this device.

The pitot tube has to be installed in a free flow environment, as streamlined as possible and at least 40 cm away from any

fuselage surface. The best location for a jet is at the front of the nose. Make sure that the pitot tube is aligned vertically and

horizontally with the symmetry axis of the fuselage.

Note that when you are at the field and switch the receiver ON, the pitot system goes through a boot up sequence and zeroes.

It is important at that point to keep it protected from any wind interference. I found out that putting an open cells foam hood

on the pitot before switching ON was doing the trick.

To make sure that the zero was done properly, I have a little trick: just place the model nose in the wind after the foam hood is

remove. Have a look at the MUX box live data. You should read the wind velocity.

When all the connection is done, enable the pitot sensor in the MUX box tab under sensor A1.

The sensor name is 250 km/h pitot speed sensor. 5 Hz sampling rate should be enough for most users ( 5 readings per second ).

Note that the 450 km pitot is the same device with the little tab at the bottom of the cube welded.

Once this is done you should see some live data on the right column. It shows in meters per second. The voice output can be

configured in mph later on.

Now you can test the system by using a compressor and gently sending air into the front of the tube at a distance of 1". You

should see the live speed increase a bit.

Then the speed output can be configured in the voice output tab to broadcat MUX box, A1 speed, in mph. However, at this

stage of the software version, the warnings are still programmed in meters per second. So if you want to be warned of a low

speed of 50 mph, you will need to set it as 27 m/s. However the voice warning will say " caution, MOX box speed fifty miles per

hour ".

The benefits of the pitot tube over the remote GPS device is twofold. First of all you will have a continuous reading of your

speed. With the remote GPS device, the speed will only read when the sensor is looking at the sky and has acquired the

satellites. Then the pitot tube will give you an air speed whereas the GPS device will give you a ground speed.

Here is an example of a flight with the pitot tube speed. It is the red curve on the bottom window.

If you want to monitor your approach speed at 1,3 vs and get the system to give you a caution when you reach this speed,we

would highly recommend the use of the pitot tube. This is very useful for heavily loaded scale jets. It will allow you to nail your

landings every time.

Below is an example of a stall conducted at landing flaps on the Scorpion Mk2. The stall speed is 12.8 m/s or 46 km/h or 28 mph.

The approach speed is 1.3 Vs or 17 m/s, 60 km/m, 38 mph.

Additionally you can use the device to monitor your speed in flight and give you a warning when approaching a stall condition.

We typically recommend to setup the voice output for the pitot tube as followed:

Control channel= flaps

1. flaps up: minimum speed caution at 1,3 Vs

2. takeoff flaps: maximum speed caution at Vr

3. landing flaps: minimum speed caution at 1,3 Vs

Where Vs is the stall speed for each flap configuration as established by doing a stall test with the pitot tube logging enabled.

The voice output file should show something like this:

On this example the 3 values of 1.3 Vs have been inserted for the 3 flaps settings. You’ll get a caution callout when you reach

this value in all situations.

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Weatronic Micro 12 gyro III User manual

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