 |
Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms |
|
|
|
| Developed for use in: helicopters, cars, airplanes |
 R/C Temperature Logger for radio controlled model engines (do you know where your engine is?) Developed by Dan Gebhardt, 2003. |
Know exactly what temperatures your engine is at from takoff to landing |
Last Update: 3/15/05
FAQ:
So what is it, exactly?
The RCTL is a small electronics device that records the temperature of a model engine during operation in a time period. The current version records for 5 minutes at 5 second intervals. The user can download the data to a Texas Instruments TI-89 or TI-92+ calculator (in the field). The data can be seen graphically and numerically as Temperature vs. Time. The temperature measurement range is from approx 170 deg F to 250 deg F with approx. 0.5 deg resolution.
Why should it be used?
Any model that uses a typical internal-combustion engine, glow-fuel type, needs tuning to some degree. The tuning needs vary depending upon application, but basically the idea is to get the engine producing as much power as possible without sacraficing reliablilty or causing engine damage. This ideal setting can be found (in part!!!) by the temperature of the engine head (or right below it). Temperature alone should never be used to tune an engine, as power output and "feel" are also important, but it can show how close to the "danger zone" the engine is operating and for how long. This last point is why this device was developed. Many other temperature measuring devices (such as an IR temperature gun or a "stick-on" type display) do not do this. Many other useful data can be gathered, such as does the engine lean out and heat up near the end up the tank? If so, how much? How long from the initial takeoff to normal steady temperatures?
What is required to use it?
To use an assembled RCTL, the user needs a TI-89/92+ calculator and a link cable for both RCTL to calc and calc to PC (parallel cable - see below for more info). The cable that came with the TI calculator will work fine, but will need to be modified by the addition of a 3.5mm plug (along with the normal 2.5mm plugs on either end). The calculator to PC cable is used to load programs on the calculator from the computer. There are several types: Texas Instruments' own retail cable (there are a few versions of this) and a homemade link cable. The plans to make one are widely available under the title "$5 parallel link." Try here . Use a 3.5mm jack, and splice in a 3.5mm plug on the calculator link cable. Alternatively, one can purchase a ready-made link cable from many places, including one made by Dan Gebhardt.
I want one!
AVAILABLE NOW. It is initially available in a pre-built version. See the Products section for more information. If there is much demand, a PC-board kit will be offered that uses a manufactured Printed Circuit Board instead of perf-board in the kit. This will increase the ease of assembly and decrease the physical size.
CONTACT: Dan Gebhardt - dangebh@softhome.net
BEST HELI SITE ON THE NET:
Web Counter by TrafficFile.com