highhorse

My Feedback: (2)

For some reason Futaba seems absolutely determined to screw their customers by lagging well behind the industry in telemetry :-/ (My buddy's Jeti stuff is stunning, btw)

I'm wondering if anyone's used the Robbe sending units (Im specifically wanting more data on amperage, not just voltage) with Futaba telemetric Rx's and the 18mz?

thanks,
Don

3 turn spin

My Feedback: (15)

The Robbie/Futaba Current Senor F1678 is supported on both the 18 MZ & 14 SG with the latest software updates.

stevekott

Yes I have. I have a 3D Eurosport with a K-180 that is very prone to running out of fuel when I get carried away on the stick.

I use the Robbe Amperage/Voltage sensor in line with my fuel pump. It runs out of fuel pretty consistently at 410ma of current usage. I set it to alarm at 380ma and I use the spring loaded trainer switch on the 18mz to call out through an ear-bud the current milliamp usage (fuel usage).

One note, There is a reset button on the Robbe unit to set the capacity back to zero. What I did was solder one of those Dimension Engineering Pico Switch relays to reset it with a separate channel. When I unplug the Taxi tank, I press the top of the Center Knob on the 18mz and it resets the milliamp counter on the Robbe Unit.

I also use the CB Elektronics Pitot Airspeed sensors and they work great with the 18mz.

You are right Futaba is a little behind the curve on sensors. But fortunately other guys are coming up with solutions.

Happy Flying,

Steve

Bob_B

My Feedback: (11)

Bob that's good to know!

3 turn spin

My Feedback: (15)

Here is another option. Little less bulky, lighter, and the price is right.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1991913

highhorse

My Feedback: (2)

Excellent info gents. Thanks!

icicles

I use the Efuelgauge on my larger EDF jets. I would not be with out it.
Takes all the guess work out.

Chris

Gaspar

For those using JetsMunt engines or engines using our Xicoy V10 ecu, we do have a telemetry adapter that include remaining fuel, failsafe frames counter and RSSI (radio signal strength)

Gaspar

ww2birds

My Feedback: (14)

Great info on this thread .. thanks all.

I checked the e fuel gauge website and it says specifically not to use it for monitoring a turbine fuel pump. Wondering why that might be? Technical or non-technical? Have any of you guys used it that way?

thanks
Dave

stevekott

Sweeet .. that look like a nice product!!

Gaspar,

I did not see that product on the http://www.jetsmunt.com/ website. Would you please post a link? do you have a US distributor for it?

Thanks,

Steve

Gaspar

Sure, here: http://www.xicoy.com/catalog/product...15&language=en

A (bad) video I have taken with my phone this afternoon while testing the adapter on a customer's radio and engine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgSQDmXPUGQ

Note that the customer haven't changed yet the labels of the measured values, we where short of time and left the labels on the default "temperature" label. Data displayed in the boxes is:

1 RPM
2 EGT
3 Pump voltage
4 Throttle setting
5 ECU battery voltage
6 Remaining fuel in the tank (%)
7 Radio link quality (%)
8 Failsafe counter (75 counts/second)

Gary Arthur

My Feedback: (29)

Gaspar

Is this only for Jetsmunts engines or any engine with the xicoy V10 ecu? It looks very interesting.

stevekott

I just got an email from Thomas Hedegaard Jør from E-Fuel-Gage.

His device will work very much the same as the Robbe Current sensor. His concern is about resolution and accuracy.

His sensor is based on a 150amp sensor which is the same as the one in the Robbe unit.

In my application with the Kingtech 180G the max fuel pump current is 5.1 amps and I usually run out of fuel at 410 ma. I'm sure there may be some accuracy and repeat ability issues but for me it works quite well. But it's sort of like trying to read thousandths of an inch with a tape measure. That being said for me it is still much more reliable than time alone, as there is a big difference in fuel consumption on that motor between half and full power and I'm not very consistent in how I fly.

I'm going to give one of Gaspar's units a try as it give much more info than just fuel and the price is reasonable. I can see it being very convenient in start-up monitoring.

Happy Flying,

Steve

FSki

The SM Modelbau sensors also work with the 14SG and 18MZ

Gaspar

All V10 and newer ecus are supported.

Gaspar

Gary Arthur

My Feedback: (29)

Nice work. I ordered a few to give them a try. Nice to see all the data in one source...

bem

My Feedback: (1)

Steve,
Maybe You know but Robbe has a software update for the Futaba/Robbe Current sensor where it allow reset capacity display via a switch.
The software update is under Downloads at Robbe site
http://www.robbe.de/stromsensor-150a..._from_store=en

/Bo


Software update version 2.0
The software of the 150 A current sensor No. F1678 has been revised, and the following functions have been added or modified.
Resetting the capacity display
There are three methods of resetting ("zeroing") the capacity:
Mode 1: operating the RESET button while the sensor is active (LED glowing green).
Mode 2: automatic reset after switching on the sensor's power supply via its SBUS lead.
Mode 3: operating a user-selectable switch on the FUTABA transmitter, which is assigned to switched channel DG1 only.
Operating the switch twice (e.g. pressing the button twice) within three seconds while the sensor is active (LED glowing green) resets the capacity (sets it to zero).
Note: Mode 3 can only be used with FASST Multi / FASSTest systems.

Displaying / selecting the modes
When the sensor is switched on, the LED flashes blue to indicate the currently set mode:
One flash corresponds to Mode 1, two flashes to Mode 2, three flashes to Mode 3.
If you briefly press the RESET button during this flashing phase, the sensor remains in display mode, and the indicator for the currently set mode is repeated.
Repeated brief presses of the RESET button "scroll" through the modes. Holding the RESET button pressed in confirms the currently indicated mode; the LED then glows green or red.

stevekott

Sweet BEM! Thanks for the Info! I was unaware of the update.

That really improves the functionality of this product. Robbe has earned their reputation.

Happy Flying.

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Does anyone have the Futaba current sensor F1678 they want to sell or know where I can order one shipped to the US? Thanks

Bob_B

My Feedback: (11)

http://shop.rc-electronic.com/FUTABA...catalog&p=2407

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Thanks Bob. That is the voltage adapter. I needed the current sensor

Bob_B

My Feedback: (11)

My friend bought the curent sensor from this company. Have a look around this site.

Bob_B

My Feedback: (11)

How about this place:

http://www.hobbypeople.com/shop/inde...77&language=en

3 turn spin

My Feedback: (15)

If you cant find the Futaba/Robbe unit, this might be worth a look.

http://shop.tje.dk/catalog/product_i...products_id=40

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Hi guys.

Yes Bob I tried Emcotec and the place you pointed out. All out of stock.

The non Futaba stuff won't work with my setup. Long and frustrating story.

I finally have one on order. Only $2 a gram for shipping!