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ORIGINAL: smcharg


I love the look of the Emcotec and actually spent some time on the phone trying to get them to understand our (Pattern) needs a little better. The problem with the Emcotec is that if it does fail, it fails closed which means there is still power to the electrical components. They fail it closed because of BEC. Most guys in pattern don't use BEC at all and therefore, need this to fail open. I explained the problem and they said they understood and would consider making an ''F3A'' version but that was almost 9 months ago. I would love for them to design something for our needs. It really is nice albeit quite heavy in comparison to some of the others. The other problem with it (as mentioned to the engineer in Germany) is that all of the Emcotec is still based on electronics. There never is a physical disconnect between the battery and ESC.
<br type=''_moz'' />

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Dear Bill

1) If plane is flying what happens if the SPS unit stops working correctly? Will power still be connected to the motor from the battery??


It depends on what get broken, this we will not know. If the MosFet gets open then it will turn off, if it makes a short circuit then it stays on.


2) Is there any way that once the battery is connected to the SPS and prior to removing the magnetic plug that something can happen to the SPS unit that will result in power be passed to the ESC/motor?

If there is not a short, then if you not swich on it will stay off.

Ich hoffe, ich konnte Ihnen behilflich sein und verbleibe mit freundlichen Grüßen

Dipl. Ing. (FH) Andreas Peukert

Entwicklung Elektronik / Support

==========================================
EMCOTEC GmbH
embedded controller technologies
Waldstr. 21
D - 86517 Wehringen
Tel. +49 (0) 8234 / 95 98 950
Fax +49 (0) 8234 / 95 98 959
www.emcotec.de
www.rc-electronic.com

Handelsregister Augsburg: HRB 16761
Geschäftsführer: Robert Hussmann
USt.Id.-Nr.: DE 198591085
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ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R


It is true that once it is on, if it fails it stays on. But I also spent some time with them and found out that if it is off and fails, it will not turn on or otherwise complete the circuit unless there is a hard short in it, which they have never seen. I'll keep using them until the rule is changed. If it is changed I cannot understand why this device would be deemed unacceptable.

If my plane is sitting in the pits two failures need to happen. One would be a hard short in the Emcotec switch to allow power to the battery. Any other kind of failure and it will not turn on.

Then, I would also need to have my ESC fail, since it will not arm if it does not see a radio signal. But let's say the radio is on for some reason.

Then after both the Emcotec switch AND the ESC failing I would also have to have the master switch (switch) on AND have the throttle kill off (slider) AND the throttle stick would have to be off idle before the prop would turn. That seems pretty safe to me.

Of course I suppose you could argue that if the ESC fails then it might arm without the radio signal. But that still requires TWO simultaneous failures.

The only thing the Emcotec will not do is turn off in the air if it fails while ON.

Here is the last email I got from them:

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ORIGINAL: pvogel

Yep that's my argument for why electronic arming switches like the Emcotec should be permitted by any future rule re: arming switches!

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ORIGINAL: gaRCfield

There is no such thing as "Maintenance Free" - with anything. Powerpoles are more than capable of transmitting the power we need in F3A (and for large electric 3D planes as well).

You need to check the metal for degradation. It happens at the tips. A little is OK as the connection should be over the length of the metal connector and not just the tip.

However, you need to be aware of any fatiguing or decreased spring load in the connectors. Over time (theoretically should be a long, long time) the metal can 'relax' a little. If you don't feel a good, solid connection when making your connections you need to check the engagement of the metal. All it takes is a small screwdriver/hobby knife to make an adjustment. Otherwise you have a soft connection and possibility for ARCs.

Same goes for Deans' I imagine - they also use a spring force and they also degrade over time.

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ORIGINAL: BHolsten

Thanks Scott,..I was getting ready to take mine out. I chucked the plug before it ever got rolling (Anderson type plug). It locks but not very well, but thanks for posting that rule. I guess that is a newer rule?

Bholsten
D2

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ORIGINAL: klhoard
.
I am considering switching my pattern plane over to the same system I'm using in my helo and installing the Jeti plug outside in the same manner as the old YS fuel filters.
.

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ORIGINAL: BHolsten

I have used those connectors since the late 90's for my ignition on my big IMAC planes with no problem. This is a different application. I know guy flying FAI like myself that are throwing plugs during snaps. The one I have is used, so perhaps a new one will fair better.

Thanks

Bholsten

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