Jetcat P130-RX Starting Problems
 

Hello,
In fall of 2019 purchased a new Jetcat P130-RX from Dreamworks, and installed it in a scratch built Ziroli Turbinator. Test running the installed turbine resulted in successful starts under half of the time. When it won't start, the GSU reads low temp and fuel drips out the nozzle. So then install a rag and tilt the Turbinator on it's nose. Lots of fuel then pours out the front of the engine onto the rag. The engine then usually starts the next attempt, but not always. When can get it started, the P130 appears to run just fine. But getting it started is like a trip to the dentist. So put the project away for the winter. Am now getting ready to run the Jetcat 130 again. So what am I doing wrong?? Any advice?? Help would be much appreciated. A few details are........

100 ounce Dubro fuel tank with BVM hopper tank
LIFE XS power 2100 mah 3S 9.9V ECU battery
Jetcat oil mixed with JET A fuel
Two 4200 mah nimh batteries into an expensive S-bus Futaba RX
Running engine with two channels into receiver
Fuel filter near engine and am using a fuel shutoff valve

Many thanks in advance,
Alex

Alex

Update to the latest software version. You got a lead with the turbine. Software is on JetCat.de web site. You will need a windows PC. The ECU needs the usual power supply and Rx power to start the process.
The early software was known to have a few starting issues, probably to do with the angle the turbine is mounted at. I presume that battery holds up under load? ie when you do a start the battery bar graph should not get to the bottom under starter and burner/pump load. I see more issues because of poor batteries on Kerostart turbines.

Dave

Attempted Update Failed
 

Hi Dave,
Tried to do the update. Powered everything up including TX, RX, ECU Battery, and plugged usb cable from computer to ecu and all it says is "device not connected." Am using Windows 8.1?? Any suggestions??
Thanks,
Alex

You don’t need the Tx.
so connect the ECU battery. Plug in the USB lead with the JetCat V12 update open and then switch the Rx power on

Status: Not Connected
 

Hi Dave,
Followed your instructions EXACTLY. The screen on this compuker box just continues to say Status: Not Connected. Of course, know just enough about computers to get in serious trouble.......just is not going to happen.
Would like to just send the ECU back to Jetcat USA and have it programmed.
Statistics Menu Says: Total Run Time 51m 04s
Runs OK 13
Ignitions OK 24
Starts Failed 11

Probably have only put 25 minutes on the P-130 myself. Spoke with a fellow named George at Jetcat USA about this problem over the winter. Can I just send back the ECU and have it updated.
Thanks
Alex

Alex,
Give me a call at 757-673-5243

R/
George

Jetcat P-130 starts first time and every time
 

Hello,
Many thanks to George at Jetcat Usa for updating my ECU and fuel pump to version 12.43 on a computer box. We managed three perfect starts and runs today on the ground with absolutely no problems. Now starts right up, has gobs of power, and runs perfectly. Am really impressed with the engine and highly recommended to any potential buyers............nothing left to do but go fly at our jet meet in June, since we recently lost our local flight field in Sequim. Thanks for the help George.
Alex

All I get on the updater page is a message saying connecting, but it never connects?

I fitted the ECU back in my jet, only to find it is dead after the update attempts.
I am not a happy bunny.
I can only think the ECU got corrupted during the update attempt.
Nothing was connected wrongly, as it only plugs in one way.

Hi Jim,
When I tried to update the ECU thought I would manage to fry either the ecu or my computer also. Plus George at Jetcat USA said there are updates for the fuel pump that need to be done. I thought Cyprus is next to Greece but I would strongly recommend paying the shipping and sending the ECU and fuel pump to Jetcat and letting them fix it.
I have several flights on the Ziroli Turbinator now with the Jetcat 130 and it has performed perfectly, and the power is incredible. Might even buy another one for my CARF Classic Flash. Just not sure if it will mount in the body correctly.
Anyway, that is just my thoughts on updating your ecu/fuel pump.
Alex

I will send the ECU & pump to Jetcat Germany where I bought the turbine.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a brand new ECU free of charge from JetcCat Germany.
Thanks for great service.

Can i update by mylself Jetcat p130 rx fuel pump?

Any more data? I have 130 with the brushless pump...