We have recently been getting a large number of calls regarding air leaking from the exhaust ports on the Airpower and Jettronic electronic valves.
99.5% of these inquiries are not related to a valve problem but an issue with your gear system (especially with these poor quality cylinders being produced in Asia). In an effort to minimize these calls, I thought I would post some valuable information here so you can diagnose these types of leaks on your own.

Typically, if air is escaping the system through the exhaust port of these electronic valves, you have a internal cylinder(s) leak. What this means is air is passing the piston seal internally within the cylinder, allowing air to escape out the opposite port of the cylinder. This type of leak is quite different from a connection type leak and can not be discovered using the usual practice.
A simple method to test whether the leak is within the valve itself or in your gear system is to pinch off the opposing cylinder feed line(s) at the valve (IE: If the gear are in the down position, pinch off the gear up line. If using a multi-valve, pinch of both opposing gear and door lines). If the leak stops when the line(s) are pinched off, the leak is in your gear system, not the valve! If you still have a leak, it is possible the valve is defective and will need to be replaced.

Regarding the EV5U and EV5U-PRO valves, we have also had several calls reporting the brake valve will not actuate. These valves have a feature built in that deactivates the brake function with the gear in the retracted position. It is possible to plumb these systems in reverse, whereas the brakes will not function in the down position.
When plumbing the EV5U and EV5U-PRO valves, the first step is to make sure you are starting the programming sequence with the valve in the correct starting position. The simplest method of checking this is by activating the brake function of the valve. If the brakes operate, you are in gear down mode with the valve. If they do not function, flip the gear switch to the opposite position and test again. Once you have confirmed which direction is gear down, you can continue with the sequence program and all will operate as desired.

One further note regarding the EV5U and EV5U-PRO valves. They have a failsafe feature built in; should your gear switch be in the gear up position upon power-up, the gear will remain down. You will need to return the switch to gear down then back to gear up in order to retract the gear.

I hope this helps clarify some common inquiries regarding the operation of these valves, If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist....

Todd

Thanks for the good info Todd. A further question I have is regarding the "new" programing on the EV5U-PRO that commands the gear doors to open along with gear down on initial power up in Mode 2. This was an issue discussed in a previous thread and the "fix" as I recall was to send the unit back for replacement and/or reprograming. My question is; is this a Dreamworks special or a factory deal? I'm asking because I got my EV5U in a package deal with a SM jet, pre-BVM and I'm not sure who to contact.

Thanks,

Craig

Craig,
Good Question! At least currently, the valves supplied by Dreamworks are indeed different than the valves supplied by Skymaster. The mode 2 software glitch update is not the only software difference between our valve and the SM version. When we first started testing these valves, I found the sequencing times where all tied together. A change to gear timing affected timing on everything down the chain. This was not acceptable to me and had them change the software so each time delay was an individual unit within the sequence. One timing change has no affect on the rest of the sequence delay with our unit. While this may sound like a simple difference, the Dreamworks valve is much easier and more logical to program because of this software version.
These valves are not PC updateable (although we are hoping to make them so in the near future) and require a return to the factory to update the software. If your supplier is not willing to update your valve, give me a call and I'll see what I can do for you.
Todd

Thanks for the great info Todd, I e-mail Air Power few days ago regarding an issue that I have with my unit, still no reply from Air power yet. Could you give tell me how to reset the PSI screen.
On the screen the PSI stays at 238, I power down & back up many times, there is no air in the unit. Also the system can not hold air longer than 2 mins. and the PSI is still showing 238 see photo.
Thanks in advance

Thanks for the explanation Todd and yes, the inability to program different up/down delays with the original unit is another drawback. I'll see what the original supplier has to say. Thanks for the help.

Craig

This unit has a defective pressure sensor and will need to be repaired/replaced. Send me an email to [email protected] with your contact info, I will make sure Dirk from Airpower responds asap. I know Dirk is having some personal issues due to the latest Typhoon destroying not only his but several family members homes. He make take longer than usual to respond...

I really do appreciate your help with my unit Todd, I'll send my info to your e-mail address.
Thanks again

Al

Al,
Who was your supplier for the EV5U-PRO valve? The unit pictured is not supplied from Dreamworks, our model is silver in color to differentiate ours from other suppliers. I would request you contact your supplier first for replacement! If they are unable (or unwilling) to help, let me know and I will handle the replacement.
Todd

That is great service!

For anyone considering this valve, make no mistake; this is the best invention for RC jets since the mini turbine itself. This thing eliminates 3 servos, 3 individual valves, and a gear-safe, takes up less space, and has worked flawlessly for 99% of the people who have them.

I will not own another jet without this valve!

Chad

Todd went above and beyond the call of duty, just a great guy to deal with.
Al

Todd:

A great source of info. . .Bill and I found the leaking cylinder. It was not a faulty EV5U.

Your time on the phone and your post are greatly appreciated.

Best regards,
Eric