AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
07-11-2010 | 04:15 PM
#2
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From: Henderson, NV
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
Scooby,
I only build my jets with these valves in them now. I have had a bad unit or two over time, but Todd stands behind them 100% and I had a replacement in just a couple of days.
By far, worth the money.
Chad
I only build my jets with these valves in them now. I have had a bad unit or two over time, but Todd stands behind them 100% and I had a replacement in just a couple of days.
By far, worth the money.
Chad
07-12-2010 | 12:36 AM
#4
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
The unit is very compact ( gain of room for all the functions offered ) and the value for money is great. However keep in mind that this has a lot of electro-pneumatical devices installed in one box. The failure of one component is likely to render the box useless if you use all the functions. So in theory, and despite the fact that each component has a good reliability rate taken separately, you divide the reliability by 5.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the "chinglish" manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the "chinglish" manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
07-12-2010 | 04:49 AM
#6
My Feedback: (1)
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
In my opinion, the quality of these valves is questionable. I'm probably very unlucky but I bought 2 units and had 2 valves dead on arrival. Todd took care of both but still, this was not the best experience. Further, when they work, there are still a few issues:<div>
</div><div>1) The valve purges the air from the retracts when turned off. With some retracts, it means the retract will occasionally collapse while pushing the plane around with the rx off</div><div>2) I have seen occasional (pretty rare) occurrence of the gear retracting while turning the receiver on. This broke some gear doors on one occasion. And yes, the failsafe was setup properly.</div><div>3) The smooth brake function uses too much air and is not as good as a mechanical smooth stop unit.</div><div>
</div><div>Because of 2 and 3, I use a manual valve on the gear down line.to make sure there is some air when I turn the rx off / on. That's a pain.</div><div>
</div><div>For these reasons, I have decided to go back to a traditional setup.</div><div>
</div><div>Arnaud</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
</div><div>1) The valve purges the air from the retracts when turned off. With some retracts, it means the retract will occasionally collapse while pushing the plane around with the rx off</div><div>2) I have seen occasional (pretty rare) occurrence of the gear retracting while turning the receiver on. This broke some gear doors on one occasion. And yes, the failsafe was setup properly.</div><div>3) The smooth brake function uses too much air and is not as good as a mechanical smooth stop unit.</div><div>
</div><div>Because of 2 and 3, I use a manual valve on the gear down line.to make sure there is some air when I turn the rx off / on. That's a pain.</div><div>
</div><div>For these reasons, I have decided to go back to a traditional setup.</div><div>
</div><div>Arnaud</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
07-12-2010 | 05:22 AM
#7
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: i3dm
Oli, you can always use the non pro unit (no display), install it anywhere you want, and then use a pressure gauge on your tray.
Oli, you can always use the non pro unit (no display), install it anywhere you want, and then use a pressure gauge on your tray.
Also, having separate valves, you can separate the tank source ( ie have as many tanks as valves ). This can be very important for high flow demand setup like the big FEJ F-16.
07-12-2010 | 05:26 AM
#8
My Feedback: (51)
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: olnico
Yes, that's what I have on the F-18F. But then It is nearly as practcial to have a separate system.
Also, having separate valves, you can separate the tank source ( ie have as many tanks as valves ). This can be very important for high flow demand setup like the big FEJ F-16.
Yes, that's what I have on the F-18F. But then It is nearly as practcial to have a separate system.
Also, having separate valves, you can separate the tank source ( ie have as many tanks as valves ). This can be very important for high flow demand setup like the big FEJ F-16.
Can you elaborate why you need as many tanks as valves for the gear ? i would think you would like seperate tanks for other pneumatic functions, but why run a few seperate (non Y'd) tanks for the gear ?
07-12-2010 | 10:45 AM
#9
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From: Daytona Beach
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: acw
In my opinion, the quality of these valves is questionable. I'm probably very unlucky but I bought 2 units and had 2 valves dead on arrival. Todd took care of both but still, this was not the best experience. Further, when they work, there are still a few issues:<div>
</div><div>1) The valve purges the air from the retracts when turned off. With some retracts, it means the retract will occasionally collapse while pushing the plane around with the rx off</div><div>2) I have seen occasional (pretty rare) occurrence of the gear retracting while turning the receiver on. This broke some gear doors on one occasion. And yes, the failsafe was setup properly.</div><div>3) The smooth brake function uses too much air and is not as good as a mechanical smooth stop unit.</div><div>
</div><div>Because of 2 and 3, I use a manual valve on the gear down line.to make sure there is some air when I turn the rx off / on. That's a pain.</div><div>
</div><div>For these reasons, I have decided to go back to a traditional setup.</div><div>
</div><div>Arnaud</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
In my opinion, the quality of these valves is questionable. I'm probably very unlucky but I bought 2 units and had 2 valves dead on arrival. Todd took care of both but still, this was not the best experience. Further, when they work, there are still a few issues:<div>
</div><div>1) The valve purges the air from the retracts when turned off. With some retracts, it means the retract will occasionally collapse while pushing the plane around with the rx off</div><div>2) I have seen occasional (pretty rare) occurrence of the gear retracting while turning the receiver on. This broke some gear doors on one occasion. And yes, the failsafe was setup properly.</div><div>3) The smooth brake function uses too much air and is not as good as a mechanical smooth stop unit.</div><div>
</div><div>Because of 2 and 3, I use a manual valve on the gear down line.to make sure there is some air when I turn the rx off / on. That's a pain.</div><div>
</div><div>For these reasons, I have decided to go back to a traditional setup.</div><div>
</div><div>Arnaud</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>
Just a few points on these comments:
1) All electronic air valves purge air from the output lines when powered down.... If this is a problem for your setup, consider mechanical. I do have a work-around for this should you have a need to keep air in the system, contact me for info.
2) Both the EV5U and EV5U-PRO have failsafe software to guard against this happening. If your gear are collapsing during power-up, you have either programed the system in reverse (gear down is plumbed to gear up) or you have not performed a rebind of the RX after final programing.
3) Agreed! Nothing performs better than the UP6 Mechanical valve for braking however; these units consume similar volume to the popular jettronic single action valve. A standard size air tank is more than enough volume for a typical flight. We are working on incorporating a low loss brake valve into future multifunction systems.
Todd
07-12-2010 | 10:47 AM
#10
My Feedback: (1)
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: lov2flyrc
2) Both the EV5U and EV5U-PRO have failsafe software to guard against this happening. If your gear are collapsing during power-up, you have either programed the system in reverse (gear down is plumbed to gear up) or you have not performed a rebind of the RX after final programing.
2) Both the EV5U and EV5U-PRO have failsafe software to guard against this happening. If your gear are collapsing during power-up, you have either programed the system in reverse (gear down is plumbed to gear up) or you have not performed a rebind of the RX after final programing.
Arnaud
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07-12-2010 | 11:19 AM
#11
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From: Daytona Beach
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: acw
What is the normal UP and DOWN line? I don't believe the manual defines which one is which. Rebinding has nothing to do with it, at least not with FASST.
Arnaud
<br type=''_moz'' />
ORIGINAL: lov2flyrc
2) Both the EV5U and EV5U-PRO have failsafe software to guard against this happening. If your gear are collapsing during power-up, you have either programed the system in reverse (gear down is plumbed to gear up) or you have not performed a rebind of the RX after final programing.
2) Both the EV5U and EV5U-PRO have failsafe software to guard against this happening. If your gear are collapsing during power-up, you have either programed the system in reverse (gear down is plumbed to gear up) or you have not performed a rebind of the RX after final programing.
Arnaud
<br type=''_moz'' />
07-12-2010 | 11:58 AM
#12
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From: Salinas,
CA
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: olnico
The unit is very compact ( gain of room for all the functions offered ) and the value for money is great. However keep in mind that this has a lot of electro-pneumatical devices installed in one box. The failure of one component is likely to render the box useless if you use all the functions. So in theory, and despite the fact that each component has a good reliability rate taken separately, you divide the reliability by 5.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the ''chinglish'' manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
The unit is very compact ( gain of room for all the functions offered ) and the value for money is great. However keep in mind that this has a lot of electro-pneumatical devices installed in one box. The failure of one component is likely to render the box useless if you use all the functions. So in theory, and despite the fact that each component has a good reliability rate taken separately, you divide the reliability by 5.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the ''chinglish'' manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
Thanks, Steve
07-12-2010 | 12:15 PM
#13
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From: Daytona Beach
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
ORIGINAL: 3DAV8R
Is there any good way to shield the system from EMI ? What kind of distance from the Rx do you need ?
Thanks, Steve
ORIGINAL: olnico
The unit is very compact ( gain of room for all the functions offered ) and the value for money is great. However keep in mind that this has a lot of electro-pneumatical devices installed in one box. The failure of one component is likely to render the box useless if you use all the functions. So in theory, and despite the fact that each component has a good reliability rate taken separately, you divide the reliability by 5.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the ''chinglish'' manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
The unit is very compact ( gain of room for all the functions offered ) and the value for money is great. However keep in mind that this has a lot of electro-pneumatical devices installed in one box. The failure of one component is likely to render the box useless if you use all the functions. So in theory, and despite the fact that each component has a good reliability rate taken separately, you divide the reliability by 5.
That said I have two planes installed with EV5U and EV5U pro and have had only two issues ( no failures yet ):
1) is the slow learning curve in programming the unit ( the ''chinglish'' manual does not help)
2) is the high level of EMI outputted by these units that have required relocation of the receiver in the two planes
On my recent builds I have gone back to separate elements because I like to keep it simple and for ease of replacement in case of a single component failure. Also I find the ergonomics much easier to implement with separate elements: you cannot bury the EV5U pro at the bottom of your plane since you need to be able to read the display out.
Thanks, Steve
We have ZERO reports or experience, on this side of the pond, of the multifunction valves causing any radio range or interference issues on both 72mhz and 2.4 systems. I would certainly be interested in hearing from anyone who has!
07-14-2010 | 10:12 AM
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From: Ariccia, ITALY
RE: AirPower Smart Multi-Function Valve how good are they?
Hi everybody,
I bought an AirPower EV-5U and sure the manual is not helping at all.
I can't believe the manual of a product like this is written in such a bad english, looks like it has been translated by an electronic translator program!
By the way I am just starting to mess with this unit and I am sure I will discover later on how I have to program it.
Gianluca
I bought an AirPower EV-5U and sure the manual is not helping at all.
I can't believe the manual of a product like this is written in such a bad english, looks like it has been translated by an electronic translator program!
By the way I am just starting to mess with this unit and I am sure I will discover later on how I have to program it.
Gianluca
