ram500 info
 

Hey guys,

Is there any threads regarding information on the ram500 turbine? Perameters, starting info, stuff like that?

My first jet and it has one of these turbines and I'm trying to learn what I can about it since it isn't a popular motor.

thanks,
Cole

Silly question... but do you do a search of the thread?
A quick search using the words "RAM 500" returned 1000 threads, quite a few for a Turbine that has been out of production for Ten years or so....

Oh in case you don't have it, here is the manual, Modellbau-USA was the same as RAM 500


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2128414

Man time fly's..I remember when Ram first demo the R500 on a bobcat at top gun :cool: RCISFUN is correct...there are plenty of useful information on RCU. Good luck with your R500

P.S one main thing about "parameters" high numbers means low value and vice a versa. Example to increase voltage to the glow plug you have to lower the numbers.

All,
The RAM/FTE-500 parameters are a function of the version of the ECU being used. Inverse parameters such a Glow and Gas Adjust values were on the original ECU's, designed by Bob Price. He has several upgrades available with the latest being R03B with a higher number resulting in a larger or greater parameter. Improved diagnostics are also featured on this latest ECU software. I recommend contacting Bob directly at: [email protected] or 512-259-9232 for the latest info including upgrades.
Rgds,
Art ARRO

also tony f put out tonys tips for the ram 500

What software version does your ECU have. Hoping it is one of the later versions. They greatly increase your odds of getting a good start every time.

If all else fails you could fit a Xicoy Fadec to the engine. As the RAM500 was simply a MW54 built under licence you could also ask for the ECU to come with gas start MW54 settings. Bear in mind though the max RPM on the RAM was 150k (something to do with rules at the time in the US) as opposed to the 160k the 54 happily ran with and still does.

Jason

I know this for glow plug. but does this apply to all parameters? for example "pump start PW"?

Agree, from memory it was only on parameter where it read backwards.

can you explain?

as you said, the lower the number the higher the current/voltage goes to the plug. The other parameters worked as you would expect. Bear in mind I relaying on 13 year old memories here…..

Copied from info sheet provided by Bob Price:

C02C & C03 software Level:
"Gas increases with a decrease in the Gas Adjust parameter"
"Glow Plug voltage increases with a decrease in the Glow Plug Parameter"

Taken from "New C03 ECU Software For Ram Turbines" provided by Bob Price when I upgraded my ECU.

C02C and C03 are both old software. Newer software/hardware version R03B available. Give me a call at 512-897-9770.

I can send you a very detailed manual for the R03B software/hardware upgrade over email.

This is Coles first jet. Non of us flying with him have any Ram experience. The motor ran great but it is burning out plugs. I assume the voltage is too high. What plugs do people usually run in the FTE Ram? It had an OS F.

Quist/Coles,
My 1st choice of glowplug for the RAM/FTE-500 is the OPS RC-300, followed by the Rossi R-8. Both are very cold plugs with a thick filament/element. The element has to be teased out of the plug cavity about 3/32" or greater. It is best to anneal the element first before teasing to avoid breakage. This can be done by applying a standard 1.2-1.5V glowplug battery/igniter as used for glow engines and getting the element to glow. Use a dental pick or a straight pin to tease out the element. As the OPS and Rossi plugs are not readily found, some guys use a McCoy MC-9 available from Tower or most hobby shops. I've been experimenting with some nichrome element turbine plugs made by a noted speed flier, Aldon (Al) Kelly at www.merlinglowplugs.com . The Merlin Turbine plugs have a long nose to get the element deep into the turbine combustion chamber for consistent ignition.
Depending on which ECU software version you may have to raise or lower the Glow parameter to avoid blowing plugs. Again what version of the ECU software is resident Cole's RAM-500?
Rgds,
Art ARRO

RJP, do you have the same for RAM1000?
what upgrade interfaec is needed?

thanks.

to lower plug voltage simply INCREASE "glow power" number in ECU via EDT.

Thanks Art, I have some Rossi 8's from my pre Kero start Jetcat days.

You'd do well to heed Bob's advice. If the 500 doesn't have the latest version software, Bob can hook you up. He's helped me out several times and absolutely knows how to make these things run.

With th the right plug, good ecu etc., you can run the stink out of them still. Not the newest or best power density, but certainly quite serviceable and fun.

good luck and pay attention to what Bob and company have to say. Need to know that ECU version, first.

I have used Fox 2 volt plugs with good success.

The R03 upgrade is for all RAM, FTE, and RTI engines. I set it up for what ever engine you want. Each engine has its own set of running parameters. I can send the detailed manual for the R03B upgrade to anyone over email if you desire. The manual explains all the new features and how the settings compare to the older versions. All parameter program values are now higher for higher result and there are new tests that can be run from the main menu such as glow plug test for easy adjusting of glow plug voltage. Call me at 512-897-9770 for any other questions.

I have a RAM I got from Carlos. Can't get the propane solenoid to work properly. The minute I open the valve on the propane, the solenoid shuts down...too much pressure?? Have been told to put a regulator on it, and no more than one lb of pressure.....any thoughts guys??

Kim,
I have not experienced the gas solenoid lock up but still use Coleman Powermax which is a propane/butane blend with a much lower vapor pressure as compared to pure propane. Most of the pure propane users employ a regulator to lower the pressure seen by the gas solenoid. I believe regulators are available from DreamWorks RC. Altecare, in Canada, sells a fitting that screws atop a canister of "camping gas" which is a blend of propane/butane-same as Powermax. This fitting needs a 4MM Festo shutoff valve and some tubing to make it work and connect to the gas input line of your turbine. Don't try to attach the fitting directly to the camping gas without a shutoff valve or you will get a big surprise and possible fire/explosion!
Rgds,
Art ARRO

does it have to be sent to you for version upgrade, or is there a way to do it locally (PC/Serial interface)?
please send manual to: [email protected]