Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

It seems to like it would be fun to collect and gee-whiz the data for a while, especially speed and g's, but then it would be sorta ho-hum.

Just wondering if any of you have experience with these units. If so, was it worth the $$ in the long run or just another expensive and under utilized toy?



Thanks guys, Don.

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

Yea, I think its primarily a toy for turbine powered models, but for EDF's, being able to see current draw, pack voltage, and capacity used over a flight is critical - especially if you are working on your own setup vs. a plug-and-play setup like the BVM Electra...

Bob

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

Those that sell them swear by them.

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

Well, Sean, you have dabbled in EVERY corner of this hobby and probably even invented a couple of new corners to boot.

If YOU don't have one then I certainly don't need one........

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

That is classic! I love it.

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

The problem with these devices is that you get consumed by information, spend a ton of dough, and tell your friends, ooohhh, ahhh, look at this information.

Do yourself a favor, buy a porn mag and bring it to the field. Your pals will be much more impressed ;)

I consume myself with information that is useful, and extrapolate the rest. Useful as in an AMP meter when setting up my airplanes.

Mileage may vary, but you are right, I don't have one, and I don't recommend them. I know for a fact my airplane won't go 200 MPH with 36 lbs of thrust, so retarding anything to meet the rules is not necessary.

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

If you fly electric helis with $300 dollar battery packs or electric jets that use $600 batteries it is a worth while investment.

RE: Is the Eagle Tree FDR worth the $ ?
 

Good question. Honestly, the whole hobby is a bunch of toys (!) but to your question on cost, to me the jury is out.

I use it for the a pro version for the telemetry, it can signal you with an audible alarm if you have a flame out (or signal you for pretty much anything it can monitor).

As for the data collection function, I am not sure what turbine you are using but if it is JetCat you can do a lot of collection with the onboard ECU (all turbine parameters, battery voltage, airspeed, GPS etc.)

BTW I agree 100% on the electric jet battery issue, Eagletree (and I assume others) make relatively affordable units that just monitor your batteries, current, etc, I hear these help a lot with set ups, etc.