I was told I should have data logging capability for my first electric (pattern) plane, and am wondering what I need or what would be sufficient.

I was looking at the Phoenix ICE HV ESC with data logging; it can log 4.5 minutes at 10 samples/second, or 40 minutes at 1 sample/second. Is this enough? My other thought was to get the Phoenix HV controller and an Eagletree logger, which has a much larger memory than the CC controller; however it is an extra device/connection and of course more $$$.

So what am I looking for, and how much data do I need? I have a Watt meter for measuring on the ground.

Thanks!

Eagletree is great stuff - I've done tons of logging with my Micro ELogger.

So far as how much is needed, the ICE will do plenty. The newest software does some data compression, so the logging time is actually longer - I think up to 75% longer (ie, if you are at idle for a long period of time while walking out to the runway, it uses less space to log that time period). Accuracy of the ICE seems to be very good. I've not used the IC HV yet, but the ICE Lite 50, 75, and 100 all work very well.

Regards,

Dave Lockhart
Team Castle Creations

Never used a logger, just a watt-meter. Not necessarily needed.

Get the Eagle Tree eLogger and the LCD display which will give you pack voltage and current as well as total mAhr used. I also use the optical rpm sensor and two temperature sensors for the motor and the ESC. I also record throttle position.

I leave the display in the airplane so I end up using it all the time. How often do you guys use your watt meter? I've used mine about five times in five years. It is a pain.

One of the most important things you want to do to prolong the life of your expensive batteries is to make sure you don't take off with a set that isn't fully charged and then run them too low. One glance at the display before the flight solves this problem. You also don't want to discharge them too deep and one look at the display after the flight answers that question. Maximum current and minimum voltage readings after the flight will assure that everything is working normally or tell you that something needs fixing. In short, monitoring the system will protect your investment and I believe increase your confidence in your equipment so you can concentrate on flying.

Jim O

I have never used onboard monitoring systems, but see some advantages as presented here.
Just out of curiosity, what is the total weight of the system described here?

Magne

A wattmeter to measure static performance is the minimum you should have when dealing with big power electrics. Every change should be tested unless you have previous knowledge of the change. So if you change to a prop you have never ran before as a bare minimum it should be statically tested to make sure you are not going to overload something.

Generally speaking the static load will be higher than any in-flight load, so with that in mind a static test should ensure you do not exceed the power limitations of your setup.

Data logging is the Cadillac and shows you so much more information about what is really going on. What the minimum pack voltage is, where it happens in the flight, what temperatures are during the flight. Temperatures can peak dramatically on landing approach, I have seen battery temps rise 20+ deg C from the last maneuver to touchdown, with true in flight temps being barely above ambient (5 deg C). This is info you cannot get from a watt meter alone or post flight temperature checks, and can really help in optimizing your cooling if you have problems.

I personally like the standalone loggers because of their portability between models and also to the computer, I can bring the logger to the computer, and don't need to bring the computer to the logger. Also if you are going to be using uncommon motors/controllers/batteries I think a logger is almost a must have.

On a 2 meter pattern plane the weight of the eagletree micrologger is pretty insignificant 60g-70g or so.

100% agreement here with Chad.

Anytime I setup a new plane, try a new prop, or try new software, I hook up a wattmeter (or the Eagletree w/ LCD) for a quick static run to confirm numbers are where I expect them to be. I typically data log every 10th cycle or so on each lipo to keep record of the lipo health and make sure the system is not doing anything unexpected. Even a full throttle RPM static check is valueable for assessing the health of the system...finding problems sooner than later can save a lot of $$$.

Regards,

Dave Lockhart

Thanks for all the great info.

I already have a Watt meter. I'm thinking the best option for me is probably to go with the ICE HV ESC and use it's data logging capabilities, at least in the interim. I think the Eagle Tree with all the add-ons is a little overwhelming since this is my first venture into electric flight, and I only have two summers experience with RC in general. The Watt meter and the Phoenix ICE will help me get a safe, working setup and monitor the basics. Once I'm a little more comfortable with all this and start to notice the nuances of electric flight, the Eagle Tree will probably be a nice upgrade. This will also help spread out the cost since the ICE HV is a relatively inexpensive controller and already includes some logging capabilities.

I will definitely shoot for having the Eagle Tree and the LCD on board in the future.

I guess one other question would be the difference between the Phoenix HV85 and the Phoenix ICE HV 80 controllers - the ICE is a bit less expensive, is it missing anything important?

Joe,

The ICE has everything and more in comparison to the 85HV...not missing a thing.

Regards,

Dave Lockhart
Team Castle Creations