a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Whoa! I'm NOT doing that!
Re-read your post to me #40, where you stated;

In my post #46......

I'm still running with servo's/sensors switched on TwinSync. I'll put them back as they should be and re-test.

.....I'm saying I'm putting them back as they should be.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Looks like I'm seeing the same things as Erik.
I hear the engines oscillating in the mid -to- lower throttle settings, but synching
fine in the upper throttle ranges.

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

OK...

I think we are all on the same page now.

Yes with the 1.1.X software there is some hunting or surging below 6-7K RPM with some engine/servo combinations. There is a software update now available that eliminates this for most cases.

Send your unit or IC from the unit back for an update if you see this that will greatly improve things. Units are prefered because then unless you are using the remote glow plug status they can be updated to support the remote display.

The other thing is if your mechanical set up changes rpm more than 200 RPM per 1 deg servo rotation you will see some surging. If your engine/carb has a range where slight carb arm changes produce large (>300 rpm) RPM changes then there will be some surging in that range.

I never saw this nor did most beta testers until the servo/arm geometry was changed to try to reproduce this issue. In general having small linear movement in the most sensitive area of the carb opening is ideal to get the best sync.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

"unless"?

Isn't the remote glow plug status -part of- the remote display?
In any event, I'll be sending mine back for software update, mods for display,
and to get the display itself.

Will the software update present users with any settings that can be changed?

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

The 2 pin connector for the units shipped thus far is for adding a LED on a cable. The LED can then be mounted through the fuse or in a visible remote location. The led will operate the same as the RED LED on the device (i.e. glow plug status). If the unit is modified to support the remote display (as all units shipping after today will be), then the two pin connector is a high speed serial interface that supports the remote display that has all of the LEDs that is on the device plus a 4 digit RPM read out and is sold sepeerately for $35.

The 1.2.X software that is the currently shipping software has the following additional programming parameters:
- programmable sync point
- programmable PCM lock out position has now been removed and it goes to idle in the event of loss of transmitter signal
- engine/servo response time/speed selection

Jim Reeves

Hi Bill,
Got my twin sync in the UK today after the delivery couriers ripped me off for another $38, $20 for the customs and the rest was their 'handling fee'.... I'll say no more. So, am I up to date with the 1.2.0 instructions and will the external led plug into this machine!

Thanks

Jim from the UK

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

The connector on all units shipped thus far is for an external LED that indicates glow plug status (i.e. does the same thing as the RED LED on the board). That is why you have to send the unit back if you want the optional LED Display.

If you need a firmware upgrade I can send you a new IC via regular mail with a $10 deposit (paypal is fine) that I will refund minus mailing cost ~$2 when I receive your old IC back. This should avoid shipping issues, customs, etc. since it is just "mail" - I think. I think you probably have 1.1.X software on your unit which may work fine for your application. Try it and see if you have any low RPM (<6-7K RPM) surging or hunting. Not all applications have this issue - depends on servo speed, geometry, and carb sensitivity below that range.

Jim Reeves

Thanks Bill,

I don't think I'll bother sending it back as I had enough hassle getting it here. I will use as is and hope that I do not get the surging problem. I will be using non computerized Futaba and standard servos control 2 x .52 four strokes so the revs will be down from the normal 2 strokes. Will let you know in due course, thanks again for the good work, maybe this twin will be a little more predictable....?

Jim

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

Again,

You don't have to send it back to get a software update. Send a $10 deposit and I will mail you a new chip you install on your device then mail me the old one back. I will refund your $10 - postage when I get the old one back.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

I'll assume those items merit an update to the instructions as well. It'll be good if you also included the polarity
of the glow plug wires as noted in post #25;

Glow plug wires are connected the following way:
RED: Glow battery + terminal
ORANGE: Glow plug positive terminal (tip)
Black/Brown: Battery - terminal and Engine case/ground

My unit is in the mail for current updates & a display unit as well.
Thanks for creating the Twin Sync & great support!

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

All of the items you mention above are in the current manual. You must have an older version. You can download it from RC Showcase or email me at [email protected] if you have problems.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

You stated the following.....
"The 1.2.X software that is the currently shipping software has the following additional programming parameters:
- programmable sync point
- engine/servo response time/speed selection "
....which I assumed meant new/different users changable settings from the prior version. My mistake.

The printed manual you include with the TwinSync are in black & white. The color diagrams
in the downloadable versions are better but still don't show polarity in the diagram.

I'm asking you to show the polarity on the diagram itself.

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

understood... I will take care of it.

roltech

Where has this thread gone too?? Have not seen any new post recently

roltech

Bob Paris

My Feedback: (13)

Hi...
I just picked up my new Twin Sync, and I don't know what version I have. I do want the LED rpm display on my unit and need to mail it in for upgrading and modification. I need a name and address for mailing, and need to know who I need to send the fourty bucks to. I've a pay-pal account if needed.

It's going into a P-38, with twin K&B .61's, w/perry carbs and fuel pumps. I want to use this as a glow driver and sync. I use Airtronics Styles Tx and I'm also using two reveivers.


I live where getting any hobby gear is difficult, and need a supplyer for all the magnets and other goodies to get this system operational.

I'm also interested in a 4 engine unit.

Soft landings,
Bobby of Maui
[email protected]

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Bob,

Look at back page of your TS Users Guide for Bill Wike' mailing address. It also tells you what version on the front page!
Spare parts are available through RC Showcase....read first page of this thread.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Well, you must not being talking this thread up to everyone!<g>
A new post a day in this thread, will keep it at the forefront for folks under New Posts.

Btw; do you have a TwinSync? Using it in what?
Mine should be coming back soon, after mods & software update.

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

Bobby,

My mailing address is in the instructions. I can include some extra magnets and stuff in the device when I return it. Send me a email on what you need to: [email protected].

I will post an update later today on the activity the last couple of weeks letting everyone know what people have found. In general the device is working great.

Bill

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

Guys,

over the past 2-3 weeks I know of about a half a dozen people that have been working with and/or flying with the TwinSync. There has been only one issue found that I consider a bug/problem. There have been a couple other behaviors observed that I may make changes to avoid but not really problems.

The one BUG found:
If an engine slows down (with no change in stick position like a fuel problem) the other one should follow it down and stay in sync on the way down. This works on one side but is slow on the reverse side. If an engine speeds up (with no change in stick position like air bubbles in the line on a rich engine), the other engine should stay in sync and follow it up. This the opposite of the slowing down issue where it is fast on one side and slow on the other. Some people have not seen this but I was able to duplicate it on my test stand and come up with a fix for it that I will put into FW version 1.3. Deadstick feature still works fine but this is really operational behavior that most will never observe. The bottom line is that if the engines go out of sync and don't sync quickly you have an engine problem.

A few other interesting observed behaviors that are not really bugs but just use cases of the device operating as normal:
1. If a dead stick happens it idles the other engine. After the stick is broght down and back to full throttle the running engine goes to full throttle. However, if the dead engine's prop rotates and vibrates infront of the hall sensor it could idle the engine running at full throttle.

2. If the throttle stick is jammed from idle to full throttle instantly the posibility exists if the engines go into sync as spooling up they may be sync'ed at less than full throttle. This obviously depends on engine and servo response times but never happens is the stick is moved smoothly. If it does happen moving the stick a little corrects the problem.

3. A PCM lockout. If the twinsync misses more than 6 transmitter frames it puts both engines in low idle. As designed. I think I will up this to 20 frames on the next version of SW (1.3).

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Sounds good, only minor issues it appears.

I mailed mine back to you on the 19th, for software update & to get the optional remote display.
What software version will mine be coming back with?

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Bill,

One other question.
Has any R/C magazine (print &/or online) done a review of your Twin Sync as yet?

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

No reviews yet... I have not contacted any of them. I think RCS is talking to them. I have asked TWINMAN to post a review here and he did a snippet. I have also asked George "Twinman" Lupkin to do a review on RC Warbirds .com. I know of no reviews yet outside of the initial development thread here on RCU.

I have your unit and I am holding it until the version 1.3 is production ready (a few days probably). If you need it quickly I can go ahead and ship it with the ver 1.2 that is shipping now. That has the one above issue.

a1pcfixer

My Feedback: (7)

Maybe best & have them test with your latest software & remote display.

I'm in NO hurry. I prefer it done right, over right now.
I'm enjoying flying my DP Ultimate 1.20 w/Saito 1.50, and my GP Matt Chapman Cap 580, along with other
planes I own. So, I'm content to wait.

Btw; on my TS did you notice & fix the loose/frayed wires for one of the glow drivers.
I think I included a note with the check....don't remember.

roltech

Now that's better new post! Yes I have the "TwinSync" and it will be going in KMP B25. but not yet installed, I may return it for update too.

roltech

yl5295

My Feedback: (1)

Guys,

As a reminder.... You don't have to return the entire unit unless you want to add the remote display. You can just return the one IC.

With a small screw driver remove the chip from the socket by evenly working out one end then the other. Stick it into a piece of styrofoam (not foam rubber) and mail it in an envelope back to me. Updates are no charge you only need to pay return shipping ($1 for IC if you send it in a padded envelope, $2 if you send it in a regular envelope - because I will return it in a padded envelope). Return shipping 1-3 units is $5 via USPS priority mail. A new/replacement IC is $14.95 if one is lost or destroyed.

I can "cross-ship" ICs with a $10 paypal deposit. Meaning you send me $10 and I will mail you a chip and I will send you $7.50 back when I get the old chip back.