Onboard Voltage Monitor...

[HeliMix]

Some time back, I bookmarked this page, I think Lock had sent me the link. I could have sworn
this monitor (http://www.radiosouthrc.com/closeup.asp?cid=16&pid=401&offset=0) had an alarm on it but now reading over the info again, I see it does not.

Does anyone know of an Onboard Voltage Monitor that has an alarm on it that can be set to a specific voltage? That way, if you are flying your heli and the voltage drops below the set level, you can hear the alarm and know it is time to land so you can protect your batteries from going below the recommended voltage level.

[LockMD]

Some time back, I bookmarked this page, I think Lock had sent me the link. I could have sworn
this monitor (http://www.radiosouthrc.com/closeup.asp?cid=16&pid=401&offset=0) had an alarm on it but now reading over the info again, I see it does not.

Does anyone know of an Onboard Voltage Monitor that has an alarm on it that can be set to a specific voltage? That way, if you are flying your heli and the voltage drops below the set level, you can hear the alarm and know it is time to land so you can protect your batteries from going below the recommended voltage level.


Nope I did not post that one, I like HR poly - visual purty colored lights and LOUD audilbe alarm and yes user programmable......let me find a link....


Edit: here is the link: http://www.heliproz.com/prodinfo.asp?number=335444

[HeliMix]

Not sure if it is just my browser or not, but this sentence does not have an end.

"30cm of wire for power connection Installation requires connecting the device to the."

How do you wire this into your Blade? Definately looks like the way to go. Thanks Lock.

[sparx-]

Most of those voltage monitors do not monitor each cell. You would be better off measuring how much mah you are using during your flights and then setting your timer so you do not exceed 80% of your packs capacity.

There are two ways to do this.

1. Datalog your a couple of flights every now and then. You can use any of the following.... Oracle Data recorder, Eagletree Data Recorder or a WattsUp. These are basically installed between your Battery and ESC and they log voltage, amps and mah during your flight.

2. Measure how many mah you put back into your Lipo during charging. There are alot of chargers on the market that will do this, but IMHO, it is better to get something independant of your charger to measure. The WattsUp is perfect for this. You installed it between your lipo and your charger. It will then tell you how many mah were put back into your lipo.

With lipos, knowing how many amps and mah you are using is more important then anything. It is also helpful in diagnosing problems.

SPaRX

[LockMD]

Not sure if it is just my browser or not, but this sentence does not have an end.

"30cm of wire for power connection Installation requires connecting the device to the."

How do you wire this into your Blade? Definately looks like the way to go. Thanks Lock.


Yeah chopped off here too, you just solder it in at the esc like you would a bec

[MaxKool]

In regards to the fact the LiPo alarms dont measure individual cell voltages and therefore arent usefull I would have to disagree. If you have packs going so far out of balance that you have 2 at 3.5v+ and one below 2.9 for example you have WAY bigger problems that even measureing MHA wont help. A properly cared for pack shouldnt be more than .1 or .2 out of balance at the end of a run. If you have more than that then I would think you are abusing your batteries and arnt the kind of person who would want a Lipo alarm anyway...

For 99% of the flying population alarms work great for what they are intended to do. I still agree with monitering your MAH usuage so you dont abuse your batteries.

[sparx-]

If you are going to use a Lipo Alarm, then at least read up on how far you should dishcarge them. And contrary to popular belief, it is NOT 9volts.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=466758

That should get you started.

I will stand by my statement... monitoring voltage is not the way to know when to stop flying.

SPaRX

[MaxKool]

My batteries are always 3.5 when I pull them off and 3.7 after sitting for 15minz.

I stand by my statement tho that you shouldnt have those kind of balance issues, if you do you have other issues....

[sparx-]

Balance is not really what this is about. I offered that as an EXTREME example of why it is not the best means.

Flying to LVC everytime will reduce the life of your lipos. I have seen it many times now.

SPaRX

[MaxKool]

Oh hell yah, I think when my Alarm kicks in im a good 2 minz from LVC. Flying to LVC is a sure fire way to kill your batteries. I did the 1st time I flew, only cause I was unfamiliar with what was going on. Never did again, batteries are to expensive and dangerous othewise.

I just ment balance in the sence if your batteries are well looked after then an Alarm can be perfectly usefull as all cells should be close enough where any differance isnt gonna make the alarm useless. LVC on the otherhand is basicly at the damage point so 9v is definatly a nono

[sparx-]

Then you are agreeing with me? Using a Lipo alarm or LVC is not a good way to monitor your flying time. Even if you can set your LVC to 3.2v per cell, it is not a good idea. You are better off figuring out how much time you can fly by mah comsumption.

SPaRX

[HeliMix]

The WattsUp is perfect for this.

SPaRX

SPaRX, I have found wattsuprc.com, but I am not easily finding the device you are speaking of. Can you provide a direct link to the specific item?

[sparx-]

http://www.readyheli.com/RC_Electronics_Watt_s_Up_Watt_Meter_Onyx_Watts_p/wu100-bk.htm


Eflite makes one as well. Have seen it in my LHS for like $35 or $40. Do not remember for sure.

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFLA110


This is what I use. It can be used with your charger or put on your heli to log data. Below is a graph I did from the data of one of my helis.

http://www.medusaproducts.com/Oracle/index.htm

You need to make sure you get the combo pack with the USB link and cables.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=46640&d=1209419785

Alot of people use EagleTree

http://www.helidirect.com/product_info.php?cPath=174_175&products_id=6154

You will need to buy addon cable to measure things like RPM, Temps and such. With just the bare package, you can Monitor Amps, Voltage. I believe it comes with the USB cable as well.

SPaRX