View Full Version : Arizona reg on Ion?
Has anyone used the Fromeco Arizona regulator on his Ion-X?
I would like to know if there were any interference issues between the regulator and the electric drive system.
I love the Arizona regs which I already use on nitro machines and can vouch for Fromeco's customer service but I just needed to check about compatibility with the Ion.
Thanks,
MHN
MinAirChris
11-03-2005, 11:09 AM
the Fromeco reg is just a regulator for the rx battery, correct? If so, it's not that you have to worry about the regulator interacting with the power components of the Ion, it's wheather or not the regulator will cause issues with the receiver. That part of the Ion is the same as any other heli. If the Fromeco unit works with those, it should work in the Ion. As always though, range check things to be certain.
It has been my experience that any time you "complicate" things, especially things having to do with the receiver power (switching regulators all present some ripple), you reduce your range. How much reduction you can accept is debateable.
Chris
(switching regulators all present some ripple), you reduce your range
The Fromeco being a linear regulator, (not a switching one) would then not create a range issue?
MHN
ChrisS
11-03-2005, 03:57 PM
That is correct, a linear regulator does not have an oscillator in it chopping the voltage up. These are simple devices that usually only require a 3 pin device, a couple of passives and maybe a pass transistor. They are also lossy and only good for a small range of input voltages. But they are clean and output a nice, steady DC voltage.
I'd bet it will do just fine in the Ion.
Chris
OK, it is on the machine now.
I had some trouble finding enough space to position the dual-regulator because of its size and the limited mounting surfaces available on the Ion.
I had to relocate the battery completely underneath the whole servo tray. Its original space is now occupied by the 601 Amp.
The reg is on the left side, between the left Lipos, the gyro sensor and servos.
A tight fit.
If anyone interested by pics I can shoot a few and post them.
Hope to test it this weekend :smokin:
Yes it is the switching BECīs you have to be careful with. I think one can expect reduced reception conditions with any switching BEC as a thumb rule, so the question with a switching BEC as I see it is more if you can optimize the working conditions for your receiver enough so a switching BEC will not make more noise than the receiver can take care off.
A good receiver, a good shielded BEC, Ferrite rings, correct mounting of receiver, esc. BEC and antenna is something that might make the difference between success and failure with a switching BEC.
I fly a e-Raptor 50 with the switching UBEC. This works good until now even that their have been report of problems with this BEC on the European 35MHz band in combination with the metal bearings in "the box" conversion for the Raptor 50.
fitenfyr
11-03-2005, 09:30 PM
Been using an Arizona on my Ion since they came out.
ZERO issues with anything.
I mounted mine under the frames at the bottom in front of the skids.
This way the heatsink (which gets warm. :D ) is in the airflow somewhat and is not near anything that it can melt. :D
Not much difference in the Ion's habits with it that I can see. Still flys great. :D
WillJames
11-04-2005, 04:31 AM
Not much difference in the Ion's habits with it that I can see. Still flys great
You got that right Jason. I LOVE my Ion! Favorite heli I have ever had. Two thumbs up for Chris Stephenson!!!!!
I run a Duralite Regulator on my Ion-X and I mount it like jason, directly under the front frames right under the front canopy standoffs spool piece that goes between the frames. It is as far away from everything as I can get it now. I will take pics once everyone in the house wakes up. (Gotta photograph my crashed TREX with bent bling already. :DOH)
Ok guys,
I kept the batt installation as is (Relions 2400) i.e. under the servo tray
and everything works perfectly, as expected.
If I switch to 4800mah, I will probably need to reposition the components
cause the 2400s are already flush with the bottom of the canopy.
Thanks all for the help,
MHN
Wild Moose
01-20-2006, 02:26 PM
Hi MHN,
This comes late but I've added the Arizona on my Ion and have been flying with it for over a month now. So far no problems with the RX/Cyclic servo power configured for +5.26V. Gotta love the second (fixed) voltage supply to the gyro...
Mike and Steve at Fromeco have done a nice job on this regulator.
Thx for the feedback Wild Moose.
Same positive experience on my side too.
So far a very good product!
MHN