Alewings UniPower Spark User manual

MANUALE D’USO
Alewings ® di Alessandro Torri
v. del Lavoro, 41 20084 Lacchiarella MI ITALY
www.alewings.it [email protected]
V1.0
Cod. 90010604
This doesn’t happen anymore with UniPower Spark: with only 2 batteries it generates independent outputs for supplying all on board devices.
And, what is more, it extends the safety of 2 batteries system to all utilities on board, included engine supplying.
Thanks to 2 batteries and double electronic circuits, if one branch of power supplying doesn’t work anymore, all outputs will continue to work
normally.
The user can choose among 3 operating modes:
- : in case of absence or error of the signal from the receiver, the THR output will be disabled.
The indicating light LED3 will emit 3 rapid flashes to indicate anomaly .
- : in case of absence or error of the signal from the receiver, the THR output will keep the last
status. The indicating light LED3 will emit 3 rapid flashes to indicate anomaly .
- : when you turn UniPower Spark on, THR output is automatically enabled; if you want to disable it you must
turn the device off.
requires 2 batteries for being supplied and :
- the first one for supplying receiver and servos. You can choose the output voltage from 5V to 7,4V by rotating the potentiometer on the
device with a small screwdriver ;
- the second one, not stabilized,
;
- the third one, not stabilized, presents 3 independent lines which can supply 3 devices such as smoke pump, lights, gears, brakes; each line
is protected by a 10A fuse.
Turning on/off is by a button situated on the external panel; on the external panel are located also the three indicating lights allowing you to
check the batteries status of charge, the status of the THR output (engine supplying) and possible anomalies.
Kill Switch function activated with fail safe on
Kill Switch function activated with fail safe off
Kill Switch function deactivated
UniPower Spark generates 3 independent outputs
exclusively dedicated to the engine supplying, can be activated and deactivated by your transmitter
(Kill Switch function)
Dear customer,
thank you for choosing an Alewings product.
UniPower series supplying units are a great innovation developed by
Alewings and represent a new concept of on board supplying.
Medium or big airplanes, both jet and acro, in most cases have
many batteries on board: typically 2 for receiver and servos, 1 for
engine or turbine and others smaller for smokes, landing gears and
electric brakes, lights ecc.. So you have from a minimum of 3 to a
maximum of 6 battery packs on your model and redundancy only
for receiver and servos.
Power supply unit
UniPower Spark
Battery 1
input
Battery 2
input
Stabilized
output
5 - 7.4V 30A
NOT stabilized
output
3 NOT stabilized
outputs
Input
Kill Switch
control
from receiver
Indicating
lights
3
ON / OFF
button
Light 3:
THR output monitor
Lights 1 e 2:
batteries monitor

Before using UniPower Spark, please choose the device working mode that fits better your needs, referring to “Programming” paragraph.
Connect the device as shown into the paragraph “Connections” and set, on the back side of the device, the correct voltage for “RX” output
so that it is right for your receiver and servos.
Connect batteries to inputs Battery 1 and Battery 2. Push and keep pushed the button on the external panel for at least 2 seconds; when the
indicating LEDs light up, release the button.
When turned on the device automatically activates the outputs “RX” and “AUX”. The output “THR” is activated by the ON/OFF transmitter
control.
Only if you chose the mode “Kill Switch deactivated” also the output “THR” is supplied automatically when you turn the device on.
The indicating LEDs 1 and 2 start to flash at a frequency indicating the battery status; if one of batteries is low or not connected, the
corresponding LED will be steady on (see “Battery status” paragraph).
The indicating LED 3, orange, shows the styatus of the “THR” output: if it is off, the “THR” output is disabled; if it is on, the output is activated and so
the electronic ignition of the engine is supplied.
With the device turned on, push and keep pushed the button for at least 2 seconds. As soon as you push the button the indicating lights 1 and
2 will light up steady and after 2 seconds they will turn off. Release the button: the device is off. It automatically deactivates the 3 outputs.
Please note: before turning the device off or after a flight session, is always recommended to check the batteries status as the system keeps
memory of the minimum value of battery charge recorded during the session. If you turn the device off, this value is reset.
TURNING ON:
TURNING OFF:
ATTENTION: if you don’t use UniPower for more than one week, please disconnect batteries.
USAGE
SMOKE
PUMP
LIGHT
NAVIGATOR
LANDING
GEAR
RECEIVER
SPARK IGNITION
REDUNDANT SUPPLY
CONNECTIONS DIAGRAM
BATTERY 1
Li.PoLi - LiFe
BATTERY 2
Li.PoLi - LiFe

UniPower comes with the following default setting:
Kill Switch activated with fail safe ON
7,4V 2S Li.Poly
Before starting use you are always suggested to check settings; please proceed as follows:
with the device not powered (both batteries must be disconnected), push and keep pushed ON/OFF button and at the same time connect
one of the two batteries.
The two indicating lights will start to flash cyclically indicating the current setting; see the following table for correspondence between flashes
and setting:
- Operating mode:
- Type of batteries: :
LED 1 LED 2
Operating mode
DEFAULT
Type of batteries
DEFAULT
1 flash 1 flash Kill Switch activated with FS ON
1 flash 2 flashes Kill Switch activated with FS OFF
1 flash 3 flashes Kill Switch deactivated
2 flashes 1 flash 2s Li.Poli
2 flashes 2 flashes 2s Li.Fe
If setting is right for your needs, disconnect battery for turning the device off and connect again; UniPower is ready to be used. Otherwise, if
you want to change settings, see “Programming” paragraph.
After checking the saved settings as shown into “Default setting” paragraph, enter the programming menu to change them.
Programming menu is structured in a sequential way: any time you enter the menu, you have to repeat all steps for saving new data properly.
With the device not powered (i.e. with both batteries disconnected), push and keep pushed ON/OFF button and simultaneously connect one
of the two batteries.
The two indicating lights will start to flash cyclically indicating the current setting ; after the first cycle of flashes you can enter the programming
menu by pushing ON/OFF button.
The menu is structured in two steps: for each you have to make your choice before proceeding to the following one.
The first LED indicates the parameter you are going to set, the second the possible choices for that parameter. The second LED repeats twice
each sequence of flashes so that you are able to see the number of flashes and then to confirm your choice while the same number of
flashes is repeated. The device starts a sequence of flashes which refers to step one (see table below); to confirm your choice push the
button when LED are flashing according to the desired setting.
After you made your choice relatively to the second step, the device saves data and automatically enters the working mode; UniPower is
ready for use.
LED 1 LED 2
Operating mode
DEFAULT
Type of batteries
DEFAULT
1 flash 1 flash Kill Switch activated with FS ON
1 flash 2 flashes Kill Switch activated with FS OFF
1 flash 3 flashes Kill Switch deactivated
2 flashes 1 flash 2s Li.Poli
2 flashes 2 flashes 2s Li.Fe
PROGRAMMING
DEFAULT SETTING
ATTENTION: YOU MUST SET THE RIGHT
OUTPUT VOLTAGE BEFORE CONNECTING
UNIPOWER TO ANY DEVICE YOU WANT TO
SUPPLY.
5V 7.4V
5.5V 7.0V
6.2V
“Rx” output supplies receiver and servos; verify which is the correct voltage for your own receiver and servos.
Rotate, with the aid of a little screwdriver, the potentiometer and choose the position corresponding to the desired voltage. If you want to
set a voltage lying between values indicated or with a precision to one tenth of a volt, you are suggested to use a voltmeter in order to see
the output voltage while setting.
Position the voltmeter tips on positive and negative poles of “RX” output connector and rotate the potentiometer: you will be able to set
the voltage with maximum precision. ATTENTION: IF YOU CAUSE A SHORT CITCUIT BETWEEN THE TWO POLES, THE DEVICE GETS DAMAGED.
SETTING RX VOLTAGE

Please see “Cables and connectors”
section on www.alewings.con in order
to find a connection cable UniPower-
receiver suitable for your needs.
OR
“RX” Output
Adjustable output voltage from 5V to 7.4V
Output current up to 30A peak
You can use UniPower for direct supplying of the receiver; it is possible to use also receivers with double battery input. You need a black/red
cable of adequate section (min 1,5 sqmm) with male MPX connector for connecting to UniPower “RX” outputs and, on the other side, a
suitable connector for connecting to your receiver.
CONNECTION OF THE RX OUTPUT
You can use UniPower also together with servos managing unit UniSERVO7ADJ. See the connection scheme below.
For connecting UniPower to UniServo please use a black/red cable of adequate section (min 1,5 sqmm) with male and female MPX
connectors.
UniPOWER & UniSERVO
TO SERVOS
TO RECEIVER

Please connect UniPower “THR” output to battery input on your spark ignition unit. You are suggested to use a black/red cable of adequate
section (min 1 sqmm).
If the electronic ignition unit of your engine requires a maximum operating voltage lower than the batteries voltage, you must use a voltage
regulator.
ATTENTION: the output THR is not stabilized. The output voltage coming out from the THR port is the same as the batteries.
CONNECTION OF THE THR OUTPUT GASOLINE ENGINE
Using the extension socket-socket provided, connect the UniPower Spark to the receiver channel that you want to use for controlling
activation of the THR output (power supply to the electronic ignition of the gasoline engine).
Make sure that the channel settings are: ATV 100% and D/R deactivated. Assign a two position switch for controlling the channel and check,
by means of a servo, that moving the switch from one position to the other, the receiver output changes from +100% to -100% and vice
versa.
When starting the device if mode 1 or 2 are selected (i.e. Kill Switch activated, fail safe on or Kill Switch activated, fail safe off), the signal of
the Kill Switch control coming from receiver will be checked, in order to verify that it is present and correct.
If, when you turn the UniPower Spark on, the signal is not valid (Kill Switch already activated) or is not present, the device starts but enters the
alarm status and the indicating light 3 continues to emit sigle flashes; for exit the alarm status you must bring the Kill Switch control back to
deactivating position (= move the switch on your transmitter) or restore the connection between the receiver and the UniPower Spark.
CONNECTION OF THE KILL SWITCH CONTROL
S
+
-
3
Meaning of the indications of light 3:
- Steady on:
- Off:
- Single flash:
- Sequencies of 3 rapid flashes:
the output THR is activated (electronic
ignition of the engine supplied)
the output THR is deactivated (electronic
ignition of the engine not supplied)
error at turning on, signal from
receiver is not present or is activated
error when device
is on, signal from receiver is not present or incorrect.
Indicating light 3:
status of the output THR
VOLTAGE REGULATOR:
to be used only if the maximum
supply voltage of the electronic
ignition of the engine is 5 or 6V.
NOTE: the red wire is not connected inside the UniPower. Power supply for the receiver is
taken from the output RX (see the previous paragraph).

AUX 2
AUX 1 AUX 3
GND
GND
GND
10A FUSE
10A FUSE
10A FUSE
10A
“AUX” OUTPUT CONNECTOR TOP VIEW
Connect all other auxiliary devices you want to supply to the 3 “AUX” outputs: lights, smoke pump, retract landing gears, electronic brakes,
starters for smokes.
Use the cable provided and pay maximum attention before connecting since outputs are protected by 10A fuses.
CONNECTION OF THE OUTPUTS AUX
10A
AUX2 10A
SMOKE PUMP
AUX3 10A
NAVIGATION LIGHTS
AUX1 10A
LANDING GEAR AND BRAKE
10A
10A
10A
10A

This is not a toy.
Pay close attention to the following points, as the non
observance of them can destroy the product, nullify your
warranty and lead to property damages or personal severe
injuries!
- Never leave the product unattended while it is switched on, in
use or connected with a power supply. If a defect occurs, it
could set fire to the product or to the surroundings.
- Avoid incorrect connections or connections with reversed
polarity.
- All wires and connections have to be well insulated. Short-
circuits might destroy the product.
- Never allow this product or other electronic components to
come into contact with water, oil, fuels or other conductor liquids,
as these could contain minerals, which are harmful for electronic
circuits. If this happens, stop the use of your product immediately
and let it dry carefully.
- Always wire up all the parts of the equipment carefully. If any of
the connections loosens, due to vibrations, you might damage
your device.
- Never cut off or modify the original plugs
- Never change the polarity of the receiver connectors
- Do not open the product and never solder on the PCB
WARNING
Dimensions: 80x61x23mm
Weight: 76gr external panel included
: 6V-8,4V:
2x 2S Li.Poli - 2s Li.Fe
stabilized, reglable from 5V to
7,4V - 30A peak
not stabilized 7A continous
3x not stabilized protected by
10A fuses stato di carica I
Batteries status indicating lights: LEDs 1 e 2 blue color
ITHR output status indicating light: LED 3 orange color
<
Input voltage
Batteries:
Output voltage for RX output:
Output voltage for THR output:
Output voltage for AUX outputs:
Max current drain: about 30mA with LEDs lighted
Current drain when OFF: 100uAh / h
about 500mA in 6 months of use
Working temperature: -10 up to +60 °C
Specifications may change without notice.
WASTE DISPOSAL
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
At the end of its life cycle this product is subject to special
waste disposal and it cannot be disposed with urban
waste
FIXING
Preparing the device for fixing:
Preparing the mounting surface (hereinafter called rx plate):
Take the small bag containing 4 black rubber dampers, 4 small brass tubes and 4 self-threading screws.
Insert the four rubber dampers provided into apposite seats at the base of the device.
Insert the four brass small tubes into holes in dampers so that they exit just a little both above and below.
Prepare the four self-threading screws provided that you will use for fixing the device.
-Case 1: fixing the device directly to rx plate: position the device into desired place and drill for holes for screws. Create into rx plate some
openings in correspondence with heat sinks and air intakes of the device, so that air can pass and cool it. With device into mounting
position, insert the four screws and tight them until they touch the brass small tubes.
-Case 2: fixing the device with spacers: position the device into desired place and create four spacers at least 10mm thick in
correspondence with fixing holes. Drill four holes for screws; with device into mounting position, insert the four screws and tight them
until they touch the brass small tube.
Fix it using the self-threading screws provided.
Don't tight too much, don't press dampers.
Don't tight too much, don't press dampers.
Two seconds after turning on, the device starts to check batteries status. Indicating lights flash to indicate batteries residual charge: more
the flashes are rapid less is the residual charge of the batteries.
If you want to reset the alarm, you have to turn the device off and on again. If the alarm remains, please check connections and measure
batteries charge.
ATTENTION: if indicating lights are steady on, don’t use the device.
ATTENTION: the flashes of the indicator lights don't correspond to the instantaneous voltage of the batteries but to the minimum
voltage detected when you turned the device on.
Batteries Li.Poli 2S 7,4V
Batteries Li.Fe 2S 6,6V
1 flash every 2 sec : >7,5V
1 flash every 1sec : >7,2V
1 flash every 0,3sec : >7,1V
Steady on : <7,1V and loss of power supplying
1 flash every 2 sec : >6,4V
1 flash every 1sec : >5,9V
1 flash every0,3sec : >5,7V
Steady on : <5,7V and loss of power supplying
STATUS OF THE BATTERIES
Status of the batteries
indicating lights 1 and 2
3