Eagle Tree Systems Airspeed MicroSensor V3 User manual

Copyright © 2008 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
Instr ction Man al for the Airspeed MicroSensor V3
Doc ment Version 1.1
Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Airspeed MicroSensor
V3 (the MicroSensor). Please read the entire manual carefully before proceeding. f, after you read the manual, you have further
questions or problems, see the Support page on http://www.eagletreesystems.com for additional information, or email us at
[e-mail]. Please visit our support web page for the full color, electronic version of this manual which may be
updated if changes were made after printing, or if you want to view the manual on your computer.
What the MicroSensor Does
The MicroSensor is a precision instrument that uses a Prandtl style pitot-static tube to measure airspeed, just as full sized planes do.
Advanced temperature compensation and calibration ensure the best possible accuracy. When used standalone, the MicroSensor displays
your maximum speed on the built-in 7 segment LED display. Additionally, the MicroSensor can be connected to your eLogger (any
version) to provide airspeed data for your entire flight. When connected to the eLogger, airspeed can be displayed and graphed using the
eLogger’s Windows software.
IMPORTANT: t is extremely unlikely that the installation of the MicroSensor will affect your model’s radio range or control. But, as
always after making an electronics change to your model, it is very important that you range and function test your model once the
MicroSensor is installed to ensure that there is no impact on your system.
Packing List
Your package should include the following: The MicroSensor, a machined brass and aluminum Prandtl style pitot-static tube, the Standalone
Cable, two lengths of approximately 3 foot (1 meter) small diameter silicon hose, and a printed version of this manual. NOTE: Additional
Pitot Tube kits are available for purchase on our website, for use with multiple models.
Installing the Pitot T be and MicroSensor in yo r Model
Using two lengths of the included small diameter silicon tube, the pressure and static connections of the pitot tube connect to the “+” and “-”
ports of the MicroSensor, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. t is best to mount the pitot tube in your model first, then determine where
you will mount the MicroSensor, and then cut the two lengths of silicon tube so they reach between the two.
Follow these guidelines when mounting the pitot tube:
1. The pickup end of the pitot tube (the silver colored tip) should be pointing toward the direction of the model’s travel. While best results
will be obtained if the pitot tube is perfectly aligned with the direction of travel in both axes, the “Prandtl” design of the tube will
compensate somewhat for higher angles of attack.
2. The static holes on the pitot
tube (shown on Figure 1)
should extend at least 1/2”
(13mm) past the wing’s
leading edge, or past any other
obstructions - the farther out,
the better. This is to ensure
that the static holes and pitot
pickup are in undisturbed air.
3. For prop planes, it’s important
that the tube be placed so that
it is not directly in the plane’s
prop-wash, which will result in
erroneous readings. The best
place to install the tube is on
the leading edge of the wing

Copyright © 2008 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
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several inches out from the fuselage, as shown in Figure 1.
4. For jets, gliders, or “pusher” prop planes, the nose cone often provides a perfect mounting location.
After Pitot Tube installation, it is recommended that you glue or otherwise attach the silicon hose to the airframe, to reduce the chance that
hose vibration or movement could cause erroneous readings.
The MicroSensor circuit board can be mounted anywhere in the model. f you wish to read the LED without removing the wing, a small
rectangular hole can be cut at the mounting location of the circuit board, and the board mounted with tape or Velcro, so that the LED is
visible at all times.
Using the MicroSensor in Standalone Mode
Powering the MicroSensor in Standalone Mode
For standalone mode (not connected to an eLogger), connect
the Standalone Cable to the gold pins of the MicroSensor, as
shown in Figure 2. Note that the RED wire of the standalone
cable corresponds with the red dot on the label.
The JR/Universal servo end of the Standalone Cable connects
to a spare Receiver channel or small battery. Note that the
voltage must be between 3V and 16V. Do not exceed 16V!
IMPORTANT: Ens re that yo connect the Standalone
Cable with the correct polarity, or the MicroSensor co ld
be damaged, voiding the warranty!
Note that in Standalone Mode, the 4 wire cable b ilt into
the MicroSensor m st NOT be connected to anything!
Config ring Metric vs English Units in Standalone Mode
When powered on, the LED readout will briefly display “0” if the unit is configured for English (MPH), or will display a “1” if configured
for metric (KPH). The factory default configuration is MPH.
To switch between English and metric units, connect the
Standalone Cable as described above, but don’t power the
MicroSensor. Then, connect a small piece of wire between the
unconnected pins of the Standalone Cable’s 4 pin connector,
corresponding to the brown and yellow dots on the label, as
shown in Figure 3. This creates a jumper between the brown
and yellow labeled pins.
Then, power the MicroSensor via the Standalone Cable. A “0”
will then flash a few times to indicate that English units are
configured, or a “1” will flash if Metric units are configured. f
the wrong units are configured, just disconnect the power from the MicroSensor and reconnect it.
Once the desired units are configured, disconnect from power and remove the wire jumper. Then, when reconnected to power, the desired
units should be displayed briefly (“0” or “1”).
Reading Airspeed in Standalone Mode
When the MicroSensor is powered on, after the Units setting is displayed (“0” or “1”), the highest speed attained during your last flight is
repeatedly displayed, one digit at a time, on the LED. For example, if the highest speed attained was 120MPH, “1 – 2 – 0” will flash
repeatedly on the LED, with a pause (blank LED) after the speed is completely displayed, but before it is displayed again.
After landing from your next flight, the highest speed attained during that flight is displayed automatically, overwriting the highest speed
from your prior flight. Note that a speed of at least 9 MPH (15 KPH) must be attained before a new highest speed is displayed.

Copyright © 2008 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
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The highest speed of your last flight is automatically saved, so that when you turn the unit back on, that speed is displayed.
For example, if you fly and reach a max speed of 100 MPH, when you land “1 – 0 – 0” will be displayed. Then, when you turn power off
and on, “1 – 0 – 0” will again be displayed. f you then fly again and reach a speed of 50 MPH, “5 – 0” will be displayed when you land.
Using the MicroSensor with your eLogger
Windows Application and Firmware Update
To use the MicroSensor, you must update to Eagle Tree Windows Application version 6.77 or higher. To update, download the latest
application from the support page of our website, located at http://eagletreesystems.com/Support/apps.htm . After downloading and
installing the Application, the firmware of your MicroPower eLogger will need to be updated. To upgrade your firmware, just choose
“Tools, Firmware Control” and click the Update button.
Connecting the MicroSensor to the eLogger V3
The MicroSensor plugs into the “LCD/TX” port of your eLogger V3, as shown in Figure 4. f you have a PowerPanel or other
MicroSensors, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your MicroSensor, with the polarity as indicated on the
MicroSensor label. NOTE: The Standalone Cable m st not be sed when connected to the eLogger!
Connecting the MicroSensor to the eLogger V1/V2
The MicroSensor plugs into the “Aux” or “LCD” port of your eLogger V1/V2, as shown in Figure 4. f you have a PowerPanel or other
MicroSensors, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your MicroSensor, with the polarity as indicated on the
MicroSensor label. NOTE: The Standalone Cable m st not be sed when connected to the eLogger!
Config ring the MicroSensor with the Windows Application
f you have not already done so, set up the Recorder software as described in your instruction manual. Then, choose one or more of the
MicroSensor options below:
Logging Airspeed
To log airspeed, just click “Hardware, Choose Parameters to Log in the Recorder” and check the “Airspeed” box.
Displaying Airspeed in the Windows Application
To display the Airspeed Gauge and/or Numeric Airspeed Display, click “Software, Choose nstruments to Display on the PC Screen” and
check the “Airspeed ndicator Gauge,” and/or “Numeric Speed” boxes.
Graphing Airspeed
To graph airspeed, click “Chart, 2D Chart,” select either the Left Y Axis or Right Y Axis, and select “Speed” for graphing.
Displaying Airspeed on the PowerPanel
Select “Hardware, Configure PowerPanel Display”, and choose “Speed” for PowerPanel display.
Tro bleshooting
Below is a list of problems that may be encountered, and steps to remedy them. f your particular issue is not addressed by the below, see
the Support page on http://eagletreesystems.com or email [e-mail]. nclude a full description of your problem, your
PC configuration, your Eagle Tree hardware and software versions, and any other relevant information.

Copyright © 2008 Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
http://www.eagletreesystems.com
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Iss e: Airspeed doesn’t vary in my recordings
Sol tions:
• Ensure that the MicroSensor is connected correctly to the MicroPower
• Ensure that you are logging airspeed, under “Tools, Choose Parameters to Log in the Recorder”
• Ensure that the Pitot Tube is connected
Iss e: My plane shows an airspeed variation during warm-up on the ground as rev the throttle.
Sol tion: This problem can occur when the Pitot Tube’s opening is being hit by prop-wash. The solution is to move the tube farther away
from propeller airflow. Note that slight variations in speed is normal when stationary.
Specifications (Approx)
• Measures airspeed from 2 MPH to 350 MPH (3KPH to 563KPH), with 1 MPH (1 KPH) Resolution
• Power input (Standalone Mode) – 3V to 16V
• Circuit Board: Weight 4 grams (0.15 oz), dimensions 28 mm x 16 mm x 10 mm (1.1” x 0.62” x 0.4”)
• Pitot Tube: Weight 3 grams (0.1 oz), length 80mm (3.2”), diameter 4 mm (0.16”)
• Precalibrated – no user calibration required
• Advanced Temperature Compensation
• Metric or English units
Limited Warranty
Eagle Tree Systems, LLC, warrants the MicroSensor to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one
(1) year from the date of original purchase. This warranty is nontransferable. f your unit requires warranty service during
this period, we will replace or repair it at our option. Shipping cost to us is your responsibility. To obtain warranty service,
email [e-mail] for further instructions.
This limited warranty does not cover:
• The Software. See the Software license agreement for more information on Software restrictions.
• Problems that result from:
o External causes such as accident, abuse, misuse, or problems with electrical power
o Servicing not authorized by us
o Usage that is not in accordance with product instructions
o Failure to follow the product instructions
TH S WARRANTY G VES YOU SPEC F C LEGAL R GHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER R GHTS WH CH
VARY FROM STATE TO STATE (OR JUR SD CT ON TO JUR SD CT ON). OUR RESPONS B L TY FOR
MALFUNC TONS AND DEFECTS N HARDWARE S L M TED TO REPA R AND REPLACEMENT AS SET FORTH N
TH S WARRANTY STATEMENT. ALL EXPRESS AND MPL ED WARRANT ES FOR THE PRODUCT, NCLUD NG,
BUT NOT L M TED TO, ANY MPL ED WARRANT ES AND COND T ONS OF MERCHANTAB L TY AND F TNESS
FOR A PART CULAR PURPOSE, ARE L M TED N T ME TO THE TERM OF THE L M TED WARRANTY PER OD AS
DESCR BED ABOVE. NO WARRANT ES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR MPL ED, W LL APPLY AFTER THE L M TED
WARRANTY PER OD HAS EXP RED. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW L M TAT ONS ON HOW LONG AN MPL ED
WARRANTY LASTS, SO TH S L M TAT ON MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.
WE DO NOT ACCEPT L AB L TY BEYOND THE REMED ES PROV DED FOR N TH S L M TED WARRANTY OR
FOR CONSEQUENT AL OR NC DENTAL DAMAGES, NCLUD NG, W THOUT L M TAT ON, ANY L AB LTY FOR
TH RD-PARTY CLA MS AGA NST YOU FOR DAMAGES, FOR PRODUCTS NOT BE NG AVA LABLE FOR USE, OR
FOR LOST DATA OR LOST SOFTWARE. OUR L AB L TY W LL BE NO MORE THAN THE AMOUNT YOU PA D
FOR THE PRODUCT THAT S THE SUBJECT OF A CLA M. TH S S THE MAX MUM AMOUNT FOR WH CH WE
ARE RESPONS BLE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUS ON OR L M TAT ON OF NC DENTAL OR
CONSEQUENT AL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE L M TAT ON OR EXCLUS ON MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.