Flybox APR1 User manual

FLYBOX
®
FLYBOX
®
APR1
Automatic Propeller Regulator
User Manual

FLYBOX
REV 1.0
2
®
User Manual, Safety Instructions
and Warning Booklet
This product is not TSO’d and cannot be installed
into traditional FAA Part 23 and similarly Type-
Certicate Aircraft
Document A2021APR1
Revision#1.0, 09/2021
For rmware version 1.0
This booklet is suitable for printing in A5 format.

FLYBOX
SECTIONS
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INTRODUCTION
IMPORTANT NOTICE AND WARNINGS
INDEX
SYSTEM OVERVIEW
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WARRANTY
DISCLAIMER

FLYBOX Introduction
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Examples of available screens
Homepage: NORMAL
Homepage: IASTAB
Homepage: MAPTAB

FLYBOX
Introduction
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Thank you for purchasing a Flybox® APR1 instrument.
The APR1 instrument is available in 4 dierent models.
This manual describes the use of each of the 4 models.
APR1-LC (standard low current)
APR1-HC (standard high current)
APR1-M-LC (MAP - low current)
APR1-M-HC (MAP - high current)
All models are installable in a standard 2-1/8" (57mm)
hole.
Our intention in developing the APR1 family of
instruments was to create a product that is light and
compact, powerful and easy to use.
The APR1 family of instruments features a highly visible
display, a powerful 32-bit microcontroller and state-of-the-
art solid-state sensors to ensure reliability and accuracy
over time.
The owner has the option of keeping the instrument
software up-to-date by downloading the latest revision
available on www.yboxavionics.it and installing it via a
USB pen drive.
We are condent that our products will be satisfactory and
make your ying experience enjoyable.

FLYBOX Important notice & warnings
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Symbols used in the User Manual
NOTE: Used to highlight important information.
CAUTION: Used to warn the user, it indicates a potentially
hazardous situation or improper use of the product.
WARNING: Used to indicate a dangerous situation that
can cause personal injury or death if the instruction is
disregarded.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH.

FLYBOX
Important notice & warnings
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WARNING: These instructions must be provided to users
before use, and retained for ready reference by the user.
The user must read, understand (or have explained) and
heed all instructions and warnings supplied with this
product and with those products intended for use in
association with it. Always keep a copy of the Installation
and User Manual, Safety Instructions and Warning
Booklet on the aircraft. In case of change of ownership,
the Installation and User Manual, Safety Instructions and
Warning Booklet must be delivered together with all of the
other papers.
WARNING: Read the Installation and User Manual, Safety
Instructions and Warning Booklet before installing the
device on your aircraft and follow the procedure described
therein.
WARNING: This device is intended to be installed on
NON-TYPE CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT ONLY, as it does
NOT require any air operator’s certicate. Refer to your
national aviation authorities to check if this device can be
installed on your aircraft.
WARNING: It is the owner’s responsibility to test this
device before operating the aircraft and to make sure
nobody is using it unless properly instructed and
authorized to do so.
WARNING: Once the installation process is completed, it
is extremely important to test the device before taking o
to make sure it works properly. Therefore, we strongly
suggest to double check all of the electronic instruments
available on the aircraft and to turn them on to verify they
function correctly.

FLYBOX Important notice & warnings
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WARNING: This device is operated through a software
which from time to time can be updated and/or subject to
change. Please, always refer to the Installation and User
Manual, Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet for the
last updated version of the software available on
www.yboxavionics.it
WARNING: It is the responsibility of the installer to
properly install the device on the aircraft. In case of
calibration, or any technical or functional customization of
the device, the responsibility lies with the individual who
carried out such operation.
WARNING: If this product is not used correctly, or it is
subjected to additions or alterations, the eectiveness of
this device may be considerably reduced.
WARNING: Alterations, additions, or repairs not
performed by the instrument manufacturer or by a person
or organization authorized by the manufacturer shall
negate any warranty.
WARNING: The unit isn’t waterproof. Serious damage
could occur if the unit is exposed to water or spray jets.
WARNING: Installation and conguration of this
instrument should only be carried out by trained and
authorised professionals. See the Flyboxavionics website
for a list of authorised installers.

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Important notice & warnings
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NOTE: The consumer decides of his own free will if the
purchased product is suitable and safe for his need. If the
consumer does not agree with the notices contained in this
Installation and user Manual, Safety Instructions and Warning
Booklet, do not install this instrument in his aircraft.
NOTE: Flybox Avionics reserves the right to change or improve
its products as well as terms, conditions, and notices under
which their products are oered without prior notice.
NOTE: The Installation and User Manual, Safety Instructions
and Warning Booklet will be updated annually if needed.
All changes or updates will be published on our website
www.yboxavionics.com in the "support" section.
NOTE: Check the website www.yboxavionics.it periodically for
software and manual updates.
NOTE: For some products, registration may be required to
receive important news or information on available rmware
updates or to receive security information.

FLYBOX Index
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INDEX
Introduction………………………………………… 4
Important notice & warnings……………………… 6
1.0 System Overview……………………………… 12
2.0 Panel Indicators and Commands….………… 14
2.1 Setup Menu Navigation………………………. 15
3.0 Indication on the “Normal” screen.………….. 16
3.1 Indication on the “IASTAB” screen.…………. 18
3.2 Indication on the “MAPTAB” screen.………… 19
4.0 Main Menu……………………………………… 20
4.1 Propeller Test………………………………….. 20
4.2 Dimmer………………………………………… 21
4.3 SETUP………………………………………… 22
4.3.1 Control Submenu………………………….. 22
4.3.2 Manually Modify RPMs in ADV-ADV+ Mode 26
4.3.3 Home Submenu……………………………. 27
4.3.4 Backlight…………………………………….. 28
4.3.5 IAS Setup……………………………………. 29
4.3.6 Debug………………………………………… 31
4.4 Firmware Update……………………………… 32
4.5 Backup/Restore……………………………….. 33
4.6 Logger………………………………………….. 34
4.7 About…………………………………………… 35

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Index
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INDEX
5.0 General Suggestions using the APR1……… 36
5.1 Use in CSPD (constant speed mode)……… 37
5.2 Use in ADV (advanced mode)………………. 40
5.3 Use in ADV+ (advanced plus)………………. 43
Technical specication…………………………… 46
Cleaning…………………………………………… 46
Warranty…………………………………………… 47
Term of use and Disclaimer……………………… 48
Miscellaneous…………………………………….. 49

FLYBOX System overview
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1.0 APR1 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
CONSTRUCTION FEATURES
The APR1 front panel is built from solid aluminum alloy,
CNC milled and powder coated to last a long time over the
years always showing a new appearance. The other parts
of the housing are made of corrosion-protected aluminium.
No plastic parts are used.
ELECTRONICS
The APR1 use a powerful 32 bit microcontroller and the
latest generation of solid state sensors to ensure reliability
and accuracy over time. Thanks to its features, it can
interface with all types of latest-generation engines and
propellers.
ERGONOMICS
• Large TFT display, 320x240 Pixels, 1000 nits,
antiglare surface, sunlight readable, wide temperature
range.
• High quality knob encoder with push button for easy
access to all features.
• Automatic backlight dimming function thanks to
integrated light sensor.
EASY SOFTWARE UPDATE
The user can download any new rmware, when available
from Flybox website, connect a USB pen drive to the
instrument and freely update it with the last features.

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System overview
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EASY DATALOG SAVING
Easy logging of the data for debug purpose. If needed,
The APR1 unit can save a last ight log on the USB pen
drive. The user can then send the log via e-mail to the
installer for a help/support request.
SINGLE LEVER ENGINE CONCEPT
With APR1, the engine revs are automatically set by the
aircraft's speed which is measured by a built-in sensor
connected to the aircraft's static and pitot ports. A graphic
editor allows the installer to draw the best curve for your
engine-propeller-aircraft combination. The APR1 will be
able to hold the most appropriate RPM for each ight
phase. In this way, your powertrain becomes a Single
Lever Engine. Just move the throttle, and your new
system will take care of all the rest.
ABOUT SAFETY
APR1 has been designed with safety in mind. Its high-
current output in HC models, the rapid short-circuit
protection and the possibility of continuing to operate the
propeller pitch in the event of a failure of the internal
electronics by simply setting the red selector to manual,
make it a state-of-the-art instrument.
The -M- versions are equipped with a Manifold pressure
sensor and through an editable curve MAP/RPM, the RPM
are automatically increased if a pressure value too high for
the current RPM is requested. This avoid engine
overtorque.

FLYBOX System overview
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2.0 PANEL INDICATORS & COMMANDS
Knob with pushbutton
Operating
Mode
selector
INC/DEC
Switch
RPM
Ambient Light
Sensor
High
Brightness
color
display
CAUTION: The Operating Mode selector has a safety
lock to avoid accidental operation: it must rst pulled on
the outside and then moved to the desired position.
If it is raised or lowered without rst pulling it, it may
be broken.
The knob can be rotated to select the functions and
increment or decrement the values while pressing it to
conrm.

FLYBOX
Operating Instructions
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2.1 SETUP MENU NAVIGATION
Navigation through the menus is very simple and fast
using the knob.
• Press the knob for 1 second to enter in the Main Menu.
The menu automatically disappears if you don’t press
or rotate the knob for 5 seconds.
• Rotate the knob to navigate through menus and
submenus items.
• The setup system is organized in menus and
submenus; a submenu is a term used to describe a
menu that is contained within another menu.
• Press the knob to enter in the selected item.
• The knob can be rotated to select the functions and
increment or decrement the values while pressing it to
conrm. To exit without changing while editing a
number or multiple choice, keep pressed the knob for
3 seconds.
• The rst items on every menu are Exit or Back. “Exit”
is used to quit the Setup and go directly to the main
screen, “Back” is used to go back to the previous level.
In the rst menu level there is no the “Back” item.

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3.0 Indications on the “Normal” screen
Air speed
indication Air speed unit
Travel Limit
Indication
Target
RPM
USB status
Icon Working
Mode
RPM bar
and pointer
USB status icon: This icon appears only when a USB
ash drive is connected to the instrument.
Its coloring can vary in:
- White > pen drive connected, datalog O
- Green > pen drive connect, datalog ON
- Red > Pen drive connected, error writing data
There are 3 dierent screen you can chose as the main
one, the one dened as "NORMAL" is shown below.
Read chapter 4.3.3 for more.

FLYBOX
Operating Instructions
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Working Mode: the Modes can be
-CSPD >Constant Speed mode, available in all 4 APR1
models. Go to chapters 4.3.1 and 5.1 for a full description.
-ADV >Advance mode, available in all 4 APR1 models.
Go to chapters 4.3.1 and 5.2 for a full description.
-ADV+ > Advance Plus mode, this function is available
in models APR1-M-LC (MAP - low current) and APR1-M-
HC (MAP - high current) only. Go to chapters 4.3.1 and 5.3
for a full description.
RPM bar and pointer: It graphically represents how the
controller is working to keep the set RPMs.
AIR speed unit: Shows the currently selected unit of
measurement for speed indication.
AIR speed indication: Shows the current Air Speed
Indication.
Travel Limit Indication: This indicator can show when
the pitch of the blades is in one of the 2 extreme positions.
For all intermediate positions, this indicator is o.
Target RPM: The RPM shown here are NOT the actual
RPM of the engine. They represent only the desired RPM
at this stage of ight, whether set by the pilot (CSPD
mode) or derived from the automatic modes (ADV and
ADV+).

FLYBOX Operating Instructions
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3.1 Indications on the “IASTAB” screen
Air speed
indication Air speed unit
Travel Limit
Indication
Target
RPM
Speed/
RPM
Curve
USB status
Icon
Working
Mode
The display shows how the Speed/RPM curve is followed.
The blue reference lines run across the curve graphically
indicating the intersection of Speed/RPM. The input speed
value and the resulting RPMs are also shown in numerical
value.
There are 3 dierent screen you can chose as the main
one, the one dened as "IASTAB" is described below.
Read chapter 4.3.3 for more.

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Operating Instructions
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Target
RPM
MAP/RPM
Curve
3.2 Indications on the “MAPTAB” screen
MAP
indication MAP unit
Travel Limit
Indication
USB status
Icon
Working
Mode
The display shows how the MAP/RPM curve is followed.
The blue reference lines run across the curve graphically
indicating at the current MAP value how much minimum
RPM is required. The input MAP values and the resulting
RPMs are also shown in numerical value.
There are 3 dierent screen you can chose as the main
one, the one dened as "MAPTAB" is described below.
Read chapter 4.3.3 for more.

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4.0 MAIN MENU
4.1 Propeller test
Select it to execute a propeller self-test before take-o.
The device will increase the propeller pitch to check the
correct working of the regulator/propeller system, then it
will bring it back to minimum pitch.
To execute this test you must rev up the engine to an
appropriate value (for example 4500 RPM for a ROTAX
912) and press the knob conrming to start the propeller
test.
The APR1 will increase the pitch until the propeller reach
the RPM value your installer has dened.
Once reached this minimum value (4000 RPM for
example) it returns to the initial RPM (in this example 4500
RPM).
While the APR1 is performing the Propeller-test, you can
press the knob or the INC/DEC switch to stop the test and
to bring the propeller to the minimum pitch position.
Exit
Conrm to go back to the main screen.