MGL Avionics Blaze TP-4 User manual

Introduction
The TP-4 is a 3 1/8” (80mm) sunlight readable 4 channel universal analog input color displa instrument. Each channel
can be individuall programmed to displa either pressure, temperature, current or volts from a universal analog input that
can interface to man sensors such as oil temperature, coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel pressure, manifold
pressure, boost pressure and man more.
The TP-4 can displa an combination of 1 to 4 analog channels in a horizontal / vertical bargraph or a numeric displa
format.
Pressure can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO 2, 5 and 10 Bar), Rotax 4-20mA
senders as well as voltage output pressure senders (e.g. UMA). Temperature can be measured using standard
automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach) as well as the MGL Avionics precision LM335 semiconductor sensor.
In addition the temperature, pressure and current inputs can be programmed to a user defined curve for custom senders.
All analog channels have a programmable low and high alarm. This results in a contact closure that is t picall used to
switch a warning lamp on. The TP-4 also records the minimum and maximum values reached for each channel in
permanent memor .
The TP-4 can also be interfaced via the CAN bus to an external RDAC unit (Remote Data Acquisition Computer). This
allows for easier installation as the RDAC unit is normall mounted in the engine compartment.
Blaze TP-4
4 Channel Universal Analog input
(Pressure / Temperature / Current / Volts
indicator
Operating Manual – English 1.04

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1 Features
•Large 2.6” high resolution 320x240, IPS (fully viewa le in all directions), sunlight reada le color LCD
display
• Four universal analog inputs that can be used for pressure / temperature / current or volts
• Pressure can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO 2, 5 and 10Bar , Rotax
4-20mA senders as well as voltage output pressure senders (e.g. UMA
• Temperature can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach as well
as the MGL Avionics precision LM335 semiconductor sensor
• Current can be measured using the MGL Avionics Magnetic Closed Loop Current Sensor (Sold Separately
• High accuracy: Built in linearization curves for common senders
• Analog channels can be programmed to a user defined curve for custom senders
• Supports the Rotax 4-20mA pressure sender as used in the 912/914 engines
• Temperatures can be displayed in ºC or ºF
• Pressure can be displayed in psi or bar
• Records minimum and maximum values reached for each channel
• External RDAC (Remote Data Acquisition Computer interfacing via the CAN bus
• Includes a RS232 serial output for interfacing to external equipment e.g dataloggers etc.
• Standard 3 1/8” (80mm aircraft enclosure (can be front or rear mounted
• The LED backlight can automatically adjust to the ambient light, or it can be manually adjusted in the
menu system
• Rotary control plus 2 independent buttons for easy menu navigation and user input
• An external output activates when a high alarm condition has been reached
• Wide input supply voltage range of 8 to 30V DC with built in voltage reversal and over voltage protection
for harsh electrical environments
• 1 year limited warranty

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2 Layout
3 Main Displays
The TP-4 has 3 different main displa screens. The main displa screen can be selected b rotating the rotar control.
Horizontal Display Vertical Display
Numeric Display Max Values
F2 / Down Button:
Menu S stem: Softke button
Rotary Control (Up/Down & Enter Button:
Press the rotar control during the normal displa screens to access the menu s stem.
Rotate anti/clockwise for up/down menu scrolling. Rotate the rotar control during the
normal displa mode to change the main displa screen.
F1 / Up Button:
Menu S stem: Softke button
3 1/8” (80mm) enclosure.
Can be front or rear mounted
Ambient light sensor
Sunlight readable color graphic display:
The backlight can automaticall adjust
to the ambient light or it can be manuall
adjusted in the menu s stem

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3.1 Horizontal display
The below images show the horizontal displa mode displa ing 1,2,3 and 4 channels
3.2 Vertical display
The below images show the vertical displa mode displa ing 1,2,3 and 4 channels
3.3 Numeric display
The below images show the numeric displa mode displa ing 2,3 and 4 channels
3.4 Maximum Values display
This displa can be accessed b rotating the rotar control during the normal displa
mode. Press the F1/Up button when the max values displa is showing to reset the
maximum values.
Note: The maximum values are stored in non-volatile
memory and are recalled on power-up.

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4 Menu System
Press the rotar control button during the normal displa mode to enter the menu s stem. Use the rotar control to
navigate through the menu s stem.
4.1 Exiting the menu system
Press the F1/Up button to exit the menu s stem when the “EXIT” soft ke is shown. All changes made during navigation
of the menu s stem will be saved in non-volatile memor upon exiting. The instrument will not save an changes if ou
remove power before exiting the menu s stem.

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4.2 CH1 to CH4 Setup (Analog Channel Setup
The 4 analog channels are universal analog input channels that can be used for pressure, temperature, current or volts.
Only “CHANNEL 1” Setup is shown below, follow the same steps for Channel 2, 3 & 4
4.2.1 Pressure Setup
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS” or “OFF”.
Type:
Select if ou are using a resistive, voltage or current pressure sender.
If the “RESISTIVE” pressure sender is selected
Sender:
Select what t pe of resistive pressure sender ou are using. Select “VDO” for VDO / resistive senders, “USER” for a
custom sender.

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Model:
Select which VDO pressure sender ou are using. A selection between a VDO 2, 5 or 10 Bar can be selected.
If the “VOLTAGE” pressure sender is selected
Sender:
Select the t pe of voltage sender ou are using. Select “UMA” for UMA senders, "0.5-4.5V" for voltage senders, or
“USER” for a custom voltage sender.
Model:
For UMA senders select the UMA model number.
If the “CURRENT” pressure sender is selected
Sender:
Select the t pe of current sender ou are using. Select “4-20mA” for Rotax 912/914 4-20mA sender or “USER” for a
custom 4-20mA sender.
Pressure @ 4 A:
Enter the pressure specified at 4mA output.
Pressure @ 20 A:
Enter the pressure specified at 20mA output.
Menu options for all sender types
If the “USER" pressure sender is selected
Calibrate Sender:
If the sender t pe is set to “USER”, then use this menu option to calibrate our pressure sender. See section 4.2.3 for
more information.
Label:
Enter a label to suit our pressure channel so ou can identif it easil .
Unit:
Select whether ou want to displa the pressure in Bar, psi or psi(0.1). The psi(0.1) is for low range pressure senders e.g.
UMA 7PSI.
Display Max:
Select the maximum pressure that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
Display Max:
Select the minimum pressure that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the pressure high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the pressure threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. An pressure above this value will activate the
alarm.

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High Caution:
Enter the pressure value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the upper ellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the pressure value for the low caution. This is the upper value of the lower ellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the pressure low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the pressure threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. An pressure below this value will activate the
alarm.
Data:
Select the data source of the pressure signal. Options include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-4)
or from an optional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.

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4.2.2 Temperature Setup
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS” or “OFF”.
Sender:
Select what t pe of sender ou are using. Select “VDO 120” for a VDO 120 degree NTC sender, Select “VDO 150” for a
VDO 150 degree NTC sender, “WESTACH” for Westach 339 NTC sender, “MGL” for a MGL NTC sender, “LM335” for a
MGL precision temperature sender or “USER” for a custom sender.
If the sender type is set to “USER"
CALIBRATE SENDER:
If the sender t pe is set to “USER”, then use this menu option to calibrate our pressure sender. See section 4.2.3 for
more information.
If the sender type is set to “LM335"
LM335:
If the sender t pe is set to LM335, then use this menu option to calibrate our LM335 precision temperature sender. If
recalibration is required then adjust the value until the temperature matches the reference ambient temperature. Please
note that the LM335 can onl be calibrated in degrees Celsius irrespective if the TP-4 is setup to displa temperature in
Fahrenheit.
Menu options for all sender types
Label:
Enter a label to suit our temperature channel so ou can identif it easil .
Te p Unit:
Select whether ou want the temperature to be displa ed in degrees Celcius (ºC) or in degrees Fahrenheit (ºF).
Display Max:

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Select the maximum temperature that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum temperature that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the temperature high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the temperature threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. An temperature above this value will activate
the alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the temperature value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the upper ellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the temperature value for the low caution. This is the upper value of the lower ellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the temperature low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the temperature threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. An temperature below this value will activate
the alarm.
Data:
Select the data source of the temperature signal. Options include internal (using one of the analog channels within the
TP-4) or from an optional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.
4.2.3 Calibrating the user defined pressure,temperature and current
senders
1. Enter the number of points that ou want to calibrate.
2. Enter the displa reading that ou want to show when the sender is at that actual
displa reading.
3. Enter the ADC (analog to digital converter) reading that corresponds to this displa
reading. The ADC reading is shown at the top of the displa if ou are appl ing the
actual stimulus from the temperature, pressure or current sender. You can also
manuall enter this value if the ADC value is known or pre-calculated.
4. Continue entering displa and ADC values until all the points have been entered.
5. Verif the above calibration b checking the temperature, pressure or current displa
versus the actual applied sender stimulus.

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4.2.4 Current Setup (MGL Avionics Magnetic Closed Loop Current Sensor
required
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS” or “OFF”.
Label:
Enter a label to suit our current channel so ou can identif it easil .
Display Max:
Select the maximum current that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum current that ou want the bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the current high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the current threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. An current above this value will activate the
alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the current value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the upper ellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the current value for the low caution. This is the upper value of the lower ellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the current low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the current threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. An current below this value will activate the alarm.

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Zero Sensor:
Select this function to indicate to the TP-4 that zero current is flowing through the MGL
Avionics Closed Loop Current sensor. This is best done with the MGL Closed Loop
Current sensor disconnected from the main current suppl ing conductor.
Gain:
Adjust the gain factor until the current is reading correctl . It will be best if a multimeter can be inserted in series with the
current suppl ing conductor and the gain calibration adjusted until the TP-4 matches that of the multimeter. Please see
the MGL Avionics Closed Loop Current Sensor documentation for more information.
Data:
Select the data source of the current signal. Options include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-4) or
from an optional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.

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4.2.5 Volts Setup
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS” or “OFF”.
Label:
Enter a label to suit our volts channel so ou can identif it easil .
Display Max:
Select the maximum value that ou want the volts bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum value that ou want the volts bargraph to show. This can give ou increased displa resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the volts high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the voltage threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. An voltage above this value will activate the
alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the voltage for the high caution. This is the lower value of the upper ellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the voltage for the low caution. This is the upper value of the lower ellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the volts low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the voltage threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. An voltage below this value will activate the alarm.
Cal:
Measure the batter voltage with a multimeter and then adjust this value to match that of the multimeters volts reading.

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4.3 COMM Setup (Communication Setup
Serial Out:
Select “ON” to enable the RS232 serial output.
Unit Address:
Enter the unit address.
Baud Rate:
Select the desired baud rate of the serial output.
The transmission format is set to 8 data bits, No parit , 1 stop bit. The baud rate can be changed in the Communication
Menu.
4.3.1 Protocol Format
STX, Address, Message type, Length, Data payload, Checksum, ETX
STX: Start of text (0x02)
Address: unsigned char (8bit), Unit address (range 0-255)
Message T pe: unsigned char (8bit), Specifies the message t pe
Length: unsigned char (8bit), Length of the data pa load (does not include the STX, Address, message t pe, checksum or
ETX)
Data pa load: Data
Checksum: unsigned char (8bit), XOR of all b tes starting from the unit address to the end of the data pa load. The
checksum is seeded with 0xa5. (does not include the STX or ETX)
ETX: End of text (0x03)

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4.3.2 Data payload
Message t pe=8
Data Length=10 b tes
Output Rate=1Hz
Analog Channel T pe: Unsigned Int (16 bits)
CH4 (4 bits), CH3 (4 bits), CH2 (4 bits), CH1 (4 bits)
0=Off
1=Pressure
2=Temperature
3=Current
5=Volts
Analog Channel 1: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Temperature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Analog Channel 2: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Temperature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Analog Channel 3: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Temperature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Analog Channel 4: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Temperature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V

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4.4 MISC Setup (Miscellaneous Setup
Backlight:
Select manual or automatic backlight control.
Use the rotar control in manual mode to adjust the backlight brightness.
Allow 3 seconds for the displa to adjust to the ambient lighting conditions when using
the automatic backlight mode. The displa will set the backlight to the dim setting if the
ambient light is less then the threshold setting, alternativel the displa will set the
backlight to the bright setting if the ambient light is greater then the threshold setting. The
ambient light received is shown as the ADC value in the top header. Use this value to set
the threshold value.
Security Setup:
Select this menu option if ou want to password protect the menu s stem.

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Infor ation:
This menu option displa s information about the unit.
Default Settings:
Select this menu option to reset all the settings to factor defaults.
5 Loading factory default settings
Press and hold the F1/Up button and rotar control during power up to load the pre-
programmed factor default settings. The following screen will be displa ed:
Factor default settings can also be loaded in the Miscellaneous setup menu.

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6 Error Messages
Unit settings CRC error. Load default settings to restore to factor defaults. If the error
message still persists then it could possibl be a non-volatile memor failure in which
case the instrument will then have to be returned to the factor .
Internal flash CRC error. The instrument does a firmware check on the program when
power is applied to the instrument . If the program is corrupt in an wa then the internal
flash CRC error will be displa ed. Reload the instruments firmware and load default
settings. If the error message still persists then it could possibl be an internal flash
memor failure in which case the instrument will then have to be returned to the factor .
Max Values CRC error. Load default settings to restore to factor defaults. If the error
message still persists then it could possibl be a non-volatile memor failure in which
case the instrument will then have to be returned to the factor .
The red cross over the displa means the TP-4 has lost communications with the
external RDAC unit. Check the wiring between the TP-4 instrument and the RDAC unit.
This error message is onl available when the external RDAC is selected as the analog
data source.

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7 Specifications
Operating Temperature Range -10ºC to 60ºC (14ºF to 140ºF)
Storage Temperature Range -20ºC to 80ºC (-4ºF to 176ºF)
Humidity <85% non-condensing
Power Supply 8 to 30Vdc SMPS (switch mode power suppl ) with built in 33V over
voltage and reverse voltage protection
Current Consumption Approx. 125mA @ 12V (backlight highest setting), 50mA @12V (backlight
lowest setting)
Display
2.6” 320x240 IPS color LCD displa
Minimum 600cd/m2 brightness
Sunlight readable with anti-glare coating
LED Backlight can be set to automatic or can be manuall adjusted
Alarm Output Open collector transistor switch to ground
Maximum rating 0.25A
ADC 12 bit
Dimensions see Blaze series dimensional drawing
Enclosure 3 1/8” (80mm) ABS, black in color, front or rear mounting. Flame retardant.
Weight Approx. 160 grams (Instrument excluding cables)
Non-volatile memory storage 100000 write c cles
Analog Input Channels 4 total with dipswitch programmable pullup resistor
Pressure Sensors
VDO Resistive Sender: The TP-4 supports the VDO 2, 5 and 10 Bar
senders. VDO pressure senders used to measure fuel pressure require the
fuel isolation kit available from VDO.
Rotax 4-20mA Sender: The TP-4 supports the 4-20mA pressure
sender as used in Rotax 912/914 engines.
Voltage Output Pressure Senders: e.g. UMA senders that output
a voltage signal. A 0.5-4.5V sender selection is also available.
UMA N/T 1EU07G(M): 7PSI (0.5Bar) for carburated engine (Rotax)
UMA N/T 1EU35G(M): 35PSI (2.4Bar) for carburated engine
(L coming/Continental)
UMA N/T 1EU100G(M): 100PSI (6.9Bar) for injected (L coming /
Continental)
(M) is MGL modified senders
The TP-4 includes linearisation curves for the UMA N/T 1EU07, N/T
1EU35, N/T 1EU70, N/T 1EU70A, N/T 1EU100 and N/T 1EU150 pressure
senders
User defined senders: TP-4 has a user sender calibration feature
that can be customized for senders not listed above.
Temperature Sensors
VDO Resistive Senders: VDO 120ºC and VDO 150ºC thermistor
senders supported.
MGL NTC Resistive Sender: Echlin TS920SA (32040) automotive
temperature sender
MGL Precision LM335 semiconductor: Based on ON
Semiconductors LM335 temperature sensor

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Westach Resistive Senders: Westach 399 thermistor series
temperature senders.
User defined senders: The TP-4 has a user sender calibration
feature that can be customized for senders not listed above
Current Sensors MGL Avionics Magnetic Closed Loop Current Sensor
Voltage measurement range Up to 32Vdc
Voltage resolution 0.1V
8 Operating the alarms
The alarm output can be used to switch an external alarm indicator. The external alarm switch is an open collector
transistor switch to ground with a maximum rating of 0.25A DC. It is possible to wire the alarm contacts of several
Stratomaster instruments in parallel should this be desired. To avoid false activation of the alarms, the alarm function is
onl active 10 seconds after the instrument has powered up.
9 Firmware Upgrading
The TP-4 can be upgraded in the field b connecting the RS232 port to a PC and running the firmware update program.
Note that only the RS232 port can be used to upgrade the firmware.
Please see the Blaze firmware upgrading document for more information.