MGL Avionics Vega TP-3 User manual

Introduction
The TP-3 is a 2 1/4” (57mm) sunlight readable 4 channel universal analog in ut color dis lay instrument. Each channel
can be individually rogrammed to dis lay either ressure, tem erature, current, volts, fuel level or as a generic in ut
from a from a universal analog in ut that can interface to many sensors such as oil tem erature, coolant tem erature, oil
ressure, fuel ressure, manifold ressure, boost ressure and many more.
The TP-3 can dis lay any combination of 1 to 4 analog channels in a horizontal / vertical bargra h or a numeric dis lay
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 out ut ressure senders (e.g. UMA). Tem erature can be measured using standard
automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach) as well as the MGL Avionics recision LM335 semiconductor sensor.
In addition the tem erature, ressure and current in uts can be rogrammed to a user defined curve for custom senders.
All analog channels have a rogrammable low and high alarm. This results in a contact closure that is ty ically used to
switch a warning lam on. The TP-3 also records the minimum and maximum values reached for each channel in
ermanent memory.
The TP-3 can also be interfaced via the CAN bus to an external RDAC unit (Remote Data Acquisition Com uter). This
allows for easier installation as the RDAC unit is normally mounted in the engine com artment.
Vega TP-3
4 Channel Universal Analog input
(Pressure / Temperature / Current / Volts /
Fuel evel / Generic Analog input)
indicator
Operating Manual – English 1.08

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1 Features
•Large 1.8” high resolution 160x128, sunlight readable, wide viewing angle, 1000 cd/m2 T T LCD display
• Four universal analog inputs that can be used for pressure / temperature / current / volts / fuel level or as a
generic analog input
• 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 MG Avionics precision M335 semiconductor sensor
• Current can be measured using the Closed oop 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 2 1/4” (57mm) aircraft enclosure (can be front or rear mounted)
• 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 ayout
3 Main Displays
The TP-3 has 3 different main dis lay screens. The main dis lay screen can be selected by rotating the rotary control.
Horizontal Display Vertical Display
Numeric Display Max Values
F2 / Down Button:
Menu System: Softkey button
Sunlight readable color
graphic display:
Backlight can be adjusted in the
menu system
Rotary Control (Up/Down) & Enter Button:
Press the rotary control during the normal dis lay screens to access the menu system.
Rotate anti/clockwise for u /down menu scrolling. Rotate the rotary control during the
normal dis lay mode to change the main dis lay screen.
F1 / Up Button:
Menu System: Softkey button
2 1/4” enclosure.
Can be front or rear mounted

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3.1 Horizontal display
The below images show the horizontal dis lay mode dis laying 1,2,3 and 4 channels
3.2 Vertical display
The below images show the vertical dis lay mode dis laying 1,2,3 and 4 channels
3.3 Numeric display
The below images show the numeric dis lay mode dis laying 2,3 and 4 channels
3.4 Maximum Values display
This dis lay can be accessed by rotating the rotary control during the normal dis lay
mode. Press the F1/U button when the max values dis lay 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 rotary control button during the normal dis lay mode to enter the menu system. Use the rotary control to
navigate through the menu system.
4.1 Exiting the menu system
Press the F1/U button to exit the menu system when the “EXIT” soft key is shown. All changes made during navigation
of the menu system will be saved in non-volatile memory u on exiting. The instrument will not save any changes if you
remove ower before exiting the menu system.

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4.2 CH1 to CH4 Setup (Analog Channel Setup)
The 4 analog channels are universal analog in ut channels that can be used for ressure, tem erature, current, volts, fuel
level or as a generic analog in ut.
Only “CHANNE 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. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Type:
Select if you are using a resistive, voltage or current ressure sender.

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If the “RESISTIVE” pressure sender is selected
Sender:
Select what ty e of resistive ressure sender you are using. Select “VDO” for VDO / resistive senders, “USER” for a
custom sender.
Model:
Select which VDO ressure sender you 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 ty e of voltage sender you 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 ty e of current sender you 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 ressure s ecified at 4mA out ut.
Pressure @ 20 A:
Enter the ressure s ecified at 20mA out ut.
Menu options for all sender types
If the “USER" pressure sender is selected
Calibrate Sender:
If the sender ty e is set to “USER”, then use this menu o tion to calibrate your ressure sender. See section 4.2.3 for
more information.
Label:
Enter a label to suit your ressure channel so you can identify it easily.
Unit:
Select whether you want to dis lay the ressure in Bar, si or si(0.1). The si(0.1) is for low range ressure senders e.g.
UMA 7PSI.
Display Max:
Select the maximum ressure that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
Display Max:
Select the minimum ressure that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.

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High Alar :
This enables or disables the ressure high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the ressure threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. Any ressure above this value will activate the
alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the ressure value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the u er yellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the ressure value for the low caution. This is the u er value of the lower yellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the ressure low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the ressure threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. Any ressure below this value will activate the
alarm.
Data:
Select the data source of the ressure signal. O tions include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3)
or from an o tional 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. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Sender:
Select what ty e of sender you 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 recision tem erature sender or “USER” for a custom sender.
If the sender type is set to “USER"
CALIBRATE SENDER:
If the sender ty e is set to “USER”, then use this menu o tion to calibrate your ressure sender. See section 4.2.3 for
more information.
If the sender type is set to “LM335"
LM335:
If the sender ty e is set to LM335, then use this menu o tion to calibrate your LM335 recision tem erature sender. If
recalibration is required then adjust the value until the tem erature matches the reference ambient tem erature. Please
note that the LM335 can only be calibrated in degrees Celsius irres ective if the TP-3 is setu to dis lay tem erature in
Fahrenheit.
Menu options for all sender types
Label:
Enter a label to suit your tem erature channel so you can identify it easily.
Te p Unit:
Select whether you want the tem erature to be dis layed in degrees Celcius (ºC) or in degrees Fahrenheit (ºF).

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Display Max:
Select the maximum tem erature that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum tem erature that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the tem erature high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the tem erature threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. Any tem erature above this value will activate
the alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the tem erature value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the u er yellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the tem erature value for the low caution. This is the u er value of the lower yellow band.
Low Alar :
This enables or disables the tem erature low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the tem erature threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. Any tem erature below this value will activate
the alarm.
Data:
Select the data source of the tem erature signal. O tions include internal (using one of the analog channels within the
TP-3) or from an o tional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.
4.2.3 Calibrating the user defined pressure, temperature or generic
input analog senders
1. Enter the number of oints that you want to calibrate.
2. Enter the dis lay reading that you want to show when the sender is at that actual
dis lay reading.
3. Enter the ADC (analog to digital converter) reading that corres onds to this dis lay
reading. The ADC reading is shown at the to of the dis lay if you are a lying the
actual stimulus from the tem erature, ressure or current sender. You can also
manually enter this value if the ADC value is known or re-calculated.
4. Continue entering dis lay and ADC values until all the oints have been entered.
5. Verify the above calibration by checking the tem erature, ressure or current dis lay
versus the actual a lied sender stimulus.

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4.2.4 Current Setup (MG Avionics Magnetic Closed oop Current Sensor
required)
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Label:
Enter a label to suit your current channel so you can identify it easily.
Display Max:
Select the maximum current that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum current that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay 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. Any 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 u er yellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the current value for the low caution. This is the u er value of the lower yellow 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. Any current below this value will activate the alarm.

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Zero Sensor:
Select this function to indicate to the TP-3 that zero current is flowing through the MGL
Avionics Closed Loo Current sensor. This is best done with the MGL Closed Loo
Current sensor disconnected from the main current su lying conductor.
Gain:
Adjust the gain factor until the current is reading correctly. It will be best if a multimeter can be inserted in series with the
current su lying conductor and the gain calibration adjusted until the TP-3 matches that of the multimeter. Please see
the MGL Avionics Closed Loo Current Sensor documentation for more information.
Data:
Select the data source of the current signal. O tions include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3) or
from an o tional 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. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Label:
Enter a label to suit your volts channel so you can identify it easily.
Display Max:
Select the maximum value that you want the volts bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum value that you want the volts bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay 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. Any voltage above this value will activate the
alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the voltage for the high caution. This is the lower value of the u er yellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the voltage for the low caution. This is the u er value of the lower yellow 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. Any voltage below this value will activate the alarm.
Cal:
Measure the battery voltage with a multimeter and then adjust this value to match that of the multimeters volts reading.

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4.2.6 Fuel evel Setup
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Label:
Enter a label to suit your fuel level channel so you can identify it easily.
Unit:
Select whether you want the fuel level to be dis layed in Litres or in Gallons.
Litre Res:
Select the resolution of the Litre unit. 1L or 0.1L
Tank Size:
Enter the size of the fuel tank in your system. It is recommended to choose a size that is slightly less than actual size so
you can com ensate for sender inaccuracies and give you a measure of reserve fuel.
Low Alar :
Enter your desired minimum fuel value that you would like to trigger the fuel low alarm. The fuel low alarm will result in the
flashing of the fuel level dis lay and remaining fuel readout. You can also connect a warning lam to the external alarm
out ut (see installation diagram). Note that the fuel low level will be dis layed as a red bar on your fuel level dis lay. This
level is over and above your “silent” fuel reserve.
Low Caution:
Enter the fuel level value for your fuel caution. Note that the fuel caution level will be dis layed as a yellow bar on your
fuel level dis lay.
Low Alar :
Select whether to turn the fuel tank 1 low level alarm on or off.
Calibrate Tank:
See section 4.2.6.1 on how to calibrate the fuel level senders.
Tank Filter:
Select the dam ing factor for the fuel level. A selection of none, low, med or high can be made.

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Data:
Select the data source of the current signal. O tions include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3) or
from an o tional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.
4.2.6.1 Calibrating the fuel level senders
The fuel level sender needs to be calibrated before it can be used with this system. The
calibration allows the system to learn the sha e of your tank as well as any errors your
fuel level sender or installation has.
Regardless of your use of a fuel flow sender, you can install a fuel level sender into your
fuel tank. These level senders are inex ensive and are available as after market
re lacement fittings from a car s ares outlet. We recommend the senders available from
VDO.
Be aware that some makes of cheap level senders can prove troublesome, as the lever arms tend to be sticky.
This prevents the floats from floating on the surface of the fuel at all times. As a consequence, this will lead to
incorrect fuel level indication.
Adjusting calibration points automatically
Select “SENDER” for the mode menu item. Once you have installed a fuel level sender into your tank, make sure the float
can travel all the way from em ty to full osition without hindrance of any kind. The calibration rocedure should be
carried out with your aircraft in flight attitude. This means you need to lift the tail if you have a tail-dragger or lift the nose
wheel if you have a weight shift trike.
Calibration procedure
Start the calibration rocedure with an em ty tank.
Add five Litres of fuel (our reserve quantity) using a suitable measure. Make sure the measure is suitably
accurate. This is now the “level sender reading at 0 Lt” osition. Move the highlight to this osition and wait until
the sender reading has stabilized (You will see the sender ADC reading at the to ). This could take u to a minute
so have atience.
ENSURE THAT THE FLOAT IS NOT SUBMERGED AND IS FLOATING ON TOP OF THE FUEL LEVEL.
Should this number not react to changes of your level sender osition, then you have a roblem. Please check
your wiring according to the installation section of this manual. You should ex ect the number to change in the
region of at least 20 to 60 counts er calibration osition. If the number does not change with fuel level or only
changes a very small amount – check your installation. Something is not right!
•If you see the number changing then everything is well. Once it has stabilized and the highlight is on the 0 L
osition, ress the rotary control to transfer the reading from the sender to the calibration oint.
•Now you are ready for the next ste . Add the required amount of fuel to get to the next level (In our case 9 Lt – this
is 20% tank ca acity). Once done, wait for the reading to stabilize and ress the rotary control again after you
have moved the highlight to the “9 L” osition.
•Proceed in a similar manner until you have reached the last calibration osition at 100% tank ca acity.
You are done!
To finish your calibration, exit the calibration function.

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The instrument uses the 6 calibration oints to work out a correction curve that takes into account the tolerances of your
fuel level sender and the sha e of your fuel tank. This results in an incredibly accurate and usable fuel level dis lay that
far exceeds that available from ordinary dial ty e gauges.
Adjusting calibration points manually
You may want to set individual calibration oints manually. For exam le you may find
that your fuel level is over reading at a s ecific fuel level. Correcting the tank level
reading for this area can be sim ly done by adjusting the calibration oint. You can do
this by moving the float level with your hands to the desired osition and then erforming
the calibration as outlined above, or you can use the manual o tion.
Select “MANUAL” for the mode menu item. Then highlight the oint you want to change
manually and ress the rotary control. Use the u or down keys or the rotary control to
adjust the value. Press the rotary control when done.
Note: The calibration ositions may be edited by using the rotary control. This allows you, in theory, to co y calibration
settings from one instrument to another. We however recommend that you do go though the calibration rocedure even if
the two aircraft are identical in all res ects. Tolerances do exist and the calibration cancels these out. Accurate fuel level
dis lays are a vital safety factor for an aircraft and a very useful feature for eace of mind during cross county flights.
Notes on Slope error
Sender value is a value determined by the TP-3. It is used to calculate fuel level, fuel
endurance estimate and current range estimate. The fuel tank setu sender value can
either increase in value as fuel is added or decrease in value if fuel is added. This is
de endent on the ty e of fuel level sender used. However should the second reading be
larger than the first reading all readings will have to be larger than the revious readings.
Likewise should the second reading be smaller than the first reading all readings will
have to be smaller than the revious reading.
If this is not the case the wording "Slo e error" will be dis layed. This could ha en when fuel was removed instead of
added between ste s, no fuel was added between ste s or when the fuel level sender was moved in the wrong direction
e.g. moving the fuel level sender manually when it is not inserted in to the fuel tank. Determine the cause of the error if
you should get a slo e error message. If you do not know the cause of your error it is best to start from scratch. It should
be remembered that accuracy in the fuel tank calibration is extremely im ortant to enable your TP-3 to dis lay the correct
data.

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4.2.7 Generic Analog Input Setup
Mode:
Select the function for the analog channel. O tions are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”,
“GENERIC” or “OFF”.
Calibrate Sender:
Use this menu o tion to calibrate your generic analog in ut sender. See section 4.2.3 for more information. Use 2 oints if
the sensor is linear.
Label:
Enter a label to suit your generic analog in ut channel so you can identify it easily.
Unit Label:
Enter a unit label to suit your generic analog in ut channel.
Deci al Point:
Enter the decimal oint osition.
Display Max:
Select the maximum in ut that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
Display Min:
Select the minimum in ut that you want the bargra h to show. This can give you increased dis lay resolution.
High Alar :
This enables or disables the high alarm.
High Alar :
Enter the threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. Any in ut above this value will activate the alarm.
High Caution:
Enter the in ut value for the high caution. This is the lower value of the u er yellow band.
Low Caution:
Enter the in ut value for the low caution. This is the u er value of the lower yellow band.

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Low Alar :
This enables or disables the low alarm.
Low Alar :
Enter the threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. Any in ut below this value will activate the alarm.
Data:
Select the data source of the in ut signal. O tions include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3) or
from an o tional external RDAC unit.
RDAC Address:
Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.

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4.3 COMM Setup (Communication Setup)
Serial Out:
Select “ON” to enable the RS232 serial out ut.
Unit Address:
Enter the unit address.
Baud Rate:
Select the desired baud rate of the serial out ut.
The transmission format is set to 8 data bits, No arity, 1 sto bit. The baud rate can be changed in the Communication
Menu.
4.3.1 Protocol Format
STX, Address, Message type, ength, Data payload, Checksum, ETX
STX: Start of text (0x02)
Address: unsigned char (8bit), Unit address (range 0-255)
Message Ty e: unsigned char (8bit), S ecifies the message ty e
Length: unsigned char (8bit), Length of the data ayload (does not include the STX, Address, message ty e, checksum or
ETX)
Data ayload: Data
Checksum: unsigned char (8bit), XOR of all bytes starting from the unit address to the end of the data ayload. 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 ty e=8
Data Length=10 bytes
Out ut Rate=1Hz
Analog Channel Ty e: Unsigned Int (16 bits)
CH4 (4 bits), CH3 (4 bits), CH2 (4 bits), CH1 (4 bits)
0=Off
1=Pressure
2=Tem erature
3=Current
5=Volts
6=Fuel Level in Liters
7= Generic in user units
Analog Channel 1: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Tem erature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Fuel Level in Liters
Generic in user units
Analog Channel 2: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Tem erature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Fuel Level in Liters
Generic in user units
Analog Channel 3: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Tem erature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A
Volts in 0.1V
Fuel Level in Liters
Generic in user units
Analog Channel 4: Signed Int (16 bits)
Pressure in instrument units
Tem erature in Degrees C
Current in 0.1A