MGL Avionics TC-1 User manual

Introduction
The TC-1 thermocouple display unit is a 4 channel 2 1/4” instrument that contains all the features necessary to monitor
EGT’s and CHT’s. The instrument is fully pro rammable by the user resultin in the most flexible solution available. It
contains 6 different display screens to allow easy customization. The TC-1 can be confi ured to roup EGT’s/CHT’s to
common settin s or each thermocouple channel can be independently setup for temperature ran es as well as alarms
and probe types.
The TC-1’s hi h accuracy is due to it’s built in thermocouple linearization curves and cold junction compensation
techniques. Temperature probes can be common J, K or E type thermocouple probes as used in CHT or EGT sensors.
Temperatures can be displayed in de rees Celsius or de rees Fahrenheit from -100ºC to 1200ºC (-148ºF to 2192ºF).
Each channel also offers a pro rammable hi h alarm.
The TC-1 also records maximum temperatures reached for each channel in permanent memory.
1 Features
• 6 different display modes
• Supports J, K and E thermocouple probes
• Temperatures can be displayed in degrees or degrees F from -100º to 1200º (-148ºF to 2192ºF)
• High accuracy: Built in thermocouple linearization curves and cold junction compensated
• Records maximum temperatures reached for each channel in permanent memory
• Standard 2 1/4” aircraft enclosure (can be front or rear mounted)
• Rotary control plus 2 independent buttons for easy menu navigation and user input
• External alarm output as well as a red LED illuminates when the alarm has been activated
• Large backlit graphic L D with adjustable contrast
• Wide input supply voltage range of 8 to 30V D with built in voltage reversal and over voltage protection
for harsh electrical environments
• Light weight design
• 1 year limited warranty
T -1
One to four channel thermocouple
temperature display
Operating Manual – English 1.06

T -1 Operating Manual Page 2
2 T -1 Layout
3 Main Displays
The TC-1 has up to 6 different temperature display screens. These screens can be setup under the “DISPLAY SETUP”
menu option.
Display Mode 1: Vertical/Multiple mode
Backlit Graphic L D Display:
Contrast and backli ht can be adjusted
in the menu system Harness:
Harness connects to
power and
thermocouples
Up/F1 Button:
Up button in menu system
Maximum values display in
normal mode
Down/F2 Button:
Down button in menu
system
Contrast adjustment in
normal mode
Rotary ontrol (Up/Down) & Enter Button:
Press the rotary control durin normal mode to access the menu system. Rotate
anti/clockwise for up/down menu scrollin . Durin normal mode rotatin the rotary
control will scroll thou h the different channels (display mode dependant).
LED Alarm:
The red LED will illuminate if any of
the temperatures monitored exceeds
the correspondin alarm set point
Temperature
display unit
Current selected
channels name
Alarm set point
Current selected channel is
hi hli hted black
Current selected channels
temperature value
Maximum temperature
reached indicator
Analo temperature
display

T -1 Operating Manual Page 3
Display Mode 2: Horizontal/Multiple mode
Display Mode 3: Vertical/Single mode
Display Mode 4: Horizontal/Single mode
Alarm set point
Alarm set point
Alarm set point
Di ital temperature
display
Maximum temperature
reached indicator
Analo temperature
display
Maximum temperature
reached indicator
Analo temperature
display
Di ital temperature
display
Channel name
Analo temperature
display
Channel name
Di ital temperature
display
Maximum temperature
reached indicator

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Display Mode 5: T Bars Mode
Display Mode 6: Numerical Mode
3.1 Permanent maximum values display
This display can be accessed by pressin the F1 key durin the normal display mode. Pressin the F1 key a ain will
reset the permanent maximum values to the current temperature values. Pressin any other key will cause the TC-1 to
return to the normal display mode.
Note: The permanent maximum values are stored in non-
volatile memory and are recalled on power-up.
Temperature
value
Channel name
CHT roup
indicator
EGT roup
indicator
EGT Value:
Indicates hi hest value if
“Hi hest” is selected or
the hi hli hted bar value
if “Scannin ” is selected
CHT alarm level
Temperature
display unit
EGT alarm level
CHT Value:
Indicates hi hest value if
“Hi hest” is selected or the
hi hli hted bar value if
“Scanning” is selected
Maximum temperature
reached indicator

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3.2 ontrast Display
This display can be accessed by pressin the F2 key durin the normal display mode. This is a quick access key to the
same contrast menu as in the menu system.
Select this menu option to adjust the display contrast.
4 Menu System
Pressin the rotary control button durin the normal display mode will cause the TC-1 to enter the menu system. Use the
up/down keys or the rotary control to navi ate throu h the menu system
4.1 Exit Menu
Pressin the rotary control on this menu item will cause the TC-1 to exit the menu system. All
chan es made durin navi ation of the menu system will be saved in non-volatile memory on exitin
the menu system. If you remove power before exitin the menu the instrument will not save any
chan es.
4.2 Display Setup
Move the hi hli ht over this menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu
Select this menu option to adjust the display contrast
Select this menu option to turn the backli ht on and off

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Select the display mode of the TC-1. The options are:
MULT/VERT: Multiple channels displayed simultaneously as vertical bars
MULT/HORI: Multiple channels displayed simultaneously as horizontal bars
SNGL/VERT: Only a sin le vertical channel is displayed at a time
SNGL/HORI: Only a sin le horizontal channel is displayed at a time
T BARS: Vertical rouped EGT/CHT channels are shown simultaneously on one display
NUMERI AL: Only numerical temperature values are shown side by side
Select if you want the channel indicators/display screens to swap automatically or if you want to do it
manually usin the rotary control.
Note: Flippin throu h the different channels can still be done manually usin the rotary control
even if the display mode is set to auto.
This menu option is only shown if “Multiple/Vertical”, “Sin le/Vertical”, “Sin le/Horizontal”, or “TC
Bars” is selected as a display mode.
Set the time that each of the channels must be displayed for. This menu option is only shown if auto
is selected for the display mode.
4.3 T Setup
The TC-1 has 2 different “TC SETUP” menus due to the fact that the TC-1 can be setup to display the thermocouple
temperatures in so many ways.
“MULTPLE/VERTI AL”, “MULTIPLE/HORIZONTAL”, “SINGLEL/VERTI AL”,
“SINGLE/HORIZONTAL”, “NUMERI AL” T Menu Setup
Move the hi hli ht over this menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu
Select how many TC channels must be monitored on the TC-1
Select whether you want the temperature to be displayed in de rees Celsius (ºC) or de rees
Fahrenheit (ºF)
Select which channel you want to
setup

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Only hannel 1 Setup is shown below, follow the same steps for hannel 2, 3, 4
Move the hi hli ht over this menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu
This function sets the top end of your temperature bar raph. It has no effect on the actual
temperature ran e that can be displayed in the di ital temperature readout. Select the ran e to be
just hi her than the hi hest temperature you expect to measure usin this channel.
Select this function to “ON” if you want the bar raph display to show the upper half of the
temperature ran e only. This results in a hi her resolution of the temperature ran e you may be
interested in. For en ine temperature measurements we recommend that you set this to “ON”.
Adjust the temperature that you would like to use as an alarm limit. Any temperature above this limit
will activate the alarm. Active alarms will flash the affected channel and also activate the alarm
contact that you can use to switch a lamp on.
Select whether you want to turn the alarm on or off. To avoid false activation of the alarms, the
alarm function is only activated 10 seconds after the instrument has powered up.
Select if you are usin a K-type, J-type or E-type thermocouple probe for this channel. All probes
supplied by MGL Avionics are K-Type. J-types are sometimes used with American made CHT
probes. All EGT probes are K-type. E-type probes are seldom used.
Choose one of a selection of labels to suit your channel so you can identify it easily.
“T BARS” T Menu Setup
Move the hi hli ht over this menu item and press the rotary button to return to the main menu.
All EGT related parameters is setup here.
All CHT related parameters is setup here.
Select whether you want the temperature to be displayed in de rees Celsius (ºC) or de rees
Fahrenheit (ºF).

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Only “EGT SETUP” is shown below, follow the same steps for HT setup.
Move the hi hli ht over this menu option and press the rotary button to return to the “TC Setup”
menu.
Select the number of EGT or CHT channels you want to use. Choices are from 1 to 4. The
temperature display will confi ure itself to make best possible use of the available display size.
Please note that the minimum number of EGT & CHT channels that can be displayed is 1 and the
maximum number of EGT and CHT channels that can be displayed is 4.
A selection between “HIGHEST” or “SCANNING” can be selected. If “HIGHEST “is selected then the
current hi hest thermocouple temperature is displayed. If “SCANNING” is selected then the E-3 will
cycle throu h each thermocouple channel hi hli htin it as well as showin its temperature.
This function sets the top end of your temperature bar raph. It has no effect on the actual
temperature ran e that can be displayed in the di ital temperature readout. Select the ran e to be
just hi her than the hi hest temperature you expect to measure usin this channel.
Select this function to “ON” if you want the bar raph display to show the upper half of the
temperature ran e only. This results in a hi her resolution of the temperature ran e you may be
interested in. For en ine temperature measurements we recommend that you set this to “ON”.
Adjust the temperature that you would like to use as an alarm limit. Any temperature above this limit
will activate the alarm. Active alarms will flash the affected channel and also activate the alarm
contact that you can use to switch a lamp on.
Select whether you want to turn the alarm on or off. To avoid false activation of the alarms, the
alarm function is only activated 10 seconds after the instrument has powered up.
Select if you are usin a K-type, J-type or E-type thermocouple probe for this channel. All probes
supplied by MGL Avionics are K-Type. J-types are sometimes used with American made CHT
probes. All EGT probes are K-type. E-type probes are seldom used.
5 Loading factory default settings
Pressin and holdin the F1 and F2 keys simultaneously durin power up will cause the TC-1 to load prepro rammed
factory default settin s. The followin screen will be displayed:

T -1 Operating Manual Page 9
6 Operating the alarms
If the alarm is activated, the correspondin item on the display will flash. At the same time the externally available alarm
switch will close. The switch will remain closed until any button is pressed to acknowled e the alarm or until the
condition(s) that activated the alarm no lon er exist. The alarm output can be used to switch an external alarm indicator.
The external alarm switch is an open collector transistor switch to round with a maximum ratin of 0.5A 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 only active 10 seconds after the instrument has powered up.
7 leaning
The unit should not be cleaned with any abrasive substances. The screen is very sensitive to certain cleanin materials
and should only be cleaned usin a clean, damp cloth.
8 T -1 Specifications
Operating Temperature Range -10ºC to 50ºC (14ºF to 122ºF)
Storage Temperature Range -20ºC to 80ºC (-4ºF to 176ºF)
Humidity <85% non-condensin
Power Supply 8 to 30Vdc SMPS (switch mode power supply) with built in 33V over volta e
and reverse volta e protection
urrent onsumption Approx. 42mA @ 13.8V (backli ht on) 15mA @13.8V (backli ht off)
Display 114x64 raphic LCD display. Contrast and backli ht is user confi urable,
reen/yellow backli ht
AD 12bit over sampled successive approximation
Dimensions see Infinity series dimensional drawin
Enclosure 2 1/4” ABS, black in color, front or rear mountin
Weight Approx. 170 rams
Non-volatile memory storage 100000 write cycles
Thermocouples J-type/K-type and E-Type
Measurement range J-Type/K-Type: -100ºC to 1200ºC (-148ºF to 2192ºF)
E-Type: -100ºC to 900ºC (-148ºF to 1652ºF)
Technology Fully cold junction compensated usin precision internal temperature
reference, built in thermocouple linearization tables
Measurement accuracy +/- 5 de rees typical over full temperature ran e, subject to quality of probe
used. We recommend MGL Avionics EGT and CHT probes
Inputs Differential, can use rounded and isolated probes
ommon mode voltage range -2V to +3V
Warning: The TC-1 is not waterproof, serious dama e could occur if the unit is exposed to water
and/or spray jets.

T -1 Operating Manual Page 10
9 Installation
The TC-1 provides for up to 4 thermocouple inputs for use with EGT and CHT probes. K, J as well as E-type probes can
be used. K types are used for EGT probes while CHT probes can either be J or K type. E-type probes are seldom used.
Probe types are selected in the various “TC SETUP” menus of the TC-1.
Important: Incorrect selection of probe type will lead to an incorrect temperature display.
The TC-1 will accept both rounded and isolated thermocouple probes. Your only consideration in case of the more
common rounded confi urations is that you need to ensure that the thermocouple mountin position (exhaust flan e,
etc.) is at the same electrical potential as the ne ative supply line of the TC-1.
The thermocouple amplifier is a precision device providin full cold junction compensation. In addition the amplifier
measures and corrects for its own errors. This results in very accurate measurements providin you install hi h quality
probes. Here are some uidelines:
EGT Probes: Select probes that are made from 316 stainless steel and that use lass-fiber insulated conductors. Teflon
insulated conductors as found in many cheap probes introduce errors as the insulation melts movin the measurin point
towards the mountin bolt which transfers a lot of heat to the exhaust material. This results in under readin probes. Stay
away from probes that use simple plastic heat shrink sleevin – it does not last. Choose probes that use a enerous
amount of stainless steel sprin as strain relief. The bolt itself should be stainless steel as well or it will rust very quickly.
HT Probes: These are made from washers to fit spark-plu bases. Temperatures are considerably lower so most
thermocouple cables will work without problems. The bi est area of concern should be the connection of the
thermocouple cable to the washer. This often breaks after the spark plu has been chan ed a few times. Choose a probe
that is suitably reinforced at this point for a lon and trouble free life.
EGT and CHT probes supplied by MGL Avionics are of hi hest quality. We recommend that you consider usin our
probes if at all possible.
Important installation note:
EGT and CHT probes use wire made from iron and other basic metals. As a result these probes are not able to withstand
much flexin of the wires due to en ine vibrations. Avoid makin nice lookin coils or similar constructions that will result
in excessive vibration or flexin of the wire. Route the cables from the probe points ti htly alon suitable en ine mountin
points eliminatin any chance of unnecessary wire flexin durin en ine operation.
Warning: Four stroke en ines produce much hotter exhaust ases compared to two stroke
en ines. Do not use EGT probes made from lower rade stainless steel (for example 310), these
probes will not withstand the hi h temperatures and can fail as the metal ets very soft at 800
de rees C. Many four strokes (such as the Rotax 912) will produce exhaust ases of up to 850
de rees C.

T -1 Operating Manual Page 11
9.1 onnection Diagram
The use of an external 1A fuse is recommended. Connect the supply terminals to your aircrafts power supply. The TC-1
can be used on both 12V and 24V without the use of any pre-re ulators. Ensure that the supply volta e will not drop
below 8V durin operation as this may result in incorrect readin s.

T -1 Operating Manual Page 12
9.2 onnection diagram for a Rotax 503/582

T -1 Operating Manual Page 13
9.3 onnection diagram for a Rotax 912
9.4 Extending leads of thermocouple probes
Thermocouple leads as used with the EGT and CHT probes can be extended either with ordinary copper cable or with
special K-Type extension cable. The choice of either depends on your desired accuracy. If it is possible in your installation
to ensure that both ends of a copper extension cable will be at the same temperature (or very close), then it is quite
possible to use the copper cable. In most open-air installations this will be the case. Should this not be possible or you
require best possible accuracy at all times, you can obtain a special K-type extension cable. This cable is made from the
same metals as your probes cable and uses ordinary plastic sleevin as insulation. In either case, ensure that the cable is
not routed close to sources of electroma netic interference of any kind. The volta es present in this cable are very small
and are subject to chan es applied by external fields. This can lead to false temperature indications. You can check your
installation by usin a hand-held transmitter, such as an air band radio. If you transmit a si nal, no chan e in temperature
readin should occur.

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9.5 T -1 DB9 able connections
Main connector (Bottom DB9 connector)
Thermocouple (EGT/ HT) input connector (Top DB9 connector)
In case of MGL Avionics K-Type probes + = Yellow probe lead, - = Red probe lead
10 Warranty
This product carries a warranty for a period of one year from date of purchase a ainst faulty workmanship or defective
materials, provided there is no evidence that the unit has been mishandled or misused. Warranty is limited to the
replacement of faulty components and includes the cost of labour. Shippin costs are for the account of the purchaser.
DB 9 Pin olor Function
1 Black Ground
4 N Airtalk communication (Not connected)
Used for firmware upgrading
6 Red 8-30Vdc power
9 White Alarm Output
DB 9 Pin olor Function
1 Blue T hannel 1 +
2 Orange T hannel 2 +
3 Green T hannel 3 +
4 Purple T hannel 4 +
5 Black Reference ground
(connect to engine block)
6 Red T hannel 1 -
7 Brown T hannel 2 -
8 Yellow T hannel 3 -
9 White T hannel 4 -
Note: Product warranty excludes dama es caused by unprotected, unsuitable or incorrectly wired
electrical supplies and or sensors, and dama e caused by inductive loads.

T -1 Operating Manual Page 15
11 Disclaimer
Operation of this instrument is the sole responsibility of the purchaser of the unit. The user must make themselves familiar
with the operation of this instrument and the effect of any possible failure or malfunction.
This instrument is not certified by the FAA. Fittin of this instrument to certified aircraft is subject to the rules and
conditions pertainin to such in your country. Please check with your local aviation authorities if in doubt. This instrument
is intended for ultrali ht, microli ht, homebuilt and experimental aircraft. Operation of this instrument is the sole
responsibility of the pilot in command (PIC) of the aircraft. This person must be proficient and carry a valid and relevant
pilot’s license. This person has to make themselves familiar with the operation of this instrument and the effect of any
possible failure or malfunction. Under no circumstances does the manufacturer condone usa e of this instrument for IFR
fli hts.
Other instruments in the Stratomaster Infinity series
ALT-1 Precision encodin altimeter and vertical speed indicator
ALT-2 Precision encodin altimeter and vertical speed indicator with a serial RS232
transponder output
ASI-1 Airspeed indicator (ASI) with automatic fli ht lo
ASX-1 Encodin aviation altimeter with serial output and airspeed indicator (ASI)
AV-1 Artificial horizon and ma netic compass indicator
BAT-1 Battery volta e and current monitor
E-3 Universal en ine monitor
FF-1 Fuel Computer (sin le or dual fuel tanks)
GF-1 +-10G tilt compensated dual ran e G-force meter
MAP-1 Manifold pressure and RPM Indicator
RV-1 Universal en ine RPM and rotor RPM Indicator
RV-2 Universal turbine RPM / RPM factor display
RT -2 Aviation real time clock (RTC) and outside air temperature (OAT) display
T -1 4-Channel thermocouple indicator
TP-1 Universal temperature and pressure au e
The manufacturer reserves the ri ht to alter any specification without notice.