Regal FADEC User manual

Regal FADEC Manual
Contents:
1. FADEC.
1.1 Full auto
1.2 Semi auto
2. Hand Data Terminal (HDT).
3. Installation of the FADEC
3.1 Battery of pump
3.2 Receiver radio
3.3 Thermocouple
3.4 RPM sensor
3.5 Fuel pump
3.6 Starter (full auto)
3.7 Glow plug (full auto)
3.8 Gas & fuel solenoid valves (full auto)
4. Programming of FADEC
4.1 Programming with the terminal of data.
5. Starting the engine and tuning the system.
5.1 Engine start-up procedure.
5.2 Adjustment of the values of speed of acceleration (Up delay),
deceleration (Down delay), and stabilization (Stab delay).
6. Limited Warranty
Description of the FADEC.
Full auto
The FADEC (Full Auto Digital Engine Control) is a system of control for model gas turbine engine. Its
main function is to control the fuel pump, providing to the motor the necessary amount of fuel for its
operation considering the temperature of the exhaust gas, the position of the throttle stick and the rpm
of the rotor. Also it incorporates all of the protections necessary to guarantee that the engine stays
between its parameters of operation, arriving to stop the engine when detecting itself an important
anomaly. In order to make their assignment, the FADEC has a rpm sensor, a thermocouple input, a
servo type throttle input, a digital link to program and read the data, the connection of power towards
the fuel pump and the battery.
All of the measures that the FADEC makes can be read in a hand terminal, that is connected to the
FADEC by a special connector. The FADEC is totally programmable by the user to adapt the margins
of operation of each concrete motor. The configuration parameters are written in the FADEC by the
hand terminal. The programmable parameters by the user are:
Full power rpm
Idle rpm
Stop rpm
Maximum Temperature

Start Temperature
Speed of acceleration/deceleration
Pump start point
Fuel start ramp
From these parameters, the readings of the engine and the position of the throttle control , the FADEC
fits the power of the pump in the following way:
First, the FADEC verifies that the pulse of control of the transmitter is correct, that is to say, is between
the limits fit by the user. If the impulse is not correct, or if impulses are not received during 0,5 seconds,
the system assumes that there is a trouble with the radio and stop the engine. During this time of delay,
the system assumes that the throttle is at idle and decelerates the engine to this power.
Once verified that the impulse is correct, the relative position of the throttle stick from the limits
programmed by the user is calculated. This calculation gives a value between 0 and 100% that can be
read in the terminal of data or the PC. This value is transformed into a value of equivalent rpm from the
values of full power pressure and idle rpm programmed by the user. If we programmed a Full power
160000 rpm, this rpm will be reached with the throttle control at 100%. With the throttle at 50%, the
equivalent pressure will be 80000 rpm. The calculated equivalent rpm is compared with the read of the
engine and the power of the pump is corrected until reaching the equality.
In case that the read rpm is superior to the required, the system lowers the power of the pump until
reaching the balance. The speed of slope is a parameter programmable by the user. In case that it is
had to raise the power of the pump, the system considers the exhaust temperature, reducing the
acceleration if the temperature approaches the maximum programmed. In case of arriving at this, the
system reduces the fuel flow until restoring the motor within its limits of operation, being able to stop it if
it can`t lower the temperature. With this system it is guaranteed that the engine accelerates in the
minimum time possible without exceeding the max. temperature, adapting itself to the variations of the
engine, room temperature, pump, etc. that could have.
Since the relation rpm/thrust in a gas turbine is quite linear, with this system the delivery of thrust of the
engine tracks linearly with the position of the throttle control, independently of the type of pump,
batteries or engine. This benefit is very useful in multiengine airplanes, since the push of the engines is
always in balance.
Aside from the protections by excess of rpm, temperature or failure of radio, the system also
incorporates two additional protections. One is the shutdown of the pump in case that the temperature
of the exhaust is lower than the minimum, protecting to the engine of flooding itself of nonburned fuel in
case of extinguishing the flame or of failure of the thermocouple. The other is the shutdown by
minimum rpm. The system stops the pump in case that the rpm reaches an inferior value than the
programmed minimum. This protection prevents to run the engine in the case of reaching an inferior
speed to the minimum.
Semi auto:
The semi-automatic start-up sequence helps you in this critical phase of the engine operation,
controlling the fuel flow and the exhaust temperature, and allow you to know and control the pump
drive power very closely.
In order to start, the user must raise the trim of the radio and let stick in idle position.
The LED of the FADEC illuminates itself, indicating the state of " ready ". Once in this position, the
operator must turn the engine with the starter motor, open the start gas, and ignite it. When the FADEC
registers a exhaust temperature higher than the programmed
start/minimum temperature, the LED begins to blink and the system begins to pump

fuel to the motor, raising it of power until the idle speed is reached. This final condition is signalized
extinguishing the LED. The minimum power of the pump and the speed of acceleration in the start
phase are programmable parameters by the user
2. Hand data terminal . (HDT)
The HDT is the tool specifically designed to program the FADEC, with a liquid crystal display of 16
characters by 2 rows and four buttons. The power supply is take from the FADEC, not being necessary
batteries. Aside from the circuits of visualization and control.
3. Installation of the FADEC.
When being an electronic equipment, the installation of the FADEC in the model aircraft is similar to the
one of the radio receiver. It has to be in an accessible site, with few vibrations and far from the heat of
the engine.
3.1 Battery
The battery that supply starter and pump can work with voltages of the battery from 6 V to 12 V. for
each successful run of turbine need fully charge battery always.
3.2 Receiver of radio
The FADEC is connected to the radio receiver like a standard servo in the channel of the throttle,
receiving from this one the information of the throttle and the supply.
3.3 Thermocouple
The FADEC works with a thermocouple of type " K ", apt until 1100ºC. The provided standard
thermocouple consists of a wire of Inconel of 1.5mm of diameter and 0.5m of length finished in a
connector who fits directly on the FADEC. The recommended installation consists of practicing a drill of
1,5 mm in the exhaust nozzle of the engine and inserting the end of the thermocouple so that it be
2mm within the flow of exhaust gases. In case that the motor have zones hotter than others in the
exhaust (hot spots), the thermocouple must be installed in the medium temperature zone.
Because the sensible zone to the temperature is the end of the thermocouple, in any case cut the
thermocouple, since it will be destroyed . Also, do not bend it with pliers or other utensils that cause
very acute angles of curvature. The installation is due by hand and the different curves must have the
greater radius possible. We have thermocouples of until 1m of length and cables to extend it.
In principle any type of thermocouple " k " can be installed, but it is necessary to consider the thermal
inertia of it, since the temperature of the engine can raise much quickly that the one of the
thermocouple and cause not controlled situations of overheating.
3.4 RPM sensor
It’s a “Hall” type of sensor to count the rpm of the engine rotor the reading of the rpm will instructing
ECU of maximum speed, idle speed, or stop engine.
3.5 Fuel pump
It is necessary to watch that the pump does not have too much friction and the starting is smooth.
3.6 Starter (full auto)
Using the recommended starter motor by engine maker, if bigger voltages are used, then the high
current from the motor can damage the ECU, if you feel ecu becomes warm, you should stop and
check if anything wrong or wait for a while to give another try.
3.7 Glow plug (full auto)

The glow plug’s coil must be pulled down(use a straight pin to pull the coils out) and exposed to install
into the engine.
3.8 Gas & fuel solenoid valves (full auto)
Connect fuel solenoid valve to the fuel line in between the engine and fuel pump. Connect
gas solenoid valve to gas line in between the engine and the propane source.
4. Programming of the FADEC.
The programming of the FADEC can be done from the terminal of hand or the PC. In any case the
parameters to program are such and with such values.
FADEC programming parameters
Parameter
Function
Thrust 10-14 lbs
Thrust 18-22 lbs
Full throttle
RPM
Fits the maximum rpm that will reach the engine with the
throttle control to 100%
160000 rpm
115000 rpm
Idle RPM
Fits the rpm in idle.
42000 rpm
32000 rpm
Stop RPM
Fits the minimum rpm to which the motor can work. If the
rpm is lower, the FADEC will stop the engine.
24000 rpm
20000 rpm
Start/Min.
Temperature
Minimum temperature to which the engine can work. In
phase of starting, the FADEC will begin to provide fuel. In
phase of running, it will stop the engine if the read
temperature is inferior to this.
0-999 ºC
100ºC
0-999 ºC
100ºC
Max.
Temperature
Maximum Temperature of operation of the engine. The
FADEC will try to maintain the temperature below this
value, arriving to stop the motor in case of not obtaining .
0-999 ºC
860ºC
0-999 ºC
900ºC
Acceleration
delay
This parameter allows to fit the time of acceleration of the
engine. To greater value, more slowly it will respond the
engine. The time of total acceleration is not fixed, since it
depends on other parameters as they are the
temperature and the present rpm.
0-255
20
0-255
20
Deceleration
delay
Just as the acceleration delay, this parameter allows to
define the time of deceleration. This parameter must be
increased if the motor tends to extinguish itself when
going abruptly from maximum power to the idle.
0-255
15
0-255
15
Stability delay
This parameter allows to stabilize the power once this
has arrived at the value set with the throttle control. The
value must be increased if the power is not stable
0-255
50
0-255
43
Pump start
point
The values of “pump start point” from 0-8 in a auto mode
Will adjust itself pump power start it slowly.
0-255
Auto+2
0-255
Auto+2
Start Ramp
Fits the increase of fuel flow during the start phase. To
greater value, more quickly the motor will accelerate until
the idle
0-255
002
0-255
002

Parameter
Function
Thrust 4 lbs
Thrust 30 lbs
Full throttle
RPM
Fits the maximum rpm that will reach the engine with the
throttle control to 100%
235000 rpm
115000 rpm
Idle RPM
Fits the rpm in idle.
98000 rpm
32000 rpm
Stop RPM
Fits the minimum rpm to which the motor can work. If the
rpm is lower, the FADEC will stop the engine.
70000 rpm
20000 rpm
Start/Min.
Temperature
Minimum temperature to which the engine can work. In
phase of starting, the FADEC will begin to provide fuel. In
phase of running, it will stop the engine if the read
temperature is inferior to this.
0-999 ºC
100ºC
0-999 ºC
100ºC
Max.
Temperature
Maximum Temperature of operation of the engine. The
FADEC will try to maintain the temperature below this
value, arriving to stop the motor in case of not obtaining .
0-999 ºC
1000ºC
0-999 ºC
900ºC
Acceleration
delay
This parameter allows to fit the time of acceleration of the
engine. To greater value, more slowly it will respond the
engine. The time of total acceleration is not fixed, since it
depends on other parameters as they are the
temperature and the present rpm.
0-255
35
0-255
20
Deceleration
delay
Just as the acceleration delay, this parameter allows to
define the time of deceleration. This parameter must be
increased if the motor tends to extinguish itself when
going abruptly from maximum power to the idle.
0-255
21
0-255
15
Stability delay
This parameter allows to stabilize the power once this
has arrived at the value set with the throttle control. The
value must be increased if the power is not stable
0-255
50
0-255
43
Pump start
point
The values of “pump start point” from 0-8 in a auto mode
Will adjust itself pump power start it slowly.
0-255
Auto+0
0-255
Auto+2
Start Ramp
Fits the increase of fuel flow during the start phase. To
greater value, more quickly the motor will accelerate until
the idle
0-255
001
0-255
002
4.1 Programming the FADEC with the terminal of data (HDT).
The HDT has a LCD of 16 characters x 2 rows and four buttons who allow to move by the different
menus and to change the data. The presentation of data has been organized in screens. The two first
visualize the readings in real time and the following ones allow to modify the operation parameters.
Both white buttons allow to move by the different screens in ascending sense (Menu Up) or
descendent (Menu Down). Both red they allow to change the data in ascending sense (Up Data) or
descendent (Down Data).
Preparation and verification of the transmitter.
The transmitter must not have programmed any reduction of throw, trim, slow movement, center or the
linearity modifed. In case of doubt it is recommended to connect a servo to verify that the movement is
correct from end to end and fast. Once the transmitter is OK, connect the FADEC and by means of the
key " Menu Up " change to screen 2. With the trim and stick of the transmitter raised (Full power) the
reading of "Pulse = xxxx" must be between 1900-2200. With stick and the trim lowered,the readingmust
be between 800 and 1000. In case that the readings are inverted, like in some Futaba transmitters, it is
necessary to change the sense of the movement in the transmitter. (Servo reverse). If the reading does
not arrive at these values means that the transmitter has some function of limitation of throw applied to
the throttle channel. Once verified the transmitter, the FADEC can be programmed. In order to do it, the
HDT has 4 screens.

First is only informative and it warns to us of the entrance in the screens of programming of the throttle
control. Next it appears the screen of programming the full throttle position. In order to program this
parameter locate the trim and stick in the superior position. Once located in this position, push the red
button " Data Up". At this moment the FADEC will record the received order of the radio as the position
of full power and, in the HDT, the following phase of adjustment is shown. If it is not wanted to modify
this adjustment, is enough with push the white key " Menu up ". This also causes the change of screen
but the throw is not programmed.
The following screen allows to program the lower limit (Stop). In order to do it is enough with locating
the trim and stick to the minimum and push the red button "Data Up ". Also in this case pushing the
white button " Menu up " will cause the change of screen without varying the previous adjustment.
The last screen of adjustment of the transmitter is the position of the trim that will correspond to the idle
of the engine. In order to make this adjustment it is sufficient with locate the stick to the minimum and
the trim to maximum and push the button " Data Up". Just as in the previous adjustments, the button "
Menu up " will cause the change of screen without varying the last recorded adjustment.
Once finished the programming of the transmitter, this can be verified by means of the second screen
of the HDT.
To the right of the value of the received pulse of the transmitter appears a value from the 0 to 100%.
This value must correspond to the relative position of the throttle stick, corresponding 0% to stick and
the trim to the minimum and 100% to stick and trim to the maximum. If it were not arrived at these
values, or the limits of the 0 or 100% were reached before arriving stick in the end, the calibration
process is due to repeat.
When the superior and inferior limits are verified, the adjustment of the trim can be verified. This it is
made through the electroluminescent diode (LED) that incorporates the FADEC.
With the FADEC in start mode, that is to say, just started, locating the trim and the stick at lower side
the LED must be off. When raising the trim slowly, the LED must ignite approximately to half of the
throw of the trim. From this point the FADEC considers that the motor must be running and below this,
stopped.
5. Starting the engine and tuning the system.
5.1 Starting the engine
When switch-on the FADEC this enters in start mode. This mode is indicated by the LED that
illuminates when raising the trim. Once the idle regime has been reached, the FADEC enters in the
automatic mode and to return to the start mode it is necessary to stop the supply of the FADEC and to
return it to on.
Raise the trim of the radio. The LED must ignite indicating " Ready to start ". Apply the starter, open the
gas and to ignite it. When the temperature read by the FADEC is higher than the programmed
minimum, the LED will begin to blink and the pump will begin to provide fuel , beginning in the "Pump
start point" and increasing the volume in agreement with the parameter " Start ramp ". In this phase the
motor will be accelerating until reaching the rpm of idle, and in this moment the LED will be
extinguished and the system will enter in automatic mode, regulating the volume of the pump to
maintain the idle regime. Now the engine is running and its power tracks the throttle control, regulating
the FADEC the fuel flow to maintain the engine safe. To stop the turbine lower the trim and the stick to
minimum.
The FADEC continuously corrects thevalues of operation, adapting to the possible changes of voltage
of battery, level of the tank, etc.
5.2 Adjustment of the values of speed of acceleration (Up delay), deceleration (Down delay), and
stabilization (Stability delay)

Habitually these values do not need adjustment and the recommended values are useful to most of the
engines, but with the purpose of being able to use the FADEC with any type of turbine and pump
combination they are included in the menu of adjustment of the user.
Acceleration
The FADEC calculates the speed of acceleration depending of the exhaust temperature and rpm of this
parameter (Up Delay), and therefore, it is possible to modify the global time of acceleration modifying
this value. With values of 15 an acceleration of 3s is obtained from 7N to 75 N , lowering to 2s of 17N
to 75N. This times are temperature dependents and is assumed a EGT of 550ºC of the engine and
800ºC programmed maximum. If the engine is running hotter or the programmed max. temperature is
lower, the time will be longer. Increasing the value of this parameter the time of acceleration is longer
and diminishing it, lower. A too long time does not have any repercussion for the engine, but the aircraft
is much more difficult to fly. A too short time implies that the FADEC tries to accelerate the engine
fastest than it can. Because the FADEC controls the exhaust temperature, there is no trouble for the
engine, but when having the thermocouple a thermal inertia, it can be a momentary overheat that
causes that the acceleration is not continuous when being reached the maximum temperature at some
moment. Therefore it is necessary that the thermocouple has the minimum mass to have a very low
thermal inertia. Also it is necessary to install the thermocouple in the hottest part of the engine to be
able to detect the overheats early.
The tuning is made by fast accelerating the engine from idle to maximum power and regulating this
value until the motor accelerates fast and continuously.
Deceleration
For the calculation of the speed of deceleration the FADEC such considers parameters that in the
acceleration, unless the fixed value is this other parameter. In principle there is no mechanical limitation
or of temperature referring to the speed of slope, but it has been found that some engines tend to
flame-out when the fuel flow is reduced suddenly. The habitual value is 20, but the user can increase
this parameter to extend the time in case that the engine is extinguished. The test is made in sense in
opposition to the previous one, with the engine in full power lower the stick suddenly to idle. The motor
must decelerate quickly without extinguishing itself.
Stability
Once the engine has reached approximately the power corresponding to the value of the throttle setting,
the FADEC adjusts the fuel flow with the purpose of match the exact value of thrust. The speed what
the FADEC make this adjustment can be programmed with this parameter. The habitual values vary
between 10 and 20, depending on the time of programmed acceleration / deceleration, the temperature
and the inertia of the whole system including pump, engine, tubes, etc. If a too low time is programmed,
the engine will not become stabilized and will be raising and lowering to the power when correcting the
FADEC more quickly than the response time of the turbine.
6. Limited Warranty
The FADEC main unit and HDT is warranted 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. If your unit
requires warranty service during this period, we will replace or repair it at our option. Shipping cost to
us is your responsibility. This limited warranty only covers FADEC main unit and HDT This limited
warranty does not cover the problems that result from: External causes such as accident, abuse,
misuse, polarity reversal, short-circuit ,crash damage, servicing not authorized by us, usage that is not
in accordance with product instructions and failure to follow the product instructions.