Vertical Power VP-X How to use

1
VP#X%Configurator%Release%Notes%
As%of%version%1.6%(May%13,%2013)%
%
This%document%updated%October%31,%2013%
Contents
1.!Models.......................................................................................................................................1!
2.!Updating the VP-X Pro and Sport firmware (Automatic) ........................................................1!
3.!Software Upgrade Notice..........................................................................................................2!
4.!New features in VP-X firmware version 1.5 & 1.6 ..................................................................2!
5.!Notes about the latest release....................................................................................................2!
6.!General Information..................................................................................................................2!
7.!Configurator Installation...........................................................................................................4!
8.!Connecting to the VP-X Pro and Sport using Ethernet cable ...................................................5!
9.!Troubleshooting an Ethernet Connection “Cannot Connect” error ..........................................7!
10.!Troubleshooting a “Firmware Update Failed” message ...........................................................7!
11.!Troubleshooting a serial data line connection ..........................................................................8!
12.!Copying settings from the on-line VP-X Planner to the Configurator .....................................9!
13.!Connecting to the VP-X using serial cable...............................................................................9!
14.!Using the VP-X Configurator .................................................................................................10!
15.!Troubleshooting: A device is not working as expected ..........................................................10!
16.!Troubleshooting: System Status Faults...................................................................................14!
17.!Manually Updating the VP-X Pro and Sport firmware ..........................................................14!
18.!Updating the VP-X firmware when connected to AFS or GRT EFIS....................................15!
19.!Restoring your settings manually............................................................................................15!
20.!Known Bugs ...........................................................................................................................15!
21.!Appendix A – Restoring network settings..............................................................................16!
1. Models%
%
VP#X%
VP#X%Pro%&%VP#X%Sport%
2. Updating%the%VP#X%Pro%and%Sport%firmware%(Automatic)%
When you connect to the VP-X using the Configurator application, it checks if you
have the latest firmware installed. If you have an older version installed a message
pops up saying you need to upgrade. Press OK and it will upgrade it for you. The
configurator automatically saves your settings then restores the settings after the
firmware upgrade. See below for connection instructions.
WHEN ASKED TO POWER CYCLE DURING THE UPGRADE PROCESS, BE SURE TO TURN
OFF THE POWER FOR AL LEAST 5 SECONDS BEFORE TURNING IT BACK ON.
Verify that all the settings, circuit breaker values, trim, flap, wig-wag etc. are correct after the upgrade.

2
3. Software%Upgrade%Notice%%
With any software update you should always do your own flight testing in VFR conditions until you are
satisfied with the software's stability and functionality. Be sure to read and understand the full software
installation AND test procedure described in the Installation Manual.
Firmware updates on any system always carry a risk of failing the unit. Update the
VP-X firmware only when you have a few extra days to resolve any issues that may
arise from the upgrade process.
4. New%features%in%VP#X%firmware%version%1.5%&%1.6%
Refer to the VP-X Installation and Operating Manuals for details on new features.
•Added RV-10 reflex functionality.
•Added “continuous flaps” functionality. Flaps can be set to the second lower position before
reaching the next position.
•Added ability to disable primary alternator (for Rotax, Jabiru, etc.). Note that this may take some
time to be supported by our EFIS partners, so that it displays correctly on the EFIS. If you
disable the primary alternator and it still shows on your EFIS, then re-enable it until the next
EFIS software update is available.
•Fixed bug that showed VP-X Pro circuits on EFIS display connected to VP-X Sport system.
•VP-X now accepts configuration commands over Ethernet only.
•Various minor enhancements.
•Addressed issues with installer not correctly installing VP-X files on some computers.
•Improved Configurator logging capability.
•1.6 enhanced flap current reporting, otherwise identical to 1.5. Upgrade to 1.6 if you have 1.5.
5. Notes%about%the%latest%release%
Be sure to verify correct operation of all circuits, especially trim and flap operation, after you upgrade.
Check for proper direction of travel and indication on the EFIS. Verify correct operation of the backup
trim and flap controls on the EFIS.
6. General%Information%
This version of the VP-X configurator includes the following firmware versions:
VP-X: 2.2
VP-X Pro: 1.6
VP-X Sport: 1.6
The VP-X Configurator is used to configure the VP-X Pro and VP-X Sport models (and VP-X when
used with MGL). It is used to:
•configure each power pin and switch
•configure trim and flaps
•configure wig wag
•configure system settings
•turn devices on and off, move trim and flaps
•view individual device current draw
•reset faults
•save your configuration to the PC

3
•restore your configuration from the PC
•update VP-X firmware.
The main functions of the VP-X Configurator are shown below. The installation manual describes how
to configure each individual item.
Hardware'and'software'version
Functions
Press'to'
Save'
settings
Connection'Status
Connect/
Disconnect

4
7. Configurator%Installation%
The VP-X Configurator works with Windows XP, Vista and 7. Customers have reported it works with a
Mac running Boot Camp, Parallels, or VMWare, but is not officially supported. It has not been tested
with Windows 8.
Prior to installation, verify that:
[ ] You have administrative rights on your account (you are allowed to install software)
[ ] You have internet connectivity (some files may be downloaded automatically from the internet when
you initially install the configurator. After the configurator is installed you do not need to be connected
to the internet.)
To begin installation:
1. Go to verticalpower.com, then Support, then Software Upgrades
2. Click on the VP-X Configurator link and save the Configurator file to your desktop. If that
doesn’t work, right mouse click on the VP-X Configurator link and select “Save Target As…”
then save the Configurator file to your desktop.
3. Double click on the Configurator Setup file located on your desktop.
4. Windows will pop up various security windows. Press OK or Yes when prompted. If it prompts
you to install the Microsoft .NET framework 4.0 select YES or OK.
5. Wait until the installation process is complete, and then exit the installer. You are ready to run
the VP-X Configurator. Instructions on running the Configurator are shown in the next section.

5
8. Connecting%to%the%VP#X%Pro%and%Sport%using%Ethernet%cable%
This is the standard way to connect the VP-X Pro and Sport to your computer. Your PC can be
connected to the VP-X using Ethernet in one of three ways. We recommend the first way for non-
technical users, and offer options 2 and 3 for more tech-savvy users. These directions apply to both the
VP-X Pro and VP-X Sport.
THE ETHERNET CABLE SHOULD ONLY BE PLUGGED IN FOR CONFIGURATION. We
recommend plugging it in and leaving it until you're flying, but once you are flying do not leave the
Ethernet cable connected to the VP-X. During Phase 1 period, you may need to plug it in again to make
adjustments to your initial configuration, but in general you won’t need to connect your laptop once you
are flying.
1. Connect the PC’s Ethernet port directly to the VP-X Ethernet port using the Ethernet crossover
cable supplied with the VP-X.
PC
VP-X
Crossov er cable
(pr ovided)
2. Connect through a network switch or router using a standard Ethernet cable. The VP-X is set
to IP address 192.168.0.51 and the subnet must be 192.168.0 with no other device assigned to .51
address. The VP-X address is not configurable at this time.
PC
Network
Switch
VP-X
Standard patch cable
3. Connect through a wireless router using a standard Ethernet cable and WiFi. The VP-X is set
to IP address 192.168.0.51 and the subnet must be 192.168.0 with no other device assigned to .51
address. The VP-X address is not configurable at this time.
PC
Wireless
Router
VP-X
Standard patch cable

6
Plug the Ethernet cable into the TOP jack on the VP-X.
Turn on the aircraft master switch. The green light and the orange light on the top jack should
turn on and blink. The green light indicates a link has been established and the orange light
indicates the internal VP-X processor is running. On the VP-X Pro, the orange light on the
bottom jack should also be blinking.
From Windows, go to the START Menu -> Programs -> Vertical Power folder, click on the VP-
X Configurator to start the application.
oThe first time you run the application it will ask for your name and tail number.
The connection screen appears automatically. Press the “Connect using Ethernet” button to
connect. You must establish a connection between the VP-X Configurator and the VP-X to
configure it or update firmware.
If you get a window that says the firmware must be updated, follow the prompts to update
the firmware.
If you get an error message saying that system files are missing, try re-installing the
configurator, then call VP Tech Support if the issue is not resolved.
If you get an error message saying it cannot connect, please see the troubleshooting section
below.
Once the connection is established the Configurator reads the existing configuration from the
VP-X.
NOTE: YOU MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE INTERNET OR YOUR
REGULAR NETWORK WHILE THE VP-X CONFIGURATOR IS RUNNING.
ALWAYS EXIT THE VP-X CONFIGURATOR PRIOR TO
PUTTING THE PC TO SLEEP OR SHUTTING DOWN.
Please see the VP-X Pro & VP-X Sport Installation manual for details on configuring the VP-X.

7
9. Troubleshooting%an%Ethernet%Connection%“Cannot%Connect”%error%
If you cannot connect, please check the following items:
1. Check that the system is powered on by verifying that the orange light on the Ethernet
jack is blinking. On the VP-X Pro there should be 2 orange blinking lights, one on each
jack. The VP-X Sport should have a single orange blinking light on the top jack.
2. The Ethernet cable is connected to the top jack (see picture above).
3. Verify that the green light on the top Ethernet jack on the VP-X is blinking.
4. Try reconnecting again several times. Sometimes Windows is just finicky.
5. If you are using a laptop with wireless Wi-Fi capability, most laptops have a switch that
enables you to turn off the Wi-Fi. Please turn it off.
6. Disconnect any other Ethernet cables from the PC.
7. Restart the computer. Try to connect again.
8. If you are using a laptop, shut off the laptop and remove the power cord, then remove the
laptop battery for a few minutes, then put everything back together and restart. Try to
connect again.
9. Start the Configurator. Close the connect window and select View Log on the left side of
the configurator. The contents of the log have been placed automatically in your
clipboard. Open an email to [email protected] and paste the clipboard contents
into the email. Send the e-mail and VP Tech Support will review the log to determine
what is causing the problem.
10. Troubleshooting%a%“Firmware%Update%Failed”%message%
This message appears during the firmware update process, and can mean different things
depending on when it appears. If it appears during the update process with a horizontal green
progress bar, go to step 9a below. If it appears after the progress bar is complete and you have
power cycled the VP-X and the pressed OK, go to step 9b below.
Step 9a
Follow these steps to diagnose the issue:
1. The failure message is followed by a code (loc #) where # is a number. Record this
number.
2. Turn off the VP-X and exit out of the screen that displayed the error message.
3. Turn on the VP-X, wait about 5 seconds, and observe the orange light(s) next to the
Ethernet jack on the VP-X. (A VP-X Sport has one orange light and a Pro has two.) Both
orange lights should be blinking slowly (only one for the VP-X Sport), about once per
second.
a. If a light is not on, or one is blinking rapidly, then a problem exists. Contact
Vertical Power tech support for further guidance.
b. If both are blinking normally (slowly, but at dissimilar rates) then re-connect the
Configurator restore your settings as shown in step 9c below.
Step 9b
More than likely you did not turn the VP-X off long enough for the system to fully power down,
leaving it in update mode. It then failed the update because it could not restore your settings.
Perform the following steps:

8
1. Turn off the master switch.
2. After waiting about 5 seconds, turn on the VP-X and observe the orange light(s) next to
the Ethernet jack. (A VP-X Sport has one orange light and a Pro has two.) Both orange
lights should be blinking slowly (only one for the VP-X Sport), about once per second.
a. If a light is not on, or one is blinking rapidly, then a problem exists. Contact
Vertical Power tech support for further guidance.
b. If both are blinking normally (slowly, but at dissimilar rates) then re-connect the
Configurator and restore your settings as shown in step 9c below.
Step 9c
Before the Configurator does a firmware update, it saves your settings automatically to a file
located in the C:\VerticalPower directory. This file can be used later to restore your settings
manually. It is important that you restore your settings after a firmware update, even if the
settings appear in configurator. Go to section 19 Restoring your settings manually.
11. Troubleshooting%a%serial%data%line%connection%
The RS-232 serial data line goes between the VP-X and the EFIS. The VP-X sends data to the
EFIS, and the EFIS sends data to the VP-X. Therefore, both the serial transmit and receive lines
must be operating correctly. If the EFIS is receiving data, it may show the VP-X page, but the
EFIS must also transmit data for the system to operate correctly. Be sure both transmit and
receive lines are functioning. This section describes how to check both lines.
Checking the VP-X transmit line (EFIS receive line)
Each EFIS is slightly different, and this describes the general procedure. Go to the EFIS setup
menu where the serial ports are configured. Look for some sort of indicator that shows data is
being received. This may be a green check mark or an incrementing byte counter. If no data is
being received by the EFIS, check the serial wiring on both ends.
Checking the VP-X receive line (EFIS transmit line)
Connect the Configurator to the VP-X using the Ethernet line as shown earlier in this manual.
Select System Status from the left-hand menu.
Check the EFIS Data Missing field for one of the following states:
Data being received from EFIS NO data being received from EFIS
If no data is being received from the EFIS, check the serial wiring on both ends.

9
12. Copying%settings%from%the%on#line%VP#X%Planner%to%the%Configurator%
You can export settings from the on-line VP-X Planner to your VP-X. When you do this, any
existing settings on the VP-X are overwritten by the settings from the planner. Once the settings
have been copied to the VP-X, any changes you make to the web Planner will not be
automatically updated on the VP-X. Because the actual settings are unique to each airframe, the
trim and flap settings must be configured on the VP-X itself and cannot be done using the
planner. If you’ve made any changes to the configuration on the VP-X, we recommend noting
these changes in writing, then going back to the Planner and manually entering the changes so
you have a “master list” of changes. You can print your configuration from the VP-X Planner.
Here’s how to copy your settings from the Planner to the VP-X:
When you have all the settings configured in the on-line Planner, go to the VP-X Pinout tab and
click on the download VPX configuration file (.vpx) link.
The browser will ask if you want to open or save the file. Select Save As… and save it to your
desktop or somewhere on your computer where you can find it again.
Launch the VP-X Configurator and connect to the VP-X.
From the File menu, select Restore Configuration… and then select the file you saved earlier.
The settings are then sent to the VP-X.
Follow the prompts on the screen and power cycle the VP-X, and then re-connect.
Set the trim, flaps, wig-wag and system settings.
Verify all of the settings are correct.
13. Connecting%to%the%VP#X%using%serial%cable%
Customers using the original VP-X (the box with 4 black connectors and a 37-pin d-sub
connector) and the MGL Odyssey or Voyager should connect using a serial cable. Wiring
instructions are in the VP-X Installation Manual.
Turn on the aircraft master switch. TURN OFF THE EFIS WHILE THE VP-X
CONFIGURATOR IS CONNECTED.
If you want to run the VP-X Configurator while the EFIS is running, be sure to go to
Simulated Data section of the VP-X Configurator and UNCHECK the “Send Simulated
Data” item (do this once connected).
From Windows, go to the START Menu -> Programs, click on the VP-X Configurator to
start the application.
oThe first time you run the application it will ask for your name and tail number.
The connection screen appears automatically. Press the “Connect” (using serial) button to
connect. You must establish a connection between the VP-X Configurator and the VP-X
to configure it or update firmware.
Once the connection is established the Configurator reads the existing configuration from
the
VP-X.

10
Note: if you cannot connect check the following: 1) transmit and receive lines are wired
correctly. Swap them around and see if that fixes it. 2) verify you have the correct serial
port 3) verify the USB to serial adapter driver is installed and working correctly.
Please see the VP-X Installation manual for details on configuring the VP-X.
14. Using%the%VP#X%Configurator%%
Be sure the VP-X is connected and the aircraft master switch is on.
Double click on the VP-X Configurator icon on your desktop or locate the VP-X Configurator in
the Start->Programs menu.
Go through EACH of the settings pages (the list on the left side of the screen) and verify each
item is as it should be. Specific instructions to configure the VP-X are listed in the VP-X
Installation manual.
When the VP-X Configurator starts, it saves the current Ethernet port settings. When you
connect to the VP-X using Ethernet, it may need to change the network settings in order to
connect. The VP-X Configurator does not affect wireless network configurations. When you quit
the program, it restores the network configuration to its previous state. Sometimes this restore
operation can fail, and the result is that you cannot connect to a network using your hardwired
Ethernet port. Please see Appendix A for instructions on restoring your network settings
manually.
ALWAYS EXIT THE VP-X CONFIGURATOR PRIOR TO PUTTING
THE PC TO SLEEP OR SHUTTING DOWN.
15. Troubleshooting:%A%device%is%not%working%as%expected%
Once you have imported your configuration or manually configured the VP-X, some items may
not work as expected. Sometimes a device won’t turn on, or a switch will turn on unexpected
devices. Usually this is because the VP-X is not configured or wired correctly, and this section
explains how to troubleshoot those issues. Trim and flap configuration is discussed in the VP-X
Installation Manual.
VERIFY THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED. IF IT IS NOT, THE
VOLTAGE CAN DROP WHEN TURNING DEVICES ON. THE VP-X
OPERATES DOWN TO ABOUT 6 VOLTS, WHEREAS MOST
AVIONICS OPERATE DOWN TO 10 VOLTS.
We’re going to break things up into their logical sections, and troubleshoot and isolate each one
individually. First, we’ll look at how the switches are wired. Then we’ll verify that the VP-X is
configured correctly and there are no circuit faults. Finally, we’ll double check the wiring from
the VP-X to the devices. These sections are shown below:

11
VP-X
EFIS
Radio
Lights
GPS
Switch wiring Device wiringSettings
Faults
The troubleshooting steps are summarized here and each one is explained in detail below. Please
follow these steps in the order shown.
1. Check the switch inputs for proper operation.
2. Check the device configuration.
3. Check the device for faults, and test each device individually.
4. Test the wiring harness.
Now perform the steps as shown below:
1. Check the switch inputs for proper operation
With the Configurator connected to the VP-X, select the System Status page. At the bottom
you’ll see the status of each switch input, including trim and flaps.
Turn a switch on and verify that the corresponding switch input changes from OFF to ON. Then
turn it off and go to the next switch input. Be sure to verify that the trim and flap switches are
wired in the correct direction. It is easy to get these backwards. If you turn a switch on and it
does not change the status display, or changes the wrong display, then the switch is wired
incorrectly.
2. Check the device configuration

12
With the Configurator connected to the VP-X, select the Device Configuration page.
Select each device from the list in the middle of the screen and check the following for each
device:
1. The device is enabled with a check mark in the small box labeled ‘Enabled’.
2. The name and pin number match your planning document.
3. The circuit breaker is the correct value.
4. The switch is assigned to the correct switch input.
5. For now, turn Current Fault checking off. This will cause a fault when nothing is
connected to the power pin, which is often the case during the build process. You can
always turn it back on later.
6. Press Update button to save changes.

13
3. Check the device for faults, and test each device individually
With the Configurator connected to the VP-X, select the Device Status/Control page. This page
shows the on/off/fault status of each device, and also allows you turn each device on and off
individually (except flaps and trim which are done from their respective pages).
Check that there are no faults on a device. If there is a fault, note the TYPE of fault. That can
help you understand the cause of the fault. Faults are explained in the VP- X Installation Manual.
You can reset a fault by pressing the button that describes the fault.
Starting at the top of the list, turn on a device by clicking the check mark next to the name.
Check that the device turns on as expected. Then turn it off. Repeat for each device. If a device
does not turn on, and no faults exist, make a note of that device for later use.
4. Test the wiring harness
In this section you will test the wiring from the VP-X connector to the device itself. Build a test
harness as shown below. The wiring harness kit comes with two test leads (wire with a male
terminal on one end). Connect this to an in-line fuse (5A is a good start, but it should match the
circuit you are testing) then to the battery. Verify the battery ground is connected to ground.
Careful! The wire is a HOT wire now. Do not touch it to the airframe.
Batt +
ATC FUSE
Spade
Terminals
Male
terminal
for power
connector
Using your planning document as a guide, understand which device is connected to which pin.
Looking at the power connector from the side where all the wires go into it, pin 1 is at the top

14
left, then it increments going across to the right, then again from the bottom left increments to
the bottom right. The top of the connector is the side with the latch on it.
Insert the male terminal into the white part of the J8, J10, or J12 connector. You should feel a
slight resistance as the terminal engages the connector. If you don’t feel that, re-install the female
terminal into the connector housing. The device should come on. If it does not, then check the
wiring all the way through from the connector to the device. If you have any switches per backup
method B installed, be sure to check the switch position.
If you are still having trouble, please contact VP Tech Support at 505 715-6172.
16. Troubleshooting:%System%Status%Faults%
On the System Status page is a section titled System Faults. These are to alert you of any internal
faults or abnormal conditions. If a red ‘!’ icon is next to an item, then there is a fault. If the item
does NOT have an icon next to it, conditions are normal.
The following describes each item:
Item
Description
System Current>48A
System Current>60A
Advisory only. Total current exceeds these values.
EFIS Data Missing
Data from the EFIS is not being received by the VP-X.
Bus Delta Voltage
X-Bus Comm Failure
Starter Delta Voltage
VP-X Reset
Internal fault (BIT fail). Note the fault and contact technical support for
assistance.
Data Integrity Fail
The ECB settings are corrupted and have been reset to their default values.
Contact technical support for assistance.
17. Manually%Updating%the%VP#X%Pro%and%Sport%firmware%
This should only be performed if requested by tech support, and is performed in three steps:
Step 1: Save your settings. Go to File menu, then Save Configuration As… and save it to your
desktop.
Step 2: Update firmware. With the configurator connected, select “Update VP-X firmware…”
from the Connection menu. A window appears asking you to select a file. Navigate to the main
hard disk (C:\), then open the Program Files/Common Files/VerticalPower/vpx folder. Select the
file that matches your model and press Open.
Step 3: Restore your settings. After the firmware is updated, Go to File menu, then Restore
Configuration… and select the file you saved in step 1.

15
18. Updating%the%VP#X%firmware%when%connected%to%AFS%or%GRT%EFIS%
If you have a VP-X (pictured at right) connected to a GRT EFIS or AFS EFIS,
the VP-X firmware is part of the EFIS software upgrade package and the
firmware upgrade is performed from the EFIS itself. Please see instructions
below.
%
AFS%EFIS%
In the calibration menus, go to 36. VP-X Configuration -> 2. System -> 4. Update Software.
VERIFY THAT ALL THE SETTINGS, CIRCUIT BREAKER VALUES, TRIM, FLAP, WIG-
WAG ETC. ARE CORRECT.
GRT%EFIS%
Set Menu -> Display Unit Maintenance -> VP-X Configuration -> Software Update.
VERIFY THAT ALL THE SETTINGS, CIRCUIT BREAKER VALUES, TRIM, FLAP, WIG-
WAG ETC. ARE CORRECT.
19. Restoring%your%settings%manually%
The VP-X Configurator automatically saves your settings prior to a firmware upgrade and
automatically restores your settings after the firmware upgrade. If the restore process was not
initiated, you can manually restore your settings. Please follow these steps:
1. Connect to the VP-X with the Configurator.
2. From the File menu, select “Restore Configuration…”
3. A window appears asking you to select a file. Navigate to C:\VerticalPower folder
4. You will see one or more LONG file names with a date at the end of the filename. Select
the file with the most recent date and press the Open button.
5. The settings will be restored to the VP-X. Power cycle the VP-X when complete.
20. Known%Bugs%
•No known bugs.

16
21. Appendix%A%–%Restoring%network%settings%
When the VP-X Configurator application disconnects from the VP-X, it restores the computer’s
network settings back to their previous settings. In some instances this may fail and you must
reset them manually. Follow the instructions below (See Windows 7 section, then Windows XP
section):
Windows 7
Control Panel -> Network and Sharing Center
Press Local Area Connection.
If this is not present click on “Change adapter
settings” on the left side of the Window. Then
right click on the icon that says “Local Area
Connection” and select Properties.
or
!
Under General tab, click Properties

17
Under Networking tab, click on an item labeled
TCP/IPv4 then press Properties button
Under the General tab, click on “Obtain an IP
Address automatically” AND “Obtain DNS
server address automatically”
Press OK button.
These are the standard settings for a home
computer. If your computer is a work
computer, the settings may be different. Check
with your administrator.
Windows XP
Go to Control Panel →Network Connections
Right click on the network connection that you
want to restore, and select properties.

18
Select Internet Protocol then press Properties
Under the General tab, click on “Obtain an IP
Address automatically” AND “Obtain DNS
server address automatically”
Press OK button.
These are the standard settings for a home
computer. If your computer is a work
computer, the settings may be different. Check
with your administrator.