[Vtx temperature]

On 08/12/2023 at 16:10, Edgeflyer said:

I am using a TBS unify pro 5g HV race and within a minute it gets too hot to hold. It is currently set to 200mw so I could set it at 25mw and have low range but how much difference does it make and is there any point? Do any vtxs run cooler?

- If the transmitter is designed to work at 200mW then it may simply need some airflow around it. I'm guessing it operates at 5.8GHz?
- As installed maybe the antenna isn't radiating well and a poor match to the transmitters output FET - try placing the antenna outside and away from metal objects, battery and receiver. Similar problems occur if the antenna connectors are dirty, worn, damaged or not tightened.
- Maybe locate the antenna to the underneath of the glider and orientated to ensure the radiation pattern is downwards to your receiver. You may then get away with a 25mW setting? A hemispherical pattern antenna radiating downwards is probably the best option for a glider.

Just be aware, transmitting at 200mW in the 5.8GHz band in UK would require a licence, the limit for unlicensed at 5.8GHz is 25mW:
https://www.ofcom.org.uk/spectrum/rules/licence-exempt-radio-use/licence-exempt-devices/Radio-controlled-models

and scroll to the table at the bottom.

[Onboard digital tachometers]

9 hours ago, Brian Cooper said:

I have an onboard tacho installed in one of my fleet. 

It is on the dashboard, and lives there with three voltage gauges. 

One for ignition battery voltage. 

One for the radio's lipo voltage (before regulator).  

And one for the regulated voltage going to the radio equipment. 

 

Radio battery voltage is monitored via telemetry so there is absolutely no point to them other than to add a bit of bling .... and kids having trial flights think it all looks seriously cool. 🤣 

 

Gotta keep the kids' imaginations alight. 

 

When using LiPo's in more aerobatic electric models, I find LiPo pack voltage telemetry and setting up an alarm preferable to just elapsed time when deciding to land. LiPo  pack voltage telemetry means I'm clear on the battery charge level and when it is time to land (typically I set for around 20-30%). No more engine shutdowns at inopportune moments.🤯
The only other "handy" telemetry is altitude for information when flying gliders and looking for lift.

However as already commented, best to keep eyes firmly on the plane especially aerobatic ones!

[Radiolink?]

I have used a Radiolink AT10II for over 3 years now, flown hundreds of hours with all types of model using their R12DS receivers and haven't had any in flight issues.
As a further note, I can download GPS telemetry to the AT10II transmitter using a simple Arduino setup costing no more than 30 UK pounds. The details and software to do this can be found here: https://github.com/wyfinger/RadiolinkTelemetry/tree/master
The code works well and altitude, speed latitude and longitude are displayed on the AT10II transmitter screen.

I would recommend the AT10II set to anyone starting in the hobby or looking to change to 2.4GHz. At around 160 UKp including receiver and external battery TM module it's a snip.

 

Hope that helps.