New — firmware 5.x: from firmware version 5.x onwards, GliderKeeper communication is multi-protocol Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, so the Power Monitor plots can also be reached over Bluetooth from the Desktop App and from the Android and iPhone (iOS) apps.
The Power Monitor is an accessory that plugs into the 4-pin expansion port of the GliderKeeper series altimeters: GliderKeeper v2, GliderKeeper Pico or the first generation GliderKeeper. By connecting to your battery output leads it will measure the model's power consumption.
How it works
The Power Monitor is a shunt resistor based power monitor that simultaneously measures both battery voltage and current delivered by the battery, and sends them to the GliderKeeper CPU, which records those values together with altitude. By making the appropriate integration it calculates cumulative energy delivered. Once the limit of 350 W·min is reached, the competition firmware shuts the motor.
See SC4_Vol_EDIC_ SECTION 6 - F3G ENERGY LIMITER for the detailed working specification.
Transparent usage
Positive and negative battery leads are provided for you to match your model's connection. Connect to the appropriate side of your model's power output, and bring the four-pin expansion bus into the altimeter or into the extension hub, as shown in the picture.
Install the firmware and the UI (very important)
There are three new firmware releases:
- F3G: the official FAI approved firmware for use in official F3G competitions.
- SPG_5: the training firmware, similar to the official one but with the emergency motor enabled.
- SPT: the sport or general purpose firmware, used for flying any model but with power characterisation. No motor shut by the altimeter.
Update your altimeter UI as well to GKx_UI_x.31.bin to get access to the new power system plots and to be able to load the last two firmware names.
Use with the Magnetic Reset Switch
Install the new Magnetic Reset Switch (sold separately) into the large altimeter expansion port. By approaching the supplied peg to the sensor head (a reed switch) you generate a fast reset of the altimeter.
This reset switch will only be functional with F3G or F5L firmware (version x.31 or later).
Note: the Magnetic Reset Switch cannot be connected to the initial version of GliderKeeper, as it does not have an 8-pin expansion port.
Specifications
- Weight: 10.5 g (including supplied cables)
- Dimensions: 28 x 17 x 5 mm
- Max current: 100 A (30 s) / 250 A peak
- Max voltage: 40 V