|
e-mail niglyn@googlemail.com Telephone 07768 790066
Setting up the Lost Model Finder Ver 2.5.
Web www.njttechnical.co.uk e-mail niglyn@googlemail.com Telephone 07768 790066
There are three modes of operation. They are selected by cutting the mode wires as appropriate. This is a far simpler process than the lengthy setup routines found on many speed controllers and also prevents the LMF being accidentally re-programmed as can happen with ESCs when we turn on the rx with our tx throttle open! Where required, wires should be cut in the middle. They can be easily soldered together again if required. On completion, the supplied pvc insulation tape should be used to cover the cut/joined wires.
To set your lost model finder:- a) Read this page and then select the ONE mode that suits your needs. Cut the mode wires as appropriate b) Turn overleaf and set the timeout alarm period. Cut the mode wires as appropriate.
1) TRANSMITTER CONTROL MODE. This is the default (factory set) option and no further adjustment of the mode wires are required.
The LMF should be plugged into a spare channel on your receiver. A good choice is channel 5 as this is switch controlled on the transmitter (normally used for landing gear). The spare channel should have normal 100% travel rates. The alarm will sound with the switch in one position and is silenced in the other. The reverse setting on the transmitter can be used to reverse operation of the switch if desired.
The alarm sounds by:- Switch operation from the TX (normally channel 5)
Additionally if using some single conversion ppm receivers, turning off the transmitter will sound the alarm.
2) Y LEAD MODE. Using a Y lead on aileron or elevator channel. To select this mode, (for receivers without a spare servo channel) cut the green wire. Connect the LMF with a Y lead to either the aileron or elevator servo.
In Y lead mode, the LMF monitors the servo pulses from the rx to the servo and will alarm when there is no movement of the servo. The LMF requires approximately three control surface deflections before monitoring begins, a ‘pip’ will then be heard (do not confuse with initial ‘pip’ heard when turning on). Thereafter if the control surface is not moved for a period of three minutes, the alarm will sound. This arming procedure avoids unnecessarily triggering the alarm before flight. You do not need to arm the LMF, it will arm automatically in flight. You can of course try this on the ground initially go get an idea of how much control movement is required before arming occurs. If your LMF arms without you moving the controls it is an indication that your rx is glitching and in turn has armed the LMF. Connecting the glow-lead (metal to metal contact) is one source of glitching. If landing out immediately after take off, give the controls a good waggle to ensure the LMF has armed.
The alarm sounds when:- 25 minutes have elapsed and the control surface has not been moved at all. 3 minutes elapsed since control surface movement (after initial arming)
Additionally if using some single conversion ppm receivers, turning off the transmitter will activate the alarm. Try this on the ground initially to see if this option works. If it does not, keep your transmitter on after landing out and wait for the 3 minute no movement alarm.
3) FREE FLIGHT MODE. To select this mode, cut the orange wire.
Both the transmitter control and Y lead alarm will be disabled. The LMF will only sound after the 9/30/60/90 minute timeout period. This option is not recommended other than for free flight models. In this case, just connect power to the LMF of between 4.0 and 6 volts. (A bespoke FF & rocket model is available, designed to run from three nicads or a single 3.7V lithium cell. Call for details)
Now set the timeout alarm period – details overleaf > > > Web www.njttechnical.co.uk e-mail niglyn@googlemail.com
> > >Continued from other side – read other side first!
Now set the timeout alarm period The LMF incorporates an ‘if all else fails’ timeout alarm. After the timeout period, the alarm will sound regardless of which mode has been set. This ensures you can still find your model in situations for example, when the rx or tx has failed or there is serious radio interference. The timeout period may be selected to be either 9, 30, 60 or 90 minutes.
To select the 30 minute timeout no further action is required as this is the default value. When the receiver is switched on, a single “pip” will be heard to confirm this. (Ideal for IC & battery RC models)
To select the 60 minute timeout, cut the blue wire. When the receiver is switched on, “pip pip” will be heard to confirm that the longer timeout is selected. (Ideal for gliders & long duration flight)
To select the 90 minute timeout, cut the brown wire. When the receiver is switched on, “pip pip pip” will be heard to confirm that the longest timeout is selected.
To select the 9 minute timeout, cut the blue and brown wire. When the receiver is switched on, “pip pip pip pip” will be heard to confirm that the shortest timeout is selected. (Suited for free flight & rockets)
After this timeout period, the alarm will sound indefinitely regardless of any other option set. It will only reset when the receiver power is cycled.
Using the pvc insulation tape provided, cover the cut mode wires.
After installation and before the first flight, carry out a full range and control check.
Hints and Tips For the alarm to work after a heavy landing, the battery, receiver and LMF must stay connected. Mounting them all on the same bulkhead is a good option. Batteries have high kinetic energy, mount so they cannot fly forward.
For maximum volume mount the hole in the LMFs sounder box directly behind a 6mm hole drilled in the fuselage. Insure this is in an area where fuel contamination cannot occur. Alternately if it is preferred not to make a hole in the plane it can be mounted near cooling vents or push rod exits or in an open cockpit. The LMF will work perfectly well if just placed in the fuselage but obviously will not be as audible.
Should the 3 minute no movement alarm sound unnecessarily, a quick waggle of the control surface will reset the timer. This could happen for example, if you have ‘armed’ the timer during pre-flight checks and have a delay before take off.
The LMF intelligently selects the required features in each mode of operation, please do not try to mix and match. For example, if transmitter control mode is selected, the Y lead 3 minute no movement alarm is disabled. Similarly, if Y lead mode is selected, operation via the transmitter is not possible. This aids a quick and simple setup process.
The receiver should not be turned off and back on very quickly. Leave it off for a second or two. This gives electronics time to reset. This is true of things like digital servos, voltage monitors and indeed the LMF.
If the LMF sounds during normal flight, it is an indication that serious glitching has occurred. If this repeatedly happens, land and investigate!
In free flight mode it may not be apparent that the batteries are discharged and care must be taken to ensure batteries are not over discharged. This is especially important if using a lithium cell. There is no voltage cut off fitted to the LMF as it is designed to run for as long as possible. There is no point of trying to protect the batteries if they together with the model are never found! As a guide, the FF model draws less than 1mA so a 700mAh battery will give 700 hours standby time. This is a theoretical calculation, in practice this figure will vary somewhat due to temperature, internal discharge, age, condition of the battery etc.
Finally, thank you for purchasing one of our products. We hope it will give long and useful service, saving you much time wading through crop fields or looking up into a canopy of tree tops. We are always happy to offer technical help, welcome customer feedback and suggestions for improvements or new products
For technical help, suggestions or to order please feel free to contact us. www.njttechnical.co.uk e-mail niglyn@googlemail.com
Telephone 07768 790066 |
|
Warning Competitors lost model finders only work with single conversion ppm receivers and are more expensive than ours
Our LMF works with ALL ppm, pcm and 2.4gig receivers |
|
Warning Competitors lost model finders only work with single conversion ppm receivers and are more expensive than ours
Ours work with ALL ppm, pcm and 2.4gig receivers |
