[madmax]

Oh sweet Jeeezus! We have a mac guy among us! I have one to that I use for FCP and the video thing. Please let this be our secret.


A few more excerpts from the manual which are VERY pertinent to this conversation, and worth reading.

	Quote:
	Advanced Range Testing Using a Flight Log While the above Standard Range Testing procedure is recommended for most sport aircraft, for sophisticated aircraft that contain significant amounts of conductive/ reflective materials (i.e. turbine-powered jets, some types of scale aircraft, aircraft with carbon fuselages, etc.) the following advanced range check will confirm that all internal and remote receivers are operating optimally and that the installation (position of the receivers) is optimized for the specific aircraft. This Advanced Range Check allows the RF performance of each individual internal and remote receiver to be evaluated and to optimize the locations of each individual remote receiver. Advanced Range Testing the X9303 2.4 1. Plug a flight log (optional) into the data port in the JR R921 receiver and turn on the system (transmitter and receiver). 2. Advance the Flight Log until F- frame losses are displayed, by pressing the button on the flight log. 3. Have a helper hold your aircraft while he observes the Flight Log data. 4. Standing 30 paces away from the model, face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and depress and hold the bind button on the back of the transmitter. This causes reduced power output from the transmitter. 5. Have your helper position the model in various orientations (nose up, nose down, nose toward the transmitter, nose away from the transmitter, etc.) while your helper is watching the Flight Log, noting any correlation between the aircraft’s orientation and Frame Losses. Do this for 1 minute. The timer on the X9303 can be used here. For giant-scale aircraft, it’s recommended that the airplane be tipped up on its nose and rotated 360 degrees for one minute, then record the data. Next place the airplane on its wheels and do a second test, rotating the aircraft in all directions for one minute. 6. After one minute, release the bind button. A successful range check will have recorded zero frame losses. Scrolling the Flight Log through the Antenna fades (A, B, L, R) allow you to evaluate the performance of each receiver. Antenna fades should be relatively uniform. If a specific antenna is experiencing a high degree of fades, then that antenna should be moved to a different location. 7. A successful Advanced test will yield the following: H- 0 holds F- 0 frame losses A, B, R, L- Antenna fades will typically be less than 100. It’s important to compare the relative antenna fades and if a particular receiver has a significantly higher antenna fades (2 to 3X), then the test should be redone, and if the same results occur, move the offending receiver to a different location. Flight Log—Optional for JR R921 Receiver The Flight Log is compatible with JR R921 receivers. The Flight Log displays overall RF link performance as well as the individual internal and external receiver link data. Additionally it displays receiver voltage. Using the Flight Log After a flight and before turning off the receiver or transmitter, plug the Flight Log into the Data port on the JR R921 receiver. The screen will automatically display voltage i.e. 6v2= 6.2 volts. Note : When the voltage reaches 4.8 volts or less, the screen will flash indicating low voltage. Press the button to display the following information: A - Antenna fades on internal antenna A B - Antenna fades on internal antenna B L - Antenna fades on the left external antenna R - Antenna fades on the right external antenna F - Frame loss H - Holds Antenna fades—represents the loss of a bit of information on that specific antenna. Typically it’s normal to have as many as 50 to 100 antenna fades during a flight. If any single antenna experiences over 500 fades in a single flight, the antenna should be repositioned in the aircraft to optimize the RF link. Frame loss—represents simultaneous antenna fades on all attached receivers. If the RF link is performing optimally, frame losses per flight should be less that 20. A hold occurs when 45 continuous (one right after the other) frame losses occur. This takes about one second. If a hold occurs during a flight, it’s important to re-evaluate the system, moving the antennas to different locations and/or checking to be sure the transmitter and receivers are all working correctly. Note : A servo extension can be used to allow the Flight Log to more conveniently be plugged in without having to remove the aircraft’s hatch or canopy. On some models, the Flight Log can be plugged in, attached and left on the model using double-sided tape. This is common with helicopters, mounting the Flight Log conveniently to the side frame. Receiver Power System Requirements With all radio installations, it is vital that the onboard power system provides adequate power without interruption to the receiver even when the system is fully loaded (servos at maximum flight loads). This becomes especially critical with giant-scale models that utilize multiple high torque/ high current servos. Inadequate power systems that are unable to provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiver during flight loads have become the number one cause of in-flight failures. Some of the power system components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include: the selected receiver battery pack (number of cells, capacity, cell type, state of charge), switch harness, battery leads, regulator (if used), power bus (if used). While the R921 receivers’ minimum operational voltage is 3.5-volts, it is highly recommended the system be tested per the guidelines below to a minimum acceptable voltage of 4.8-volts during ground testing. This will provide head room to compensate for battery discharging or if the actual flight loads are greater than the ground test loads. Recommended Power System Guidelines 1. When setting up large or complex aircraft with multiple high torque servos, it’s highly recommended a current and voltmeter (Hangar 9 HAN172) be used. Plug the voltmeter in an open channel port in the receiver and with the system on, load the control surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the voltage at the receiver. The voltage should remain above 4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded. Note : The optional Flight Log has a built in voltmeter and it can be used to perform this test. 2. With the current meter inline with the receiver battery lead, load the control surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the current. The maximum continuous recommended current for a single heavy-duty servo/battery lead is three amps while short duration current spikes of up to five amps are acceptable. Consequently, if your system draws more than three amps continuous or five amps for short durations, a single battery pack with a single switch harness plugged into the receiver for power will be inadequate. It will be necessary to use multiple packs of the same capacity with multiple switches and multiple leads plugged into the receiver. 3. If using a regulator, it’s important that the above tests are done for an extended period of 5 minutes. When current passes through a regulator, heat is generated and this heat causes the regulator to increase resistance, which in turn causes even more heat to build up (thermal runaway). While a regulator may provide adequate power for a short duration, it’s important to test its ability over time as the regulator may not be able to maintain voltage at significant power levels. 4. For really large aircraft or complex models (for example 35% and larger or jets), multiple battery packs with multiple switch harnesses are necessary or, in many cases, one of the commercially available power boxes/ busses is recommended. No matter what power systems you choose, always carry out test #1 above making sure that the receiver is constantly provided with 4.8 volts or more under all conditions. 5. The latest generation of Nickel Metal Hydride batteries incorporate a new chemistry mandated to be more environmentally friendly. These batteries, when charged with peak detection fast chargers, have tendencies to false peak (not fully charge) repeatedly. These include all brands of Ni-MH batteries. If using Ni-MH packs, be especially cautious when charging making absolutely sure that the battery is fully charged. It is recommended to use a charger that can display total charge capacity. Note the number of mAh put into a discharged pack