Telemetry – What Is It, And What Is It Good For?

We are all witnessing the Telemetry capable RX/TX systems in the last year becoming more and more available and widespread in the world of radio control models. HeliDaily is here for you to bring you up to speed in all the latest available products and their use. In Short, this article  will help you understand what Telemetry is, and what it’s good for.

“Telemetry is a Technology that allows measurements to be made at a distance,  via radio wave or IP network transmission and reception of the Information. The word is derived from Greek roots: tele= remote, and metron = measure. Systems that need external  instructions and data to operate require the counterpart of telemetry.”

In short, Telemetry allows us to know what’s going on with our model while it’s in the air. The modern radio systems offer different options using several sensors to measure various in-flight parameters such as: airspeed, height, battery condition, temperature etc.

Let’s take a look on the products the market has to offer:

JR XG8 DMSS 2.4GHZ 8CH TELEMETRY RADIO, TX/RX:

This new ratio system from JR has telemetry capabilities when used with various sensors. Receiver voltage telemetry is built in as standard and other forthcoming add-on sensors will give you real time feedback of information from your model such as the RPM of an aircraft propeller or helicopter rotor blades, temperature and variometer/altimeter readings.

Please keep in mind that this system is relatively new to the market and most telemetry related options are not yet available.

Spektrum telemetry technology:

Spektrum telemetry technology makes it possible for you to get real-time information on your model’s battery voltage, motor rpm, motor temperature and more. Many Spektrum transmitters feature built-in telemetry data receivers that let you view this information on their LCD screens. You also have the option of monitoring telemetry using the Spektrum STi™ app for the Apple® iPad®, iPhone® or iPod Touch®.

The Spektrum™ STi™ Telemetry Interface for iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch®

The STi lets you transmit vital info from your model’s on-board Spektrum™ telemetry module directly to  your iPhone®, iPad® or iPod touch®.* It can also be programmed to alert you  when any telemetry value you’re monitoring exceeds limits you define. It’s a  great way to keep tabs on your model if you’re flying with a DSM2™/DSMX™  Spektrum or JR®/DSM® transmitter that doesn’t have built-in telemetry. Even
with a telemetry-capable transmitter, you can use it to let someone else watch  telemetry so you can focus completely on flying.

*Requires  the free STi app. Compatible with iPad, iPod touch (4th gen), iPhone 4, iPhone  3GS, iPhone 3G and iPhone

Battery Voltage

Never again will you have to  wonder whether or not you have enough voltage to keep flying. Being able to  monitor voltage will also help you detect a worn out battery pack before it  prematurely ends your flight. The telemetry module is plugged into the receiver  and will automatically relay receiver voltage. A separate sensor for tracking  main battery voltage in electric aircraft will be included.

Available with: EC3, Dinns and JST connectors.

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Temperature

Monitors motor/engine  temperature to check for sufficient airflow, fuel mixture etc.

Signal Quality

Spektrum telemetry modules  keep tabs on the quality of the signal coming to the receiver and send this  information back to the transmitter where it is represented on the LCD screen  using a familiar “signal bar” scale.

RPM

Pilots can use the RPM  telemetry data to check the effectiveness of new mixture settings, new battery  packs, or perhaps a new propeller/motor combination.

Airspeed

Measures airspeed from  approximately 2 MPH to 350 MPH

Altimeter

Measures up to approximately  1000m above ground level. Advanced software allows processor to compensate for  variations in temperature

Nitro Telemetry Combo:

• Monitors temperature to maximize performance and eliminate costly rebuilds
• Battery voltage display prevents runaway crashes in nitro cars
• RPM display shows top-end speed
• Quality of signal monitors RF link strength
• Lap Counter/Timer helps analyze results of performance tweaks

Hitec Aurora 9:

The Aurora 9 is a 2.4GHz system featuring a large backlit 5.1  inch touch screen display, 30 Model memory, assignable switches and customizable programming menus, the Aurora is a true 3 in 1 radio with  sophisticated programming for sail planes, helicopters and all kinds of power planes.

This radio system also has telemetry features when used with various sensors:

HTS-SS – Telemetry Sensor Station:

Hitec’s compact sensor station collects data from each sensor of your gas and glow powered aircraft sending it back to your transmitter via the Optima 7 or Optima 9 omni-directional receivers.

HTS-Navi USB Telemetry Receiver:

The HTS-Navi USB Telemetry Receiver allows you to wirelessly receive essential telemetry data on your PC without the need and inconvenience of cables.

HTS-Voice Telemetry:

Designed to fit on the handle of all Hitec radios, this system audibly provides telemetry data via speakers or earphones.

• Audible Telemetry Information Readout via Speaker or Earphone
• Selectable Information Readout
• Volume Adjustable
• 3.5mm Earphone Port
• Power LED Indicator
• Operates on 2 AAA Batteries
• Designed to fit with on Handle of all Hitec Radios

HTS-ORPM – Optical RPM Sensor:

Designed for use with helicopters, this sensor provides RPM information using an optical sensor.

HTS-C200 Current Sensor:

This sensor measures current up to 200 amps.

Specifications

• Measurement range: 0 ~ 200A
• Measurement Resolution: 1A
• Wire length: 250mm

HTS-C50 Current Sensor:

This sensor measures current up to 50 amps.

Specifications

• Measurement Range: 0 ~ 50A
• Measurement Resolution: 0.1A
• Wire length: 250mm

HTS-MRPM – Magnetic RPM Sensor:

This sensor provides RPM information using a magnetic sensor.

HTS-VOLT Voltage Sensor:

This sensor measures voltage up to 100 volts

Specifications

• Measurement range: 0 ~ 100v
• Measurement Resolution: 0.1v
• Wire length: 250mm

HTS-Temp – Temperature Sensor:

These wire sensors measure the temperature of the motor, battery, exhaust/air and/or speed control from -40 degrees to 392 degrees Fahrenheit.

HTS-FUEL Fuel Level Sensor:

The HTS-SS Fuel Sensor provides  an accurate five step reading  of your remaining glow fuel level when simply attached to the outside of your
aircraft’s fuel tank.

NOTE: The HTS-SS Fuel will only work with Glow Fuel, it will not work with gasoline

HTS-GPS GPS Sensor:

This sensor displays constant directional information such as speed , altitude, latitude and longitude.

We hope this information is useful and always keep in mind that more and more products will become available with these capabilities as time passes. We therefore advise you to make your own research before making your decision.

HeliDaily Team

Sources:

http://www.jrradios.com/
http://www.spektrumrc.com/
http://www.hitecrcd.com/