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MICRO E TIMER
FOR E-36 AND OTHER SMALL ELECTRIC POWERED FREE FLIGHT
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DOHRMAN CRAWFORD OF ATLANTA PLACED FIRST IN E-36 AT THE 2007 NATS FLYING A STOCK SPARKS WITH A TEXAS TIMERS MICRO E TIMER!!!
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE OF THIS PLANE AND THE FLIER
IN DOHRM'S OWN WORDS "I need to mention
the excellent performance of my Texas timer. It is the new electric version sold
by Hank Nystrom of Texas Timers . It
is the real deal. I was easily getting each motor run at more than 24 and less
than 25 seconds. 24.65 and so on. That was actually easy to do with that timer
and it is built well enough that it is easily repeatable. Thanks Hank, you did
good!!!! I would certainly slap one of these little beauties on another plane."
The MICRO E timer is designed for the new NFFS E-36 provisional event as well as for any other small electric powered free flight model using less than 10 amps motor current. Because it uses an aero space grade micro switch, there is no limit on voltage. The switch is mounted behind the faceplate, so all wires are out of the way. It has a negligible voltage drop and provides fast clean switching of the motor for maximum efficiency and best performance.
The MICRO E design is based upon the very successful and popular MICRO I pinchoff timer for gas models. It is easy to use, simple to set the time, reliable, durable, and accurate. It is not as subject to damage as the electronic types. The time can be set for anything between 0 and 30 seconds. The timer is started in the conventional way with a trip wire at launch.
Control of an an electric motor is done in the same way as a methanol fueled gas engine. You shut off the flow of fuel to the the motor. In this case, the fuel is electricity. And instead of pinching a fuel line, we use a switch (part of MICRO E timer above) to open up the path (wire) carrying the fuel (electricity) to the motor. Instead of a tank or bladder, we have a battery. Instead of a clamp on the fuel tubing to hold the fuel back until we are ready to start the gas engine, we have a tiny safety switch (S1 below) to hold the circuit open after we have armed the timer for use. Instead of a check valve to add fuel to the bladder, we can use the same S1 safety switch to make a path to the battery so charge can be added to it between flights from outside the plane. Instead of fuel tubing, we have wires. So, you see, it is not that different
No wires are included with the timer as many customers will have there own preferred wire or connectors. We do solder a snubber capacitor to the switch terminals as this is good design practice to reduce the arcing on the switch contacts when the motor is turned off. Such a capacitor greatly extends the life of the switch. We have been doing this since the beginning with our ignition timers and in all the years, not we have not seen one failed switch. If you want two wires soldered to the timer, we do offer that as an option. (See ordering below). The two wires will be the same color (our choice of black or red) as there is no polarity issue with the timer.
CAUTION: Any electric application requires making wire connections. The only dependable and reliable way to do this is on small items is by soldering. We have put together some information and photos on the proper way to solder. Please review it if you are not already skilled in electronic soldering. Soldering Techniques
WIRING
This shows how a typical electric free flight might be wired. This is
only one of several correct ways to do it.
Plugs P1, P2, and P3 are shown as polarized two pin connectors, but not otherwise specified. P3 is
optional for those who want to charge the battery while still in the plane.
It is not required to use any connectors, but it certainly makes it a lot easier
to work on the plane.
Typical P connectors are the two pin JST and the Deans 2R/2B. S1 is a SPDT slide
switch used for safety as well as convenience.
We
have these switches available for those who do not have their own. Red wiring is
used to signify the positive voltage side of the circuit.
You can use any colors you wish, or use all one color. Red and Black are just
the most commonly used colors.
You can click HERE to see what the JST connector looks like and see our SPDT
switch as well as the shrink tubing we offer.
USE
Move S1 so motor is off
Charge battery through P3 (optional)
Set MICRO E timer for desired motor run time
Set Badge timer (if used) for DT time or install/adjust DT fuse
Start DT (timer or fuse)
Be sure prop is clear of fingers and other obstructions
Move switch S1 to start motor
Start MICRO E timer
Launch.
On recovery move S1 to off
STATUS
The MICRO E went through three phases of prototype. We are very pleased
with the design and expect it to be quite popular.
TESTIMONIALS
This from a customer on 4/29/07 "Texas Timer electric model highly
recommended for simplicity and ease of operation. Flawless repeatability for
motor run times. Hank, you did good!! I may be in the market for another"
And from another customer on 5/14/07 "I also think
Hank's mechanical timer is the way to go (with a fuse for dt). I tried the
elect. timer and nichrome wire approach. What a mess!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
This input received on 5/21/07 from a third customer "Your
timer is easy to set up and easy to use. I actually had a (well
known electronic model) timer and sold it as it couldn't
understand how to install and adjust it. I got some instructions from both A
and B on it, but it was beyond my ability to hook up. Yours was a snap.
"
ACCESSORIES
We are carrying two different switches that are suitable in the S1
position for E-36. The smaller SW-SP switch comes with a 1/32 laser
cut ply mount to make it easy to install in your fuselage. We also have 20 gage
stranded wire (10 strands of 30 gage) for hook up in red and black for those
needing wire. It is not as soft and flexible as the silicone insulation wire
made in China, but so far we have not found a source for it.
We also have a laser cut 1/32 ply mount for the timer. This comes with three nylon 2-56 screws. It makes a neat way to mount the timer to the fuselage. Select this to see the Ply Mount, Switches & Shrink Tubing we have.
SPECS
Faceplate size: 2.16inches by 0.89inches
Weight with snubber capacitor: 7.2 grams
