REV 1.0
52
APR1
-
User Manual,
Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet
Flybox®
is a registred brand of Microel s.r.l.- Italy
www.flyboxavionics.it
MICROEL s.r.l.
Via Mortara 192-194
27038 Robbio (PV) - ITALY
Tel +39-0384-670602 - Fax +39-0384-671830
Page 1: ...FLYBOX FLYBOX APR1 Automatic Propeller Regulator User Manual ...
Page 2: ...d Warning Booklet This product is not TSO d and cannot be installed into traditional FAA Part 23 and similarly Type Certificate Aircraft Document A2021APR1 Revision 1 0 09 2021 For firmware version 1 0 This booklet is suitable for printing in A5 format ...
Page 3: ...EV 1 0 3 APR1 User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet INTRODUCTION IMPORTANT NOTICE AND WARNINGS INDEX SYSTEM OVERVIEW OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS GENERAL SUGGESTIONS TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS WARRANTY DISCLAIMER ...
Page 4: ...FLYBOX Introduction REV 1 0 4 APR1 User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet Examples of available screens Homepage NORMAL Homepage IASTAB Homepage MAPTAB ...
Page 5: ... 57mm hole Our intention in developing the APR1 family of instruments was to create a product that is light and compact powerful and easy to use The APR1 family of instruments features a highly visible display a powerful 32 bit microcontroller and state of the art solid state sensors to ensure reliability and accuracy over time The owner has the option of keeping the instrument software up to date...
Page 6: ...al NOTE Used to highlight important information CAUTION Used to warn the user it indicates a potentially hazardous situation or improper use of the product WARNING Used to indicate a dangerous situation that can cause personal injury or death if the instruction is disregarded FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH ...
Page 7: ...stallation and User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet before installing the device on your aircraft and follow the procedure described therein WARNING This device is intended to be installed on NON TYPE CERTIFIED AIRCRAFT ONLY as it does NOT require any air operator s certificate Refer to your national aviation authorities to check if this device can be installed on your aircraft WARN...
Page 8: ...tional customization of the device the responsibility lies with the individual who carried out such operation WARNING If this product is not used correctly or it is subjected to additions or alterations the effectiveness of this device may be considerably reduced WARNING Alterations additions or repairs not performed by the instrument manufacturer or by a person or organization authorized by the m...
Page 9: ...serves the right to change or improve its products as well as terms conditions and notices under which their products are offered without prior notice NOTE The Installation and User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet will be updated annually if needed All changes or updates will be published on our website www flyboxavionics com in the support section NOTE Check the website www flyboxa...
Page 10: ...gation 15 3 0 Indication on the Normal screen 16 3 1 Indication on the IASTAB screen 18 3 2 Indication on the MAPTAB screen 19 4 0 Main Menu 20 4 1 Propeller Test 20 4 2 Dimmer 21 4 3 SETUP 22 4 3 1 Control Submenu 22 4 3 2 Manually Modify RPMs in ADV ADV Mode 26 4 3 3 Home Submenu 27 4 3 4 Backlight 28 4 3 5 IAS Setup 29 4 3 6 Debug 31 4 4 Firmware Update 32 4 5 Backup Restore 33 4 6 Logger 34 4 ...
Page 11: ... Warning Booklet INDEX 5 0 General Suggestions using the APR1 36 5 1 Use in CSPD constant speed mode 37 5 2 Use in ADV advanced mode 40 5 3 Use in ADV advanced plus 43 Technical specification 46 Cleaning 46 Warranty 47 Term of use and Disclaimer 48 Miscellaneous 49 ...
Page 12: ...ntroller and the latest generation of solid state sensors to ensure reliability and accuracy over time Thanks to its features it can interface with all types of latest generation engines and propellers ERGONOMICS Large TFT display 320x240 Pixels 1000 nits antiglare surface sunlight readable wide temperature range High quality knob encoder with push button for easy access to all features Automatic ...
Page 13: ...er aircraft combination The APR1 will be able to hold the most appropriate RPM for each flight phase In this way your powertrain becomes a Single Lever Engine Just move the throttle and your new system will take care of all the rest ABOUT SAFETY APR1 has been designed with safety in mind Its high current output in HC models the rapid short circuit protection and the possibility of continuing to op...
Page 14: ...ient Light Sensor High Brightness color display CAUTION The Operating Mode selector has a safety lock to avoid accidental operation it must first pulled on the outside and then moved to the desired position If it is raised or lowered without first pulling it it may be broken The knob can be rotated to select the functions and increment or decrement the values while pressing it to confirm ...
Page 15: ...etup system is organized in menus and submenus a submenu is a term used to describe a menu that is contained within another menu Press the knob to enter in the selected item The knob can be rotated to select the functions and increment or decrement the values while pressing it to confirm To exit without changing while editing a number or multiple choice keep pressed the knob for 3 seconds The firs...
Page 16: ...SB status Icon Working Mode RPM bar and pointer USB status icon This icon appears only when a USB flash drive is connected to the instrument Its coloring can vary in White pen drive connected datalog Off Green pen drive connect datalog ON Red Pen drive connected error writing data There are 3 different screen you can chose as the main one the one defined as NORMAL is shown below Read chapter 4 3 3...
Page 17: ...chapters 4 3 1 and 5 3 for a full description RPM bar and pointer It graphically represents how the controller is working to keep the set RPMs AIR speed unit Shows the currently selected unit of measurement for speed indication AIR speed indication Shows the current Air Speed Indication Travel Limit Indication This indicator can show when the pitch of the blades is in one of the 2 extreme position...
Page 18: ...Speed RPM Curve USB status Icon Working Mode The display shows how the Speed RPM curve is followed The blue reference lines run across the curve graphically indicating the intersection of Speed RPM The input speed value and the resulting RPMs are also shown in numerical value There are 3 different screen you can chose as the main one the one defined as IASTAB is described below Read chapter 4 3 3 ...
Page 19: ...status Icon Working Mode The display shows how the MAP RPM curve is followed The blue reference lines run across the curve graphically indicating at the current MAP value how much minimum RPM is required The input MAP values and the resulting RPMs are also shown in numerical value There are 3 different screen you can chose as the main one the one defined as MAPTAB is described below Read chapter 4...
Page 20: ... you must rev up the engine to an appropriate value for example 4500 RPM for a ROTAX 912 and press the knob confirming to start the propeller test The APR1 will increase the pitch until the propeller reach the RPM value your installer has defined Once reached this minimum value 4000 RPM for example it returns to the initial RPM in this example 4500 RPM While the APR1 is performing the Propeller te...
Page 21: ...the engine ignition above 4000 RPM and for more than 30 seconds the Propeller test item will disappear from the main menu and you will not be able to perform it automatically In this case it will be possible to do the test by manually reducing the RPM by turning the knob CAUTION performing this operation manually is not advisable as you will need to remember to select all RPMs before taking off 4 ...
Page 22: ...dels The instrument operates semi automatically and requires pilot action to change the target rpm In this mode the aircraft speed and MAP value are ignored even if your model is an M and the Speed RPM and MAP RPM curves have been set by your installer When the CSPD mode is set the maximum take off revs are automatically set at the instrument power up CAUTION In CSPD Mode the pilot must remember t...
Page 23: ...own in 2 different ways depending on the screen displayed ADV Advance mode This function is available in all 4 APR1 models ADV mode enable the controller to follow the Speed RPM curve set by your installer The instrument automatically adjusts the engine speed according to the Speed RPM curve set by the installer In this mode the instrument recognises the various flight phases according to the spee...
Page 24: ...fety Instructions and Warning Booklet When the ADV mode is used the instantaneous value of the MAP does not affect the RPM even if your model is an M and the MAP RPM curve has been set by your installer Read chapter x x for more information on using in ADV mode ...
Page 25: ...e possible to vary the RPM as desired by acting on the knob or in any other possible mode among those available and if activated Go to chapter 4 3 2 for a full description Because the ADV mode continuously monitors the MAP value in certain situations the RPM can be increased automatically to prevent overtorque conditions If you own the M model and your installer has set a MAP RPM curve in your dev...
Page 26: ...act your installer if you have any queries When making a manual setting of the target RPMs in any of the modes described above the flashing message CSPD appears in the top right of the display The flashing message will remain as long as the CSPD status requested by the pilot persists To exit this mode and return to ADV or ADV mode simply press the knob A safety control system automatically returns...
Page 27: ...tivated if ADV or ADV mode has been selected It cannot be activated if CSPD mode has been selected The display shows how the Speed RPM curve is followed IASTAB This page is always available and can be activated in all 4 models It is recommended as the standard operating screen MAPTAB This page is available in the M models only and can be activated if ADV mode has been selected It cannot be activat...
Page 28: ... 1 min brightness to 19 max brightness Default value 19 Selecting Auto the following new parameters will appear in the list Smoothness choose how fast the backlight changes when there is a variation of light on the sensor Default 1 Min 1 faster Max 3 slower Min light choose minimal backlighting when the environment is dark Default 1 Min 1 dark Max 20 bright FLYBOX Operating Instructions REV 1 0 28...
Page 29: ... request occurs When you rotate the knob to change RPM from the current target RPM in ADV or in ADV mode the controller automatically switches to CSPD mode and stores the istantaneous aircraft speed in memory If during the flight the aircraft speed exit this window the controller automatically returns to the selected ADV or ADV mode In the example in the next page the speed at the time of the targ...
Page 30: ...lashing CSPD Any speed variation that takes the speed values outside these limits will return the controller to the selected ADV or ADV mode In the image above the speed increased to the upper Speed Window limit of 220 Km h and the APR1 controller returned to ADV or ADV mode indicating this on the display FLYBOX Operating Instructions REV 1 0 30 APR1 User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Boo...
Page 31: ...ing 1 some useful information will be shown on the display when the Operating Mode selector is in Manual position The data shown are Current consumption RPM Resistive value only for certain propellers MAP IAS When this information is displayed you can leave it on the screen indefinitely or make it disappear by selecting 0 ...
Page 32: ...t it is necessary to connect the USB stick to the instrument then from the main menu select Firmware Upgrade If the USB stick is not yet plugged in the message Insert Flash Drive will appear If already plugged in a message indicating the SW versions will appear Select YES to upgrade This will appear after upgraded Wait until the done message will appear then remove the USB stick The instrument wil...
Page 33: ...is necessary to connect a USB pen drive to the instrument From the main menu of the instrument choose Backup Restore If the USB stick is not plugged in yet the message Insert Flash Drive will appear If already plugged in a message indicating to choose the operation will appear Select Backup to proceed Message during Writing Message when finished NOTE A backup file is now written on the pen drive c...
Page 34: ... data will be stored at 10 Hz samples and written on a file with some information of the instrument that generated them When the USB flash drive is plugged in to the device a white icon will appear on the display indicating that the flash drive is connected Select Restore to proceed Message during Restoring Message when finished FLYBOX Operating Instructions REV 1 0 34 APR1 User Manual Safety Inst...
Page 35: ...nected To stop logging the preferred way is to choose NO from the Main Menu Logger However logging is saved even if you switch off the instrument directly but you may lose the last recorded events The Logger function automatically returns to NO when the instrument is switched off so it must be enabled as often as necessary To send the Logger data to your installer the best thing to do is to zip an...
Page 36: ...nstructor or your mechanic who knows your aircraft and its powerplant system better than we do If you have any doubts or queries do not hesitate to contact your installer He will interface with the Flybox technical service team if necessary In the following paragraphs you will find tips on how to use the instrument in the 3 different ways CSPD ADV and ADV These suggestions are intended to be illus...
Page 37: ... something goes wrong do not take off but check what the problem might be and if necessary call your technician When the the Propeller Test is finished check that the green idle pitch light is lit and that the target rpm on the display is the maximum RPM for takeoff if not turn the knob to set it During the takeoff run in addition to checking the increasing aircraft speed it is mandatory to check ...
Page 38: ...g on the limits given by the engine manufacturer For this reason it is important that if you are not yet an expert in manual RPM and MAP power settings you train with an instructor By following his advice you will learn in a short time The basic rule is If you need to increase power increase RPM first and then MAP If you need to reduce power decrease MAP first and then reduce revs All this of cour...
Page 39: ... changing and you will need to verify why after landing If not i e if the RPM changes with the INC DEC switch then the governor electronics may be faulty and you will need to call your service technician NOTE The internal safety circuit offers a by pass of the electronics so that in the event of a fault and if there are no problems in the cables or hub you will always be able to position the pitch...
Page 40: ...ent engine Before takeoff always do the Propeller test in automatic mode as expected and explained in chapter 4 1 This is to check that the APR1 propeller system is working correctly and if something goes wrong do not take off but check what the problem might be and if necessary call your technician When the the Propeller Test is finished check that the green idle pitch light is lit and that the t...
Page 41: ...time CAUTION What to do if you find that the controller is not adjusting the RPMs If you find that the Target RPM is not being maintained first check that you have enough MAP to achieve the desired target RPM You may have a small open throttle and a high RPM setting If not then you need to check that controller and propeller are working properly You can do this by setting the operating mode select...
Page 42: ...u can reach the landing Don t take off again if you haven t fixed the fault first Remember that when in constant speed in addition to turning the knob you can also change the target RPMs with the INC DEC switch and by other means if your installer has provided them See Chapter 4 3 2 for more information In manual position remember to set the maximum RPM especially on landing as well as takeoff You...
Page 43: ...M in case of a different engine Before takeoff always do the Propeller test in automatic mode as expected and explained in chapter 4 1 This is to check that the APR1 propeller system is working correctly and if something goes wrong do not take off but check what the problem might be and if necessary call your technician When the the Propeller Test is finished check that the green idle pitch light ...
Page 44: ...time CAUTION What to do if you find that the controller is not adjusting thr RPMs If you find that the Target RPM is not being maintained first check that you have enough MAP to achieve the desired target RPM You may have a small open throttle and a high RPM setting If not then you need to check that controller and propeller are working properly You can do this by setting the operating mode select...
Page 45: ...u can reach the landing Don t take off again if you haven t fixed the fault first Remember that when in constant speed in addition to turning the knob you can also change the target RPMs with the INC DEC switch and by other means if your installer has provided them See Chapter 4 3 2 for more information In manual position remember to set the maximum RPM especially on landing as well as takeoff you...
Page 46: ...range 6 50 inHg Supply voltage 10 30 V Supply current no load 60mA MAX load current 20A RPM voltage signal range high input 5 100Vpp RPM voltage signal range low input 2 20Vpp RPM minimum pulse width 300uS MAX input frequency 1 7Khz Operating temperature range 20 70 C Humidity 90 max without condensation Communication through 3 CAN bus USB port for USB 2 0 CLEANING The screen is very sensitive to ...
Page 47: ...the manufactuter shall negate any warranty This warranty doesn t cover cosmetic or incidental damages Shipping costs taxes custom fee any other duties and any costs incurred while removing reinstalling or troubleshooting the Products shall be at customer s charge TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS IM...
Page 48: ...ing but not limited to the warranty disclaimers and liability disclaimers and liability limitations set forth above then the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid enforceable provision that most closely matches the intent of the original provision and the remainder of the agreement shall remain in full force and effect General This disclaimer statement is governed...
Page 49: ...re sole property of MICROEL s r l cannot be copied or imitate without a written permission of MICROEL s r l itself and are protected by law even by means of extended international copyright and or specific patents deposited Any infringement of this statement and of MICROEL s r l intellectual property will be prosecuted 2019 Microel s r l all rights reserved Date Revision Description September 2021...
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Page 52: ...User Manual Safety Instructions and Warning Booklet Flybox is a registred brand of Microel s r l Italy www flyboxavionics it MICROEL s r l Via Mortara 192 194 27038 Robbio PV ITALY Tel 39 0384 670602 Fax 39 0384 671830 ...
