ECU Setup
The ECU is contained on the engine. All the operating parameters relating to the starting and running of
the engine are contained in its memory. All communications with the outside world occurs through the
cable connected to the external Hub unit. The signal from the users radio receiver throttle channel is
used to initiate and control all functions relating to engine operation.
Interaction with the ECU and modifying or adjusting of any parameter or setting is done via buttons on a
display unit, also plugged into the Hub or on the Compact Hub.
The ECU on the engine and all its components have been carefully programmed and tested together at
the factory. They are then subject to rigorously testing together to ensure they all operate as expected so
there is very little for the user to do to get the engine operational beyond the installation process and
align the transmitter to the ECU
Once the engine is correctly installed and the components of the fuel system are fitted and connected
up, the ECU should be aligned to the radio system. This is a simple procedure which should be done
whenever your radio is programmed for a model, or the engine is new or returned from service or repair.
Heli Radio Special Notes
On a Heli
without
a head speed governor, throttle and pitch functions would be mixed together as a
throttle/pitch curve in transmitter and maximum power may correspond to maximum pitch.
As the Xicoy X45H heli engine
does
have a governor function a manual control is needed to be able to
raise rotor rpm from idle to flight speed on the ground without adding rotor pitch, so as not to generate
lift. This knob/slider/switch control is also used to set the radio to the ECU as it fulfills the necessary
function of max throttle “stick up”.
If the control is a manually controlled knob or slider this can be operated smoothly and gently by the
operator to avoid tail-swing as rpm increases. If it is a switch the action needs to be slowed to enable a
smooth throttle up to flight power, say over 10seconds, the same for the switch-down function back to
idle which should also be gentle. This is usually easy to arrange on modern helicopter radios.
Without this gentle transition the heli will show excessive tendency to uncontrolled tail-swing or pirouette
on the ground as to perform a satisfactory governor function the engine must be able to act on control
inputs very fast.
The slow ramps up and down of the Idle-Up switch should be disabled for the purposes of setting the
transmitter to the ECU.
So for a heli radio your three functions for setting to the ECU are:
1. engine cut set to off, idle-up control set to full idle-up,
equivalent to “trim up, stick up”
2. engine cut set to on,
equivalent to “stick down, trim down”
3. engine cut set to off, idle-up control set to idle,
equivalent to “stick down, trim up”
Follow the graphic over the page to enter settings.
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