Operating Instructions for M-LINK sensors
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG • Westliche Gewerbestraße 1 • D-75015 Bretten (Gölshausen) • www.multiplex-rc.de
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Ins
tr
uc
tions
-
M-
LIN
K
s
ens
or
s • # 82
5494 (
10-
0
4
-23/B
R
A
N
) •
E
rr
o
rs
and omi
s
si
ons
ex
cepted! •
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MU
LT
IP
LE
X
!
These operating instructions are an integral part of the product,
and contain important information and safety notes. Please store
them safely, where you can access them at any time. If you ever
dispose of the product, be sure to pass them on to the new owner.
!
Read right through these instructions before using the product!
1. F
EATURES
, M
ETHODS OF
W
ORKING
All MULTIPLEX sensors have been specially developed for modelling purposes. In
conjunction with telemetry-capable M-LINK receivers the sensor data can be
transmitted directly to the transmitter and displayed on the integral screen (currently
applies only to the ROYALpro – SW 3.XX). The sensors are connected to the
receiver and to each other using the MULTIPLEX sensor bus (MSB)
(Fig. 1)
. The
values are displayed at pre-selected lines (addresses) on the transmitter’s integral
screen (
Î
4). Up to sixteen sensors in total can be connected to the MULTIPLEX
sensor bus, and up to sixteen addresses can be used for measurement and option
values.
The sensors can also be operated as “stand-alone” units in conjunction with the
MULTImate (# 8 2094) or the PC program Sensor DataManager (SDM) - available
for downloading from www.multiplex-rc.de: a free program designed for configuring
all M-LINK sensors in conjunction with the USB lead (# 8 5149). Used in this way the
sensors act as substitutes for many measuring devices.
It is possible to select the screen line / address for the measurement and option
values of all the sensors; this is carried out using the MULTImate or Sensor
DataManager, which also enable you to activate additional option values
(e.g. maximum, average or minimum values), as well as to set warning thresholds.
The sensor transmits values to the transmitter’s screen simultaneously; up to four
values can be displayed at the same time, depending on the sensor in use. Warning
thresholds are exploited in order to alert the pilot (visually and audibly) that limit
values have been exceeded (e.g. altimeter: top alarm = 500 m -> an alarm is
triggered if the model’s altitude exceeds 500 m above the power-on location / pilot’s
position). If this occurs, the transmitter screen switches to the appropriate address /
screen line, and displays the exceeded value in inverse video (black background). In
our example this would be the model’s altitude.
2. G
ENERAL
N
OTES ON
I
NSTALLATION AND
C
ONNECTIONS
Locate the UNI connector attached to the sensor (RX / S) and connect it to your
receiver’s sensor socket (marked S or SENSOR).
!
Note:
when connecting the UNI lead (RX) please take care to maintain correct
polarity; this applies in particular to the pin assignment of other makes
of equipment:
The next step is to install the sensor in a suitable position in the model.
In the case of a voltage, temperature or magnetic rev-count sensor you must first
connect the sensor pick-up (supplied in the set) to the sensor case, and install the
pick-up and sensor case at a suitable location in the model. Ensure that the com-
ponents are mounted securely, especially when installing pick-ups and sensor cases
close to rotating parts.
Additional sensors can be plugged into a vacant connector (S) on the sensor case. If
necessary, it is also possible to connect two sensors to the sensor bus using a Y-
lead (# 8 5030).
If you wish to set option values and alarm thresholds, or activate the second
measurement channel (if present), you should always complete this procedure
before in-stalling the system in the model, as the sensors must be connected
individually to the MULTImate or the PC for the configuration process.
!
Where applicable, please observe the separate notes on installing individual sen-
sors.
(
Î
3.)
3. S
PECIAL
F
EATURES OF
I
NDIVIDUAL
M-L
INK
S
ENSORS
x
Voltage (# 8 5400)
Plug the sensor lead (2 x UNI, supplied in the set) into the sensor connector (U
1
),
and - for example - to the sensor output of a SAFETY-SWITCH 12HV TwinBatt
(# 8 5010)
(Fig. 2a)
. Alternatively cut the sensor lead (2 x UNI) (# 8 5056) in half,
enabling you to measure the voltage source directly. This is accomplished by
connecting the stripped wire ends to the terminals of the voltage source, and the UNI
socket to the sensor plug (U
1
)
(Fig. 2b)
. If you connect the sensor with reversed
polarity, the voltage will simply be shown as negative. The other half of the cable can
be used to measure a second voltage in the same way. If you wish to use the second
measurement channel (U
2
), you must first activate it, either using the MULTImate or
Sensor DataManager. By default channel 1 (U
1
) is activated.
Features which can be activated or adjusted using MULTImate or Sensor DataManager:
Address
Address (transmitter screen line) at which the voltage is displayed
Top alarm
Upper voltage value, above which an alarm is triggered
Bottom alarm
Lower voltage value, below which an alarm is triggered
Option
Additional output of minimum, average or maximum voltage
Option address
Address (screen line) at which the option value is displayed
...
As above, for 2
nd
measurement channel
x
Temperature (# 8 5402)
Connect the supplied temperature pick-up (# 8 5412) to the temperature sensor (T
1
);
Install the temperature pick-up and the sensor case at a suitable location in the
model, ensuring that they are securely mounted; this applies in particular to
components which are located in the vicinity of rotating parts. Try to attach as large
an area of the temperature pick-up as possible to the measuring point. This
temperature pick-up can be used to measure tem-peratures up to 200°C. If you wish
to monitor higher temperatures (up to 500°C) you will need the high-temperature
pick-up (# 8 5413). Another pick-up can be connected to the temperature sensor
(socket T
2
), allowing a second measured value to be transmitted to the transmitter.
The second measured channel (T
2
) can be activated using either the MULTImate or
Sensor DataManager. By default channel 1 (T
1
) is active. Any Pt1000 temperature
pick-ups can be used.
Features which can be activated or adjusted using MULTImate or Sensor DataManager:
Address
Address (transmitter screen line) at which the temperature is displayed
Top alarm
Upper temperature value, above which an alarm is triggered
Bottom alarm
Lower temperature value, below which an alarm is triggered
Option
Additional output of minimum, average or maximum temperature
Option address
Address (screen line) at which the option value is displayed
...
As above, but for 2
nd
measurement channel
x
Current sensor 100A (# 8 5401)
Attach the appropriate leads and connectors to the current sensor 100A, so that it
can be looped into the negative cable between the consumer unit (ESC) and the
battery (Batt.)
(Fig. 3)
. If you connect the sensor with reversed polarity, the
transmitter screen will simply display a negative current value.
!
Caution: looping it into the positive cable will destroy the current sensor!
!
Caution: if your application includes a switch, permitting the battery to
remain connected, it is essential to loop the sensor in after the switch. If
you ignore this, the sensor will be ruined ! (Fig. 4a)
The button (RESET) on the sensor can be used to reset the option values, such as
maximum current or the integral charge counter.
!
The current sensor 100A should only be used with cables of adequate conductor
cross-section (min. 2.5 mm
2
), and high-current plugs and sockets!
Now place the label on the sensor in such a way that the reset button and the status
LED line up with the pre-cut holes. Finally fit the heat-shrink sleeve (supplied in the
set) over the sensor, and heat the sleeve to shrink it over the unit.
!
Take care not to subject the sensor to excessive heat!
Features which can be activated or adjusted using MULTImate or Sensor DataManager:
Address
Address (transmitter screen line) at which the current is displayed
Top alarm
Upper current value, above which an alarm is triggered
Bottom alarm
Lower current value, below which an alarm is triggered
Option
Additional output of minimum, average or maximum current
Option address
Address (screen line) at which the option value is displayed
Address
Transmitter screen line at which the battery capacity, discharged capacity or
residual capacity is displayed
Battery capacity
Capacity of the battery connected to the system
Display
What is to be displayed: battery capacity, discharged capacity or residual
capacity.
Alarm
Capacity value below which an alarm is triggered
x
Current sensor 35A (# 8 5403)
The current sensor 35A is supplied with the MULTIPLEX M6 connector system al-
ready fitted; it only needs to be connected to the battery and the speed controller.
(Fig. 4b)
!
When completing the battery and controller connections please take great care to
maintain correct polarity, as stated on the sensor label.
!
Caution: connecting the current sensor with reversed polarity will ruin the
unit!
!
Caution: looping it into the positive cable will destroy the current sensor!
!
Caution: if your application includes a switch, permitting the battery to
remain connected, it is essential to loop the sensor in after the switch. If
you ignore this, the sensor will be ruined ! (Fig. 4a)
Address and option table
Î
see current sensor (# 8 5401)
x
Optical rev-count sensor (# 8 5414)
Position the sensor over the rotating component in such a way that the integral
photo-diode receives as much light as possible, and is as close as possible to the
propeller (or other rotating part). If this is not the case, the system may not function,
or may generate incorrect measured values. In artificial light (50 Hz mains) the sen-
sor will always show 3000 rpm. The blade count can be set directly on the sensor
case by fitting the jumper (3 / 4 blades) or by removing the jumper (2 blades).
Alternatively the blade count can be set using the MULTImate or Sensor
DataManager; in this case the blade count can be set to any value within the range 1
to 8. Any change to the jumper position only takes effect when you switch the
receiver OFF, then ON again. Using the MULTIMATE or Sensor DataManager to set
the blade count permanently disables the “JUMPER” setting. The jumper can safely
be left on the sen-sor, but it no longer has any effect. The jumper can be re-activated
using the MULTIMATE or Sensor DataManager.
Features which can be activated or adjusted using MULTImate or Sensor DataManager:
Address
Address (transmitter screen line) at which the rev count is displayed
Top alarm
Upper rpm value, above which an alarm is triggered
Bottom alarm
Lower rpm value, below which an alarm is triggered
Option
Additional output of minimum, average or maximum rpm
Option address
Address (screen line) at which the option value is displayed
Blade count
Number of propeller blades
