Eagle Airspeed V3 User Manual

Instruction Manual for the Airspeed MicroSensor V3

Document Version 2.0

Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Airspeed MicroSensor V3 (the MicroSensor). Please read the entire manual carefully before proceeding. If, after you read the manual, you have further questions or problems, see the Support page on http://www.eagletreesystems.com for additional information, or email us at

support@eagletreesystems.com. Please visit our support web page for the full color, electronic version of this manual which may be

updated if changes were made after printing, or if you want to view the manual on your computer.

Intended Uses

The Airspeed Microsensor is intended to be used exclusively for recreational purposes in model planes, boats and cars. Other uses are not supported. Further, using the Microsensor in situations where its use or failure could result in loss of life, bodily injury or property damage is expressly prohibited.

What the MicroSensor Does

The MicroSensor uses a Prandtl style pitot-static tube to measure airspeed, just as full sized planes do. When used standalone, the MicroSensor displays your maximum speed on the built-in 7 segment LED display. The maximum speed continues to be updated and displayed on the LED, until you turn power off and on the MicroSensor. When power is turned off and on, the maximum speed from the last flight is displayed, and now the MicroSensor is ready to record your next maximum speed (even if it is lower than the previous maximum speed).

Additionally, the MicroSensor can be connected to your eLogger (any version) to provide airspeed data for your entire flight. When connected to the eLogger, airspeed can be displayed and graphed using the eLogger’s Windows software.

IMPORTANT: It is extremely unlikely that the installation of the MicroSensor will affect your model’s radio range or control. But, as always after making an electronics change to your model, it is very important that you range and function test your model once the MicroSensor is installed to ensure that there is no impact on your system.

Packing List

Your package should include the following: The MicroSensor, a machined brass and aluminum Prandtl style pitot-static tube, the Standalone Cable, approximately 3 feet (1 meter) of small diameter silicon hose, and a printed version of this manual. NOTE: Additional Pitot Tube kits are available for purchase on our website, for use with multiple models.

Installing the Pitot Tube and MicroSensor in your Model

Using two lengths of the included small diameter silicon tube, the pressure and static connections of the pitot tube connect to the “+” and “-” ports of the MicroSensor, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. It is best to mount the pitot tube in your model first, then determine where you will mount the MicroSensor, and then cut the two lengths of silicon tube so they reach between the two.

Follow these guidelines when mounting the pitot tube:

1. The pickup end of the pitot tube

(the silver colored tip) should be pointing toward the direction of the model’s travel. While best results will be obtained if the pitot tube is perfectly aligned with the direction of travel in both axes, the “Prandtl” design of the tube will compensate

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somewhat for higher angles of attack.

2. The static holes on the pitot tube (shown on Figure 1) should extend at least 1/2” (13mm) past the wing’s leading edge, or past any other

obstructions - the farther out, the better. This is to ensure that the static holes and pitot pickup are in undisturbed air.

3. For prop planes, it’s important that the tube be placed so that it is not directly in the plane’s prop-wash, which will result in erroneous

readings. The best place to install the tube is on the leading edge of the wing several inches out from the fuselage, as shown in Figure 1.

4. For jets, gliders, or “pusher” prop planes, the nose cone often provides a perfect mounting location.

After Pitot Tube installation, it is recommended that you glue or otherwise attach the silicon hose to the airframe, to reduce the chance that hose vibration or movement could cause erroneous readings.

The MicroSensor circuit board can be mounted anywhere in the model. If you wish to read the LED without removing the wing, a small rectangular hole can be cut at the mounting location of the circuit board, and the board mounted with tape or Velcro, so that the LED is visible at all times.

Using the MicroSensor in Standalone Mode

Powering the MicroSensor in Standalone Mode

For standalone mode (not connected to an eLogger), connect the Standalone Cable to the gold pins of the MicroSensor, as shown in Figure 2. Note that the RED wire of the standalone cable corresponds with the red dot on the label. The polarity of the connection is as follows: RED = Positive (Vdd) BLACK = Negative (ground)

The JR/Universal servo end of the Standalone Cable connects to a spare Receiver channel or small battery. Note that the voltage must be between 3V and 16V. Do not exceed 16V!

IMPORTANT: Ensure that you connect the Standalone Cable with the correct polarity, or the MicroSensor could be damaged, voiding the warranty!

Note that in Standalone Mode, the 4 wire cable built into the MicroSensor must NOT be connected to anything!

Configuring Metric vs English Units in Standalone Mode

When powered on, the LED readout will briefly display “0” if the unit is configured for English (MPH), or will display a “1” if configured for metric (KPH). The factory default configuration is MPH.

To switch between English and metric units, connect the Standalone Cable as described above, but don’t power the MicroSensor. Then, connect a small piece of wire between the unconnected pins of the Standalone Cable’s 4 pin connector, corresponding to the brown and yellow dots on the label, as shown in Figure 3. This creates a jumper between the brown and yellow labeled pins.

Then, power the MicroSensor via the Standalone Cable. A “0” will then flash a few times to indicate that English units are configured, or a “1” will flash if Metric units are configured. If the wrong units are configured, just disconnect the power from the MicroSensor and reconnect it.

Once the desired units are configured, disconnect from power and remove the wire jumper. Then, when reconnected to power, the desired units should be displayed briefly (“0” or “1”).

Reading Airspeed in Standalone Mode

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