Eagle Text OSD User Manual

Instruction Manual for Video OSD Expander

Thank you for your purchase! This instruction manual will guide you through the installation and operation of your Video OSD Expander (the Expander). 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.

Packing List

Your package should include the following: The Expander, and a printed version of this manual. Please check our support web page for the electronic version of this manual which may be updated if changes were made after printing.

What the Expander Does

The Expander is a high quality, fully configurable Video On-Screen Display (OSD) device. When connected to your eLogger or Data Recorder, the OSD superimposes Eagle Tree data onto your video feed, displaying the parameters you want to see on the video screen. The Expander is normally connected between the composite video output of your video camera, and the composite video input of your DVR or video transmitter. The Expander supports NTSC, PAL and SECAM video modes.

Supported Recorders and Sensors

The Expander works with all versions of the eLogger, and all Data Recorder products that have flash upgradable firmware (sold after mid 2005). All Eagle Tree sensors are supported with the OSD Expander. Note that our eLogger V1 and V2 products do not support GPS, so GPS features are not supported with the eLogger V1 or V2. The eLogger V3 and Data Recorders support GPS.

Steps to Follow

Installation and use of your Expander should be quite easy and enjoyable if you follow these few steps:

1. Read through the manual to understand the warnings, determine the installation and setup sequence, etc.

2. Install or upgrade to the Windows Application and Firmware for your Expander and Recorder as described in the “Windows Application and Firmware Update” section below.

3. Install and configure the Expander as described below.

4. Range test and enjoy!

IMPORTANT: It is extremely unlikely that the installation of the Expander 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 Expander is installed to ensure that there is no impact on your system. Make sure that your “antenna down” operating range is within the manufacturer’s specifications. See your Radio owner’s manual for the correct procedure for your equipment. DO NOT OPERATE IF

YOUR MODEL DOESN’T PASS THE ANTENNA DOWN RANGE CHECK

Connecting the Expander to Your Camera and Video Recorder/Transmitter

The two 3 pin connectors on the Expander are used to route the composite video signal into and out of the Expander. The inputs/outputs work with standard 75 Ohm composite video. The upper connector is video IN, and the lower connector is video OUT. The “-“ and “signal” pins are the only ones used by the Expander, but the “+” pins are connected together internally in the Expander, for your convenience.

Connecting the Expander to a Spare Receiver Channel (for remote control of features)

Though not required, the Video Expander can be connected to a spare receiver channel controlled by your radio (such as flaps or landing gear) which will enable control of the Expander remotely. The features that presently can be controlled by this channel are On/Off and Page Switch (for multiple OSD pages). Connect the Expander to your spare receiver channel by connecting a “male to male” servo cable between the connector marked “Servo” on the Expander, and the spare receiver output.

Connecting the Expander to Your Eagle Tree Logger

eLogger V3

The Expander plugs into the “LCD/TX” port of your eLogger V3, as shown in Figure 1A. If you have a PowerPanel or other Expanders, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your Expander, with the polarity as indicated on the Expander label. IMPORTANT: when using the OSD Expander with the eLogger V3 and the GPS Expander, a maximum voltage of approximately 16 volts (4s LiPo pack) should be used to power the eLogger. If you are using a pack greater than 16 volts, the eLogger’s internal regulator may temporarily shut down, which will cause the OSD Expander to turn off, resulting in no video display. To avoid this issue, use our “Battery Backup Harness” which can connect to a spare 5V to 6V BEC or spare receiver channel when using larger battery packs.

Document Version 1.4

Figure 1B

Page

eLogger V1/V2

The Expander plugs into the “Aux” or “LCD” port of your MicroPower eLogger V1/V2, as shown in Figure 1. If you have a PowerPanel or other Expanders, those can “daisy chain” connect to the pins on the other side of your Expander, with the polarity as indicated on the Expander label.

Data Recorder

The 4 wire connector attached to the Expander plugs into the “FCC TX” port of your Data Recorder as shown in Figure 1B. Make sure that you connect it in the correct location on the recorder, and with the correct polarity! IMPORTANT: if you do not plan on connecting a Seagull transmitter to the 4

pin “to next sensor” connection of the OSD Expander, make sure you cover the exposed 4 pin connector with tape, or otherwise keep it from shorting to other metal objects. Touching the exposed 4 pin connector to other metal objects will damage the recorder when it is powered!

Windows Application and Firmware Update

To use the Expander, you must update to Eagle Tree Windows Application version 6.82 or higher. To update,

download the latest application from the support page of our website, located at

http://eagletreesystems.com/Support/apps.htm . After

connecting the OSD Expander to the eLogger/Recorder, and downloading and installing the latest Windows Application, the firmware of both your eLogger/Recorder and the OSD Expander will need to be updated. To upgrade your firmware, just click “Hardware, Firmware Control” and first click the “Update” button for the eLogger/Recorder, and repeat this process to update the firmware for the OSD Expander.

Configuring the Expander with the Windows Application

After updating the Windows application, and the appropriate firmware, click “Hardware, Choose Parameters to Display on Video OSD” to configure the Expander.

If the hardware is connected correctly, the page shown in Figure 2 should appear. If it does not appear, please see the troubleshooting section of this manual. The OSD display will appear as shown in Figure 3, based on the configuration selections in Figure 2.

Video Mode

The Video mode (NTSC, PAL or SECAM) is normally selected for you automatically, based on your country. If you need to change it, just click the “Video” dropdown and select the correct mode.

OSD Pages

Multiple “pages” of data can be displayed on the OSD. Each page can have up to 12 parameters. The simulated display shown in Figure 2 shows 4 parameters configured to be displayed on Page 1 of the OSD. To select a different OSD page for configuration, click the left or right arrow buttons on the display. The current page number is shown under the simulated display.

Choosing Parameters for Display

To configure a parameter to display, click “Choose the next Parameter to Configure.” This dropdown menu lets you choose a parameter to display on the OSD screen. The available parameters depend on your eLogger or Recorder type, and the sensors you have purchased.

To change the location on the page for displaying the parameter, just click the location with your mouse, and drag the parameter to the desired location.

To change the name of the parameter on the OSD screen, click on the parameter on the simulated display, and edit the name with “Enter OSD Screen Name for Parameter.”

If there is a parameter that you would like to display on ALL your pages, click on the parameter on the simulated display, and click the “Display on all pages” button.

Figure 2

Figure 3

+ 3 hidden pages