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Overview
The 5 Bears Turbojet ECU is a compact, high performance model jet turbine controller, with a wide range of
parameters making it suitable for any number of model turbojets or turboprops. Rather than focus on any particular
make of turbine, the 5BECU is designed to control almost any conceivable model. Important parameters are
programmed by the pilot, rather than being hard-coded, or “fixed”. Starting is as simple as applying air to the inlet,
or cycling the R/C transmitter's throttle stick from idle, to max, and back to idle.
The ECU can run three different turbines, stored as "Turbine Sets" within the onboard, non-volatile memory. This
is very similar to the way a modern computer R/C transmitter can store parameters for several different models.
Selection of the Turbine Number is a simple matter, and the ECU always defaults to the last flown turbine upon
power-up, so if the pilot doesn't require this capability, its existence is transparent. Another use for the "Turbine
Sets" is to have two (or more) different sets of parameters for the same turbine, and by selecting a particular set,
performance can be optimized for a given circumstance, such as sport vs. competition flight, etc.
Inputs for the ECU consist of a type K thermocouple, R/C, tachometer probe, and an LCD display. Output signals
control a fuel pump, gas solenoid valve (for starting propane/butane), glow plug, and starter motor. Starting is
optimized for the popular electric starters, but the ECU also can be started using compressed air, as the display
generates excellent cues for manual air application.
The ECU can be run with or without the LCD display attached... no features are disabled, and functionality is the
same whether the LCD is attached or not. As the LCD is very small and light, most pilots will normally leave it
attached to the ECU. Critical parameters and faults are logged in flight and can be viewed post-flight by attaching
the LCD display.
The brain inside the ECU is a PIC16F876 processor, which can be software upgraded without removal of the chip.
Please write or email me ([email protected]) for information on this process.
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