F3G - Technik

Introduction

The logger / limiter is an essential element and part within F3G. There is the risk that the flight will be invalid, resulting in a zero score, if the logger is not configured according to the F3G rules.

Below a description how an Aerobtec Altis V4+ logger should be configured compliant with the F3G rules. The focus is on the Altis V4+ as this is the logger device used by the majority of F3G pilots.


Side note: Its the pilots responsibility to assure that the used logger/limiter is working and configured properly.


As of March 2022 we strongly recommend that the current version 4.5.4 of the Aerobtec Altis Filght Manager (AFM) and firmware version 2.8 of the Altis V4+ is used.


1.) Installation & Cabeling

2.) Software and Logger configuration



Installation & Cabeling


The installation of the Altis V4+ and the power sensor can be done as shown in the picture on the left.


The power sensor is equipped with the appropriate connectors to ESC and battery as described in the regulations and is connected to the Altis V4+ via a so-called Molex cable.


An optional "reset button" is also connected to COM A. This is not a requirement for F3G


Notice:

A faulty connection of the power sensor can result in no data on voltage, current, energy, etc. being transmitted to the logger. This can be controlled by configuring the logger screen settings to enable a test prior launch.


Software and Logger Configuration

The configuration of the Altis V4+ is based on the current software provided by Aerobtec (as of March 2022) (Altis Flight Manager Version 4.5.4) and the current firmware (2.8) for the Altis V4+


Aerobtec offers version 4.3.0 of the Altis Flight Manager (AFM) on its website for download and installation. When first started, the AFM recognizes that there is a newer version and installs version 4.5.4, to which the following description refers.

After starting the AFM, the following window should appear.

The version used can be checked via the menu at the top of the window - Help / About. It should be 4.5.4

Now connect the Altis V4+ logger to the computer using the USB cable

You can connect it to the AFM via the Tools / Device menu item

Now select the Altis V4+ by clicking on the corresponding graphic


The Altis V4+ firmware version should be 2.8.

If another version is installed, you should get the information that a new version is available and be asked if you want to install it. Choose the version 2.8 there.

Otherwise you can also use the "Firmware" button to manually update the software for the Altis V4+. The process is self-explanatory.


The logging settings should be set as shown in the image on the left.

It is important that the sample time is set to 0.1s and that the following options are activated

  • Overwrite old file

  • Throttle Out

  • Throttle In

  • PWS Voltage

  • PWS Current

  • PWS Power

  • PWS Energy

In the Competition setting, F3G 350 should be selected from the drop-down list. The parameters are set almost correctly. (A new version with the bug fixed is already in the works)

The "Emergency Motor ON" setting must be disabled (which causes the drop-down list to jump to "Custom".

The following parameters should now be set as in the picture

  • Time Switch: activated

  • Time Limit: 30

  • Energy Switch: activated

  • Wm: selected

  • Energy limit: 350

  • F5J altitude measurement: activated

  • Throttle start: activated

  • Throttle switch: activated

  • Emergency Motor ON: deactivated

For quick and smooth competition execution, the Altis V4+ screen settings should be standardized and set as follows

  • Meas Screen: 3 Rows (for readability)

  • Screen Toggle Time: 2

Screen-1

  • F5J Altitude (F)

  • Start Energy (EC) (it may be that Competition Energy (EC) is displayed in the selection list)

  • Motor Run Time (TM)

Screen-2

  • F5J Altitude (F)

  • Start Energy (EC) (it may be that Competition Energy (EC) is displayed in the selection list)

  • Motor Run Time (TM)

Notice:

Instead of Screen-2 "Motor Run Time (TM)" you can also select "PWS Voltage (Up)". This makes it possible to check, prior start, whether the Altis power sensor is correctly connected and is supplying data to the Altis V4+. The voltage of the flight battery must appear here before the start.

If no voltage is displayed, there is a fault - cable, plug, current sensor - that must be fixed before starting. Otherwise the flight will invalid - zero points.


In the COM & Telemetry settings, COM B must be set to Power Sensor so that the logger can receive and evaluate the data from the power sensor.


Optionally, when using a reset button, COM A "Button Sensor" can be selected. A reset button allows the logger to be reset quickly in the event of a restart without having to disconnect and reconnect the battery.

If all parameters are set correctly, they have to be saved on the Altis V4+.

To do this, press the button "Save Settings".


After changing parameters, a test flight and checking compliance with the parameters is recommended.