Page 3
Switching Between Multiple Display Pages:
This section lets you indicate to the PowerPanel how you want it to switch between multiple display pages, when you have parameters on more than one page (meaning more than 4 parameters total, since each page will hold up to 4 parameters).
If you want the PowerPanel to scroll between the pages automatically, select the “Switch Between Pages Every Two Seconds” option. Then, the PowerPanel will automatically switch between page 1, page 2, etc., for each page you have programmed with parameters.
If you want to switch between the pages manually, select the “Switch Between Pages when Temperature 1 Sensor is disconnected and reconnected” option. When this option is selected, the PowerPanel will stay on the currently displayed page (starting with Page 1 when power is applied) until the Temperature 1 Sensor is disconnected from the MicroPower, and then reconnected. NOTE: only choose this setting if you are using the optional temperature sensor!
Displaying Max vs Live Values on the PowerPanel:
This section lets you indicate to the PowerPanel how you want it to switch between displaying “live” data (real time data) for each parameter, and the maximum value detected for each parameter (minimum value for pack voltage). Max values are indicated by an “up arrow” triangle next to the parameter (“down arrow” triangle for pack voltage). Live values do not have this arrow.
If you want the PowerPanel to show Max values detected automatically when the motor is not running (current draw is near zero) and show live values when the motor is running, select the “Show Max when current draw is zero, and switch to Live when current draw is greater than one amp” option. Then, whenever the motor is not running, max values detected are displayed. But, when the motor is running, the PowerPanel switches to live display mode. This setting is useful for bench testing.
If you want the PowerPanel to be manually switched between showing Max and Live values, select the “Show Max when Temperature 1 sensor is disconnected” option. Then, whenever the Temperature 1 Sensor is disconnected , max values detected are displayed. But, when the Temperature 1 Sensor is connected, the PowerPanel switches to live display mode. NOTE: only choose this setting if you are using the optional temperature sensor!
If you want the PowerPanel to never show Max values, and only show Live values, select the “Don’t Show Max Values” option.
NOTE: The PowerPanel remembers the Max values only during a single session. Once the MicroPower is disconnected from power, the Max values are cleared. But, disconnecting the PowerPanel from the MicroPower does NOT clear the max values.
Completing the PowerPanel Display Setup
Once all the parameters you wish to display are configured, you can review the parameters by clicking the Preview button as shown in Figure 5. The Preview window is a handy way to see which parameters are configured on which LCD page locations. A “***” in a page location indicates that no parameter is displayed in that location.
Once the parameters are configured to your satisfaction, click OK, which will download the settings to the PowerPanel. Note that you can change the parameters at any time by following the above steps.
Note: If you wish to clear all previously configured parameters, hit the “Reset Parameters” button on the bottom of the utility.
Using the PowerPanel at the Field
Once the parameters are configured to your satisfaction, it’s time to use it! You can either connect the PowerPanel to the MicroPower for bench testing, or for checking your power system’s status before and after flying. You can even permanently mount it on the side of your model, with either Velcro or
NOTE: The first time the PowerPanel is plugged into the MicroPower after the MicroPower is turned on, the Max values are cleared. So, if you want to see, say, cumulative mAH, be sure to plug in the PowerPanel briefly before your session, but after you have turned on power to your model.
NOTE: IF YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE THE POWERPANEL PERMANENTLY MOUNTED ON YOUR PLANE WHEN YOU FLY, DON’T FORGET TO RANGE CHECK YOUR MODEL AFTER INSTALLATION, AS DESCRIBED IN YOUR RADIO MANUAL. Though it is highly unlikely that the PowerPanel would cause any problems with range checking, it’s good practice to do this after changing any equipment on your model!
Figure 3
Troubleshooting
Below is a list of problems that may be encountered, and steps to remedy them.
A good first step to troubleshooting, if you are able to connect your MicroPower to your PC, is to download our latest software and update the MicroPower’s Firmware via “Tools, Firmware Control.” Doing this will ensure that you have the latest software and firmware available.
If your particular issue is not addressed by this update, or by the suggestions below, email support@eagletreesystems.com for additional assistance. Include a full description of your problem, your PC configuration, type of model, and Windows application and MicroPower firmware version if possible (from “Help, About” and “Tools, Firmware Control” in the app) and any other relevant details.