JetCat SPH5 User Manual

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US Patent # 6216440 Copyright © JetCat USA, LLC

July, 2007

Instruction manual

V5.0 ECU

JetCat

SPH5

JetCat USA, LLC

4250 Aerotech Center Way Building G

Paso Robles, CA 93446

(805) 226-8700 Voice

(805) 226-8742 FAX

www.jetcatusa.com

MADE IN GERMANY

1

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

M
Matthew RobinsonAug 2, 2025
Why doesn't my JetCat Engine turbine ignite?
- L
  lgravesAug 2, 2025
  If your JetCat Engine turbine doesn't ignite, it could be due to several reasons: * A leak or bad connection in the starting gas system. * Low starting gas pressure, possibly due to insufficient gas or low outside temperatures. * The glow plug not glowing bright enough, which may be due to a defective glow plug or the element not being sufficiently extracted. To resolve this, check the starting gas system for leaks and poor connections. Refill the starting gas tank and consider flying in warmer conditions. Adjust the glow plug voltage to ensure it glows bright red. Replace the glow plug if it's defective, and make sure the glow plug element is extracted by at least 1/8 inch (two coils).
J
Justin WellsAug 6, 2025
What to do if JetCat SPH5 Engine turbine ignites, but the start process is discontinued?
- C
  Corey MarshallAug 6, 2025
  If your JetCat Engine turbine ignites but the start process stops, it might be due to air in the fuel feed lines, a fuel pump that isn't running, or a nearly empty starting gas tank. To fix this, check for air leaks in the fuel system, examining all Festo fittings, nipples, clunk, and the filter. Also, check for fuel filter clogs. Test the pump in manual mode to ensure it runs when the red Pump running LED illuminates, and fill the starting gas tank.
D
Danielle IrwinAug 11, 2025
Why is the starting process failing on my JetCat SPH5?
- J
  Joyce EwingAug 11, 2025
  If the starting process fails for your JetCat Engine, it could be because the turbine is still too warm (Cool Down not yet completed), the battery is low, there's a faulty connection, the glow plug is defective (red Pump running LED blinks), or the three-conductor cable for the starter motor and glow plug is disconnected. To resolve this, wait until the SlowDown sequence is finished and the green OK LED stops blinking. Charge the battery and check the ECU’s battery connection. Replace the defective glow plug and check the cable for proper connection from the ECU to the turbine.
C
Christian CareyAug 15, 2025
What causes Watchdog Failure in JetCat SPH5 Engine turbine?
- K
  Karen AdkinsAug 15, 2025
  If your JetCat Engine turbine quits with a Watchdog Failure, it's likely that a static discharge reset the ECU. To prevent this, avoid mounting the ECU directly to the fiberglass body of the plane. Instead, use a plywood mount with a layer of foam tape and Velcro between the body and the ECU. If the plane has a glossy finish and the failure occurred right after takeoff, spray the tires with an anti-static spray.
E
Erica NelsonAug 19, 2025
How to fix if JetCat SPH5 ECU doesn't follow throttle commands?
- H
  Heather HintonAug 19, 2025
  If the ECU of your JetCat Engine isn't following full commands from the throttle stick, it indicates a programming alteration in the R/C transmitter. You should check the alignment with the RC-Check menu and re-align the ECU to the R/C system.
N
Nicole WeissAug 25, 2025
Why does the starter unit slip and make noise in my JetCat SPH5?
- R
  rodney21Aug 25, 2025
  If the starter unit of your JetCat Engine slips and makes noise, it is caused by dust and oil sediment on the compressor nut and O-ring. Clean the O-ring and compressor nut periodically with a cotton swab and solvent.
H
Heather ThompsonAug 28, 2025
What causes erratic EGT readings in my JetCat Engine?
- C
  Craig WilliamsAug 28, 2025
  If your JetCat Engine's EGT is giving erratic temperature or RPM readings, it may be due to the transmitter antenna being too close to the model. Keep the antenna away from the model, as this can cause false readings.

JetCat SPH5 Specifications

General

Engine Type	Turbine
Thrust	50 N
Maintenance interval	25 hours
Fuel Type	Jet A1, Kerosene, Diesel
Start Method	Electric
Lubrication	5% oil content in fuel

Summary

Purchase Agreement, Liability, and Arbitration

Buyer Representations and Risk Acknowledgement

Buyer's experience, risks, and dangers of engine operation.

Full Assumption of Liability and Indemnity

Buyer assumes all risks and releases JetCat from liability, including negligence.

Sale, Modifications, and Dispute Resolution

Rules for selling, prohibiting modifications, and arbitration terms.

Introduction, Safety, and Initial Setup

JetCat SPH5 Engine Introduction

Welcome and overview of the SPH5 turbine engine.

Critical Safety Precautions and Warnings

Essential safety guidelines for operation, distances, and hazards.

Pre-Operation Checklist and Fuel System

Steps before running, including checklist and fuel system setup.

Turbine Battery and Charging

Information on turbine battery types, capacity, and charging procedures.

ECU, GSU, and Basic Operation

Ground Support Unit (GSU) Interface

GSU panel overview, buttons, LEDs, and I/O board functions.

ECU Setup and Radio Calibration

ECU configuration, temperature probe calibration, and RC system learning.

Turbine Starting and Stopping Procedures

Detailed steps for starting, running, and safely shutting down the engine.

Turbine Running States and Shutdown Causes

Explanation of engine states and common reasons for shutdown.

Advanced Configuration and Troubleshooting

Menu Navigation and Parameter Adjustments

How to navigate menus and adjust key engine parameters.

Helicopter Head Speed Control Setup

Configuring gear ratios and speed settings for helicopter applications.

Troubleshooting Engine Issues

Diagnosing and resolving common problems like ignition failure and shutdowns.

Maintenance and ECU Reset Procedures

Routine maintenance, filter checks, and factory ECU reset.

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