EasyManua.ls Logo

MGL Avionics Stratomaster Smart Single - User Manual

MGL Avionics Stratomaster Smart Single
8 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
Stratomaster Smart Single
FF-1
Fuel management system
Fuel flow, fuel range, fuel endurance, fuel level
The FF-1 fuel management computer is a 2.25” instrument intended for efficient monitoring of fuel
related information onboard small aircraft.
The FF-1 unit can connect to a fuel flow sender, fuel level sender or both. Full functionality is
available with both senders or only with a fuel flow sender using calculated fuel levels based on
fuel usage.
Standard automotive fuel level senders can be used, even with odd shaped tanks thanks to a
comprehensive, multi point calibration system.
Most fuel flow senders can be used and the K-factor of the sender can be entered into the system
for simple calibration. MGL Avionics supplies a lightweight dual range fuel flow sender that is
ideally suited for the FF-1 unit.
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the MGL Avionics Stratomaster Smart Single and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

The main display

Setting up the FF-1

Speed

Configure aircraft cruising speed for fuel range calculations.

Fuel

LevelSend

Configure fuel level sender presence and usage.

Calibration

Calibrate the fuel level sender for tank size and shape.

Notes on Slope error

Adjusting calibration points manually

Flowsend

K-Factor

Contrast

BL

Alarm

Units

Technical specifications

Warranty

Details the product warranty period and limitations.

Note for operation on supplies with inductive loads

Advice on protecting instruments from voltage transients.

Connecting the senders

Overview

The Stratomaster Smart Single FF-1 is a 2.25" fuel management computer designed for small aircraft, providing efficient monitoring of fuel-related information.

Function Description

The FF-1 unit offers comprehensive fuel management, including fuel flow, fuel range, fuel endurance, and fuel level. It can connect to a fuel flow sender, a fuel level sender, or both. Full functionality is achieved with both senders, but the unit can also calculate fuel levels based on fuel usage if only a fuel flow sender is connected.

Important Technical Specifications

  • Display Temperature Range (Operational): -20 to +80 degrees C
  • Supply Voltage: +8 to +18V (with optional pre-regulator for +24/28V systems)
  • Supply Current: 35mA (backlight off) / 70mA (backlight on)
  • Fuel Level Input: Maximum voltage 5V, 5mA maximum current. Supports any resistive type with common ground and capacitive probes with active voltage outputs up to 5V level (push pull or pullup).
  • Fuel Flow Senders: Supply 5V, 20mA maximum current. TTL level input with noise filter and Schmidt trigger hysteresis. Required input voltage swing: less than 1.5V to more than 3.5V. Maximum input voltage range -5V to +18V.
  • Weight: 90 grams.

Usage Features

The main display provides real-time information on fuel range, fuel low alarm level, fuel level, fuel endurance (hours:minutes), fuel flow, and remaining fuel.

Setting Up the FF-1:

The device features a menu-driven interface. The Menu key is used to enter the menu, while the + and – keys navigate forward and backward. To select or change an item, highlight it and press the Menu key. Pressing the Menu key again ends an edit or function. To save changes and exit the menu, select the "Done" function.

Speed:

Users can enter their aircraft's cruising speed, which the FF-1 uses to calculate fuel range based on remaining fuel, current fuel flow, and the entered speed. This value can be adjusted during flight to reflect changes in ground or cruising speed. Caution is advised when using this function to extend range, and a secondary indication of available fuel is always recommended due to potential sender malfunctions.

Fuel:

This function allows manual entry of the current fuel level after fueling or defueling, primarily used when a fuel level sender is not connected or has been disabled. If only a fuel flow sender is used, this initial value is set, and fuel quantity used is subtracted to calculate the current fuel level. It is recommended to account for a "silent" fuel reserve by entering a usable fuel capacity slightly less than the tank's full capacity.

LevelSend:

This setting determines whether a fuel level sender is installed. If "No" is selected, the unit relies on the fuel flow sender for fuel level calculations.

Calibration:

This function is crucial for accurate fuel level readings. It allows the system to learn the tank's size and shape, as well as compensate for any errors in the fuel level sender or its installation. Even without a fuel level sender, this function is used to set the tank size. The calibration procedure involves starting with an empty tank, adding fuel in measured increments, and recording the sender's readings at six calibration points (from zero fuel to full tank). The process should be performed with the aircraft in flight attitude (e.g., tail lifted for tail-draggers). A "silent" fuel reserve (at least 10% of tank capacity) should be factored in. The instrument uses these calibration points to create a correction curve, providing an accurate fuel level display. Calibration points can be manually adjusted to fine-tune readings, especially if discrepancies are observed at specific fuel levels. A "Slope error" message indicates an issue with the calibration sequence, such as fuel being removed instead of added between steps.

Flowsend:

This function enables or disables the fuel flow sender connection. Most installations will have this set to "yes."

K-Factor:

The K-Factor represents the number of pulses generated by the fuel flow sender per liter of fuel. For MGL Avionics' dual-range fuel flow sender, the K-Factor is 7000 in low flow mode (jet installed) and 1330 in high flow mode (no jet installed). Calibration of the fuel flow sender using the K-Factor involves:

  1. Filling the tank to a known level and setting the FF-1 to calculate fuel level from fuel flow (LevelSend disabled).
  2. Setting the fuel level to an arbitrary value (e.g., 40 liters).
  3. Flying off a measured quantity of fuel (e.g., 25 liters) and noting the remaining fuel level.
  4. Refilling the tank to the previous marked level and measuring the amount of fuel added.
  5. Adjusting the K-Factor until the calculated fuel level matches the actual fuel level. This method allows for highly accurate fuel flow readings, with an initial accuracy of +/- 3% and potentially less than 1% error after calibration.

Contrast:

Allows users to adjust the display contrast, with selectable values typically ranging from 20 to 45.

BL (Backlight):

Toggles the display backlight on or off.

Alarm:

Users can set a minimum fuel value to trigger a low fuel alarm. When activated, the fuel level display and remaining fuel readout will flash. An external warning lamp can also be connected to the alarm output. This alarm level is displayed as a vertical line on the fuel level display, separate from the "silent" fuel reserve.

Units:

Allows selection of preferred units for distance and fuel quantity. Options include:

  • G/M: U.S. Gallons and statute miles
  • L/Nm: Liters and nautical miles
  • G/Nm: U.S. Gallons and nautical miles
  • L/Km: Liters and kilometers
  • G/Km: U.S. Gallons and kilometers

Maintenance Features

Warranty: MGL Avionics provides a one-year warranty against faulty workmanship, covering replacement of faulty components and labor costs. Shipping costs are borne by the purchaser. The warranty excludes damages caused by unprotected, unsuitable, or incorrectly wired electrical supplies.

Installation Notes:

  • Inductive Loads: For operation with inductive loads (starter motors, solenoids, relays), electronic instrumentation requires suitable protection. MGL Avionics recommends fitting a fuse in line with a 33V transorb (available from MGL Avionics) to protect electronic instruments.
  • Fuel Level Senders: The FF-1 interfaces with standard automotive resistive fuel level senders. Capacitive types can be used if their voltage output does not exceed 5V. Ensure the float moves freely and is large enough not to submerge if the mechanism sticks.
  • Fuel Flow Senders: Ensure continuous and smooth fuel flow through the sender. Problems often arise from poor placement in the fuel supply line or pulsed fuel supply from mechanical/pneumatic pumps or carburetor float valves. A suitable fuel reservoir before and after the sender is recommended to create smooth flow. Some senders may require a 4K7 pull-up resistor to the 12V supply line.

Regulatory Information:

The FF-1 instrument is not certified by the FAA. Its fitting to certified aircraft is subject to local rules and conditions. It is intended for ultralight, microlight, homebuilt, and experimental aircraft. Operation of the instrument is the sole responsibility of the pilot in command (PIC), who must be proficient, hold a valid pilot's license, and be familiar with the instrument's operation and potential failure modes. The manufacturer does not condone its use for IFR flights.

MGL Avionics Stratomaster Smart Single Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandMGL Avionics
ModelStratomaster Smart Single
CategoryAvionics Display
LanguageEnglish

Related product manuals