New firmware posted May 8, 2009

Patrick del Castillo · May 07, 2009, 06:37 PM

* Complete rewrite of governor mode algorithms *
o Provides less 'pulsing' behavior, even at high gains
o Facilitates easier gain setup
o Lower gains are now available
o Governor mode has faster response
o *Note: Your governor gain value will likely need to be changed from your current setting.

* Added ability to change the 'Auto-Lipo' cutoff voltages to values other than 3.0 volts per cell. Use this setting to change the Auto Lipo cutoff voltage to the value recommended by your battery manufacturer/vendor. Settings now include 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, & 3.5 volts per cell. Controller will initiate Low Voltage Cutoff behavior once the controller detects voltage dropping below this value times the number of cells detected in the power up sequence. User is always responsible for ensuring that packs are properly & fully charged prior to connection to Castle ESC and for ensuring that ESC has detected the proper number of cells. Failure to fully charge cells or to ensure that controller has detected the proper number of cells may result in discharge below the pre set limit. This may damage any and all components in your system.

* Added ability to turn off the power-on reminder beep.

* Added outrunner PWM rate option to improve efficiency and reduce harmonics when running fast commutation outrunners. Unfortunately this mode is only available on Phoenix ICE and Phoenix HV controllers manufactured after May 2007.

* Improved motor run routine for better performance on fast commutating outrunners

* Added Phoenix ICE features and support

Bug fix: Setting throttle response to 0 would not allow motor to run to full RPM

Bug fix: Setting voltage cutoff to 4V on Phoenix HV would cause error message

Bug fix: Stick programming when governor mode was selected could change start power

truthunter · May 07, 2009, 10:03 PM

Just downloaded it... hopefully tighten up the head speed on my E620...
Thanks CC for great products and support!

jamesppp · May 08, 2009, 10:39 AM

Sounds good. Ill try it this weekend if possible.

Do we still need to set only 2 headspeeds in "Set RPM" gov mode or is OK to set it up with 3 different headspeeds now?

Thanks.

Jimmy

zguy · May 08, 2009, 10:50 AM

Any new instructions or guidelines to best set up the new governor?

RC Man · May 08, 2009, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesppp

Sounds good. Ill try it this weekend if possible.

Do we still need to set only 2 headspeeds in "Set RPM" gov mode or is OK to set it up with 3 different headspeeds now?

Thanks.

Jimmy

I just upgraded my ESC this morning and the three headspeeds work great. I set my throttle curves to a constant value for three flight modes (30 for normal, 65 for Idle1, 100 for Idle 2). I am using a Futaba radio.

The default gain is a good starting point. On my Raptor E550 with a Scorpion motor and an A123 battery I am running a gain of between 17 and 20. I am still fine tuning but now it has started raining so I will have to wait until later.

bigandy · May 08, 2009, 03:17 PM

The new software looks great!

Can I suggest one minor improvement though? Increase the number of cutoff voltages (per cell) for the Auto Lipo, so that the voltage can be set below 3.0v too. The reason I would like this feature, so so I can use A123 packs, and not have to manually set the cutoff voltage when switching between a 3s and 4s pack (for example). In effect it would be an Auto A123 mode.

Cheers
Andy

gww528 · May 08, 2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigandy

The new software looks great!

Can I suggest one minor improvement though? Increase the number of cutoff voltages (per cell) for the Auto Lipo, so that the voltage can be set below 3.0v too. The reason I would like this feature, so so I can use A123 packs, and not have to manually set the cutoff voltage when switching between a 3s and 4s pack (for example). In effect it would be an Auto A123 mode.

Cheers
Andy

I fly 6s lipo & 7s A123 on a heli. Setting the LVC to 12v takes care of both.

You could do the same at a lower voltage. Most importantly fly with a timer!

SpeedVision · May 08, 2009, 10:13 PM

Looking forward to using governor again, thanks for the update...!!!

jamesppp · May 09, 2009, 12:07 AM

[quote=RC Man]I just upgraded my ESC this morning and the three headspeeds work great. I set my throttle curves to a constant value for three flight modes (30 for normal, 65 for Idle1, 100 for Idle 2). I am using a Futaba radio.

The default gain is a good starting point. On my Raptor E550 with a Scorpion motor and an A123 battery I am running a gain of between 17 and 20. I am still fine tuning but now it has started raining so I will have to wait until later.

RC Man, is the default Gov Gain still 7? Did ytou have yours set below the 17 and 20 before. Mine is at defaut and with the same headspeed in Idle 1 and Idle 2(slightly lower HS in normal mode) the gov is holding solid in ver 2.0. Just want to make sure before I change it.

I have only my Raptor 620 running Gov right now but am anxious to get 3 other Castle powered helis set up in Gov mode.hanks,

I cant get a grasp of how simple gov is supposed to work but if set rpm will give me 3 solid headspeed settings Ill be happy.
Jimmy

T

RC Man · May 09, 2009, 06:19 AM

Governor Gain

The new default is 15 on my ESC.

With the old software I was running about 5. The governor is different so you will probably have to try a few settings to find the optimum for your helicopter.

I like the Set RPM mode with the three headspeeds best myself also. It works great.

Bill Sanford · May 09, 2009, 04:13 PM

I just flew the new software in an HV85 running high governor mode with the gain set to default (15 I think?). Bottom line is that I am VERY impressed. No more hunting and wag.

In the past, especially running lower head speeds, when pitch pumping, the ESC would wag the tail and over speed when recovering from hard collective. This is ALL gone now. Nice and smooth! Great Job Patrick!

This is on a Trex 600 running12s A123 with a Scorpion HK4025-740 and a 16 tooth pinion.

Now I need to update my 4 other Phoenix ESCs!

Bill

diver don · May 09, 2009, 09:40 PM

Anyone having problems downloading this?

Tried on Vista(As Admin.) and XP and both say install package will not work with Windows.

Any comments. I see several have installed it.

Thanks,
Don

Crist Rigotti · May 09, 2009, 10:53 PM

I had no trouble downloading on Vista Home Premium.

jamesppp · May 09, 2009, 10:54 PM

In set RPM mode the new software wouldnt allow the same headspeeds that the 2.0 ver was using. For instance on my 10S Raptor with a CC HV 85, I was using 2000 as the Idle up settings (a lower speed for normal) only setting 2 different speeds.
The new software only allows 1898rpm Higher settings give the message"too fast for proper govorning" Hey, Ill regear. as long as this works well I happy. I have several 550-600 helis with Castle ESCs that need to be govorned...

I selected Outrunner Mode for the PWM setting. This is a CC HV 85 made in November 07 so it should be good

Jimmy

DavidB. · May 09, 2009, 11:03 PM

The software is probably capping the upper RPM so the governor doesn't reach voltage saturation. Saturation will play havok with any control loop.

May 07, 2009, 06:37 PM	#1
Patrick del Castillo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Olathe,KS,USA Posts: 2,284	New firmware posted May 8, 2009 * Complete rewrite of governor mode algorithms * o Provides less 'pulsing' behavior, even at high gains o Facilitates easier gain setup o Lower gains are now available o Governor mode has faster response o Note: Your governor gain value will likely need to be changed from your current setting. Added ability to change the 'Auto-Lipo' cutoff voltages to values other than 3.0 volts per cell. Use this setting to change the Auto Lipo cutoff voltage to the value recommended by your battery manufacturer/vendor. Settings now include 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, & 3.5 volts per cell. Controller will initiate Low Voltage Cutoff behavior once the controller detects voltage dropping below this value times the number of cells detected in the power up sequence. User is always responsible for ensuring that packs are properly & fully charged prior to connection to Castle ESC and for ensuring that ESC has detected the proper number of cells. Failure to fully charge cells or to ensure that controller has detected the proper number of cells may result in discharge below the pre set limit. This may damage any and all components in your system. * Added ability to turn off the power-on reminder beep. * Added outrunner PWM rate option to improve efficiency and reduce harmonics when running fast commutation outrunners. Unfortunately this mode is only available on Phoenix ICE and Phoenix HV controllers manufactured after May 2007. * Improved motor run routine for better performance on fast commutating outrunners * Added Phoenix ICE features and support Bug fix: Setting throttle response to 0 would not allow motor to run to full RPM Bug fix: Setting voltage cutoff to 4V on Phoenix HV would cause error message Bug fix: Stick programming when governor mode was selected could change start power

May 08, 2009, 10:39 AM	#3
jamesppp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,180	Sounds good. Ill try it this weekend if possible. Do we still need to set only 2 headspeeds in "Set RPM" gov mode or is OK to set it up with 3 different headspeeds now? Thanks. Jimmy Last edited by jamesppp; May 08, 2009 at 10:54 AM.

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May 07, 2009, 10:03 PM	#2
truthunter MaxiR SE~E620SE Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Campbell Hall, NY Posts: 394	Just downloaded it... hopefully tighten up the head speed on my E620... Thanks CC for great products and support!

May 08, 2009, 10:50 AM	#4
zguy Team SCHC Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: SoCal Posts: 262	Any new instructions or guidelines to best set up the new governor?

May 08, 2009, 03:17 PM	#6
bigandy Pesky Landings! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Abergele, North Wales, UK Posts: 970	The new software looks great! Can I suggest one minor improvement though? Increase the number of cutoff voltages (per cell) for the Auto Lipo, so that the voltage can be set below 3.0v too. The reason I would like this feature, so so I can use A123 packs, and not have to manually set the cutoff voltage when switching between a 3s and 4s pack (for example). In effect it would be an Auto A123 mode. Cheers Andy

May 08, 2009, 10:13 PM	#8
SpeedVision Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 237	Looking forward to using governor again, thanks for the update...!!!

May 09, 2009, 12:07 AM	#9
jamesppp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,180	[quote=RC Man]I just upgraded my ESC this morning and the three headspeeds work great. I set my throttle curves to a constant value for three flight modes (30 for normal, 65 for Idle1, 100 for Idle 2). I am using a Futaba radio. The default gain is a good starting point. On my Raptor E550 with a Scorpion motor and an A123 battery I am running a gain of between 17 and 20. I am still fine tuning but now it has started raining so I will have to wait until later. RC Man, is the default Gov Gain still 7? Did ytou have yours set below the 17 and 20 before. Mine is at defaut and with the same headspeed in Idle 1 and Idle 2(slightly lower HS in normal mode) the gov is holding solid in ver 2.0. Just want to make sure before I change it. I have only my Raptor 620 running Gov right now but am anxious to get 3 other Castle powered helis set up in Gov mode.hanks, I cant get a grasp of how simple gov is supposed to work but if set rpm will give me 3 solid headspeed settings Ill be happy. Jimmy T

May 09, 2009, 06:19 AM	#10
RC Man A man with too many helicopter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Illinois Posts: 10,713	Governor Gain The new default is 15 on my ESC. With the old software I was running about 5. The governor is different so you will probably have to try a few settings to find the optimum for your helicopter. I like the Set RPM mode with the three headspeeds best myself also. It works great.

May 09, 2009, 04:13 PM	#11
Bill Sanford Really Dear, only $150... Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bemidji, MN Posts: 386	I just flew the new software in an HV85 running high governor mode with the gain set to default (15 I think?). Bottom line is that I am VERY impressed. No more hunting and wag. In the past, especially running lower head speeds, when pitch pumping, the ESC would wag the tail and over speed when recovering from hard collective. This is ALL gone now. Nice and smooth! Great Job Patrick! This is on a Trex 600 running12s A123 with a Scorpion HK4025-740 and a 16 tooth pinion. Now I need to update my 4 other Phoenix ESCs! Bill

May 09, 2009, 09:40 PM	#12
diver don "Each Day Is A Lesson" Join Date: May 2004 Location: Goldsboro, NC Posts: 2,426	Anyone having problems downloading this? Tried on Vista(As Admin.) and XP and both say install package will not work with Windows. Any comments. I see several have installed it. Thanks, Don

May 09, 2009, 10:53 PM	#13
Crist Rigotti Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: North Liberty, Iowa Posts: 86	I had no trouble downloading on Vista Home Premium.

May 09, 2009, 10:54 PM	#14
jamesppp Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 3,180	In set RPM mode the new software wouldnt allow the same headspeeds that the 2.0 ver was using. For instance on my 10S Raptor with a CC HV 85, I was using 2000 as the Idle up settings (a lower speed for normal) only setting 2 different speeds. The new software only allows 1898rpm Higher settings give the message"too fast for proper govorning" Hey, Ill regear. as long as this works well I happy. I have several 550-600 helis with Castle ESCs that need to be govorned... I selected Outrunner Mode for the PWM setting. This is a CC HV 85 made in November 07 so it should be good Jimmy

May 09, 2009, 11:03 PM	#15
DavidB. X-Era Motors Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Newport, NC Posts: 2,190	The software is probably capping the upper RPM so the governor doesn't reach voltage saturation. Saturation will play havok with any control loop.