Engine Monitoring Modules

RDAC-VD

The RDAC model VD is an integrated, microprocessor controlled engine
monitoring subsystem. It is intended for installation close to the engine, inside the engine compartment thereby eliminating the need for long probe and sender wires.

The VD provides the following functions:

4 x EGT and/or CHT thermocouple inputs
2 x analogue inputs intended for NTC type temperature senders
1 x oil temperature sender input (NTC or semiconductor types)
1 x oil pressure sender (resistive types)
2 x fuel level inputs (resistive types or active capacitive probes with low
impedance voltage output from 0-2.5V)
1 x fuel flow sender input, can also be used to measure injector opening times
on fuel injected engines to derive indirect fuel flow measurement.
1 x variable sensitivity RPM input

The RDAC VD is intended for installation on all engines where up to four
thermocouple senders are sufficient. For larger engines, please review our
larger RDAC models. The RDAC VD is a good choice for engines such as most two stroke engines, Rotax 912/914 engines and smaller two cylinder four stroke engines.

You can download the RDAC-VD manual by clicking on the link below:

RDAC-VD Manual

MGL Fuel Flow Sender

Use of a fuel flow sender is highly recommended as it enables the use of the many features incorporated in Stratomaster systems which depend on fuel flow data. A fuel flow sender can be used with the Stratomaster Flight, Flight 2, Extreme, Ultra, Enigma, Voyager and Odyssey instrument systems. The MGL Avionics sender shown below has proven to be reliable and to work very well, when installed correctly.

We include a short installation guide with the sender which should ensure that you do not have any problems with its fitment. You can also download the fuel flow sender installation notes together with a detailed technical data sheet by clicking on the links below:

Floscan Fuel Flow Sender

An alternative to our standard MGL fuel flow sender is the USA made alloy bodied Floscan transducer range . This more expensive transducer uses standard AN fittings and is a popular choice for larger aircraft .

The Floscan model 201-A6 is the standard transducer stocked and has a flow range (gasoline) of 0.3 – 30 GPH (1.4 to 113.5 litres/hour).

Details of the floscan transducer can be viewed by clicking on the link to the manual below:

Floscan Manual

Fuel Level Sender

Fuel level senders can be connected to the Stratomaster Flight, Extreme, Ultra, Enigma, Voyager and Odyssey instrument systems. The fuel flow sender kit shown below is a typical after-market type available from many auto spares shops (Repco, AutoPro and the like). MGL Avionics (the manufacturers of Stratomaster systems) have had very good results with the senders available from VDO and recommend these - Part Number 220 003 is generally suitable. However, you may wish to contact your local VDO representative for a selection suitable for your fuel tank shape and size.

Stratomaster instruments support any resistive type level sender, however, MGL Avionics does not recommend capacitive probes as readings vary depending on the fuel type used.

VDO 220 003, 004, 005, Installation Guide (pdf file)

Water Temperature Probe

The probe shown (below) is our standard water temperature probe. It uses a thread (8 x 1 metric fine pitch) suitable for Rotax water cooled engines such as the 582. It is an inexpensive automotive type. This probe can be used with Stratomaster Flight, Extreme, Ultra, Enigma, Voyager and Odyssey instrument systems.

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Precision Water/Oil Temperature Probe

For applications where accuracy is paramount, MGL Avionics also offer a precision water temperature probe. This probe (shown below) is recommended where exact water and/or oil temperature readings are required. It is based on a brass housing with a thread suitable for Rotax water/oil cooled engines. Whilst this probe is more expensive than a standard automotive probe, it has two advantages: First, it is isolated electrically from the engine, which is helpful in some installations; and second, it is much more accurate with a maximum installed error reading of less than 2 degrees over the full temperature range.

You can download the technical data sheet of the sensor used in the Precision Temperature Probe by clicking on the link below. Installation instructions for the probe can be downloaded by clicking on the second link below:

Exhaust Gas Temperature Probe

Shown below is MGL Avionics high quality 316 stainless steel EGT probe. These probes are designed for maximum temperatures of 1200 degrees C (2000 degrees F) and are well suited for turbocharged high performance engines. The cable used is a glass fibre insulated, stainless steel armoured cable. The connection to the probe is protected by means of a generous spring strain relief.

These MGL probes are also supplied with a clamp kit (see below) for installations not having a provision (ie. threaded lugs on the manifold) for these probes. In this case a small hole the same size as the probe tip is drilled into the exhaust manifold and the probe inserted and held in place with the clamp kit.

The clamp kit includes a drilled stainless steel band and adjuster (also stainless steel). Two 8x1 metric fine pitch brass half nuts are included to; hold the probe in place; and allow adjustment of distance which the probe projects into the pipe.

Please remember to specify the pipe clamp size (diameter to be clamped) when ordering.

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Cylinder Head Temperature Senders

Currently we offer four different versions of our CHT probes. These are all "K-type" thermocouples and they come in sizes 10mm, 12mm, 14mm and 18mm. The sizes refer to the thread diameter of the spark plug the probes are used on. Most automotive engines use 14mm plugs, the Jabiru engine and Rotax 912/914 use 12mm plugs. The big Lycomings and Continentals use 18mm plugs. Some motorbike engines use small 10mm plugs.

The probes are supplied with 90 cm of Teflon insulated cable, heat resistant to 300 degrees C. The probes are designed to be tough and so have a steel cable sleeve connection with a generous spring strain relief.

See senders fitted ? then click the link below:

CHT sender (Jabiru 2200A, No 2105)

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GT-1 Gear Tooth Speed Sensor

The GT-1 sensor is typically used to measure rotor speed rpm at the pre-rotation gear of auto-gyro aircraft. However, it is equally at home in other applications where rpm can be obtained from gear tooth sensing.

The GT-1 sensor is used primarily with our Enigma and Ultra Horizon XL systems (with one of the its 2 screens configured to include a traditional split Rotor and engine RPM display); and our RV-1, RV-2 & RV-3 Singles instruments. However, it can also be used with any of our other instruments which display rpm (including the E-1, EMS-582 and EMS-503 engine management systems).

You can download the technical data sheet on the GT-1 by clicking on the link below:

Avionics/Instrument Panel Protection

High speed / High power transorb (33V)

We recommended that this device be used to protect any electronic devices connected to an aircraft's power supply. The device works by 'clamping' the voltage to a maximum of 33V. It can do this in a matter of a few billionth of a second and it can, for a short time, withstand a very large amount of power.

We recommend that a single device (transorb) is fitted to the incoming power to the aircraft's instrument panel, following a fuse or circuit breaker. This device can protect any instrument including intercoms and radios. Detailed information on how the Transorb can be incorporated into your aircraft wiring system can be downloaded by clicking on the link below (an A4 sheet with the same information is also shipped with each Transorb).

Download the Transorb placement information sheet by clicking on the link below:

EMI Interference Suppressor

If you are experiencing any noise problems on your intercom/radio system or your avionics behaves differently when you press the PTT button, maybe you should consider the use of our EMI Interference Suppressor. This device is specifically designed to suppress unwanted or stray RF generated by a VHF air band radio.

This device needs to be installed on every cable assembly to and from the avionics/intercom system, about +-5cm from the end of the cable assembly. Just one loop around the EMI interference suppressor is required.

Uses include:

(1) The prevention of RF feedback from the aircrafts VHF radio to the intercom system.

(2) The suppression of RF interference to and from avionics.

Click on the link below to download information that explains how the suppressor works and how to install it for best results:

Emergency Power Supply for Stratomaster Instruments

To guard against loss of power to your Stratomaster instrument system you may wish to make up a simple emergency power supply back up.

Our Enigma systems includes provision for a power backup battery with built in float charging circuit so that all that is needed is a small external sealed lead acid cell battery of maybe 1.3 AH to 2 AH.

For all other Stratomaster instrument systems a battery back system can also be fitted. An information sheet with directions on how to do that can be downloaded below.

Download the Emergency Power Supply information sheet by clicking on the link below:

ALT-2 Altimeter - Serial to Parallel Converter (CNV-ALT2)

Our Smart Singles altimeter with an encoding output (the ALT-2) provides altitude data in serial format. However, some Mode C transponders (like the Microair T2000) require altitude information from the encoder in parallel format. In such cases, our CNV-ALT2 CNV-ALT2serial to parallel converter will be required between the ALT-2 and the transponder. This device converts the serial altitude information to Gillman code in a format compatible with mode-C transponders requiring the data in that format.

Download the manual for detailed information on the serial to parallel converter by clicking on the link below:

Large Panel Systems - Serial to Parallel Converter (CNV-AT MK II)

Using the CNV-AT MK II, encoded altitude information can also derived from our: Stratomaster Flight, Flight II, Stratomaster Extreme and Stratomaster Ultra models L, X, RL, H and Horizon XL.CNV-AT

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The CNV-AT MK II converter accepts the altitude and local pressure setting information from our Stratomaster systems and converts this information to Gillman code in a format compatible with mode-C transponders (like the Microair T2000).

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Download the manual for detailed information on the airtalk link serial to parallel converter by clicking on the link below:

Airtalk PC cable

The Airtalk PC cable is included in the log download key package. Also available separately, it is used for the direct connection of a PC (for example laptop computer) to your Extreme or Ultra Horizon XL System.

You can use it to download flight log information, connect to a flight recording program or you can use it to upload new software into your system.

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USB to Airtalk Interface

USB to Airtalk interface. This small device converts a PC USB host port to USB. Can be used with Flightlog program, Ultra, Extreme and Flight instruments (not required for Enigma unless for special applications).

Can also be used for airtalk firmware update programs (note: only newer update programs can use USB).

The USB drivers for this interface are not included with the USB converter. They must be downloaded here and installed on your PC. Unpack the contents of the ZIP file into a folder on your PC, then execute the program "preinstaller.exe" that is included in the ZIP file. After this, connect the USB converter and follow the normal Windows USB device installation. Details of this in the installation document.

USB to Airtalk interface installation document  (PDF file)

USB to Airtalk drivers for PC (Windows 2000 and later only) (ZIP file)

Flight Log Download Key

This small device easily fits into your pocket. It is used to transfer your instruments flight log details to our Flight log program (free download below). It can store the full flight log up to 240 flights. All you have to do is, every now and then, connect the key to your instrument to update any new flights done since the last time the key was used and then transfer the information from the key to your Flight log program on your PC (Windows operating system required).

The Airtalk to PC interface cable is included. The Flight log software is not included - it needs to be downloaded below from our web site.

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Stratomaster Flight Log Program

This free download can be used with the Stratomaster Extreme and Ultra Horizon XL. The program can be 'connected' to the instrument using an Airtalk to PC cable (see above) or it can be used with the Log Download Key (see above).

The program maintains your flight log and you can print it, add comments to a flight and it includes a handy flight time calculator which can add the total times between two dates.

The program requires an available serial port on your PC. It will work on all 32 bit versions of Windows. The current Flight Log Program software is version: 1.3

Download the latest version of the Flight Log Program by clicking on the link below: