what version / pc or unit firmware for adj gov gain?

[trillian]

I have an SK540 with version 3.31 firmware. In the PC software there is no way to assign a channel to control the governor gain, it is locked to whatever value is in the gain box in the software (was at 49 to start with but seems to need higher gain based on my last flights).

It has been implied that this is possible but it must be in a later version of the pc software and / or unit firmware.

I have looked through the various updates on the website but did not see anything indicating added functions to the governor except for mention of a bailout feature at some point.

Sooooo, the question is: What would I need to update in order to be able to assign a channel to the gov gain and would this be just the PC software or would it require updating the unit as well?

Worst case I can just try higher gains in small increments and see what happens but it means bringing my laptop to the field.

Also, I guess it's worth asking if there's any other benefit to updating from 3.31 to the latest version.

[georgi UK]

=] please download the latest package from here, then update the 540 from the utility tab, if you see a pop-up requesting a firmware update, cancel and go to utilities.

http://www.skookumrobotics.com/updates/

you are way behind on firmwares which could suggest an older unit? in which case power the unit from a Rx pack or whatever to avoid bricking the 540 when updating it, you follow me?



here you can assign whatever channel you wish!

Also, please turn on playback logging and post a log up, something is wrong if you need that high a gain? we should be able to spot it!

best.

[trillian]

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=]

Also, please turn on playback logging and post a log up, something is wrong if you need that high a gain? we should be able to spot it!

best.

Thanks, I'll try updating in a little while. I did try once updating the PC software to 4.05 but it crashed badly, tried it again and same result. Maybe I need to completely uninstall the old version first? Running windows 7 home.

Regarding the governor gain, this setup is a bit unusual in that it uses a sensor on the main gear with three magnets. It definitely works and is pretty good, just seemed to not be quite aggressive enough at holding under load and then allowing a little overspeed when unloading the head. (This is on a gasser with a Zenoah 260RC engine).

[georgi UK]

=] Ah ok, that explains the gain settings! you shouldn't need to remove to software completely? the issues in doing that is the whole program will be loaded back on, this can affect your pro license key, although SK will sort that one for you,. let us know how it all goes......

[Xrayted]

There have been a lot of reports from guys trying to go from the low 3 firmwares directly to V4 and having issues with the unit crashing out or failing.

The solution, although a little more time consuming is to download the 3:43 installer package, update to that then go again with latest V4 installer package.

Also as Georgi said, many of the early 540s don't do well on USB powe alone and may need external battery power

[trillian]

Well I was able to install version 4.05 PC software by first uninstalling 3.31. I then used the utility tab to update the firmware in the unit to 4.07. That all appeared to work.

However... now I have no governor at all, it is greyed-out and I cannot enable it. If I disconnect the USB cable I can then switch on the governor and change settings but as soon as I connect the 540 again it greys out and shows 'off'.

And now if I power up without being connected to the PC, I can see that the governor is off, the throttle servo is moving exactly to the curves.

So I am totally stumped :-(

[georgi UK]

=] don't worry we will get you there, please state if this a clear 540 upgraded to red specs? In the preferences tab are you using the advanced settings? keep going....

[trillian]

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=] don't worry we will get you there, please state if this a clear 540 upgraded to red specs? In the preferences tab are you using the advanced settings? keep going....

This is a red (as in not clear) 540, yes I am using the advanced view.

[lcc014]

I had similar issue after upgrade to v4.05 initially and governor mode was greyed out. I emailed Art with my SK540's serial number. He fixed it right away for me....

[georgi UK]

=] again don't worry I have seen this on my red 540, what you need to do next is contact SK support with your gyro serial no. they will unblock it on the server for you, please report back on this....

[georgi UK]

=] Icc beat me to it!!!

[trillian]

I think I see what's happening then, it's acting as if it's a clear 540 that has not been upgraded to 'red' specs.

I'll email them momentarily.

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=] again don't worry I have seen this on my red 540, what you need to do next is contact SK support with your gyro serial no. they will unblock it on the server for you, please report back on this....

[lcc014]

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=] Icc beat me to it!!!

Georgi,

[trillian]

No reply from them as yet. I messaged them via the website last night my time, would have been late afternoon Vancouver time.

[georgi UK]

=] you will get an email to say "try it again" so.... hang in there!!

[trillian]

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=] you will get an email to say "try it again" so.... hang in there!!

I hope so. I've lost a flying day today as it's too late now :-( But that's life in the fast lane I suppose.

[georgi UK]

=] SK will rectify this, Then send confirmation, I guess you try hooking up to the software in advance of the email, and update it again?

[trillian]

Originally Posted by georgi UK

=] SK will rectify this, Then send confirmation, I guess you try hooking up to the software in advance of the email, and update it again?

Will I need to do the firmware update again?

Maybe I could just change the firmware to a previous version instead?

[Luvmyhelis]

Originally Posted by trillian

Will I need to do the firmware update again?

Maybe I could just change the firmware to a previous version instead?

Once you have updated, it wont roll back. This isn't a firmware issue unless the download is defective? Some have reloaded and had success?

[georgi UK]

Originally Posted by trillian

Will I need to do the firmware update again?

Maybe I could just change the firmware to a previous version instead?

=] Yes to #1
=] No to # 2