Futaba Current Sensor SBS-01C

[colemn615]

I was reading over the manual for the 18SZ this morning and noticed that Futaba may have a current sensor. After some research it appears not to be released yet?

I am curious is this like the e-fuel sensor where it is in line or is it not? I'd prefer not to add another point of failure by having it be inline. Heck is it even available or is there a place to get info? I have already sent Futaba an email. I just though it odd that the manual version I have is from December or so of last year and the updates included that sensor support.

[dpelletier]

In line is the only way to check current.

[colemn615]

That's what I thought. I saw a wiring diagram for it and it doesn't show it as inline. A picture that shows the unit shows that it is inline.

I received a response from Futaba (quick reply time). It stated that they did not have any info and did not know when it will be released.

[dpelletier]

Originally Posted by colemn615

That's what I thought. I saw a wiring diagram for it and it doesn't show it as inline. A picture that shows the unit shows that it is inline.

I received a response from Futaba (quick reply time). It stated that they did not have any info and did not know when it will be released.

I'm willing to bet that it will give you Amps reading but it wont give you MAH used like the E-Fuel gauge.

[Mike656]

Looks like this is now available, following an update to the 18SZ software. Anyone tried it yet?
Also, with the new update to the 18SZ software, will the Kontronik telme module work better, as it wouldn't be inline?

[colemn615]

It also looks like it's inline to. It appears to show voltage, current amp draws, as well as how many amps you have drawn so we now can fly our batteries down.

[DaMayor]

Hmmmm.....not for the 14SG...guess i'm still using the E-Fuel gauge!

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXGCAY&P=ML

[PlaneHazza]

You could always get a Jlog depending on what ESC you're using

[Mike656]

See rcjapan have it in stock

[AndrewJHawes]

When dpelletier states that "In line is the only way to check current", that is not necessarily true. By that, I understand that people feel that one has to cut and splice a sensor into a power line. A good alternative might be to create a Hall Effect current sensor, that does not require the power line to be cut and soldered, creating what is considered a weak point. This is the basis of many industrial sensors of this sort, with a toroidal ring, split or otherwise.

[dpelletier]

Originally Posted by AndrewJHawes

When dpelletier states that "In line is the only way to check current", that is not necessarily true. By that, I understand that people feel that one has to cut and splice a sensor into a power line. A good alternative might be to create a Hall Effect current sensor, that does not require the power line to be cut and soldered, creating what is considered a weak point. This is the basis of many industrial sensors of this sort, with a toroidal ring, split or otherwise.

You are correct of course... that is what they use with the Hitec telemetry system for amperage. I did not find it to be very reliable, mind you it might of been my setup.
I remember using that in automotive to check current draw.