PilotAware
British Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: Admin on August 11, 2015, 09:41:17 pm
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Hi All
I thought I shoud start a thread to talk about this.
The power supply and USB cable are extremely important.
The RPi will draw approc 1.1A, so you need an AUX regulator which is going to supply 2.1A
The USB cable must be a high quality cable to ensure no voltage drop down the cable.
You should look for a cable which says
20AWG for the Charge, the Data does not matter
AWG = American Wire Gauge, the smaller the number, the thicker the wire == BETTER
Thx
Lee
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Lee Hi!
As I fly a non-electrical vintage Aircraft power needs careful thought.
I'm using a 12000mAh Power Bank with 1 X 1A USB and 1 X 2.1A USB.
The charge life is excellent and means I can leave aircraft Aux battery (No charging) for Radio only.
A newer better value version is here:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00F5Q4F0U?keywords=ec%20technology%20power%20bank&qid=1439328119&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
I power the PilotAware set on 2.1A output using 50cm USB Cable..
Regards
Gerry
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Hi Gerry
I also use one of these, i have got the 50,000mah version. I managed to run Pilotaware for about 5 hours on one of these.
Power cable is still paramount.
Short and heavy duty is best
Thx
Lee
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How about a Charge 4 USB Power?
http://www.charge4.co.uk/
They are Software run. I currently use on on the IPad. But not yet tested with Pilotaware.
Richard.
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How about a Charge 4 USB Power?
http://www.charge4.co.uk/
They are Software run. I currently use on on the IPad. But not yet tested with Pilotaware.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
I have not tried these, they do look expensive ???
I own a couple of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/External-50000mAh-Power-Bank-Portable-DUAL-USB-Battery-Charger-For-Mobile-Phone-/271955860042?hash=item3f51d51a4a
When fully charged, they will run PilotAware for about 4-5 hours
charging does take a long time
Thx
Lee
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Hi Guys,
I have just joined the Forum, and am in the process of ordering the bits I need to have a go at building a Unit. Regarding the Power Supply, would this unit be suitable (and possible better as it re-charges itself via solar power as well as DC4.8-5.4V) ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50000mAh-Solar-Battery-Charger-Power-Bank-For-iPhone-iPad-Tablets-Smart-Phones-/321814230008?hash=item4aed9f73f8
Forgive my ignorance, I have a little knowledge (dangerous :o ) of things electrical, but I am a dab hand at following instructions, so feel free to use me for idiot testing purposes :)
BobD
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Hi all
I think in all these examples of powrr banks, I hear mixed stories.
So its difficult to know which ones wil live up to their claims
Last night I was running my PilotAware from a powerbank, and it worked fine.
I picked up Russ Hicks from about 12 miles, and he could see me.
But like stocks, past performance is no guarentee of future gains, so
Its difficut to comment on all the batteries on the market.
If they live up to their claims, then all is good.
I think if the voltage drops to about 4.6v at the input to the Pi, then
It will become unreliable.
I am in the process of trying to make accurate measurements of
All components, and will post some results tomorrow
Thx
Lee
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Lee,
Yes the Charge4 Is about £100 but you get what you pay for.
I tryed diffrent 12v power supply and all gave bad transceiver interference. the Charge4 has been worked to reduce Transceiver interference, and it does what it says on the tin. I have one fitted permanently in my Aircraft panel.
I will report back on the ability to power both the PilotAware and IPad at the same time.
Richard
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Lee,
Yes the Charge4 Is about £100 but you get what you pay for.
I tryed diffrent 12v power supply and all gave bad transceiver interference. the Charge4 has been worked to reduce Transceiver interference, and it does what it says on the tin. I have one fitted permanently in my Aircraft panel.
I will report back on the ability to power both the PilotAware and IPad at the same time.
Richard
Hi Richard 2.4a per port is easily enough, especially as they report no voltage drop at full load
Thx
Lee
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Hi All
I bought myself one of these which measures instantaneous and peak voltage(low)/current(high).
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/maplin-usb-power-meter-n55ce
My previous version, was not capable of capturing the peak values, and only gave instantaneous,
This does not capturethe worst case scenario.
I wanted to see different configurations of USB cable on PilotAware, it has confirmed
what I had believed regarding power supply/usage.
The scenarios are as follows
1. USB Auxilliary socket noted as 3.1Amp rating, I bought this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-1-Amp-USAMS-Twin-Dual-2-Port-USB-12V-Universal-Car-Socket-Charger-UK-New-/321686700107?hash=item4ae605804b
2. Tested against the following 3 cables
2.1 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BLACK-50cm-20AWG-Premium-Fast-Micro-USB-Charger-Cable-for-Android-Phones-Tablets-/271936509656?hash=item3f50add6d8
2.2 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-to-Micro-USB-with-ON-OFF-Switch-Cable-Charger-Power-for-Raspberry-Pi-Android-/351330415704
2.3 http://www.aliexpress.com/item/10pcs-1M-Micro-USB-2-0-Male-A-Sync-Data-Charge-Cable-For-HTC-Android-For/1750791723.html
Here are the results for Peak Voltage (low) and Peak Current (high)
Measured at WiFi Dongle
2.1 PV=4.83V PC=0.24A
2.2 PV=4.67V PC=0.24A
2.3 PV=4.20V PC=0.24A
Measured at DVB-T Dongle
2.1 PV=4.83V PC=0.18A
2.2 PV=4.67V PC=0.18A
2.3 PV=4.20V PC=0.19A
Measured at Power Source
2.1 PV=5.13V PC=1.16A
2.2 PV=5.13V PC=1.17A
2.3 PV=5.13V PC=1.21A
When the Voltage level drops to around 4.67V, the RPi is approaching a brownout.
so cable 2.3 is really bad, 2.2 is OK and 2.1 has some good margin.
The interesting thing is the range the voltage drop from best(2.1) to worse(2.3) is 0.63v
in this case that is massive 15% difference.
One other thing worth mentioning, the total current draw at the USB is (0.24 + 0.18) 0.42A
There is a (default) cutoff limit of 0.6A on the RPi, this is quite close.
This cutoff point can be doubled in Software to 1.2A, and sounds like a good idea,
especially if future enhancements will be to make use of external GPS etc
Thx
Lee
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Hi,
I am the designer and maker of the Charge2 USB chargers mentioned in this post. If anyone has any questions over them, please feel free to drop me an e-mail to the address on the website.
Have to say this looks like an interesting project. I dug out the previous generation Pi I have here and powered it up via a Charge2, it all seemed to be working fine.
if you need any help getting accurate power readings etc. I have various tools and test gear which can help with that.
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Hi,
I am the designer and maker of the Charge2 USB chargers mentioned in this post. If anyone has any questions over them, please feel free to drop me an e-mail to the address on the website.
Have to say this looks like an interesting project. I dug out the previous generation Pi I have here and powered it up via a Charge2, it all seemed to be working fine.
if you need any help getting accurate power readings etc. I have various tools and test gear which can help with that.
Hi Jeremy
Many thanks for the heads up on your findings.
I would just point out that by default, the Pi draws quite a small amount of current, probably about 600mA.
Could you clarify the figures I quoted would be OK, whereby I expect the Pi in this setup to be drawing a peak current, possibly upto 1.5A
In this configuration, the radio module pulses for about 1-5ms ever 1-2 seconds, which would result in a spike of current draw of 330mA, so in other words the effective quiescent current is probably about 750mA, with the cyclic pulse of an additional 330mA taking the total to approx 1.1A.
I think your unit could cope with that no problem, but wanted to give you the opportunity to comment.
Thx
Lee
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Hi,
I am the designer and maker of the Charge2 USB chargers mentioned in this post. If anyone has any questions over them, please feel free to drop me an e-mail to the address on the website.
Have to say this looks like an interesting project. I dug out the previous generation Pi I have here and powered it up via a Charge2, it all seemed to be working fine.
if you need any help getting accurate power readings etc. I have various tools and test gear which can help with that.
Hi Jeremy
Many thanks for the heads up on your findings.
I would just point out that by default, the Pi draws quite a small amount of current, probably about 600mA.
Could you clarify the figures I quoted would be OK, whereby I expect the Pi in this setup to be drawing a peak current, possibly upto 1.5A
In this configuration, the radio module pulses for about 1-5ms ever 1-2 seconds, which would result in a spike of current draw of 330mA, so in other words the effective quiescent current is probably about 750mA, with the cyclic pulse of an additional 330mA taking the total to approx 1.1A.
I think your unit could cope with that no problem, but wanted to give you the opportunity to comment.
Thx
Lee
The chargers have a very fast transient load response combined with reasonable capacitance on each output port. I can look at simulating that kind of load by pulsing GPIO pins with loads on etc. but I don't think it would be a problem in terms of voltage or current.
As an aside, looking at the 3.3v regulator (based on the pic of it anyway) it seems it employs a AMS1117 LDO regulator, which the data sheet for recommends 22uF output capacitance but the silk screen says 10uF. It would be interesting to scope the output of them with the radio is running to ensure it's stable.
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As an aside, looking at the 3.3v regulator (based on the pic of it anyway) it seems it employs a AMS1117 LDO regulator, which the data sheet for recommends 22uF output capacitance but the silk screen says 10uF. It would be interesting to scope the output of them with the radio is running to ensure it's stable.
Hi
Are you referring to the 3.3v regulator on the pi itself ?
If so, this is not used to power anything, it does not have nearly enough power.
The ARF radio has a dedicated regulator, capable of supplying 800ma
Thx
Lee
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Are you referring to the 3.3v regulator on the pi itself ?
No not the one on the Pi but the additional ARF 3.3v regulator shield. This is only going by the silkscreen but it looks like they have 1uF on the input and 10uF on the output. The data sheet recommends 10uF and 22uF respectively. Might not be an issue but it would be interesting to see the output as the load jumps up and down.
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Are you referring to the 3.3v regulator on the pi itself ?
No not the one on the Pi but the additional ARF 3.3v regulator shield. This is only going by the silkscreen but it looks like they have 1uF on the input and 10uF on the output. The data sheet recommends 10uF and 22uF respectively. Might not be an issue but it would be interesting to see the output as the load jumps up and down.
Can you post a link to your reference ?
Thx
Lee
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Can you post a link to your reference ?
Thx
Lee
The regulator is a common part, made by various companies, all the data sheets vary to a degree. You can see in the pic the IC model code of AMS1117 3.3 which makes that item the AMS version (data sheet linked below, which is pretty thin). TI also make the same part their data sheet is a little more in-depth. As they are interchangeable parts for which they will probably fit who ever is cheapest at the time of manufacture, they should take into account the worst use case. Both these data sheets state a 22uF for Cout, the TI also gives recommendations for Cin.
I doubt it will make a huge difference, but it would be interesting to scope the output just to be sure, especially given the application - you don't want surprises with the radio module playing up.
http://www.advanced-monolithic.com/pdf/ds1117.pdf
http://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/lm1117-n.pdf
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How about a Charge 4 USB Power?
http://www.charge4.co.uk/
They are Software run. I currently use on on the IPad. But not yet tested with Pilotaware.
Richard.
Hi Richard,
I have not tried these, they do look expensive ???
I own a couple of these
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/External-50000mAh-Power-Bank-Portable-DUAL-USB-Battery-Charger-For-Mobile-Phone-/271955860042?hash=item3f51d51a4a
When fully charged, they will run PilotAware for about 4-5 hours
charging does take a long time
Thx
Lee
OK Lee,
I Have tested PilotAware and the Charge2 today in the air from Sherburn (Very Busy in the air today) I could not get the Charge2 to operate correctly with the PilotAware, The Charge2 tries to keep connecting power to the PilotAware but keeps turning the power off and re-starting again. It does this some times when I plug in the Ipad. I'm not sure why? It needs JCurtis to clarify what may be happening. It is as thought the Charge2 keeps re-starting, (Red light flashing, No green lights) Ipad only Works fine.
The only traffic I could see in the air today was Landing Heavy's at Leeds. (Set to 5000ft) It needs all the GA traffic to output ADS....
Richard
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OK Lee,
I Have tested PilotAware and the Charge2 today in the air from Sherburn (Very Busy in the air today) I could not get the Charge2 to operate correctly with the PilotAware, The Charge2 tries to keep connecting power to the PilotAware but keeps turning the power off and re-starting again. It does this some times when I plug in the Ipad. I'm not sure why? It needs JCurtis to clarify what may be happening. It is as thought the Charge2 keeps re-starting, (Red light flashing, No green lights) Ipad only Works fine.
Richard,
Can I ask a few questions...
Did you order your Charge2 around the end of March (just so I can track the order)
Do you have the Charge2 powered when you start the aircraft?
Does the problem appear with Charge2 running but the engine not started?
Do you sometimes have issues with the iPad only too?
When you see the issue does the iPad beep to say it has power, you see a green light on the Charge2, it flash red light and the cycle repeats?
If you prefer, and to save cluttering this thread, you can reply direct to charge4@harkwood.co.uk
A friend has asked me to make him up one of the PilotAware units, so over the next couple of weeks I will be able to test this here. I have the previous generation of Pi and the newer one may behave differently.
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A friend has asked me to make him up one of the PilotAware units, so over the next couple of weeks I will be able to test this here. I have the previous generation of Pi and the newer one may behave differently.
Hi
Please remember to order a 'Pi B+', notthe 'Pi 2'
Thx
Lee
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Lee,
Any reason for the B+ over the more recent Pi 2, I thought they shared the same physical layout?
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Lee,
Any reason for the B+ over the more recent Pi 2, I thought they shared the same physical layout?
There is an issue to be resolved with the driver for the dvbt dongle
Thx
Lee
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Lee,
Any reason for the B+ over the more recent Pi 2, I thought they shared the same physical layout?
There is an issue to be resolved with the driver for the dvbt dongle
Thx
Lee
OK, Thanks. I'll look at ordering some parts over the next couple of days.
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Quick observation, re: the "50000 mah I know battery tech is advancing all the time, but 50ah? in that package?
More likely a combination of creative definitions and marketing artistic license methinks, nonetheless, they are great value even if their true capacity is even a fifth of that.
I am using a small Lithium battery pack myself at the moment they are definately a compact and usuable way to power this device, in the absence of onboard power
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Quick observation, re: the "50000 mah I know battery tech is advancing all the time, but 50ah? in that package?
More likely a combination of creative definitions and marketing artistic license methinks, nonetheless, they are great value even if their true capacity is even a fifth of that.
I am using a small Lithium battery pack myself at the moment they are definately a compact and usuable way to power this device, in the absence of onboard power
Of course, its total bull%$^&.
In practice I think I got about 4 hours from a full charge
Thx
Lee
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How about a Charge 4 USB Power?
http://www.charge4.co.uk/
They are Software run. I currently use on on the IPad. But not yet tested with Pilotaware.
Richard.
Just a report back on using the charge2 for powering everything..... It appears I needed an upgrade for the unit I was using. "J" has very kindly exchanged the unit for an updated charge2 unit. All works very well with no power drops at all it powers the iPad and the PilotAware with no problems. Also no rf noise on the radio or headset. A perfect combination.
Richard
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How about a Charge 4 USB Power?
http://www.charge4.co.uk/
They are Software run. I currently use on on the IPad. But not yet tested with Pilotaware.
Richard.
Just a report back on using the charge2 for powering everything..... It appears I needed an upgrade for the unit I was using. "J" has very kindly exchanged the unit for an updated charge2 unit. All works very well with no power drops at all it powers the iPad and the PilotAware with no problems. Also no rf noise on the radio or headset. A perfect combination.
Richard
Glad it's all sorted :)
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I have had some good success with these, for powering my tablet. They are based on TI chipset and appear to be designed well..give a good charge rate, so will boost your tablet in no time. Also I have not experienced any of the horrible noise issues with them (those noise issues that seems to be generated by the car plug adapter type USB chargers).. the output seems to be clean and they perform well. For extra 'belts and braces' I also fitted an extra smoothing capacitor to avoid noise injection into my radio/intercom.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-LM2596S-DC-DC-Buck-Converter-Adjustable-Power-Supply-Step-Down-Module-UK-/141210161794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c81282
This would work well with the pilotaware and are really low cost...
in addition, the output voltage is adjustable by the potentiometer (the blue block).. so you can compensate for cable drop/loss by tweaking the output up a little higher than 5V, to say 5.5V (no more).
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I have had some good success with these, for powering my tablet. They are based on TI chipset and appear to be designed well..give a good charge rate, so will boost your tablet in no time. Also I have not experienced any of the horrible noise issues with them (those noise issues that seems to be generated by the car plug adapter type USB chargers).. the output seems to be clean and they perform well. For extra 'belts and braces' I also fitted an extra smoothing capacitor to avoid noise injection into my radio/intercom.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-LM2596S-DC-DC-Buck-Converter-Adjustable-Power-Supply-Step-Down-Module-UK-/141210161794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c81282
This would work well with the pilotaware and are really low cost...
in addition, the output voltage is adjustable by the potentiometer (the blue block).. so you can compensate for cable drop/loss by tweaking the output up a little higher than 5V, to say 5.5V (no more).
Interested if you / anyone gets a good 12v -> PilotAware solution working from aircraft power (ours is Permit aircraft so could fit something in theory)
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I have had some good success with these, for powering my tablet. They are based on TI chipset and appear to be designed well..give a good charge rate, so will boost your tablet in no time. Also I have not experienced any of the horrible noise issues with them (those noise issues that seems to be generated by the car plug adapter type USB chargers).. the output seems to be clean and they perform well. For extra 'belts and braces' I also fitted an extra smoothing capacitor to avoid noise injection into my radio/intercom.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5pcs-LM2596S-DC-DC-Buck-Converter-Adjustable-Power-Supply-Step-Down-Module-UK-/141210161794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20e0c81282
This would work well with the pilotaware and are really low cost...
in addition, the output voltage is adjustable by the potentiometer (the blue block).. so you can compensate for cable drop/loss by tweaking the output up a little higher than 5V, to say 5.5V (no more).
Interested if you / anyone gets a good 12v -> PilotAware solution working from aircraft power (ours is Permit aircraft so could fit something in theory)
I have exactly that setup in my aircraft, Ian. For powering any USB powered device, it works fine... no issues.
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I have exactly that setup in my aircraft, Ian. For powering any USB powered device, it works fine... no issues.
Could be OK, you'd have to build one up and try it and see if it works for you. Some aircraft can withstand greater emissions than others, depends on lots of factors.
Be cautious of the rated power output if you are using the likes of a standard size iPad (non mini), they draw 2.1A with full backlight and the likes of SkyDemon running + what ever PilotAware draws.
"Output current: Rated current is 2A, maximum 3A (if the output power more than 10W, the heat sink is needed.)"
As an iPad can draw 12w, then a heat sink should be added when mounting into a suitable case.
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I have exactly that setup in my aircraft, Ian. For powering any USB powered device, it works fine... no issues.
Could be OK, you'd have to build one up and try it and see if it works for you. Some aircraft can withstand greater emissions than others, depends on lots of factors.
Be cautious of the rated power output if you are using the likes of a standard size iPad (non mini), they draw 2.1A with full backlight and the likes of SkyDemon running + what ever PilotAware draws.
"Output current: Rated current is 2A, maximum 3A (if the output power more than 10W, the heat sink is needed.)"
As an iPad can draw 12w, then a heat sink should be added when mounting into a suitable case.
I wouldn't propose one of these for both a large iPAD and to power the pilotaware. The pilotaware takes ~1A (from memory), as you say an iPAD is a little over 2A.. It's just in but marginal on one of these boards.
Efficiency isn't too bad at ~90%, it doesn't generate much heat at 2A output (I have mine running a Nexus7 which draws quite a lot while SD running bright screen/GPS and also charging the battery at the same time). The PSU does get slightly warm, but nothing too bad. Heat sink would probably be required if operating at the advertised +85degC ambient temperatures.
I would be tempted to integrate one of these with the Pilotaware itself and let the air flow through it. Leave plenty of space also to add some additional bulk capacitance to keep noise off the aircraft 12V supply. Ferrites can be useful too, if the switching noise breaks through, but I've not had an issue with it (have had more issues with the transponder breaking through into the audio and radio TXr).
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I have one of these installed in the back of my aircraft.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-9V-12V-18V-20V-to-5V-30W-4-USB-Step-Down-USB-Step-down-Power-Supply-Module-/400755801997?hash=item5d4ee83f8d
So far its only supplied power to a mini ipad and dual150 GPS. Will add a pilotaware this weekend and see what happens.
It doesn't run hot with just ipad and gps, and I haven't had any RF issues - but I'm still running a 25MHz radio (The 8.33 radios are apparently a lot more sensitive)
It has a dedicated wire from the master solenoid, and doesn't share any wiring with the rest of the aircraft - except wiring from the battery to the solenoid.
Dave t
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I have one of these installed in the back of my aircraft.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-9V-12V-18V-20V-to-5V-30W-4-USB-Step-Down-USB-Step-down-Power-Supply-Module-/400755801997?hash=item5d4ee83f8d
So far its only supplied power to a mini ipad and dual150 GPS. Will add a pilotaware this weekend and see what happens.
It doesn't run hot with just ipad and gps, and I haven't had any RF issues - but I'm still running a 25MHz radio (The 8.33 radios are apparently a lot more sensitive)
It has a dedicated wire from the master solenoid, and doesn't share any wiring with the rest of the aircraft - except wiring from the battery to the solenoid.
Dave t
I have the same unit in my flexwing powering ipad mini and my backup gps.
Just the occasional bit of interference on the radio when ipad battery not fully charged.
Its just plugged into 12v lighter socket.
Brian
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Hi Dave/Brian,
I was wondering how you got on using PAW with the step-down PSU?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-9V-12V-18V-20V-to-5V-30W-4-USB-Step-Down-USB-Step-down-Power-Supply-Module-/400755801997?hash=item5d4ee83f8d
Colin
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I can't say how well it performs for an extended period with the PAW. It certainly appears to power my Ipad mini, airbox clarity (backup gps) and the PAW unit ok. I have used in flight for 40mins max with all 3 items being powered. I have not checked voltage at the pi terminals when all are running, voltage was IIRC 4.9V at the pi with the engine off and only PAW running.
I have used for a couple of years to power the ipad and the clarity with no problems whatever.
Its just a shame it doesnt come in an enclosure of some sort, mine is still just velcroed to my instrument panel with power taken from the adjacent 12v lighter socket.
Brian
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Thanks Brian, I'll try one out.
Colin
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I use a minigorilla (www.powertraveller.com) 9000mAh to power in-flight equipment. Been using this unit successfully for some long time - essential equipment for long flights and trips. Using it also avoids the noise on the aircraft bus; the disconnects on start etc and the inability of some socket-based USB adapters to safely handle the load (although TomTom's hi-capacity one works well in the car for charging iPads and may well be great in a plane - to be checked out).
I have run the PilotAware unit in broadcasting mode with active ARF, RTL, Wifi 5370 and GPS (Bad Elf 2300), powered solely by the minigorilla for at least 4 hours with no hiccups at all.
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Hi Guys,
I have just joined the Forum, and am in the process of ordering the bits I need to have a go at building a Unit. Regarding the Power Supply, would this unit be suitable (and possible better as it re-charges itself via solar power as well as DC4.8-5.4V) ?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50000mAh-Solar-Battery-Charger-Power-Bank-For-iPhone-iPad-Tablets-Smart-Phones-/321814230008?hash=item4aed9f73f8
Forgive my ignorance, I have a little knowledge (dangerous :o ) of things electrical, but I am a dab hand at following instructions, so feel free to use me for idiot testing purposes :)
BobD
These arn't 50000 mAk as advertised on ebay (as usual) but are actually only 10000 mAh as tested, even the supplier only lists it as 20000 mAh (MFG Rated).
If you can wait for the slow boat from china you can get them from https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10007810/1683601-solar-power-1-5w-20000mah-external-power-source (https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10007810/1683601-solar-power-1-5w-20000mah-external-power-source).
I've used this site a lot (even had to return an item once) and found them very good. The downside is the wait for the goods, the upside is it is where most stuff on ebay appears to come from (so a few quid cheaper).
At the current exchange rate they are about £12 at the moment on Fasttech, interesting that ebay is only £3 more (although as he has sold over 1000 so far that isn't a bad profit lol.)
I might get one just to test with.
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I've been testing this evening with my Anker 20100mAh unit...I chose this as it's the smallest and lightest for the capacity (about 350 grammes), has auto switch off and has good reviews. It's a reputable make who I've bought from before and had great customer service (when something didn't work with something which they said did and it didn't, and they didn't realise, they refunded my money AND let me keep the unit. So I bought this partly to show my appreciation even though a similar one of another make is cheaper - but larger and heavier).
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00VJSGT2A?keywords=anker&qid=1447030019&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00VJSGT2A?keywords=anker&qid=1447030019&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1)
Anyway, I've been measuring the voltage between pins 2 and 6. I started doing this then a friend messaged me to see if I wanted to go and meet him for dinner in Epsom, so there's a bit of a jump...but as you'll see that doesn't really matter.
13:40 4.95V - start of the test.
14:40 4.95V - after 1 hour
15:40 4.95V - after 2 hours
16:40 4.95V - after 3 hours
This is where I abandoned the test until I got home....
00:40 4.95V - after 11 hours
The test is being done with the PAW having the Wifi on, the ADS-B dongle on, and the USB Ublox GPS on, and it has the ARF in it, transmitting every 2 seconds. At the moment it seems that after 11 hours, it's still giving the same voltage as when I started the test.
I'm going to go to bed soon, and I'll leave it on, see if it's still on in another 7 hours! :)
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The power died sometime during the night, but it was still going at 4am, over 14 hours in.
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+1 for the Anker 20100
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New to this forum so apologies if this is already answered, but I couldn't find it...
I already have an Anger PowerCore 15600 (Model A1252) with two USB outputs.
Can I use this to power my PAW Rosetta?
Many thanks.
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The main criteria is that it can output a true 2+ amps. The Powercores with two sockets, I think have one marked for iPad? The other is not man enough.
Try it and see
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Thanks. I tried it...and it works, apparently on either socket.
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Hi,
This can be a bit of a grey area as there is a significant difference between a 'Charger' - designed to replenish the energy in (for example) a phone or camera and a 'Power Bank' - designed to carry out the above function but also capable of powering a device longer term, though the waters are very 'muddy', with some companies products clearly at odds with my descriptions.
Anker make a massive range of portable Power Banks and Chargers, some of which may not be suitable for PilotAware so we need to be careful in what we recommend. This model is new to me, so I checked on Anker's website www.anker.com ...
It appears that the Anker 15600 (model A1252) is basically a slightly lower capacity version of the ones I have traditionally used for longer-term testing away from a mains or aircraft supply (namely the PowerCore 20100).
As with the 20100, it is rated at 4.8Amps and by the look of it, it will run PilotAware fine.
I am therefore now happy to recommend any of the following 'Known Good' Anker Battery Options in Size/Capacity order : -
Powercore 10000, PowerCore 10400, Powercore 13000, PowerCore 15600 and PowerCore 20100 edit and PowerCore Elite 20000
I am slightly more hesitant to recommend some of the newer 'Intelligent' chargers on the market without personal experience of them - as some are designed to provide high current only during the early part of the charge cycle but this is not sustained over time, which could lead to dropouts later. Anyone using one of these NOT listed above, I would be interested to hear from you.
Best Regards
Peter
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Hi Peter
I've been using the PowerCore Elite 20000 and I've had no problems, also the battery life is brilliant :)
https://www.anker.com/products/variant/powercore-elite-20000/A1273011
Allan
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Thanks Alan,
Added to the list.
Regards
Peter
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I took delivery of an Anker Power Drive5 the other day, and tried it in anger for the first time today...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00OUK0N26/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Powered from the accessory socket in the heli, and ran all day, with the PAW, two ipads and the Bluetooth transmitter hooked in at the same time...
Everything powered up and ran exactly as they should - no hiccups at all.
Saves having to recharge the Power Companions that I normally use (I did take one with me just in case...)
Velcro'd to the side of the instrument panel within reach of the devices - not much noticeable extra cabling visible either !!
Cheers
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Hi Sean,
Glad to hear you are having positive results with your Anker PowerDrive 5. I know several PilotAware users who use these - including AlanG and (I think) KeithVinning. I have also tried one with great success, though I now use one of Jeremy C's excellent 'Charge 4' units https://charge4.harkwood.co.uk/
Glad to see the PowerDrive 5's are back on Amazon UK as they were 'unavailable' for some time when I last looked.
Best Regards
Peter