Sensors, ESC and Motor

Magnet and other nitro sensors

In general it is possible to run nearly any kind of this sensors with the VBar. Our Sensor socket pin assignment is the same as on a servo socket, black = GND; red = V+; orange = signal. The socket provides 3.3V for the sensor. If the sensor needs full RC voltage, get this from another unused servo port and connect the signal lead only. Using magnet sensors on the fan or clutch there is only 1 magnet active, the other will be mounted upside down for balance only. Using magnet sensors on the main wheel it will be better to have every magnet active.

  • Align Sensor: Swap red and black cable at the connector, Sensor II Port
  • Backplate: Check distance (2-2.5mm) for correct working, All aluminium backplate needed, Sensor II Port
  • Curtis Youngblood Sensor: from the ATG V3, Sensor II Port
  • Futaba GV-1 sensor: Sensor II Port
  • Stator Gator: Sensor II Port
  • Aerospire Sensor: Sensor II Port

Electric phase sensors

We have tested several phase sensors with different results on different helicopters with different ESC's and Motors. Take note that using a ESC w/o BEC it is needed to connect the flight and RC batt minus leads together!

Phase sensor produce a square signal from the pulses that drive the electric motors. The signal changes depending how fast the pulses are firing (i.e. RPM of the motor). That way the VBar can read the signal and by that determine what RPM the motor is running.

The signal changes depending on how many poles the motor have, that's why you need to enter number of pole pair in the motor in the Sensor configuration screen. (10 Pole motor = 5 pole pair)

The stability of the signal depends on motor design, timing of the pulses, and which frequency the speed controller drives the motor. Some combinations might cause interference (unstable readings), you will notice this already in hover, the RPM changes constantly. Only thing you can try then is to change the speed controller setting for frequency and timing, if that does not help, you need to install a Magnet and use a hall effect sensor type (to read the magnet).

1st signal line: Raw signal, all 3 phases from ESC to motor. Does not show the current control management done by the ESC.

2nd signal line: one phase, nearly at full load, only a small gap between the 2 "in phase" PWM pulses for current control.

3rd signal line: one phase, less load (maybe hovering) , a wide gap between the 2 "in phase" PWM pulses for current control. This could be detected as a new phase depending on the sensor design and will cause changing RPM in hover.