Setups

Fromeco Arizona Regulator

Regulator Leads

The Arizona Regulator has 5 leads, labeled as follows:

Gyro gain and rudder inputs

The Arizona Regulator has 2 x three-pin connectors for plugging the gyro leads into the regulator. One is labeled "GYRO GAIN", and the other is labeled "GYRO RDDR". When viewing the regulator from the top, and with the wires pointing toward you, ensure that the gyro plugs are oriented so that the wires are "NEGATIVE", "POSITIVE", and "SIGNAL", as viewed from left to right.

Voltage adjustment

VOLTAGE for the gyro is set to 5 volts, and cannot be changed. VOLTAGE to power the RX (and other servos) can be adjusted between 5.00V and 6.00V, as follows: Turn on the Arizona Regulator. Observe the RX voltage on a voltage meter. Notice that there are two pins sticking out of the right side of the regulator near the top. By carefully bridging the two pins with a conductive object (e.g. a paper clip), the voltage will start to cycle up and down across its range. When you stop adjusting for more than 2 seconds, the new set point voltage is saved. To verify the new set point is saved, turn the regulator off and back on again and observe the desired voltage. Please do not touch the pins to the heat sink while adjusting. This may cause damage if the protective blue anodized finish has been scratched.

PLEASE NOTE: The Arizona Regulator draws a small amount of power in the OFF position, if it is being used as a switch. This current is <= 85 µA, or .000085 Amps. The battery will deplete by roughly 2mAh per day, when the regulator is used as a switch. Batteries should be unplugged for extended lay-ups or idle periods (i.e. > 1 month)

Size

Here is the good part. The Arizona Regulator eliminates the need for a separate mechanical switch and extra connectors, simplifying installation and eliminating possible switch failures in your helicopter. Whereas the typical Li-Ion/Poly setup requires a voltage regulator, a mechanical switch and if you want to make a fair comparison to the Arizona regulator, a separate 5.0V voltage regulator for your gyro and servo. The weight of the Arizona regulator for those weight watchers out there may seem heavy, but comparing it to two separate regulator systems it is almost identical. For this I weighed 2 smart fly voltage regulators at 14g each, and a super switch added roughly another 28g and so, we are looking at 42g on an accurate digital scale. Compared to the 50 gram Arizona regulator, the discrepancy in a few grams is minute in my opinion.

Failsafe

Another handy part of this regulator is the two blue LED lights that let you know the regulators are functioning. I have yet to see any other regulator with this added feature. Space is a valuable commodity on any helicopter so when mounting a gyro, governor, switch, regulator, etc. space can run out fast. The Arizona regulator is an all-in-one unit, having the built in failsafe switch and 2 regulators combined, saves loads of space in your helicopter. One of the biggest concerns with helicopter pilots is electronic failure. No more worries with the Arizona heli regulator, if the built in failsafe switch FAILS in flight or anywhere for that matter, it fails in the ON position allowing you to bring your helicopter down safely leaving the regulators ON. If this were to happen the regulators would remain in the ON position letting you know there is a problem. This is a very big plus in my book as helicopters could use all the extra failsafe devices they can get, especially without added complexity or weight.

What battery to use?

The maximum allowed cell count for Lithium Ion/Poly is 2 cells. I'm currently using the new 4800mAh Peerless lithium ions. I would recommend these for any 60/90 sized heli and the 2400 lithium ions for the 30/50 helis. It will save about 60 grams in weight over the traditional NiCad/NiMH set-ups and offer better performance and added flights to a comparable NiCad pack. This is the main reason many people choose to go the LiIon route instead of the heavier NiCad/NiMH. A regulator such as the Fromeco unit provides your servos and receiver with a constant 6.0 Volts giving you the maximum performance in your helicopter, another essential for those who want the most out of their current system.

I would strongly recommend that if you are currently using a lithium polymer pack to charge the battery out of the helicopter as I have seen first-hand the explosion of a LiPo being charged in the airframe and the losses incurred by fire.

Overheating and other neat features

The summer in Australia can reach extreme temps over 40°C (104°F) in which I have been flying in. Needless to say, if there were going to be overheating problems, it would surely show up here. With running all digital servos onboard, the Arizona Heli Regulator lived up to its expectations. The regulator remained cool to the touch with no signs of excessive heat. Another first for me was Fromeco's featured circuit board protective conformal coating, helping to withstand the two-stroke environment. I have not had a problem to date with other regulators regarding this issue, but it's nice to know that Fromeco is pushing technology further, improving upon an already awesome product. To add to that, the mounting plate the Arizona Heli Regulator is attached to is made of chemical-resistant Delrin and features a vibration-isolating protective mounting plate, reducing fatigue from engine and other harmful vibrations.

http://www.fromeco.org/

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