Sidus - electronic timer
2/11
Preface
The system herein described replaces a clockwork timer by recreating the disc rotation
through a micro servo. The movement is controlled by a tiny electronic board, installed on
the model, which holds the programmed timing sequence and all the information needed
for the disc positioning. The disc rotates of one step and releases an arm when the time
for a programmed function expires. Although the micro servo has top ball bearing and
carbon gear, it has not to support the strain of the arms as the disc is separately pivoted to
the faceplate. Only one pushbutton (i.e. the start switch) is used to set, start, stop and
reset the timing. A pocket size programmer with only 4 keys and a large LCD display, is
used to read or change the timing and dethermalize the model (RDT). It also allows
accurate adjustment of the micro servo positioning. The devices communicate through an
optical link, therefore no cables are needed. A long range radio link used for the RDT.
Getting started
Refer to the pictures of next page to recognize the system components
•
Connect the Timer control board
1
to the battery
2
and to the micro servo by
matching the color of plugs and cables. The Timer comes with a pre-programmed
timing sequence of 1 sec. for the first 5 functions and 10 sec. for the DT that can be
easily changed as described later. If idle for over 120 seconds the control board will
turn to a “sleep” state (leds OFF). It will wake up by shortly pressing the start switch
•
Locate the Hall sensor
3
at the end of the longest cable on the control board
1
.
Insert the sensor fully inside the radial hole on the bottom of the magnetic start switch
2
as shown in
4
. Later the sensor will have to be permanently glued to the start
switch as detailed in the Installation Notes
•
The Programmer
5
must be switched on: remove the slide cover on the bottom of the
case and move to ON the slide microswitch placed in the battery compartment. Also
the Programmer will go to sleep if idle for over 120 seconds. It will wake up by shortly
pressing one of the keys
•
The LiPo Charger
6
comes with bare wires by the 12V side to allow the connection of
a proper plug depending on the power source used to charge the battery packs.
