Competition Electronics, Inc3469 Precision Dr.Rockford, IL 61109Competition Electronics, IncTurbo35-GFXUser’s ManualandGuide toElectric R/C Racing
directions for adjusting the highlighted line, such as when you are creating names for setups, for example. Use of the buttons varies from the norm on
discharge. That is why we have the additional small sense leads. These leads are designed specifically for measuring, and will have essentially no vol
5. Press “Start”.Quick Start: Motor Run1. Navigate to the “mot mode” screen. There are no specific factory cycles for motor run, although values are s
extent, this is true. However, the goals of an R/C racer are different than the goals of an average user. In the case of the R/C racer, there is the n
Single Cell TestingFigure 7. T35-GFX with Single Cell Holder.If you’re planning on doing a lot of single cell testing, you will want to get a cell hol
The contacts used are tin-plated contacts. The contacts can be (and should be) cleaned using a model train track cleaner for brass tracks such as Rai
to provide useful power. It will result in a higher number than Discharge Average Volts and represents the voltage over a more useful range. Run TimeH
It has been largely replaced by Actual Internal Resistance, another CEI innovation in R/C racing competition-grade equipment.Maximizing Performance: W
For smaller capacity cells, it’s probably a good idea to stick to 1C charge rates, but as the cell capacity gets larger, the cell can handle higher ra
When charging properly functioning NimH packs, during the first part of the charge process the cells will self heat slightly. NiCd cells do not exhibi
TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION TO THE T35-GFX: A TOOL TO MEASURE AND CONDITION YOUR CELLS
reason for this is the fact that cell capacities have increased. Another reason is that R/C motors these days draw a lot of current, so it takes a hig
Another reason for matching cells is that over the course of multiple charge/discharge cycles, the state of charge of the individual cells within the
large currents from small capacity cells. You should not try to run these profiles on cells smaller than, say, 2000 mAHr rating, as it will attempt to
Sometimes, racers get in line like lemmings to chase after the latest gimmick. We find that these gimmicks peter out after a little while, as racers d
Figure 11 T35-GFX Front Panel Controls.They are: • START/STOP• MODE• PAGEThe MODE ButtonThe T35-GFX display can be advanced from one mode screen to th
You can always tell what MODE you are in by observing the MODE STATUS display in the upper-right-hand corner of the display. They are:• chg mode• dcg
and CYCLE modes will jump directly to the main MODE screen and start that MODE. Whenever the T35-GFX is executing a CHARGE, DISCHARGE, or CYCLE MODE,
The main display for the charge mode will show you the currently selected setup, the pack voltage, the charge rate, the mAHrs delivered to the battery
Peak Detect VoltagePeak Detect Voltage appears on the display as “Peak Det V”. This is the dropback voltage setpoint at which the T35-GFX will automat
DelayDelay appears on the “Peak 2” page of the charge mode screens. Use it to set the number of seconds between the first and second peak functions. O
WHAT CAN I DO WITH MY T35-GFX? 22 THE MODE BUTTON
When you change the charge rate during a cycle, the 60 second lockout will be re-activated to assure that no false peaking results from the changed vo
To navigate to the discharge screen, press the MODE button until “dcg mode” appears in the upper right hand corner of the display. Discharge AmpsDisch
Cutoff VoltageThe discharge cycle is terminated when the pack voltage reaches the cutoff voltage setpoint for the discharge cycle. Changing the cutoff
A pack or cell powering a load can be approximated by a voltage source in series with a resistance, delivering power to a load, such as a motor. Ohm’s
Cycle ModeCycling is just a way of automating a charge cycle followed by a discharge cycle. You will always have to get charge into a pack before you
Setting up the Motor Run CycleTo set up your motor run cycle, use the PAGE button to move to page “1 of 1” in the motor function mode. Here you will f
Comm SettingFigure 16. T35-GFX serial port connector.The T35-GFX has a built in serial port on its side that can be used to transfer certain data out
an ASCII printer. However, because the data is transmitted through a serial port, a device known as a Serial to Parallel converter is necessary in ord
on PC’s, some of our customers may not have a serial port on their computers. In this case, CEI recommends the purchase of a USB to Serial adapter dev
What does the data look like as it comes out of a T35-GFX? Here’s a sample:8.157, 5.743, 0 8.190, 6.051, 1 8.212, 6.036, 2 8.238,
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Figure 19. Serial to Parallel conversion gear.1. On top of the converter are a series of small switches. Note that they are labeled: “1”-”8”. Also not
Male DB9 to Male DB9 Gender Adapter #26-231This Serial <-> Parallel converter is made by B&B Electronics Mfg. Co., Inc. The B&B part num
Data Collection and StorageData points for the graphs are collected and stored in nonvolatile memory in the T35-GFX during charge and discharge operat
Comm ModeBeeper StateCharge# of PeaksTrickle Status On/OffCharge Cycle 1 Charge AmpsCharge Cycle 1 TurboFlex Status On/OffCharge Cycle 1 Delay Seconds
Loading SetupsFigure 21. Loading a setup.To load a setup, navigate to the Load line on page 1 of 1 of the set mode screen.When highlighted, rotate the
Naming/Renaming SetupsFigure 22. Renaming a setup.A saved setup can be renamed in two steps.First, navigate to the Rename line on page 1 of 1 of the s
MachineThis setting sets the machine name for computer data output. It allows external programs like TurboLabel to distinguish between different machi
(off road).8 3.60 Cutoff Volts for discharge. X.XX with leading zeros.9 6 Number of cells. One digit.10 Turbo35 : Name 1. Always 9 chars. User editab
You can obtain very good books on the Windows operating system at your local chain bookstore or computer store, or on the internet. Videos are also av
Capturing and Saving DataOk. I said I wasn’t going to do this, but here is a brief, but detailed description of how to get around in Windows in order
Introduction to the T35-GFX: A Tool to Measure and Condition your CellsCongratulations on your purchase of our Turbo35 GFX! The T35-GFX is a state-of-
The name of the file is found at the far right side of the path text string; in this case the name of the file is “stringdata.txt.” You can control th
Below is a screen shot of what this program looks like. Again, things can vary greatly depending on how you have your Windows operating system configu
When you see the file displayed in the left-hand window, double left click on it; if you have named your file with a “.txt” extension, a built in prog
For use with the T35-GFX, we’re interested in its ability to import data. In order to try this, you’ll have had to have previously captured real-time
Notice that in the Open dialog box, ”Files of Type” shows a selection of .csv and .txt. You must do this. A series of dialog boxes called the “text im
Then click “Finish”.Data will appear in your spreadsheet.Voltage is what were interested in here, so left-click the column header “A” with your mouse.
Now, click the graph icon on the top toolbar. This will activate the graphing wizard. A little time fiddling with this feature in Excel should yield a
SpecificationsOperating Temperature Range (non-condensing) 32° F - 100° FPower Supply Input Range 12 VDC – 16 VDCCharge Current Setpoint Range 0.1 A –
Some supplies have a feature called foldback current limiting. This form of current limiting reduces the voltage output current of the supply drastica
FusesFigure 23. 20 amp fuses.Sooner or later, you’ll blow one or more fuses on your T35-GFX, so go to the local auto parts store and buy some extras n
• Specifications: This section contains a concise technical summary of the T35-GFX capabilities and requirements data.• When it doesn’t work: In this
Voltage Drop, Resistance, and the Proper Use of Sense LeadsFigure 24. A pack properly connected to the T35-GFX.When using the T35-GFX, during discharg
a daytime phone number so that we can call you with the exact cost. You will need to obtain a cashiers check or money order in the correct amount.When
***Limited Warranty***COMPETITION ELECTRONICS, INC., warrants the product manufactured by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a
Remember to put the alligator clip insulators on the wires before soldering the alligator clips, and make sure they’re far enough away from the solder
CHARGEMODEMAIN SCREENPAGE PAGE PAGEPAGEPAGEPAGE PAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEPAGEMODEMODEMODEMODEMODEMODEMODEDISCHARGEMODEMAIN SCREENCYCLEMODEM
When you first turn on the T35-GFX, the display will show the sign-on message, including the firmware revision number. This number corresponds to the
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