Wide range precision aviation altimeter; encoding altimeter with gillman code transponder output; encoding altimeter with serial output, compatible with iimorrow, garmin/trimble or mgl rs232 protocols. (12 pages)
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The Stratomaster Ultra A typical setup including Rotax 582 EIS (engine information system) The Stratomaster Ultra “L” is a digital multifunction instrument designed for use in ultralight, microlight, experimental and homebuilt aircraft as well as any aircraft that permit use of such instrumentation under general or special operating permits.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual d) Provide a display with the best possible viewing qualities over a wide temperature range, taking into account operation in bright sunlight as well as low light conditions. e) Provide a system that offers long term stability and reliability.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual another Stratomaster Ultra, Ultra or Flight slave unit, a PC, Flight data recorder (black box), and key download devices (for transfer of the log to a remote PC). Technical specifications Altimeter Range 0-40 000 ft (12 195 m), 1ft (or 1 m) dynamic resolution, 7.5 ft (or 2 m) static resolution at sea level.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual NTC temperature sender inputs Measurement accuracy +/- 2% subject to accuracy of sender. Note: Senders are manufactured with a tolerance of up to +/- 20%. Thermocouple temperature sender inputs Measurement accuracy +/- 1%. The thermocouple amplifier system used is highly stable and long-term drift elimination is achieved by using a chopper stabilized system.
24 or 28V DC. For high voltage power supplies (above 18V) MGL Avionics recommends the installation of a pre-regulator to reduce heat build up in the instrument. Such a pre-regulator is inexpensive and only needs to provide a maximum current of ½...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual •= Vario output for glider or motor glider use •= Flight log (or lesson log) storing up to 240 entries •= User programmable pre-takeoff checklist •= Hobbs meter, presetable to current engine time •=...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual FLIGHT LOG OR LESSON LOG Perhaps one of the most useful features of the Stratomaster Ultra instrument is the ability to record a flight log. Using one of several methods, the Stratomaster Ultra will record flight details suitable for entry into a flight and engine log.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The steps for viewing the flight log/lesson log are: From the main display press “Menu”. This will display the main menu as follows: Use the “Next” and “Prev” keys to select the “View Flight log” entry.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Flight log examples Definition start of flight: The point in time when engine RPM increases above a preset limit as determined by you (Refer take-off revs page 46), as well as from the time at which the airspeed increases to above 30 mph, 48 kph or 26 knots.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual T/O 05/07 13:09 00:35 ALT 4636Ft SPD 183mph Hobbs 0155.85 Day/Month Take-off time Duration of flight Highest altitude Highest airspeed Hobbs reading at end flight (Note: Take-off revs only determines the start of the flight. Revs for the remainder of the flight are not taken into account).
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Distance Miles Airspeed Time of day/Action 16h17 Manual input - Start new lesson (P Flashing) 16h19 Increase revs to higher than hobbs revs (A Flashing) 16h22 Increase revs to higher than take-off revs (A Flashing)
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Day/Month Time - Start of lesson Duration of lesson Highest altitude Highest airspeed Hobbs reading Student (Note: Lesson time calculated from higher than hobbs revs to airspeed as per end of flight definition e.g. 16h19 - 16h40).
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Time of day/Action 17h26 Manual input - Start new flight 17h29 Manual input - Start new lesson 17h31 Increase revs to higher than hobbs revs 17h36 Increase revs to higher than take-off revs...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Day/Month Time - Start of lesson Duration of lesson Highest altitude Highest airspeed Hobbs reading Student (Note: Flight time calculated from higher than take-off revs to manual ending of lesson e.g. 19h24 - 19h42).
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual ALTITUDE ALARM The Stratomaster Ultra will warn you once your aircraft's altitude exceeds a predetermined level. (Refer altitude alarm page 40) by flashing the altitude display field. The altitude will remain flashing until the aircraft descends below the predetermined altitude.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual such as aircraft type etc. should be taken into account. It is the pilot's responsibility to ensure that the alarm is correctly set prior to take-off. The speed low alarm can be switched off should you not wish to make use of this function.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual FUEL LOW ALARM Fuel low alarm is only available is your aircraft is equipped with a fuel flow sender or fuel level sender. The Stratomaster Ultra will warn you once your aircraft's fuel level falls below a predetermined level (Refer fuel low alarm page 47) by flashing the wording "Fuel level low"...
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The steps for starting a lesson are: From the main display, press “Menu”. Press “Next” until the Instructor mode is highlighted Now press “Select” to start the lesson and to exit The steps for ending a lesson are: From the main display press “Menu”.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Finally press “Select” to end the lesson. The instrument will now ask you for a student number to log the flight under. Press plus or minus to change the number. Press Menu to store the log entry and exit.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual LESSON START/END MODE This function allows instructors to either start and end lessons manually or automatically. Engine revs e.g. either Hobbs or take-off revs as specified under lesson timer mode are still taken into account. E.g. Should the lesson be started manually the lesson timer will only start counting from such time at which the engine revs increases to above either hobbs or take-off revs, depending on setup.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Align your aircraft with the runway in readiness for your take-off run. 1) Press Menu and hold it down (do not release). 2) Press Select key while the Menu key is being held down.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual DISPLAY BLANKING This function disables the display and is an instruction tool to force student pilots to fly without instrumentation e.g. simulation of instrument failure Press Select and hold it down for five seconds. You will get:...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual DISPLAY BACKLIGHT The Stratomaster Ultra includes display backlighting as standard. You can select one of three modes of operation in the “Basic setup menu” (see page 42). a) Auto – display backlight switches off after 4 minutes of inactivity (no key presses or engine revs detected) b) On –...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The Altimeter The digital altimeter displays the pressure altitude in either feet or meters (select in the mode menu). QNH or local pressure as given to you by ATC is selected by pressing the + or the – keys.
The tone pitch will inform you on how your thermaling is doing without the need to look at the instrument. The Vario panel is an optional accessory available from MGL Avionics. The Vario panel has a built in speaker, volume and pitch controls and the vario tone can be injected into a suitably fitted out intercom or headset system if required.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Why include a barometer in an aircraft – this is a question we get asked often. Here is why: Firstly and perhaps most obviously, it has uses when predicting frontal systems and general weather forecasting.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual counter shows the actual distance traveled through the air and does not take wind speed or direction into account. The distance is based on TAS (true airspeed) regardless of the setting of the air speed indicator.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The stopwatch. Use the relevant main menu item to start, stop and reset the stopwatch. The stopwatch is independent of any flight operation and can be used for various tasks. Often, it can be a useful aid as leg timer during navigation competitions. The range is to 60 minutes with a one second resolution and thereafter to 99 hours with a one minute resolution.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The maintenance meter takes the “hobbs revs” setting in the “Basic setup menu” into account. Page 33...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Fuel level indicator The fuel level indicator is available if one of the two possible methods of obtaining fuel level has been enabled. Fuel level is either obtained from a fuel level sender installed in your fuel tank or indirectly via calculations if you have a fuel flow sender installed.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual flow rate indication will tell you that you have a problem before you take to the air. If the fuel flow rate is not where you remember it should be, it is not because your engine is very...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Combined Oil temperature and Oil pressure indicator Should you select both oil temperature and oil pressure indicators in the “Engine detail setup menu” then you will get a display as shown on the left.
900 Ohms at 20 degrees C and 93 ohms at 85 degrees C. You can also use the precision semiconductor temperature sender available from MGL Avionics. We recommend the use of this sender for applications were you need to know the exact water temperature.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Oil temperature indicator (without oil pressure indicator) Enabling the oil temperature display is done in the Engine detail setup menu. Select the label for the oil temperature channel to “OILT”. The RDAC IV EIS can interface to the oil temperature sender used in Rotax 912/914 engines.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual User menu The following items are setup under the user menu: a) Date and time for the built in clock b) Hobbs meter pre-set c) Maintenance meter d) Aircraft registration number e) Altitude alarm...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Hobbs meter The hobbs meter contained the the Stratomaster Ultra is pre-settable. You can set the meter to any time you like, usualy this would be to your currently known engine time. Use the Prev/Next keys to select the item and then use +/- to change it.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual This function determines the maximum speed that should be reached before the Stratomaster Ultra will activate the speed high alarm. Note: Speed high alarm can be set in increments of 1 mile (1 Kn or 1 Km) between 17 m (27...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual left of the selection then you can edit that selection by pressing “select”. Now it is simply a matter of selecting the character position you want to change and then using the +/- keys to change it.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Sender setup menu The sender setup menu allows you to choose temperature sender types for use by your instrument. The Stratomaster Ultra allows you to use a variety of different temperature senders for anything from oil or water temperature to CHT or EGT. It is important that you inform the instrument which type of sender(s) you are using so the instrument knows how to interpret the readings given by the sender(s).
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The basic device setup menu Please note: Airspeed calibration, Zero ASI/VSI and set altimeter calibration settings. Changing these could result in your Stratomaster Ultra displaying incorrect readings. (Refer calibration certificate). Airspeed calibration This function is used to calibrate the airspeed reading. It works in % relative to a nominal value.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Express difference as a % of TAS. (2*100)/53 = 3.77 % rounded to 4 % Enter (100+4) = 104 under airspeed calibration. Stratomaster Ultra over reading TAS as indicated by Stratomaster Ultra = 60 mph...
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual At sea-level, one unit corresponds to an air pressure difference as expected for a 7 ft (2,1 m) change in altitude. At 5 000 ft (1 524 m) MSL this corresponds to about 10 ft (3 m). A positive correction factor will decrease the altimeter reading and a negative factor will increase the reading.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Fuel low alarm Set the minimum fuel level below which the unit will generate an alarm. If you select a value of zero, the fuel level alarm is off. In order to use the fuel level alarm you must have either a fuel tank level sender installed or you must use a fuel flow sender (in which case the fuel level can be calculated from a starting value).
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The mode setup menu The mode setup menu allows you to choose certain operational modes as well as units of measurement. Altitude Select whether you would like to display the altitude in meters or feet. This setting also influences the units used for the VSI.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Distances are displayed by the distance traveled indication and range estimate. Use the + key to change the setting. (Note: The Stratomaster Ultra will only give you two of the three options at any time. To make the third option available press to minus key).
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Fuel level sender Select this item if you have installed a fuel level sender. Note: once you have installed the sender you need to calibrate it. The calibration procedure is outlined further on in the device setup menu.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Automatic Lesson start/end Select if you want to enable automatic lesson start and end detections. Use the + and – keys to change the setting. Airtalk If you have two Stratomaster units interconnected within your cockpit using the airtalk link, you must set one unit to be the slave while the other is the master.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Engine detail setup menu This page sets the display and alarm characteristics that define most of your Stratomaster Ultra EIS system. EIS stands for “Engine Information System”, a standard acronym used in aviation for this type of instrument.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Should you set an alarm level outside of the visible range of the gauge, this will not disable the alarm. Select the alarm level to be above the maximum expected level in order to disable the alarm.
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The next two channels may be set to N Type, M type or MGL precision. N types are only used with Rotax 912/914 CHT. These senders are fitted to the 912 engine as standard. The M type refers to a sender available from MGL Avionics for special applications. For a description of the MGL precision sender see below.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Fuel tank/level sender setup This function is used to setup and calibrate you fuel level sender. You would use this function partially even if you do not have a fuel level sender installed but are using a fuel flow sender.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The calibration procedure should be carried out with your aircraft in flight attitude. This means you need to lift the tail if you have a tail-dragger or lift the nose wheel if you have a weightshift trike.
The Stratomaster Ultra instrument does not require re-calibration if it is used in normal operation. Stratomaster Instruments used as references to calibrate other instruments may be sent in for periodic calibration to MGL Avionics. For this application we recommend a two year calibration interval. Please contact MGL Avionics for details. Altimetry This section is intended to clarify how an altimeter works and what determines its accuracy in simple terms.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual elasticity of the materials used and therefore has a direct influence on the reading. The quality of the vacuum has a direct bearing on errors and the maximum altitude the instrument can indicate with a reasonable error.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual So, the formula to use became: P=P_0*(1-6.8755856*10^6*H)^5.2558797 Where: P= pressure P_0= pressure at sea level (1013.25 mb on the “standard day”) H= height in feet above mean sea level This formula is used to a level of 36.000 ft (10 975 m) . Above that a different formula is used.
The Stratomaster Ultra is guaranteed against faulty workmanship on the part of MGL Avionics for a period of 12 months from date of purchase. MGL Avionics may at their discretion decide to either repair or replace the instrument. MGL Avionics will provide free labor and parts.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The Stratomaster Ultra has not been submitted to the CAA or FAA or any of its agencies for any form of certification. Operation and installation of this instrument is subject to the relevant rules and regulations of your country and flight authority.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Installation manual for the Stratomaster Ultra “X” Introduction Before you commence any attempt at installing this instrument it is your duty to familiarize yourself with the relevant aircraft equipment installation requirements and regulations of your country.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The above image is the rear panel of the Stratomaster Ultra. At a minimum, you need to connect a 8V to 28V DC power supply, usually a 12V battery fitted to your aircraft.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Generally it is not required to fit any form of power supply filters or surge suppressors as the Stratomaster Ultra includes the required protection devices. External power line filters or surge protectors should only be considered in very unusual conditions.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Should you require a suitable replacement probe, it can be obtained from MGL Avionics at reasonable cost or you can make up your own probe. In this case please obtain a National Semiconductor Temperature Sensor type LM335 in a TO92 package.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual External, audible alarm 4 or 8 Ohm speaker mounted in panel or suitable location Intercom system with external audio input (music input or similar) In addition to the alarm output contact described in the previous section, you can connect either a speaker or an intercom system to the Stratomaster Ultra.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Pitot tube and static port Pitot tube Static port Pitot tubes are found in a large variety in at your aircraft parts shop, in mail order catalogs or you can make your own.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Pitot and static port (Continued from last page) Suitable connection hose for both pitot tube and static port can be obtained from a hardware store or even a pet shop. Good quality tubing is often used for fish tanks and it has just the right diameter.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Connecting the RDAC IV EIS Please see following pages for RDAC EIS probe connections. Plug lead from the RDAC EIS unit into the socket market “RDAC”. Press connector firmly and all the way until it clicks into place.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual RDAC EIS unit thermocouple inputs Typical Thermocouple setup, here shown for two EGT and two CHT probes. Note that the probes are colour coded. Yellow wires must connect to the Y terminals and the red wires must connect to the R terminals.
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Choose a probe that is suitably reinforced at this point for a long and trouble free life. EGT and CHT probes supplied by MGL Avionics are of highest quality. We recommend that you consider using our probes if at all possible.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual RDAC Fuel flow sender installation Note: Direction of fuel flow Indicated by arrow on sender RED wire – Fuel Flow Sender Supply BLUE wire – Fuel Flow Sender signal Braid – Fuel Flow Sender Ground...
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual The Stratomaster Ultra is shipped with the Fuel sender calibration set for the jet installed. In a good installation you can expect about +/- 3% maximum flow reading error with this factor. You can calibrate the flow sender yourself to a higher degree of accuracy if you so desire.
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However, despite this MGL Avionics or its appointed agents cannot assume responsibility for any incident or damage, even loss of life by whatsoever cause connected with the fuel flow sender or the Stratomaster Flight Instrument.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Connecting a fuel level sender Typical float based level sender We recommend VDO senders Connection to engine ground (aircraft frame) and negative terminal of battery The Stratomaster RDAC EIS permits the connection of a standard automotive fuel level sender.
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MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Please note – this wiring is critical and must never break in flight. It would be possible to create electrical sparks in the fuel tank if your wiring is faulty or incorrect. The consequences of this can be imagined.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Connecting a Rotax 912 OIL temp pressure REVS GROUND The Rotax 912/914 contains two built in NTC type CHT temperature senders. In addition oil temperature and oil pressure sender is provided as standard.
MGL Avionics Stratomaster Ultra “L” Owner’s manual Connecting a Rotax 503 Exhaust flange REVS Grey wire Ground Brown wire Connecting a Rotax 582 Note: CHT is optional on the 582. Exhaust flange Water temp REVS Grey wire Ground Brown wire...
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