MGL Avionics Vega TP-3 Operating Manual
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MGL Avionics Vega TP-3 Operating Manual

4 channel universal analog input (pressure / temperature / current / volts / fuel level / generic analog input) indicator
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Introduction
The TP-3 is a 2 1/4" (57mm) sunlight readable 4 channel universal analog input color display instrument. Each channel
can be individually programmed to display either pressure, temperature, current, volts, fuel level or as a generic input
from a from a universal analog input that can interface to many sensors such as oil temperature, coolant temperature, oil
pressure, fuel pressure, manifold pressure, boost pressure and many more.
The TP-3 can display any combination of 1 to 4 analog channels in a horizontal / vertical bargraph or a numeric display
format.
Pressure can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO 2, 5 and 10 Bar), Rotax 4-20mA
senders as well as voltage output pressure senders (e.g. UMA). Temperature can be measured using standard
automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach) as well as the MGL Avionics precision LM335 semiconductor sensor.
In addition the temperature, pressure and current inputs can be programmed to a user defined curve for custom senders.
All analog channels have a programmable low and high alarm. This results in a contact closure that is typically used to
switch a warning lamp on. The TP-3 also records the minimum and maximum values reached for each channel in
permanent memory.
The TP-3 can also be interfaced via the CAN bus to an external RDAC unit (Remote Data Acquisition Computer). This
allows for easier installation as the RDAC unit is normally mounted in the engine compartment.
Vega TP-3
4 Channel Universal Analog input
(Pressure / Temperature / Current / Volts /
Fuel Level / Generic Analog input)
indicator
Operating Manual – English 1.08

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Summary of Contents for MGL Avionics Vega TP-3

  • Page 1 (e.g. UMA). Temperature can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach) as well as the MGL Avionics precision LM335 semiconductor sensor. In addition the temperature, pressure and current inputs can be programmed to a user defined curve for custom senders.
  • Page 2 4-20mA senders as well as voltage output pressure senders (e.g. UMA) • Temperature can be measured using standard automotive resistive senders (e.g. VDO, Westach) as well as the MGL Avionics precision LM335 semiconductor sensor • Current can be measured using the Closed Loop Current Sensor (Sold Separately) •...

  • Page 3: Main Displays

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 3 2 Layout 2 1/4” enclosure. Can be front or rear mounted Sunlight readable color graphic display: Backlight can be adjusted in the menu system F2 / Down Button: F1 / Up Button: Menu System: Softkey button Menu System: Softkey button Rotary Control (Up/Down) &...

  • Page 4: Horizontal Display

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 4 3.1 Horizontal display The below images show the horizontal display mode displaying 1,2,3 and 4 channels 3.2 Vertical display The below images show the vertical display mode displaying 1,2,3 and 4 channels 3.3 Numeric display The below images show the numeric display mode displaying 2,3 and 4 channels 3.4 Maximum Values display...

  • Page 5: Exiting The Menu System

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 5 4 Menu System Press the rotary control button during the normal display mode to enter the menu system. Use the rotary control to navigate through the menu system. 4.1 Exiting the menu system Press the F1/Up button to exit the menu system when the “EXIT” soft key is shown. All changes made during navigation of the menu system will be saved in non-volatile memory upon exiting.

  • Page 6: Pressure Setup

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 6 4.2 CH1 to CH4 Setup (Analog Channel Setup) The 4 analog channels are universal analog input channels that can be used for pressure, temperature, current, volts, fuel level or as a generic analog input.
  • Page 7 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 7 If the “RESISTIVE” pressure sender is selected Sender: Select what type of resistive pressure sender you are using. Select “VDO” for VDO / resistive senders, “USER” for a custom sender. Model: Select which VDO pressure sender you are using. A selection between a VDO 2, 5 or 10 Bar can be selected.

  • Page 8: High Alarm

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 8 High Alarm: This enables or disables the pressure high alarm. High Alarm: Enter the pressure threshold for when the high alarm must be activated. Any pressure above this value will activate the alarm. High Caution: Enter the pressure value for the high caution.

  • Page 9: Temperature Setup

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 9 4.2.2 Temperature Setup Mode: Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”, “GENERIC” or “OFF”. Sender: Select what type of sender you are using. Select “VDO 120” for a VDO 120 degree NTC sender, Select “VDO 150” for a VDO 150 degree NTC sender, “WESTACH”...
  • Page 10 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 10 Display Max: Select the maximum temperature that you want the bargraph to show. This can give you increased display resolution. Display Min: Select the minimum temperature that you want the bargraph to show. This can give you increased display resolution.
  • Page 11 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 11 4.2.4 Current Setup (MGL Avionics agnetic Closed Loop Current Sensor required) Mode: Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”, “GENERIC” or “OFF”. Label: Enter a label to suit your current channel so you can identify it easily.

  • Page 12: Zero Sensor

    Adjust the gain factor until the current is reading correctly. It will be best if a multimeter can be inserted in series with the current supplying conductor and the gain calibration adjusted until the TP-3 matches that of the multimeter. Please see the MGL Avionics Closed Loop Current Sensor documentation for more information. Data: Select the data source of the current signal.
  • Page 13 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 13 4.2.5 Volts Setup Mode: Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”, “GENERIC” or “OFF”. Label: Enter a label to suit your volts channel so you can identify it easily.

  • Page 14: Low Alarm

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 14 4.2.6 Fuel Level Setup Mode: Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”, “GENERIC” or “OFF”. Label: Enter a label to suit your fuel level channel so you can identify it easily.
  • Page 15 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 15 Data: Select the data source of the current signal. Options include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3) or from an optional external RDAC unit. RDAC Address: Select the CAN address of the RDAC unit.
  • Page 16 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 16 The instrument uses the 6 calibration points to work out a correction curve that takes into account the tolerances of your fuel level sender and the shape of your fuel tank. This results in an incredibly accurate and usable fuel level display that far exceeds that available from ordinary dial type gauges.
  • Page 17 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 17 4.2.7 Generic Analog Input Setup Mode: Select the function for the analog channel. Options are “PRESSURE”, “TEMP”, “CURRENT”, “VOLTS”, “FUEL LEVEL”, “GENERIC” or “OFF”. Calibrate Sender: Use this menu option to calibrate your generic analog input sender. See section 4.2.3 for more information. Use 2 points if the sensor is linear.
  • Page 18 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 18 Low Alarm: This enables or disables the low alarm. Low Alarm: Enter the threshold for when the low alarm must be activated. Any input below this value will activate the alarm. Data: Select the data source of the input signal. Options include internal (using one of the analog channels within the TP-3) or from an optional external RDAC unit.

  • Page 19: Protocol Format

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 19 4.3 COMM Setup (Communication Setup) Serial Out: Select “ON” to enable the RS232 serial output. Unit Address: Enter the unit address. Baud Rate: Select the desired baud rate of the serial output. The transmission format is set to 8 data bits, No parity, 1 stop bit. The baud rate can be changed in the Communication Menu.
  • Page 20 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 20 4.3.2 Data payload Message type=8 Data Length=10 bytes Output Rate=1Hz Analog Channel Type: Unsigned Int (16 bits) CH4 (4 bits), CH3 (4 bits), CH2 (4 bits), CH1 (4 bits) 0=Off 1=Pressure 2=Temperature 3=Current 5=Volts...
  • Page 21 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 21 Volts in 0.1V Fuel Level in Liters Generic in user units...

  • Page 22: Security Setup

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 22 4.4 MISC Setup (Miscellaneous Setup) Backlight: Select this menu option to adjust the backlight brightness. Security Setup: Select this menu option if you want to password protect the menu system. Information: This menu option displays information about the unit.

  • Page 23: Loading Factory Default Settings

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 23 Default Settings: Select this menu option to reset all the settings to factory defaults. 5 Loading factory default settings Press and hold the F1/Up button and rotary control during power up to load the pre- programmed factory default settings.

  • Page 24: Error Messages

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 24 6 Error Messages Unit settings CRC error. Load default settings to restore to factory defaults. If the error message still persists then it could possibly be a non-volatile memory failure in which case the instrument will then have to be returned to the factory.

  • Page 25: Specifications

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 25 7 Specifications Operating Temperature Range -20ºC to 50ºC (-4ºF to 122ºF) Storage Temperature Range -30ºC to 80ºC (-22ºF to 176ºF) 8 to 30Vdc SMPS (switch mode power supply) with built in 33V over Power Supply voltage and reverse voltage protection Approx.

  • Page 26: Firmware Upgrading

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 26 MGL Precision LM335 semiconductor: Based on STMicroelectronics LM335 temperature sensor Westach Resistive Senders: Westach 399 thermistor series temperature senders. User defined senders: The TP-3 has a user sender calibration feature that can be customized for senders not listed above...

  • Page 27: Installation

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 27 10 Installation 10.1 Temperature senders VDO Resistive senders: The TP-3 supports the VDO 120ºC and 150ºC thermistor automotive senders. The internal pull up resistor dip switch for the resistive temperature sender input must be in the “ON” position.
  • Page 28 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 28 10.3 Senders that are grounded in the engine block Single wire senders require that their mounting arrangement (thread) has a very good electrical contact with the engine block. Avoid the use of any sealant or tapes as these may cause a bad electrical connection. Further to this it is very important that the engine block has a good electrical connection to the negative supply terminal of the TP-3.
  • Page 29 Page 29 10.6 Closed Loop Current Sensor The MGL Avionics magnetic closed loop current sensor provides a 0.5V to 4.5Vdc output voltage which is proportional to a 50A bi-directional input current. Advantages of closed loop current sensors over conventional current measurements techniques is that they provide the highest accuracy, are ideal for noisy electrical environments and they provide complete electrical isolation f rom the current carrying conductor.

  • Page 30: Cable Connections

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 30 10.8 Cable connections Main connector (D15HD connector: Unit Female, Cable Male) D15HD Pin Wire Color Function 8-30Vdc power via power switch / circuit breaker and fuse. Black Ground. Connect the ground to the engine block, and the engine block to the battery negative.

  • Page 31: Connection Diagram

    Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 31 10.10 Connection Diagram The use of an external 1A fuse is recommended. Connect the supply terminals to your aircrafts power supply. The TP-3 can be used on both 12V and 24V without the use of any pre-regulators. Ensure that the supply voltage will not drop below 8V during operation as this may result in incorrect readings.
  • Page 32 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 32 11 Dimensions...

  • Page 33: Warranty

    IMPORTANT NOTICE: You must make your own determination if the products sold by MGL Avionics are safe and effective for your intended applications. MGL Avionics makes no representations or warranties as to either the suitability of any of the products we sell as to your particular application or the compatibility of any of the products we sell with other products you may buy from us or anywhere else, and we disclaim any warranties or representations that may otherwise arise by law.
  • Page 34 Vega TP-3 Operating Manual Page 34 Other instruments in the Stratomaster Vega series AHRS-1 Artificial Horizon and Magnetic Compass Indicator AHRS-3 Self contained Artificial Horizon and Magnetic Compass Indicator ALT-5 Altimeter and Vertical Speed Indicator (VSI) ASI-4 Airspeed Indicator (ASI)

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