EagleTree GPS Expander or Waterspeed sensor??

[Darin Jordan]

I have been playing with the airspeed sensor on my EagleTree V3 and it hasn't really been working out.

The new style Pitot tube just doesn't seem to be picking up well. My older version, with the single tube (larger blue tubing with teflon tube inlet) seemed to work well if placed correctly. This new version (two small tubes) uses a different style Pitot:



It seems to me that the inlet is way too small for slower speed readings.

SO, I'm thinking of getting the GPS 10Hz Expansion module.

I would love to hear some feedback concerning this module. Does it seem to work consistently??

Also, has anyone tried the WaterSpeed sensor from EagleTree? I can't seem to find it on their site, but they do mention that they have one.

Any feedback would be appreciated. I need to be able to get some steady and consistent speed information.

Thanks,

[questtek]

I highly recommend their new GPS module. I have been using the original model for years with good results and hear the new one is even better. It will give you a clean GPS plot.

I believe the pitot tube type water speed sensor integrates only to the SeaGull system. I have one and it came with the boat pitot tube and tubing. The tubing, NOT an electrical connector plugs into the unit. This is NOT the V-3 data logger but their other boat data logger.

I will be posting a new discussion under the video based on a NEW technology I am now using that I believe you will find of interest. It has application in all types of RC models. I just posted the video yesterday with the tiny 2.2 oz unit (1/3rd the weight of the GoPro HD camera) on the back of a Mean Machine and ran it around my lake. Enjoy at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc_N6PH8Ck8

[Rich]

I would go with the GPS, it works great for me! I have never had any problems with it. The speed tube is for the SeaGull system.

[befu]

I would go with the gps. I set the sample rate high and the speeds seem pretty smooth, not overly jumpy. Your not driving over mid 30's are you?!?!?!

Below is a plot of my 40" scarab hull with my little $18 outrunner in it
I really like the GPS readout it provides.

I thought you could plot your course on an x-y graph. That way you could analyze your driving. Not sure if it is there or if I just can't figure it out.

Brian

[Darin Jordan]

Your not driving over mid 30's are you?!?!?!

Actually... I was running the Miss G yesterday, all stock with the exception of the prop and offset rudder, into the Mid-40s on a makeshift Offshore course yesterday, according to my EagleTree... averaging around 35mph . Even hit 47 MPH with one of the props and a quick (under 2-seconds) trip up to 49... Again... Stock Motor... Stock ESC... I'll be posting info in my race-prep thread later...

I was able to get the Airspeed sensor to work by replacing the Pitot tube and small tubing on the "+" side with the larger blue tubing from the 1st generation version of the Airspeed sensor and the teflon tubing "Pitot" tube from it as well. Seemed to pick up fine.

I also found out that it appears that it only records airspeed information from the LAST recorded session (a session is when you record some data, then unplug. You start a new session when you plug it back in again). Yesterday, I ran 4-sessions, but it only has airspeed from the 4th session. I'm going to look into that and see if it's how it's suppose to work. If it is, then I'll know to take my laptop with me and download the data immediately before I start a new session.

I still am going to try to get the GPS module... I think, if it works reliably, that it would be a nice piece of information to have.

[jcald2000]

Get the GPS Darrin, I never could get the airspeed to work consistently. I think too much vertical movement in a boat.

[electric]

I use the GPS and it's worked great for me. I have recorded speeds up into the upper 50's with no problems.

[Darin Jordan]

Get the GPS Darrin, I never could get the airspeed to work consistently. I think too much vertical movement in a boat.

I think I will... tried again this morning, and am not getting any readings any more... I'm still going to try to figure it out, but definitely going to get the GPS and give it a try instead. I MUST have real speed readings for my testing...