Eagletree BDR

Product Review Article ...

BDRFull.jpg

 

A very compact Data Recorder loaded with functions to let you know what is going on inside your boat!

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in knowing all that goes on inside your R/C boat, whether it be for troubleshooting or fine tuning for best possible performance, the Eagle Tree Boat Data Recorder (BDR) might be the perfect tool for you! As soon as I sawImage this product I knew this could be a very useful tool for me, so I went to Eagle Tree’s website to read up on the BDR and see what it had to offer. After some review of the specifications, I decided to order a unit and try it out. The online ordering process was effortless, and the unit arrived at my door in a little over a week (keep in mind I am in Canada).

 

Here is what I ordered:

 

 

-BDR including RPM and Temperature sensor, USB cable and Software.

-EGT expander with thermocouple probe (to measure exhaust gas temperature)

-an extra thermocouple wire with ring adaptor to fit on sparkplug

 

The unit is surprisingly small, about the size of some receivers on the market today. It also comes with a USB do connect to a computer. The RPM sensor uses magnets that would normally be attached to the flywheel of a motor, but using our gas engines (Zenoah or similar), you can simply install the sensor to read RPM off of the magnets in the flywheel, thus simplifying installation. I used the probe sensor in the exhaust header (EGT), one TC sensor to read outside air, and a second TC to read head temperature. I did not test the pitot tube speedometer, but it is also supplied with the base BDR if you want to use it. I use a GPS for my speed measurements, but I just might install both someday, just to compare the accuracy.

 

What is neat about the BDR is that you also plug in your servos and the unit will monitor all movements of the servos, current, voltage, and record glitches if any occur. Add to this the fact that you are recording speed, RPM and temperatures of your motor, and you have a very powerful tool in your possession! You can also add features such as G-force monitoring and battery pack monitoring. Eagle Tree also offer Snap-on Ferrite Chokes, useful in filtering out interference, a must with gas motors.

 

The service I received from Bill Parry, owner of Eagle Tree Systems, was unsurpassed. He always took the time to answer my questions ( I asked him a lot of questions! ). I had a problem with one component that failed, and Bill told me he had never had such a failure with that component, yet he didn’t hesitate for one minute to replace it for me at no cost. I have nothing but good to say about Bill and Eagle Tree, and would recommend there products to anyone.

 

 

Here are some specs on the BDR taken from the Eagle Tree website:

 

 

  • Records speed, RPM, temperature, steering/throttle movement and glitches, receiver voltage
  • USB Live Mode for real time bench monitoring
  • Options include 2nd temp sensor, pack current/voltage monitoring, g-force, and exhaust gas temperature
  • Powerful built-in graphing
  • · USB Plug and Play - No new drivers needed!
  • Fully Compatible with Win 98SE, ME, Win2K and XP™
  • Lightweight - approx 1.5 ounces with unit and cables
  • Optoisolated servo monitoring
  • Simple and quick installation and removal
  • Retains race data without battery
  • Graphical race playback in real time
  • Excel™ compatible data output
  • Ultra-low power consumption - around 35 mA
  • Built-in status LED indicates battery level on power-up
  • Includes app, pitot tube, "Y" connectors, RPM/temp sensors and USB cables
  • Adjustable capture rate
  • Expansion port for future enhancements

 

Simple to set up and operate, the R/C Boat Data Recorder measures and records critical performance parameters in real time.

After your race, simply plug the Recorder into your PC or laptop, and watch the included Windows application replay what happened, graphically displaying the boat's parameters. Or, use Excel™ to further analyze and graph the data.

Or, use our live mode USB hookup to do real time monitoring of your model when it’s on the bench!

Everything you need is included: Recorder, USB cable, pitot tube, temperature sensor, RPM sensor, two 'Y' connectors, Windows CD-ROM

See accessories below!

Boat Data Recorder Specifications

  • · Logged channels: 12
  • · Speed to 290 mph via air pitot
  • · Capture Rate: 1 to 10 samples/second, adjustable
  • · Temperature: 0 to 424 degrees F
  • · RPM: 100 to 40,000+ RPM
  • · Operational Voltage: 4.5V to 7.0V
  • · Current Draw: < 35 mA @ 4.8 V
  • · Weight: Unit, pitot tube, Y cables and , approx 1.5 oz.
  • Measurements:2” x 1.4” x 0.7”
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    Contact Information:

    Eagle Tree Systems, LLC
    4957 Lakemont Blvd SE
    Suite C-4 PMB 235
    Bellevue, WA 98006
    To Order: 888-432-4744
    Information: 425-614-0450
    FAX: 425-484-4131
    Website: www.eagletreesystems.com
    Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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