CSC-1/P

CSC-1/P Constant Speed Controller

In one 57mm sized instrument, the CSC-1/P provides the following functionality:

Multi-mode constant speed controller for Arplast PV50/PV55 propeller fitted to Rotax 912/912S/914 engine (other engines can be used).
Digital tachometer displays engine speed to the nearest 10 RPM.
Rev limiter (by automatically coarsening the pitch).
Prop pitch displayed as a percentage (PV50 only).
Total engine hours counter that displays when engine not running.
Engine performance display - with the addition of a MPS-1 manifold pressure sensor, the CSC-1/P can display either inches of manifold pressure or approximate percentage engine power (% power display only with 4-stroke Rotax, Jabiru or fuel injected engines).
Directly interfaces to the PV50/PV55 motor - no other electronics required.

The LCD display shows engine RPM, current mode of operation, percentage propeller pitch and (optionally) manifold pressure or percentage power.

The LED lights up yellow when the "yellow line" is reached (5500 RPM) and it lights up red when the "red line" is reached (5800 RPM).

Pressing the push button changes the mode of operation.

The controller provides the following modes of operation:

Disabled: The automatic control is completely disconnected, the +/- toggle switch directly controls the propeller pitch.
Manual: The automatic control is connected but propeller pitch control is via the +/- toggle switch. Automatic rev limiting is enabled. If the mode button is now pressed briefly, the mode changes to cruise.
Cruise: The controller endevours to keep the RPM within a "dead band" around the target cruise RPM by adjusting the propeller pitch. The +/- toggle switch can be used to adjust the target RPM in steps of 50 RPM. Pressing the mode button briefly, toggles the mode back to manual.
Climb: Similar to cruise mode, except that the preset "Climb RPM" is used. Pushing the mode button for 1/2 of a second or more selects this mode. Pushing the mode button briefly, reverts to cruise mode.
Takeoff: Similar to climb mode, except that the preset "Takeoff RPM" is used. Pushing the mode button for 1 second or more selects this mode. Pushing the mode button briefly, reverts to climb mode.

Operation of the CSC-1/P is very straightforward and places little workload on the pilot. Before takeoff, takeoff mode is selected by pressing the mode button for about a second. Once safely clear of the ground, climb mode is selected with a quick press of the mode button. When the desired cruise altitude is reached, a further quick press of the mode button selects cruise mode and the throttle can then be adjusted to the cruise position. In the cruise, the throttle works as a 'speed lever'. On descending to land, takeoff mode is reselected in case a go-around is necessary.

Additional features of the CSC-1/P are:

If the RPM falls below a preset value while cruise mode is selected, the LED flashes red to indicate that you probably want to select either manual or climb mode.
Various controller parameters can be adjusted using a simple to use setup mode. All values are held in non-volatile memory so they will not be forgotten when power is removed.
The pitch sensor input is compatible with the Arplast PV50 "prop pitch pot" mounted on the gearbox. An auto-calibrate function determines the maximum and minimum values of the propeller pitch sensor. This makes it very easy to match the CSC-1/P to a particular propeller installation.
External switches may be connected in parallel to the mode and the +/- switches.
The controller is directly connected to the PV50/PV55 motor with no extra electronics required. For reliability and efficiency, power MOSFET transistors are used to switch the motor current and the output is overload protected to safeguard both the controller and the motor.
An external indicator that is illuminated when the pitch motor is consuming current may be connected. This indicates that the motor is active and has not yet reached a limit stop.
The tacho input is compatible with the standard Rotax tacho pickup.
Software is easily upgradeable if a safety critical problem is identified or a significant product enhancement is introduced.

Full details of the controller's installation and usage can be found in the CSC-1/P Installation and User Manual (last updated June 2009).

Details of the CSC-1/P's software revision history and information on how a controller can be upgraded to the latest revision can be found here.

If you have a CSC-1/P support issue or general query that is not covered in the manual please email support@smartavionics.com.