Optipower Backup Guard

[Mark_T]

Last I heard it was close to being finished, so if it is not already done it should be quite soon now.

Firmware updates require a return to Opti, so I'd email and make sure they are ready to do the update before you send anything in to them.

[acidla]

That's cool mate, will email them when the time comes.
I am waiting for another optiguard to arrive. Will be using it with a Life Rx pack.

[Planehazza]

That's cool mate, will email them when the time comes.
I am waiting for another optiguard to arrive. Will be using it with a Life Rx pack.

Interesting, On my G4 that is using an A123 pack, the LED goes nuts when I do walls, tictocs etc, yet on my Rush (using the same servos) that is using the BEC on the powerjive, it doesn't.

[Mark_T]

Interesting, On my G4 that is using an A123 pack, the LED goes nuts when I do walls, tictocs etc, yet on my Rush (using the same servos) that is using the BEC on the powerjive, it doesn't.

That is what I'd expect.

The issue is that the A123 pack starts with a high voltage so the UG430 arms at a high voltage but once under load the A123 will drop further from its initial voltage than the BEC will.

Net result it is more likely to trigger the UG430 to step in or even to alarm due to the higher initial set point.

[Planehazza]

That is what I'd expect.

The issue is that the A123 pack starts with a high voltage so the UG430 arms at a high voltage but once under load the A123 will drop further from its initial voltage than the BEC will.

Net result it is more likely to trigger the UG430 to step in or even to alarm due to the higher initial set point.

Yeah that's what was causing the UG to alarm when starting with the remote glow. It no longer does it if I let it sit for a few hours before flying or if I drain it a little before booting up for a flight.

So really, currently they're not at all suitable for nitros that aren't using a regulator.

[Mark_T]

So really, currently they're not at all suitable for nitros that aren't using a regulator.

Currently they are going to alarm more than they should but still provide a safety net.

They are very close to a fix for this though as far as I know, so not long to wait.

[acidla]

As i also noticed, my Hyperion Life pack will drop its voltage to 6.7-6.6 and stay there constant. So better for the optiguard to 'see' this voltage and set itself.

[Planehazza]

Still loving this backup unit, however I still think v2 needs a couple of tweaks. The lead to the LED is too thin - vibrations (on a relative smooth model, albeit a nitro) were enough to break the solder joint on one of the LED leads at the PCB end. I've soldered it back on and added a clump of hot glue as strain relief. Ideally, the new version needs higher AWG wire for the LED and at least some strain relief or a connector at the PCB side.

Both mine have worked flawlessly otherwise!

[Mark_T]

Still loving this backup unit, however I still think v2 needs a couple of tweaks. The lead to the LED is too thin - vibrations (on a relative smooth model, albeit a nitro) were enough to break the solder joint on one of the LED leads at the PCB end. I've soldered it back on and added a clump of hot glue as strain relief. Ideally, the new version needs higher AWG wire for the LED and at least some strain relief or a connector at the PCB side.

I may be wrong, but it sounds like you have the very first version of the UG430 as everything after that has a socket on the PCB rather than a solder joint for the LED wire.

[james_2k]

so guys what is the max voltage we can use with the optiguard?

ive read 8.0v, 8.2v and 8.4v??

im thinking of going 8.5v (nearest setting to 8.4) from the castle pro bec and wondering if this will play nice with that?

[tomatwalden]

so guys what is the max voltage we can use with the optiguard?

ive read 8.0v, 8.2v and 8.4v??

im thinking of going 8.5v (nearest setting to 8.4) from the castle pro bec and wondering if this will play nice with that?

I've set mine to 8v. If I remember correctly, even HV servos aren't rated beyond 8.4v. I'm sure everything will be fine, but I'd rather play safe and go 0.5v downwards ...

[james_2k]

id imagine the difference would be small regardless. just that the specs of the servos are at 8.4

[TheBum]

The manual says "5V to 8.2V".

[hedge]

Just to add to the pot, I've just fitted this to my 600 and 700 nitros, they are running Align 2-1 and 3GX - standard servos not HV, both working perfectly. I like the idea of this seeing as earlier in the year my RX pack unsoldered itself causing far more than £40 worth of damage. Now I also have insurance against brown outs caused by power hungry FBL systems :-) happy camper.

[trillian]

Just getting back to this subject a bit. I have a gasser that is all HV and powered directly from a 2S LiPo. If I use an Ultra Guard will I have issues with it coming on just due to the natural slow drop in voltage of the LiPo or was that just with LiFe that it was kicking in?

So far I have only used them with BECs but I am thinking about moving one to this new heli and replacing it with a buffer pack on the (electric) heli it's on now.