Eagle Tree Vector - Manual (Page 15)

USER GUIDE
15
3.3 Vector Current Sensor/PSU Power Output
The Vector’s high efficiency and low noise PSU accepts up to 6S voltage input, and provides filtered 5V and up
to 12V output at 1A max per channel. It's perfect for powering most FPV gear, and can also power your receiver
on multirotors (when NO servos are being powered by the RX!), eliminating the need for an external BEC.
Never use the PSU to power any servos on your model! The PSU can shut off due to excessive power
draw, causing a crash! Servos MUST be powered by a stand alone BEC, a BEC built into your ESC, or a
separate radio flight pack!
Note that the 12V regulator does NOT boost the voltage, like a SEPIC. However, the Vector's 12V PSU has a
unique Low Voltage Loss feature that drops the regulator’s output by only about 0.5V if you are using a 3S
pack operating below 12.5V. For example, if your 3S pack is at 11.5V, the regulator outputs about 11V. Other
non-boost switching regulators typically drop the output voltage by 1.3V or more.
SEPIC and other voltage boost regulators are generally much less efficient and generate much more UHF band
noise, and in many cases you don’t need one. You never need one if your pack is 4s or above, and all known
cameras and many transmitters will operate well across the 3S pack voltage range. Typically, 1.3GHz
transmitters may provide reduced power output with less than 12V voltage, and 5.8GHz transmitters work fine
at less than 12V. Be sure to check your transmitter manual’s specs to determine this. If your transmitter does
need a boost when operating at the lower end of 3S, a JST equipped boost regulator can easily be connected
into the Vector's video harness (between connections “A” and “E” in the video harness drawing below).
3.4 Current Sensor Maximum Continuous Current, and Load Testing
The current sensor’s continuous current capability depends on the type of connectors/wires you are using, and
other factors.
If your model draws a large amount of current (greater than approximately 60 amps continuous) make sure
you verify that your power system, including the current sensor, can handle your worst case continuous
current load.
In high current applications it is recommended (if you can do so safely) that you run your model in an extended
stationary “bench” test, similar in duration and power usage to your most aggressive modeling, to ensure there
are no problems with any connections, wiring doesn’t get too hot, etc. DO NOT OPERATE YOUR MODEL IF
YOU HAVE PROBLEMS DURING THIS EXTENDED STATIONARY TEST!
It is also recommended that the current sensor be mounted so that airflow is directed through one of the
openings of the sensor.
Never exceed the manufacturer’s continuous current rating for the types of connectors installed on your
current sensor! If the current sensor or wiring becomes too hot during flight due to too much current,
the connectors can fail, or the PSU can shut off, causing a crash!
Make sure that the connector contacts on your current sensor and mating connectors are not damaged or
weakened. A damaged or weakened contact can potentially fold over and short when connected, or cause
intermittent in-flight failures!