RichenPower Generator

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The RichenPower H2 Hybrid and H2plus Hybrid generators can be used to extend a vehicle’s flight time by charging the battery in flight. Feedback from the generator including RPM, voltage and current allows the operator to monitor the system via the ground stations.

A transmitter’s auxiliary switch can be used to control the generator’s speed (stop, idle or run).

Note

the driver for this device is not included by default in the firmware built and available on the Firmware Server . Either the user must build his own firmware with this backend enabled or use the Custom Firmware Server

Where to Buy

The H2 Hybrid and H2plus Hybrid generators can be purchased directly from the RichenPower webstore

Connection and Configuration

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The generator’s serial output (“#5”) should be connected to one of the autopilot serial ports (e.g. Telem2)

The generator’s PWM input (“#6”) should be connected to one of the autopilot’s servo outputs (e.g. “AUX OUT1”, aka servo output9)

Connect to the autopilot with a ground station and set the following parameters and then reboot the autopilot:

Controlling the Generator

Please refer to the generator manual for operating instructions but in short:

  • The generator can only be started by pulling the ripcord

  • The transmitter’s auxiliary switch can change the speed of the generator:

    • Low position stops the generator

    • Middle position for idle

    • High position for run (to charge the battery)

Start-up procedure:

  • Connect battery to generator

  • Connect battery for autopilot

  • Start Ground Station and connect telemetry

    • H2 generator light should be off

    • GCS HUD should display, “PreArm: Generator: requested state is not Run”

  • Move auxiliary switch to high position to switch generator to “run”

    • H2 relay should click

    • H2 Light should be green

    • GCS HUD should display, “PreArm: Generator: warming up (0%)”

    • If using Mission Planner, the generator display should show “Run Status off”

  • Check motor is primed by manually pushing the plastic bulb to pump petrol from the tank into the carburetor

  • Pull ripcord to start generator

    • Motor should run at low RPM

    • If using Mission Planner, the generator display should show “Run Status WarmingUp”

    • GCS HUD should display, “PreArm: Generator: warming up (100%)”

    • If using Mission Planner, the generator display should show “Run Status Generating”

    • Generator should increase to full throttle

  • Arm and takeoff

Shutdown procedure:

  • Move auxiliary switch to low position to switch generator to “off”

  • If using Mission Planner, the generator display should show “Run Status Idle”

  • Generator should shut down after about 30 seconds

  • If using Mission Planner, the generator display should show “Run Status Off”

  • Unplug battery from generator

Monitoring from the GCS

Mission Planner has a generator monitor window that appears as soon as GENERATOR MAVLink messages arrive.

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Vibration isolation

The high vibration from the generator means that vibration isolation is critical