These timers are optimized for users of any of the CL-governed RPM or “Set RPM” modes provided by Castle Creations’ Phoenix ESCs, as well as including a retract servo capability. The FM-6R, for 4S and 5S and 6S LiPo batteries, adds a voltage regulator that easily handles the current needs of the timer and a retract servo. The switch allows the user to use either any governed RPM mode (switch up) or the specialized “Set RPM” mode (switch down). All flight parameters are field-adjustable with a screwdriver, by turning the four “pots” through about a 270-degree arc.

The “DLY” pot allows the user to choose delay times between two and 33 seconds, in second increments, before flight timing begins; the LED blinks until the last three seconds, then stays on until flight timing begins. For fuselage applications, the “Start” pushbutton can be attached to 6” stranded wires (as can the LED, or the initiation of the delay can be confirmed by a motor “burp”). The “FLT” pot allows the user to choose flight times between 2’15” and 6’30”, in second increments (unless otherwise specified). As a convenience and safety feature, the motor can be stopped at any time during the “flight” time by a second push on the “start” pushbutton.

In the governed RPM mode, any RPM range of any ESC can be accessed through a combination of the “coarse” and “fine” pots. The RPM can be checked with a tach and adjusted during the first minute of “flight” time.

After optimum RPMs have been determined, the “Set RPM” mode makes it easy to access any one of the three ESC-guaranteed RPMs (based on field conditions) by simply turning the “RPM” pot fully counterclockwise (RPM #1), anywhere in the middle (RPM #2), or fully clockwise (RPM #3). Alternately, if desired, RPM #1 can be dedicated to the takeoff, first few level laps, and the level laps at the end of flight time. The “coarse” pot can be used to choose this or other options.

I normally program the microcontroller for each timer when I receive an order, so some custom programming is often relatively easy to do.