VR-3PD + FAM - Fuel Flow Computer / Totalizer

The VR-3PD plus FAM combination is an instrument that fulfills the role of a fuel flow computer / totalizer. Jointly they interface with a fuel flow sensor to count, calculate and indicate parameters such as the fuel flow rate, the fuel used and fuel remaining of any aircraft engine.

Features

• Fuel Flow Rate (GPH) Indication
• Fuel Used (GAL) Indication
• Fuel Remaining (GAL) Indication
• Fuel Endurance (HH:MM) Indication
• "Low Fuel" Warning Annunciation
• Optional Auxiliary Input Annunciation (x3)
• Data Output Streaming for Garmin 430/530
• Future GPS Merged Fuel Indication

Fuel Flow Totalizer

The totalizer counts and keeps track of the amount (gallons) of fuel that passes through a fuel flow sensor. This fuel flow sensor is typically mounted in the main fuel line to the engine so that it will track the total fuel usage for a single aircraft engine.

Also, a value for the amount of onboard fuel - fuel remaining - can be set before flight and as the flight progresses used fuel will be subracted from it. This function provides an accurate way to keep track of the total amount of "fuel remaining" on the aircraft.

The image on the right shows the main display. On one screen values for fuel flow rate (FLOW), fuel remaining (REMAIN), fuel used (USED) and fuel endurance (ENDURE) are indicated.

"Low Fuel" Warning

The VR-3PD FAM combo provides for the setting of two low fuel warnings:

1. Should the Fuel Remaining value drop below a set-point, LOW FUEL will appear in the top-right of the FUEL page, while the REMAIN legend would be blinking.
2. Should the Fuel Endurance value drop below a set-point, LOW FUEL will appear in the top-right of the FUEL page, while the ENDURE legend would be blinking.

Auxiliary Input Annunciation

The FAM have three auxiliary discreet inputs that may be connected to provide additional functionality. For example one input can be wired to an impending fuel bypass sensor so that the VR-3PD as well as other devices connected to the CAN bus would be able to annunciate it.

Data Output Streaming for Garmin 430/530

The VR-3PD FAM outputs a serial data stream that may be connected to a Garmin 430/530. This will enable extra fuel display features on the Garmin unit.

Future GPS Data Merging

We plan to merge GPS information received via RS-232 from an external GPS receiver with the fuel flow information gathered by the FAM unit. This would enable the display (indication) of more parameters such as fuel consumption in mile per gallon, fuel range (miles), etc. To add these features in future would only require a firmware update.

Setting Fuel Remaining

When powering your aircraft electrically with the engine not running, the VR-3PD FAM will show this screen to allow you adjustment the FUEL REMAINING value. If you have not added any fuel or if you have completed adjustment you may choose DONE. You may also adjust fuel remaining later by first toggling to the OPTIONS page, entering the menu and selecting from it one of the following options:

1. FILL-UP FUEL REMAINING will adjust to the full tank (fill-up) value of your aircraft.
2. ADJUST FUEL REMAINING will let you adjust the fuel remaining value either UP or DOWN.

Connecting to a Laptop PC

A laptop PC and USB-to-serial adapter (such as the Bafo BF-810) may be connected to the VR-3PD's RS232 interface in order to make adjustments to settings as well as to troubleshoot the system. All are done through our System Link software which may be downloaded from this webpage (see right-hand column). Adjustments are mostly required only during the installation phase to properly configure settings such as:

• Fuel Flow Sensor K-Factor calibrates the fuel flow sensor you have installed to correctly measure the fuel flow.
• Low Endurance Fuel Warning Level sets the "Low Fuel" warning level in endurance minutes (until empty).
• Low Remaining Fuel Warning Level sets the "Low Fuel" waring level in gallons remaining (until empty).
• Fuel Remaining Fill-Up (Full Fuel) Value sets the gallon value used when selecting FILL-UP FUEL REMAINING from the VR Display's OPTIONS menu. This is also the maximum fuel your aircraft can hold.