Unlike with calca-Elec, the consumption values can be determined by evaluating voltage drop. The determined values are especially inaccurate at low throttle positions and will be replaced with empirical values below a certain threshold (throttle 0% and throttle 25%).
If you have the means to measure (clamp ammeter) or at least temporarily install a current sensor, it’s advisable to use it. If an Ampere Sensor is specified in the settings, the measured values will be automatically imported into calca-Plus during the subsequent learning process.
Place the Safety Switch to on, in order to keep the throttle in idle.
In the Settings top line press “Mode” and select “Learning”, press “Ok” to leave the settings page.
In the learning window, at the top, there are 5 numbers representing different throttle positions that need to be learned. This is done by holding the motor throttle in the specified position for a short period while the motor is running. The throttle percentage is displayed at the bottom right.
Before you begin, make sure to secure the model well, and then follow the instructions in the window. If you go directly to full throttle, the other segments will be skipped, and instead of a measured value, an empirical value will be set. This might be necessary for motor gliders where you only use idle or full throttle. If the propeller is too fast at full throttle (stall), the process could also be performed in the air. In that case, you would need to trick the safety switch a bit and activate it in the air for just that one flight, or you could start with slightly less than full throttle so that the last segment is calculated in the air.
Throttle positions 0% and 25% have been learned, and now 50% is required. Adhering to the requested percentage positions is also indicated acoustically, making the entire procedure possible even during flight (possibly with the assistance of a second person).
75% has been learned, and now 100% (full throttle) is required. Afterward, the program will automatically return to the operational state. The two small letters at the bottom represent the state of voltage and current sensors. In this representation, no current sensor is used, which is why the letter “A” is highlighted in red.
After learning, it’s advisable to review the determined values in the settings and check for plausibility. They are less accurate if only the voltage sensor was used. Additionally, the program makes a compromise regarding the flight condition.
The learned consumption values might be somewhat inaccurate for calca-Elec. However, since calca-Plus also interprets the measured voltage during operation, the overall result is expected to be satisfactory. Nevertheless, I recommend correcting the consumption values when the opportunity arises.