fangin.com RC, photos & tech

20Feb/121

Turnigy Model Be Found

Going by the name of the Turnigy "Be Found" device, I get the impression it supposed to help you find your model if in the event of a mishap, it goes down somewhere hard to find. I've got a number of issues with this which I'll outline below. But then take a look at the website description (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=20578) and it describes it more as a pre-flight safety check device to audibly warn you if either your battery voltage is low or you lose the radio link during the pre-flight check you do before every flight (right - every flight).

From the website:

"This Handy unit will emit a loud beep if your receiver loses radio signal or when the voltage of your models radio system drops below 4v. Perfect for testing ground range of receivers and ensuring that your radio system has not dropped to an unsafe voltage before each flight."

 

Let's assume the low voltage part of it works (I'll have to assume because I didn't bother testing it), let's take a look at the worse case scenario where the model is lost in-flight and has to be retrieved in thick bush. Here are the drawbacks and why I reckon it won't work;

  1. It didn't beep when I switched my Tx off. That's a pretty drawback as number one. Am I doing something wrong? Check the youTube video for how I tested.
  2. Of all the models I've seen crash, the battery pack is quite often not connected to the receiver anymore (ie no power to the buzzer).
  3. I reckon it introduces another likely point of failure. The in-line connector for the servo was a bit dicky and bent and the plastic cover stopped me from plugging it in properly the first time. 
  4. If I have to rely on the low voltage buzzer to go off while I'm searching for a lost model, I could be waiting a while for the pack to drop below 4V.
  5. Even as a pre-flight check device, if I'm standing 10-15 meters away from my model at a busy club field, and it did start beeping, I'm not convinced I'd hear it.

 

Overall, as a safety device, I don't think it adds much value and your radio setup is probably better off without another point of failure being introduced (even if it is only on one channel). This one is a Pass.

 

 

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  1. There is a Spanish you tuber who has got it to work when signal lost but I am not sure what he does. I think he p,UBS if into the bind port. Only problem for me is my telemetry uses that port. Otherwise I have the same issues as you. I bought three of the bloody things!! Thought I was being prudent. Doh!


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