GliderCG F3K Digital Balance Device User Manual
- June 8, 2024
- GliderCG
Table of Contents
F3K Digital Balance Device
User Manual
Introduction
GliderCG is a CoG digital balance device for sailplanes of up to 1Kg able to
provide the exact information of where the CoG is located in our glider by
through a screen that also provides information of the sailplane´s total
weight.
Unlike the existing CoG scales based on the balancing of the sailplane on a
supporting point, GliderCG uses the barycenter formula to obtain the precise
calculation of our CoG without having to balance our sailplanes with the
risks to the Integrity of them.
Concept
The condition for Static Equilibrium of the model plane, that is, it is not
rotating, imposes the model weight is splitted in two reaction forces p1 and
p2 applied in the supports A and B respectively, such as their resultant
force passes thru the Center of Gravity of the model.
The position of the CoG is calculated by solving the equations:
axp1=bxp2
a+b= K constant
K is known for the manufacture of the scale.
With
our constant desire for improvement, we have worked on all aspects of the
device, both hardware and software, to oer an improved device in a compact
form factor for easy transport and storage when not in use.
Its new main features:
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USB-C rechargable battery.
-
WiFi + Oled Display. We can visualize the data through its built-in OLED screen or browse it through the WiFi connection for those situations in which due to our position we cannot easily access the screen reading. The WiFi connection also gives us the option to save the CG configuration of our diffierent models and check
for example the changes that result from a modification or repair. -
Battery Level indicator (WiFi Interface).
-
Up to 1Kg
Characteristics
GliderCG is a precision equipment that has been carefully manufactured,
assembled and calibrated before it reaches your hands.
All mechanical parts have been manufactured in PLA by 3d printing.
The calibration coefficients have been calculated using a calibrated weight
with a weight of:
Front Calibration Coefficient:
Rear Calibration Coefficient:
The distances between the different points of support have been verified with
a digital caliper to the hundredth of a millimeter.
Dimensions Height x Width x Depth: 110x80x120mm.
Power supply: 500mAh Litium Battery.
Approximate consumption: 60mAh.
Charging Time: 2h approx.
Charging connector: USB-C (Cable not included)
Max. Recommended weight 1Kg.
Maximum fuselage size allowed: 40mm width x 50mm height
Device Dimensions High x Wide x Deep 110x80x120 mm.
How to use
-
Place GliderCG on a smooth and level surface.
-
Verify that there is no object or weight in the device.
-
Turn on the device with the switch located to the left.
After a few seconds a welcome message is displayed on the OLED screen that gives way to another screen with two lines “Weight:” and “CG:”
Due to the high resolution and sensitivity it is possible that at the start of the measurement the weight is nonzero. In that case ifs necessary to verify that it is static on a flat and level surface and must be turned off and then on again until the initial measure is zero. -
When these lines appear (Weight and CoG) we can proceed to place our sailplane so that the fuselage is between the four supports of our device and the leading edge of the wing to stop with the vertical metallic supports like is shown in the following figure:
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Now the display show an accurate reading of our CoG and the weight of our model.
-
On the model itself you can make the necessary adjustments to locate your CoG in the place you wish, GliderCG will give you the reading of your position at any time.
-
Once the adjustments are completed you can proceed to remove your model from the device and turn it off using its ON/OFF switch.
Battery charge
With the scale off just plug the USB-C cable to the connector base located in
the right side.
USB-C features a new, smaller connector shape that’s reversible so it’s easier
to plug in.
Charging time is about 2 hours.
Recommendations
Measurements in windy locations are not recommended because they introduce
additional loads on sensors that distort measurements and condition the
accuracy of the device.
Turn off the device after each use. Otherwise the battery can be discharged
and will have to be replaced.
Keep away from heat sources. The material of the device, Polylactic Acid (PLA)
can deform if there are high temperatures so it is not recommended for example
to leave it in the car on sunny or hot days.
Keep away from any contact with water.
Do not exceed the maximum weight supported.
Connect the display to the system
In your Smartphone/PC, search for a WiFi AP called “GliderCG-F3K” Connect to
“GliderCG-F3K” AP WiFi using 123456789 as password.
In many SmartPhones you will be advised that the network selected have no
internetconnection and ask about selecting another WiFi conection. You might
select “No”.
The time while using GliderCG F3K your device will have NO internet
connection.
Open your web browser and open a new window or browse to any new URL you never
typed before like www.qkx.com You will get automatically
redirected to GliderCG Scale screen.
If not succesfull to see GliderCG-F3K screen then try http://192.168.4.1 and
you will get automatically redirected to GliderCG home screen.
WARNING: GliderCG F3K is a wireless device, however it will not present
any damage if it is used in the fiight field, both for the user and for other
modelers, but CAN CAUSE INTERFERENCE to a receiver that is close to the
transmitter. In the same way, in the presence of several stations, the
functionality may be lost because it is an ISM device.
In the lower screen you can see a button to access the device menu.
How to use
Browse GliderCG
By clicking on the Menu button you can access the different options of the
device:
The first menu option “Scale Tare” allows you to zero the weight measurement
or tare the scale.
GliderCG Tare
By clicking on the “Tare” button, the device will perform a Zero of all the
sensors and will return you to the CG View main page.
By clicking on the “Menu” option, we will return to the options menu.
The next menu option is CG View. By clicking on this button we will return to
the CG View main screen where you can see the weight and center of gravity of
our model.
Browse GliderCG
Target View, allows us to visualize the settings of the position of the center
of gravity that we have saved in the Target Select menu option that we will
see later.
In this screen we can see how much our CoG position has changed since we saved
until the present time, due to the different modifications that we make in our
models over time and modify it if necessary or in case of having several
equal models, adjust them in the same way.
Browse GliderCG
Target Select, the menu next option , allows us to save the settings of the
position of the CoG of your models to recover them later.
By clicking on the Sel. option you can choose between the models in the list
and enter the name and CoG position in millimeters.
Once the data has been entered or a model selected, two buttons will be visible: “Select” and “Save and Select” or “Cancel”. Pressing them will return to the Target View screen where we can see the selected measure.
Safety and Security
GliderCG is not a Toy. For use only from 18 years and up.
Use GliderCG at your own risk.
GliderCG is not responsible for any problems arising from the use of this
device.
Avoid heat exposure and continuous direct sunlight.
Avoid water contact.
Disposal Used batteries:
Batteries must not be disposed of in the domestic waste. Every consumer is
legally obligated to dispose of batteries properly at the designated
collection points in stores where batteries are sold.
Appliance:
At the end of its service life, never dispose of the appliance in the domestic
waste. Check with your local authority or your local waste disposal services
for op- tions regarding environmentally-friendly disposal.
Declaration of Conformity
Manufacturer/responsible person
declares that the product
2014/53/UE
2006/66/CE
2014/30/UE
2001/95/CE
complies following standards:
Marco A. Moreno, Alonso Zamora Vicente, 5 28702 Madrid; +0034661808239
Email: GliderCG.info@gmail.com