Compatibility and Installation

RevLocks work by sensing the motion of a magnet attached to the engine fan and comparing this with a digital reference or 'virtual engine' moving at the correct speed - giving the quickest response to any RPM error. The magnet is easily installed by gluing it into a hole drilled in the engine fan - many engine fans now come pre-drilled for this purpose. The magnet can be installed either way around, so there is no need to test for polarity. The RevLock Sensor is then mounted beside the engine on the brackets supplied.

Model: The standard RevLock 10 is designed for use with nitro powered model helicopters only. RevLocks 20 and 30 have PC interfaceability for improved customer control, RevLock 20 has a limiter option, RevLock 30 has Collective management. Stator Gator versions are designed for use with petrol engine helicopters (gassers). In some very slow-turning petrol engines, it may be necessary to fit two magnets rather than one (see the manual for details).

Servo: RevLocks can be used with any servo with a speed of 0.19s per 60 degrees or faster (most standard servos) and can be set to work with either digital or conventional servos.

Radio: May be used with either PPM or PCM radios. An auxiliary channel is required if you wish to use 'remote' mode (adjusting RPM and responsivity from the transmitter). However it may still be used in manual mode.

RL20 and RL30 only: Computer interface: These RevLocks make use of a PC interface and software. This is only usable with PCs, not with Mac computers. There are both LPT and USB interfaces available. The LPT interface works with all CSM products ever produced, the USB interface only works with current products.

Please do not use any other magnet or sensor than the one supplied! Spares are available. (For Gasser engines, please buy the version for use with the Stator Gator sensor. Do not try to use the standard version with the Stator Gator sensor)

Key to components (RevLock 10)

1. RevLock Unit (size 25 x 35 x 7 mm, weight 7g)
2. RevLock Sensor
3. RevLock Magnet
4. 300mm (standard) leads to Rx
5. Sensor Mounting Brackets (30, 50 and 60-90 size included)
6. Sensor/Mounting Bracket adhesive heatshrink sleeving
7. Mounting Pads

Also includes a pot adjuster

All accessories are available as spares, including alternative lengths of lead, and a counterweight to the magnet for those wishing to fit one.

See our Spares and Accessories page for details

Features

All RevLocks:

Linear Hall-Effect Sensor: Poweful sensor with automatic signal level and direction check for total accuracy. It works regardless of magnet polarity, so you can fit the magnet either way around. For gasser models: please buy the version for use with the Stator Gator sensor. This sensor is available from www.statorgator.com

Neodymium iron boron magnet: Ultra strong magnet for easy installation and clear signal

Fully adjustable in flight: Pre-set two 'Remote' RPM modes, then switch between them or adjust them in flight from your transmitter. Typically, you can adjust head speed to within +/- 5 RPM of the rotor head. PLUS you can adjust responsivity in flight from your transmitter.

Please note: RevLock can also be set in 'manual' mode if your transmitter will not suport Remote modes, but you will not be able to alter responsivity in this mode.

Accurate RPM display: The initial RPM can be set to multiples of 250 RPM, which will be displayed using LEDs (you can then 'fine tune' to within approx. 6 RPM) There is no need for a tacho. Please remember that engine RPM is not the same as head speed - you will need to know the gearing ratio to work out the head speed.

Safety features: Smooth engagement and speed ramping make the RevLock safe to turn on and adjust in flight, and the Internal Fail-Safe gives enhanced safety with PPM radios.

Servo selection: Choose digital or non-digital servo option.

De-bug engine-setting

RevLock 20 and 30:

Optional PC Interface: Use the interface to change the Integral Gain and Minimum Control Point. RevLock will work with the CSM LPT interface (as supplied with older CSM products, now available separately) or with the USB interface. See our Spares and Accessories page. The PC interface is necessary to access the features of the RL20 and RL30 but, to save CSM gyro users from paying for more interfaces than they need, the PC interface is not included.

RL20 only: Due to popular demand, the RL20 can function either as a governor (adjusting for both over- and under-revving) or as a limiter (setting a maximum RPM). Please note this feature is accessible only through the PC Interface. Although you can switch between pre-set modes in flight, you can only pre-set the Limiter mode by using the PC interface and software

RL30 only: This has Collective management which prevents engine RPM being bogged down below the power band.

Frequently Asked Questions

I've been flying for years - what can a governor do for me?

The CSM RevLock (RL10) was used by Duncan Osbourn in his winning flights at the 3D Masters 2005. The governor makes handling more consistent and predictable, and overcomes the inevitable imperfections in pitch and throttle curves. It also gives you maximum power without over-revving.

I've only just got into helicopters - is this going to help me or is it just another thing to worry about?

The governor will make the handling more consistent and predictable, and you won't have to worry about over-revving. As you progress, you would normally need to adjust your throttle curves. With RevLock this is not necessary.

Why should I buy the RL20 or RL30?

RL20 is the same as the RL10 but with PC interfaceability to be able to adjust parameters to cope with the most awkward engine setups. It also allows the RevLock to be used in limiter mode if required. However, it can only be used to its full potential with a PC interface. If you already have a PC interface (provided with earlier products) then you will not need to buy anything else to make full use of your RL20. Alternatively, you can buy a PC interface (LPT or USB) separately. If you have a PC interface, or you are likely to be getting one in the future, then buy the RL20.
The RL30 has Collective management which helps keep the RPM within the engines power band on high collective manouvres.

How does it work?

A magnet is fitted to the fan, and a sensor is fitted in a stationary place nearby. The sensor can sense the magnet going around and thus see whether the engine is going at the right speed. If the speed begins to go too high or too low, the governor will open or close the throttle.

Is it complicated to set up?

No. If you are using a moderately tuned 30/50 engine and a muffler, the RevLock should be pretty much fit and forget. Once the magnet and sensor have been installed, simply choose the engine speed you want using the display on the RevLock itself. There is no need for a tacho, and it doesn't even matter which way around you fit the magnet.

If you are using a highly tuned engine and want to get every last drop of performance, then the RevLock will take longer to set up. Remember that the guys at CSM and RC Models Distribution are here to help.

Does it set the head speed or the engine speed?

The display on the RevLock shows the speed of the engine. To work out the head speed, you will need to know the gear ratios:

Engine Speed divided by Gear Ratio equals Head Speed

Why is it different to a limiter?

A limiter 'caps' the speed at a certain maximum. This will stop the engine from over-revving, but does not make the best use of your engine power.

RevLocks are governors, meaning they lock the engine to a certain RPM, and prevent both over-revving and under-speeding. RL20 can be set up as either a governor or a limiter (using the PC interface). In the majority of cases we would recommend using it as a governor. We do not recommend trying to use a limiter as a governor by setting high throttle curves - this makes the limiter less accurate, and can be dangerous if the limiter fails.

But RevLock sounds complicated - surely the complex calculations must make it slow?

No. The RevLock does not have to calculate the speed of the engine. It digitally synthesises the correct speed, and then looks out for any difference between this model and the actual engine. On average, RevLock takes about two revolutions of the engine to notice and respond to a small error in engine speed. This is actually quicker than your transmitter can communicate with the throttle servo!

I fly FAI - will it make height control more difficult?

No. This problem has been found with some governors, when doing hovering pirouettes, but CSM have resolved this problem.

What if I want to change the speed in flight?

You can do this if you have enough spare transmitter channels. You can swap between two previously selected speeds and finely adjust the RPM in flight. You can also alter how responsive the governor is, or disengage it completely during flight. The governor engages smoothly so there are no violent changes of engine speed.

Can it be used with both Glow and Gasser engines?

There are two versions. The standard version comes with its own Hall Effect Sensor for use with glow engines. The gasser version comes without a sensor, and should be used with the Stator Gator sensor, supplied by www.statorgator.com Please do not use the RevLock with any other sensor than the one it is intended for!

What should I do if I have a problem?

If your sensor or magnet is lost or broken, replacements are available at reasonable prices. Please do not attempt to use any other sensor or magnet! Leads of different lengths, and counterweights, are also available. If you are having difficulty in setting up your RevLock, the following links may be of use to you:

Downloads

RevLock 10 manual
RevLock 10 'At a glance' setup card

RevLock 20 manual
RevLock 20 'At a glance' setup card
RevLock 20 PC software
RevLock 20 PC instructions page 1 page 2

RevLock 30 manual
RevLock 30 'At a glance' setup card
RevLock 30 PC software
RevLock 30 PC instructions and tuning guide

Further Technical Support