- Hitec HTS-SS telemetry
Technology with its daily leaps and bounds has long ago given our favorite hobby possibilities which a few years ago would have been simply unthinkable or simply economically unattainable. Telemetry is one of them which allow the transmission of real time information from the receiver to the transmitter.
As we already use the Hitec Aurora 9 to control the flagship of our aircraft fleet the YAK 54,
we obtained the HTS-SS Sensor Station (the Nitro version).
In the box were neatly packed
Four (4) pieces of temperature sensors
This system comes in three (3) versions which are the Advance, the Nitro and the Blue version for electrics as it can be found in the following link:
Its size and weight are minimal as it shows below.
You can download the HTS-SS manual here:
And the manual for the BLUE version here:
Relevant videos in the following links by
The sensor station collects data from each sensor and via the Optima 9 omni-directional receiver which is installed in the YAK, sends them back to the Aurora 9.
The Aurora sensor menu is displayed as follows and according to pilot’s selection each sensor’s readings can be displayed individually.
The functions of the sensors which we used are:
1. HTS-GPS (GPS sensor)
This sensor displays constant directional information such as speed, altitude, latitude and longitude. Altitude and speed readings are selectable from feet to meters and from mph to kmh.
Here is connected inside the fuselage of the YAK.
Below is the equivalent screen.
2. HTS – temp (Temperature sensors)
These wire sensors measure the temperature of electric motor, battery, exhaust, air or speed control from -40 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to +200 degrees Celsius). The sensor station supports up to four (4) temperature sensors.
Here is connected to one of the receiver batteries.
Below is the equivalent screen.
3. HTS – eTEMP (Engine temperature sensor)
These clamp-type terminal lug sensor, measures the temperature of the engine with range from -40 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 to +200 degrees Celsius).
Below is attached to the DLE 170.
5. HTS – ORPM (Optical RPM sensor)
Facing the propeller from inside the engine cowl provides RPM information.
Below are photos of the RPM sensor attached on the top of the DLE 170 engine box.
Below is the relevant screen of the Aurora 9.
The two remaining sensors included in the package as below, were not connected because of the use of the HTS-ORPM (Optical RPM sensor) and the non-compatibility of the HTS-FUEL sensor which is designed for Glow engines fuel only.
The HTS-MRPM (Magnetic RPM sensor).
The HTS-FUEL (Fuel level sensor)
In order to leave the pilot undisturbed during flight we used the HTS-Voice Telemetry Announcing System which is designed to fit the handle of the Aurora 9 (as to all of the Hitec radios) and provides audibly telemetry data via a speaker or earphones. It has the following features:
Selectable information readout.
Adjustable volume.
3,5mm earphone port.
Power LD indicator.
Operates on 2 AAA batteries.
Below is our Aurora with the HTS-VOICE attached.
We think that this sensors system is pilot’s stress relief device, a ΄΄MUST΄΄ accessory to the armament of the YAK as it provides the pilot with vital information for all aspects of flight, thus making possible most needed monitoring and adjustments if necessary.
