KAVAN Smart PRO SE4 4ch BUS servo decoder - Instruction manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the KAVAN Smart PRO SE4 4ch BUS servo decoder which is a device that converts serial bus signal to standard PWM servo outputs. It offers up to four configurable servo outputs with optional period and fail-safe setting. The SE4 is a perfect choice for models with complex wing or tail mechanics where multiple servos may be connected to a primary receiver using just a single cable. In addition, if you are running out of receiver channels simply connect the SE4 to the receiver serial line and freely assign its own output channels.

Supported protocols:

• Futaba: S.Bus/S.Bus2
• Graupner: SUMD, Hott telemetry for setting
• JETI: EX Bus
• Multiplex: SRXL 12ch, SRXL 16ch
• PowerBox: P²Bus

Features

• Small dimensions and high current throughput via the integrated MR30 power connector
• 4-channel servo/EX Bus sensor expander
• Automatic detection of serial data/telemetry after startup
• Configuration through the transmitter, external terminal (JETIBOX/SMART-BOX) or MAV Manager PC software
• Firmware updates via USB interface

Technical specifications

	SE4	SE6
Dimensions (including connectors)	34×14×9 mm	34×19×8 mm
Weight (including connectors)	4 g	4,5 g
Servo output channels	3 or 4	5 or 6
Operating current	15mA	15mA
Operating temperature	-20–85°C	-20–85°C
Supply voltage	4–14V (recommended 5-8.4V)	4–14V (recommended 5-8.4V)
Continuous current	15A	15A
Peak current	60A (2sec)	60A (2sec)
Supported protocols	JETI Duplex, Multiplex, Graupner Hott, Futaba S.Bus, PoweBox P²Bus
Status LED	Yes	Yes
Sensor expander	EX Bus: up to 4 sensors	No

Installation

Attach the required servos to the SE4 servo expander. Connect the receiver – use its output port with serial data option. The SE4 uses the MR30 connector for primary data input.

Turn on the transmitter and apply the appropriate power source to the receiver. The status LED starts blinking as soon as the SE4 detects signal on the serial line.

Device mode: Ch1-Ch4: EX Bus

• all extension ports are configured to the EX Bus protocol

Telemetry and settings

The device is compatible with JETIBOX for programming. The JETIBOX menu is divided into three sections:

• Actual values - Displays the latest telemetry values (voltage, temperature, system status) together with minimums and maximums.
  • System - Shows the detected serial protocol and its average frame rate.
  • Fadeouts/FS - Number of frame misses and time spent in fail-safe mode. The number of frame misses is increased every time the interval between two consecutive servo frames noticeably exceeds the average period.
  • Reset Min/Max - Press left+right buttons together to reset all minimums and maximums.
• Settings - Basic settings of the sensor.
  • Language - You can choose the language of the JETIBOX screen.
  • Period - You can specify a fixed servo output rate (5ms – 30ms), or automatic output rate synchronous to the serial input.
  • Device mode - Specify a function of the extension ports:
    • Ch1–Ch4: Servo - All extension ports are configured as servo outputs.
    • Ch4: Sensor EX - Ports 1–3 are configured as servo outputs while the port 4 acts as a sensor expander (Duplex EX, EX Bus) or you can connect Hott SMART-BOX for setting in case of SUMD.
    • Ch1–Ch4: EX Bus - All extension ports are configured to the EX Bus protocol, so that you can simply connect up to four EX Bus-compatible sensors to the device. This mode is compatible with Duplex system.
  • Fail-safe Delay - Set the time period that must elapse before entering the fail-safe mode if there is no signal on the serial line.
  • Ch.1–Ch.4 - Here you can set the properties of each output channel. You can modify the receiver channel assignment to the outputs of the SE4. By pressing both left+right buttons, you can change the behavior if there is no signal on the serial line:
    • <Hold> (default) - Repeat the last known servo position.
    • <FS XX> - Set the servo position to a fixed value XX%.
  • Set Fail-safe Now - By pressing both left+right buttons, the actual servo positions will be stored as fail-safe values.
• Service - In this menu you can view the device version and reset it to the default factory configuration.

JETIBOX or SMART BOX Connection

Plug the SE4 into the sensor slot of the JETIBOX/SMART-BOX. Power it up using a battery with appropriate voltage (4.5–8.4V). Now you can configure the device using the arrows on the JETIBOX/SMART-BOX.

Default connection of JETIBOX/SMART-BOX. An adapter cable between MR30 and JR is necessary.

Optional type of connection. The port No. 4 must be configured to sensor input (possible options “Ch4: Sensor EX” or “Ch1–Ch4: EX Bus”).

Optional SMART-BOX connection. The output No. 4 must be configured to “Ch4: Sensor EX” option and SUMD signal must be detected on the MR30 connector.

Graupner Hott Menu Structure:

SE4 offers text telemetry as a standard EAM telemetry module.

Safety information

• Operate the SE4 always in dry environment and within the device limits stated in this guide. Never expose the device to excessive heat or cold.
• Do not remove the heat shrink tube from the device and do not try to implement any changes or modifications. This can lead to a total destruction and to the denial of any warranty claims.
• Always check the polarity of the connection. Never inverse the polarity – this could lead to total destruction.
• Always use a sufficient power source according to the consumption of the attached servos. Never exceed the maximum allowed operating voltage of the attached servos.
• If you use analog servos, please make sure that the servo output period is not below 15ms. Otherwise the servos may behave unexpectedly.

Firmware update

Firmware updates for the SE4 are transferred from a PC via the USB interface. The required programs and files are available at www.mavsense.com..

Install the MAV Manager software and the USB drivers on your computer. Check the system requirements.

1. Disconnect all servos from SE4.
2. Connect the USB interface to your PC, run MAV Manager and select the correct COM Port.
3. Connect the SE4 according to the picture below.
4. Select the correct *.BIN file and press the Update button.

PC configuration

It is possible to use the MAV Manager software (1.6.0 and later) to conveniently configure all device settings, display real-time telemetry and make a backup of the configuration. The configuration menu contains four buttons in the top toolbar:

• Refresh - Forces the configuration to be reloaded from the device.
• Import - Imports the settings from a file. If you have several devices and want identical settings for all of them, simply import the same settings to each device.
• Export - Exports the settings from the device to a file. You can easily create a backup configuration stored in your PC. After creating a backup, you may easily experiment with the settings and later revert back to the original configuration by pressing the “Import” button and choosing the original exported file.
• Reset default - Resets the device to factory defaults and reloads all the settings.

Connect the SE4 to your PC using the USB interface. The device will be automatically detected by the MAV Manager.

The device properties are available after pressing the “Configure” button.

Real-time telemetry with min/max values. The MAV Manager is also able to create a log file from the real time telemetry data, which can be viewed, analyzed, imported and exported.

SE4 settings. Every time you make any change in the configuration, the new value is immediately transferred to the device and saved to memory. There is no need for additional confirmation.