Falcon AMRT with GPS

The RC Electronics Falcon is a compact Altimeter/Motor Run Timer (AMRT) with integrated GPS flight logging and a large colour TFT display, designed for FAI F5J and F5L competitions.In F5J mode, the Falcon automatically cuts motor power after 30 seconds, unless the motor has already been switched off manually, and records the F5J Start Height.In F5L mode, the module cuts motor power when either the preset altitude or motor run-time limit is reached.The Falcon combines a high-resolution barometric pressure sensor, a fast 18 Hz GPS receiver, a highly accurate three-axis accelerometer and solid-state memory to record detailed flight data for subsequent analysis. Key competition parameters are shown on the integrated colour TFT display, while Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity allows communication with Android and iOS devices.Compared with the Falcon X, the Falcon offers a larger display and integrated GPS logging, providing more comprehensive flight data and greater insight into flight performance. The GPS receiver records the aircraft's position throughout the flight, allowing the flight path to be reviewed alongside altitude and other recorded parameters.Key features

• Lightweight at just 18 g, including JR cables.
• Compact dimensions: 48 × 17 × 9 mm.
• Integrated FAI F5J altitude and motor run-time switch.
• Also suitable for F5L and ALES, with user-configurable motor restart, motor cut-off altitude and motor run time.
• Large, integrated colour TFT display for easy viewing of flight and competition data.
• Fast 18 Hz GPS receiver for detailed flight-path recording.
• Integrated rechargeable backup battery to maintain the GPS clock and help speed up satellite acquisition.
• High-resolution barometric altitude sensor and three-axis accelerometer.
• Automatic, accurate flight-time recording for F5J, F5L and ALES flying.
• Records flight data, including altitude, GPS position, climb and sink rate, and other flight parameters, for subsequent analysis.
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity with Android and iOS devices.
• Wide operating voltage range: 4–12 V DC, normally powered directly from the aircraft's receiver system.

How it works
The Falcon uses a high-resolution barometric pressure sensor to measure small changes in atmospheric pressure caused by changes in altitude. The sensor is sufficiently sensitive to detect altitude changes of less than 10 cm.Because atmospheric pressure also varies with weather conditions, altitude readings may drift over longer periods. The Falcon is therefore optimised for measuring short-term, relative altitude changes during radio-controlled aircraft flights rather than long-term absolute altitude measurements.The integrated GPS receiver records the aircraft's position, providing additional information for detailed post-flight analysis. Flight data is stored in onboard solid-state flash memory, while the colour TFT display provides immediate access to key operating and competition parameters.Powering the module
To power the Falcon, connect its three-pin male servo connector to the throttle channel of the aircraft's receiver. Then connect the ESC or servo to the module's female servo pass-through connector.If the motor or altitude limiting function is not required, the Falcon can instead be connected to any spare receiver channel.Always ensure that the connectors are correctly oriented and that the polarity is correct before applying power.Mounting the module
The recommended mounting location is inside the aircraft's fuselage, where the Falcon can be secured using double-sided tape, cable ties or hook-and-loop fastener.For accurate altitude measurement, the pressure inside the fuselage must be able to equalise with the outside atmospheric pressure. If the fuselage is airtight, provide a ventilation opening of at least 0.5 cm². Many model aircraft fuselages are already sufficiently ventilated and require no modification.GPS reception is an important consideration when positioning the Falcon. Ensure that no carbon fibre or metal obstructs the integrated GPS antenna, and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the orientation of the module.The Falcon can also be mounted externally. In this case, the pressure sensor should be positioned so that airflow passes across its opening rather than directly into it. Avoid locations exposed to propeller wash, which can cause substantial altitude measurement errors.Ensure that the module cannot come into contact with metal surfaces or other conductive materials, as these could short-circuit exposed electrical contacts and potentially cause radio-system failure.Do not mount the module directly on top of propulsion batteries in electric aircraft. Heat generated by the battery may affect altitude measurements, potentially introducing errors of up to 30 m.Keep the Falcon away from water, fuel and other liquids.After installation, check all electrical connections and perform a full radio range check before flying. Confirm that the module operates correctly and does not interfere with the aircraft's radio system.Operation
Each time the Falcon is powered on, it automatically sets the current altitude to zero and begins collecting data in a circular buffer.Take-off is detected when the throttle-channel pulse width exceeds 1,200 µs. At this point, the buffered data is saved to flash memory, and the module continues recording information from its onboard sensors and any connected modules throughout the flight.While flight recording is active, a recording icon appears on the TFT display and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication is disabled.When landing is detected, the module stops recording, the recording icon disappears, and the F5J Start Height and flight time are displayed.Recorded flight data can subsequently be downloaded to an Android or iOS device using the RC Electronics app. Flights can also be uploaded to rcmodelspot.com for more detailed viewing and analysis.Note that no telemetry interface is included.