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Optional exhaust smoke module for
Benedini Soundunits, Version II
** Water based, without smoke oil **
www.benedini.de
1. Summary
The electronic smoke generator module is designed to compliment the existing and any new
range of digital Benedini sound units in most RC land vehicles. It provides for exhaust smoke
to be generated both proportionally and synchronised to the speed of the vehicle and the
engine sound emitted by the Sound Unit. The smoke controller has galvanic isolation from the
sound module and the receiver.
The method of operation is based on a ultrasonic evaporator.
No smoke oil or any heating elements are required!
The generated haze/mist is blown out of the smoke accumulation reservoir by a fan in a
volume dictated by the speed of the vehicles motors/engine sound module. The system
although simple in its operation is totally reliable and effective and produces a scale effect
that will enhance any models appearance.
The complete unit consists of a speed controllable fan, a smoke reservoir, a control unit and
the evaporator.
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
Page: 1
2. System operation
During starting or accelerating a large volume of smoke will be produced. When the model is
moving, the generated smoke volume and the fan speed is electronically adjusted
proportionally to the model speed to deliver a realistic volume of exhaust smoke.
When the engine sound is not switched on or the sound unit is switched off after use, no
smoke will leave the exhaust.
Various different smoke effects can be achieved by experimenting with the exhaust pipe(s)
and their fittings. To increase the volume and pressure of smoke a reduction in the final pipe
size on the scale exhaust pipe will provide for greater realism. The effect may not however be
ideal for all models and the purchaser is advised to experiment until they are satisfied with the
result.
3. Construction
The smoke system reservoir is delivered as a kit with the electronic control unit built and
tested. Further items are provided that must be modified by the purchaser. As all applications
and installations will vary in one form or another, it is not possible to have standard fittings.
The smoke reservoir consists of a transparent watertight food container. This provides a visual
reference to the level of water and the internal functions of the smoker. The size of the
container can be adjusted to your model space.
The evaporator must be mounted inside of the container and the fan must be mounted at the
lid. Different drill sizes are necessary, for air inlet, smoke outlet, refilling tube and the
electrical wire to the evaporator. There are no solderworks at the container necessary !
Keep the evaporator wire short and cut off the connector to connect it to the controller.
Common plastic tubes do all tube connections. The smoke outlet volume can be adjusted by
experimenting with different whole diameter tubes for both the air intake and the exhaust
smoke outlet pipe(s). The inner diameter of the pipe(s) should be 10mm or more. A special
sealing to the housing is not necessary if the outlet drillings are a little smaller than the tube
diameter.
To prevent spreading water entering the fan or the outlet a spread shield must be applied. If
this happens the airflow out of the container my be blocked and the smoke doesn't exit
steadily.
You can use any stable plastic foil and double sided tape to build such shields.
A example is shown at the end of the manual.
The water level inside the container should reach a little above the black level sensor on top
of the evaporator. This sensor detects the water level and shuts down the device automatically
in case of too little water inside.
The outlet plumbing MUST NOT HAVE any dip where condensing water may be collected.
This water would block the airflow completely. The best construction is a plumbing with
some inclination the whole way out. This allows the condensing water to flow back into the
container.
If this is not possible you need to make sure the condensed water can flow out through the
exhaust.
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
Page: 2
4. Controller connections
To TBS5 Soundunit
Top to bottom:
Vl: Evaporator
Bu: Evaporator
Gn: - Fan
Ye: + Fan
Or: +12V
Rd: +12V
Bn: -12V
Bk: -12V
Or
rd
bn
Switch
Evaporator
Controller
Scematic:
3A Fuse
12V Battery
Or
Rd
Vl
Bu
Bn
Bk
Ye +
Gn -
Servocable to TBS5soundunit
(output connector plug #5
Or lead on TOP)
Fan
Important Notes:
1. The evaporator has no polarity
2. Use always both supply leads for power connection
Or and Rd together to +12V Battery
Bn and Bk together to -12V Battery
3. Use a main switch in the +12V line
4. Use a FUSE of about 3A in the +12V line.
5. If possible install the controller in a UPRIGHT position to allow some airflow through
the shrinked plastic tube.
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
Page: 3
5. User advice for the operation and maintenance of the Smoke Module
evaporator.
1.The water level should be between 5-30mm above the level sensor. The sensor is the black
coloured component on top.
2.The correct indication that the evaporator if functioning correctly is by the red LED being
lit.
3.Water consumption is on average 250ml per hour
Servicing and maintenance.
The evaporator membrane is the only significant part of the evaporator that will require
replacement at some time during the evaporator’s long life.
It should be replaced under the following circumstances:
1. The evaporator produces no ‘smoke’ when the red LED is lit and there is sufficient
water in the reservoir.
2. If visually the membrane is damaged or worn.
To avoid the build up of ‘Lime scale’ deposits in the unit it is recommended that distilled
water be used in preference if available. If when using distilled water (through it’s low
electrical conductivity properties) the level sensor does not work efficiently, add 20% of
normal tap water to the pipe water.
It is advised that periodically and dependent on the usage, any significant build up of lime
scale is removed from the evaporator.
WARNING.
Do not touch the unit during operation as an unpleasant sensation to the skin may be
caused.
This is however NOT dangerous but unpleasant.
Changing the membrane:
6. Lift the evaporator out of the water and remove any lime scale deposit. This is
easiest achieved by brushing on normal household vinegar in light layers until the
lime scale can be easily removed.
7. Wash the evaporator under running water to remove any traces of vinegar and dry
thoroughly. Ensure that the evaporator is completely dry before the next steps.
8. Remove the ring (2 below) with the special wrench provided (1 below.)
9. Remove the old membrane and ensure that the rubber sealing gasket (5 below) is
undamaged.
10. Insert the replacement membrane with the dark surface DOWN.
11. Replace the brass seal (3 below) on top of the membrane.
12. Retighten with the ring nut (2.)
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
Page: 4
6. Technical Datas
Supply voltage:
Current:
Controller dimensions:
Evaporator dimensions:
12V only !
app. 1.5A (low volume), 2.5A (high volume)
70 x 30 x 25mm (2.75 x 1.18 x 1 inches)
40 x 40mm (diameter x hight)
Some pictures
Best filling level
Inner view of the container lid with simple
spread shields at the air inlet and smoke outlet
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
Page: 5
Disclaimer
4.www.benedini.de provides the equipment solely to be used by each purchaser in accordance with the
specific instructions supplied with each device and that the purchaser undertakes that the device and any
associated equipment will be operated within the parameters contained therein.
2. www.benedini.de accepts no liability for any damage to any device if it is determined that the damage has
been caused by either non adherence to the instructions or due to any malfunction by any cause or reason
whatsoever within the model or its equipment and thereby outside of the control of www.benedini.de.
3. www.benedini.de supplies each device on the strict undertaking that it will be used in such a manner to
comply with the laws of the purchaser’s country of residence.
4. www.benedini.de has no control over the final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for
any damage resulting from any use by user of the final assembled product, the user accepts all resulting
liability.
Benedini Modellbauelektronik
Müllergasse 15, 52159 Roetgen (Germany)
Web: www.benedini.de
Mail: [email protected]
Water based smoke unit
www.benedini.de
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