Performance
Proven
Viper’s line of VTX speed controls has been on the forefront of racing technology
with a full line of fully tunable ESCs. While most, including Viper, o;er computer
programs to adjust everything from motor timing and boost to braking force
and even set blinky modes for stock racing, all have required racers to shoehorn
a laptop into already tight pit spaces—until now. ;e ProGauge is a standalone
handheld unit that plugs into your VTX line speed control. ;is credit card-sized
unit works as a device interface and also acts as a LiPo/LiFe battery monitor,
servo tester, propeller tachometer and PPM signal monitor. Plugging the balancing plug from my LiPo pack into the ProGauge, I started out testing the battery
monitor. Once the pack is connected, the ProGauge displays the voltage of
each individual cell; it accepts packs with up to 6 cells. Next, with the battery still
attached, I scrolled to the Servo Tester menu and connected a servo to the other
side of the unit. ;ere are two modes, Swing and Normal, to test the servo. Swing
moves the servo automatically while Normal operates it manually from the PPM
knob. You can also set Wide and Narrow Band modes for normal and high-speed
servos. While testing, the ProGauge displays the transit time, voltage, position
and amp draw of the servo. You can also use it as a tachometer for propellers,
but the biggest feature of the ProGauge is the tuning capability for VTX speedos.
I set my VTX10 Black Edition to tuning mode and plugged in the ProGauge. It
can adjust the amount of timing, braking, reverse mode and other options. With
tuning options, servo and radio signal tests, Viper’s ProGauge takes the power of
your laptop and puts it in your pocket.— Erich Reichert
Item no. 6VSCARD001, $48
