The latest version of the Jet Central Rhino, the 200 SE, produces 45
pounds of thrust. It’s a 200-size turbine with improved electronics for
better performance and operation feedback.
New Jet Central turbine
by Jim Hiller
jetmodeler@earthlink.net
It was an exciting day for me when I received my new Jet Central Rhino 200 Smart Electronics (SE) turbine,
which has new electronics, a fuel control
pack, and a full 45 pounds of thrust. It’s
a true 200 Newton motor. I can’t wait
to start flying this turbine.
Most turbine manufacturers have
improved their products’ power and
electronics, and the Rhino has it all. The
Jet Central Rhino is a 111mm 4.37-
inch diameter turbine that weighs 3. 9
pounds. Included in the package is an
updated SE Power Pack that is neatly
packed in aluminum housing. It appears
heavy, but it’s nice and rugged.
The Power Pack houses the fuel pump
and solenoid valves. It’s a convenient
package when installed in a model. I
prefer to mount the Power Pack forward
in the aircraft to add nose weight. Jet
Central supports this by providing 30-
inch leads from the Power Pack to the
turbine.
The new Hand Data Terminal (HDT)
and Programmer is included with Jet
Central’s SE model turbines. It is a
nice color display unit that is easy to
read. The menus are selectable with
icons, making it easier to navigate. Each
screen contains information, making it
simple to review the turbine’s running
performance, adjust settings when
necessary, and monitor.
An additional feature that I look
forward to exploring is the ability to
save recent runs to a micro SD card to
review on a computer. There is a slot in
the Power Pack for the memory card.
This data should prove interesting.
The associated manual shutoff valve,
hoses, and cables are included with the
turbine, and there is enough length for
a typical installation. Also included is a
3,800 mAh 9.9-volt 3S LiFe Duralite
battery for power. The SE package
can also be set up to run on a 3S LiPo
battery pack.
Jet Central’s
tradition of
providing the
operating manual
on a memory
stick continues,
and, along with
the turbine
manual, Jet
Central provides
manuals for
all available
products. It’s nice
to have all of
them available for
review.
An application
program to allow
the turbine setup
and performance
to be viewed on
a computer is
also included. I
will have more to
follow about this
as I start using
the turbine and
can explore this
information.
The manual walks you through the
available screens with the HDT. All
are easily navigated and written for
experienced turbine users. The large
main screen has the typical information
you would need to monitor the start
procedure, including turbine data
such as rpm, turbine set rpm, throttle
position, temperature, pump power
value, battery voltage, and amperage.
Also included is the status of the
burner power, glow fuel, and whether
the starter is on, or the fuel valve or
kerosene valve is open—allowing you
to follow the start process in detail to
ensure that all is performing normally.
This has been informative during my
initial startup on the new Rhino 200 SE.
Very nice, Jet Central.
A provided Running Parameters
submenu allows a user to adjust the
setting for the maximum rpm when
the power is dialed down for a special
installation, adjust the idle rpm, and
set up acceleration and deceleration
curves. This last feature is nice when
you feel the need for maximum turbine
response. You can dial acceleration rates
up or down depending on weather
conditions and altitude because they
affect the turbine’s performance.
Be careful not to become aggressive
with these parameters. Flameouts,
excessive flames, and other problems
can result in dead-stick landings
when you get carried away. I tend to
run conservatively on these settings
because fast responses require higher
temperatures—hence, more wear and
105 Model Aviation JULY 2016
www.ModelAviation.com
