Model ReCT-TRT (Figure 1) is a rotary-engine tester system that can be used to conduct simultaneous testing of two rotors and to display the results for both rotors on a single display, either as separate traces or superimposed (see examples below). The system hardware consists of a data Processing Unit (PU) and two data Acquisition Units (AU).  System software is provided for data acquisition and recording, and for data extraction, analysis and comparison.

The Processing Unit includes an enclosure containing the analog-to-digital converter, DIN data sockets for 2 Acquisition Units,  plus the power and data connections. Power and USB cables, as well as the programs CD are a part of the Processing Unit. The Processing Unit receives analog signals from the Acquisition Units during a compression test and converts them to a digital data stream for transmission to the computer for recording and later display and analysis. The Acquisition Units consist of precision pressure transducers with attached 30" cable and DIN connector, a spark plug hole adapter with swivel air plug, and a quick coupler fitting for easy connection of the components.

The ReCT-TRT compression tester system ships with a Lite version of the WinDaq software that supports the acquisition, recording, display and analysis of compression data. Sample rates available with this software are limited to a maximum combined throughput of 240 samples/second. So, for simultaneous two-rotor testing, the maximum sample rate is split between the two channels being recorded. In other words, the sample rate for each channel during a two-rotor test would be limited to 120 samples/second (i.e., 240 divided by 2). This rate is adequate for determining consistently-accurate compression measurements in all configurations.

However, if the intent is to use this system for detailed analysis of the compression pulses, the upgraded HS version of the WinDaq software is recommended. Sampling rates up to 14,400 samples/second, total throughput, are supported by the HS version. Compression pulses recorded at such high rates provide very high resolution views of what is happening inside the rotor housing during compression cycles (see high sample rate recording at the bottom of the page). The high sample rate software, WinDaq/HS, is available from RDS at the time of system purchase or at a later date at the same cost. A trial version of the HS software is integrated into the Lite version allowing for up to 40 recordings at high sample rates before the trial license expires. We encourage system users to experiment with the higher sample rates to determine if the higher rates are appropriate for their applications. Details on how to do that are contained in the system user manual.

* High sample rates require upgraded software. See System Software information above and the Purchasing Info page.