January 20, 2025
Note: Please see my Version 3.2 post for the current design: Link System Description: I decided to build a system that could be remotely controlled via cellular connected monitoring system that would allow me to pre-heat my engine from home and for a self contained engine dehydration system that can also be monitored from my phone. Basically there are three…
January 20, 2025
I went through six different methods to heat the silica beads when they needed to be recharged. They all failed to reach to 60°C (140°F) temperature needed to recharge the beads, even though each method on paper looked promising – well the fish tank heater was too hot and would shutdown due to overheating so technically it was hot enough.…
January 19, 2025
Reviewing the parts included in the AntiSplatAero kit I realized that the kit was not developed for the RV-10 and that for all installations, a few extra parts would be necessary. I’m all for a challenge and took this head on. The biggest issue to resolve was the placement of the one-way valve bracket with the Vetterman exhaust system –…
November 19, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintains a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
November 18, 2024
The Utah Back Country Pilots Association (UBCP) maintain a list of back country airstrips. Since I frequently fly over a lot of rugged terrain in Utah, I really wanted to have these airstrips shown on my display in case of engine failure. For members they offer a great set of ForeFlight Waypoints for these airstrips, unfortunately this did not help…
October 20, 2024
I picked up McMurdo Smartfind S20 units before leaving for Mexico in 2016. The batteries in these units have a seven year life span which meant they expired in 2023, but I decided to disassembled one and checked the voltage. The battery pack had s lithium manganese dioxide (li-mno2) battery which is good for applications with long-life requirements. Reviewing datasheets…
August 9, 2024
The coconut grapevine told us about a local villager who offered a hike up to the volcano on Tanna island here in Vanuatu. In our case, SV Beluga had heard from Alex on SV Blue Beryl who heard it from????. The normal experience is to hop in a pick-up truck for a sketchy drive up to watch the sunset at…
June 26, 2024
The back right cylinders on Lycoming engines are always the hottest on Van’s RV planes. I’ve not had any major issues (with CHT temperatures) on cylinder 5 until recently. Departing Las Vegas at 6:45am in 90+ degree temperatures it took a lot of playing with my climb rate and oil cooler dampener to keep the CHTs in line, and even…
May 29, 2024
After a number of questions on VansAirforce.net about my rudder trim system, I decided it was to for a post to help others who may be interested in a similar system. I wanted a system that would move the entire rudder and could be adjusted via a switch on the panel. Originally I purchased the Aerosport Products Rudder trim but…
May 29, 2024
Each Condition inspection I have battled the reinstallation of the Matco brakes. The issue is that there is almost no room to get the inside brake pad lined up and start the bolt. I’ve spent upwards of 40 minutes getting one bolt started, frustrating and a total waste of time. I’m embarrassed it took me this long but I finally…
May 21, 2024
While looking around for a breakdown of what KTM legend Chris Birch carries for tools, I found a video he published back in 2020. This is a list generated from that video with links to the manufacturer specific items.
September 19, 2023
For instructions on Programming and Resetting of Hunter Douglas Duette with PowerView (legacy) visit: Link The Hunter Douglas Duette with PowerView (legacy) limits are detected: Up limit is detected by the increase in current draw when the shade reaches the top Down limit is detected by the mechanical stop (causing an increase in current draw) 1. Slide off the side…