AOG in Florida--Need an assist
 

Folks the Display Unit for my Vertical Power VP-200 has died, at least partially. If I cycle the power I can see the very very faint VP-200 startup logo and the startup systems check annunciations (they are so faint as to be illegible but I know what they are) but then a blank screen with the Soft Key label boxes barely visible but the labels themselves are illegible. The DU seems to still be controlling power pins and the control unit and the switch panel all seem to be functioning fine although it's impossible know 100% for sure without a full-up display.

Does anyone have a Display unit I could borrow/rent/buy, at least to get me home? I'll be here at Pompano Beach until July 1st and across the state over in Fort Myers until July 9th (so I'd like to get it fixed by then) I'll pay for overnight shipping. Email me at tsts4us AT gmail dot com or text/call me 703-595-5453.

Thanks!

Todd---Jesse Saint might have something--
Tom

I've checked with Jesse and no dice. Another builder thinks the most likely culprit based upon my description is a failed backlight. He also thinks he can fix it if I can find the parts. So I'm going to open it up tomorrow and see if I can determine it or the LCD screen part numbers and see what I can do. I'm also working on a wiring plan to bypass the VP 200 for what I need to safely get the plane back home.

Text sent.

i cant help with parts, but if you need tools or a hanger for the day to work on it at fort myers let me know.

bob burns
RV-4 N82RB

Epilogue.....
 

We're back in business thanks to Mark Olson. Not only did he graciously ship me his backup screen and provided me with instructions to assist me in exporting my config file, he's extending me the loan of his DU through Oshkosh if I can't get mine repaired in time. I can't thank him enough!!!!! Also I'd like to thank all of those who responded to my call for help via text, email and online offering tools, workspace, and advice--the RV family is second to none!!!!

This is a beautiful sight:

Glad you were able to find help. As much as I Love my VP-200 this exact scenario you went through is my worry as well. I was trying to find a spare DU and CU in case one of it fails but it seems nobody offers any.
I know at least one friend in Switzerland who could provide help by sending his unit to me in case I am away from home somewhere in Europe.
The main issue is what to do then.

I'd be really interested to learn how you repair it what was the issue which part number and are these parts still available.
Did the issue develop or just appear?

Regards
Mike

Mike,
It just appeared. I was on an approach after a multi-leg cross-country when the screen just went blank (or appeared to -- more on that in a minute). I'd never had so much as a flicker on that screen until it just died out of the blue. At first I thought the dimmer had malfunctioned or the unit had overheated, but further trouble shooting revealed that except for the screen, the DU was still functioning fine. So based upon discussions with a few builders the most likely culprits are the LCD backlight or the power inverter. Using a flashlight I could just make out what the screen was displaying (partly through experience and partly by having the manual and having a screen-shot of what the screen should be displaying in a given mode).

Note: make sure you keep a thumb drive with the system software and the config settings file on the plane!! The applies to any avionics that you can save and import/export settings. It's also a good idea to have electronic copies of ALL your aircraft system manuals with you too. I had my laptop and had everything but the dang config file. Had I not been able to export my config file (as painful as that was with a barely readable screen) it would have worse having to manually reconfigure the replacement DU as that would have taken hours sitting out on a hot Florida ramp.

I have shipped my DU off for what I hope will be a full repair and will post the results, good or bad, and all of the details once I know them.

Just curious: What would be the backup plan to bypass the VP? I guess I've been leery of VP for potential scenarios just like this. If there is a way to bypass the VP could a contingency be engineered in as part of the install?

This is a VERY good idea, something I will do from now on. :cool: