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-   -   Custom/non-standard throttle quadrants? (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=164258)

rmartingt 09-17-2018 05:32 AM

Custom/non-standard throttle quadrants?
 
I?m currently planning on a center console-mounted throttle quadrant (the console is partly to hide extra wiring, plumbing, and EFI fuel pump etc.). But using EFI, I have no need for a mixture lever. I just need throttle and prop.

Is there anyone out there that makes appropriate quadrants to order, without a mixture lever and preferably with a blank face plate?

OkieDave 09-17-2018 06:08 AM

Could you just use a two-lever (fixed-pitch) quadrant and repaint the mixture lever? Might be easier, and almost certainly cheaper, than a custom quadrant.

Carl Froehlich 09-17-2018 06:13 AM

While I do not advocate center console quadrants, you could use the extra control for your oil cooler air butterfly valve. I did that on my first RV-8A and it come in very handy when I back fitted a CS prop.

Carl

BrianDC 09-17-2018 06:47 AM

I'm still at least 2 years off, but have also been wondering the same.

I was thinking there may be an easy way to just remove the mixture lever off the throttle quadrant and maybe I would make a fiberglass plug for the mixture slot? (I don't like the idea of using a mixture knob for some other function so I don't develop a weird muscle memory if I fly a different setup and pull the mixture accidentally)

The idea of using a 2 lever quadrant (fixed pitch) and trying to change the knob / modify the label also sounds like a possibility. Maybe this will become more of a thing as more people start using EFII systems?

mciaglia 09-17-2018 07:08 AM

Aerosport Products produces a two lever throttle quadrant. Mine will be arriving Thursday and will post some pics

fixnflyguy 09-17-2018 07:42 AM

Make your own..
 
When I built my -4, I didn't like the market available quadrants and wanted a slim 2 lever that would hide in my side panel. I made my own from some scrap aluminum and used 1/4" phenolic sheet I cut for the friction plates. Mine has worked perfectly and I made my knobs from round tubing filled with epoxy that screw onto the levers. The key is getting the lever geometry correct for the cable travel.

rmartingt 09-17-2018 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Froehlich (Post 1289068)
While I do not advocate center console quadrants, you could use the extra control for your oil cooler air butterfly valve. I did that on my first RV-8A and it come in very handy when I back fitted a CS prop.

Carl

I did think about repurposing the mixture on a 3-lever for a cowl flap or oil cooler. Still considering that. I'd still like a plate that isn't labeled, though.

The only other airplane I'd be flying would likely be Dad's 6, and that has push-pull knobs on the panel.


Quote:

Originally Posted by fixnflyguy (Post 1289095)
When I built my -4, I didn't like the market available quadrants and wanted a slim 2 lever that would hide in my side panel. I made my own from some scrap aluminum and used 1/4" phenolic sheet I cut for the friction plates. Mine has worked perfectly and I made my knobs from round tubing filled with epoxy that screw onto the levers. The key is getting the lever geometry correct for the cable travel.

I considered that as an option, too, but I have a feeling it may cost more in time and materials by the end of an iteration or three...

RV7A Flyer 09-17-2018 09:47 AM

I forget who makes the throttle quadrants that Van's and ACS sells, but why not just call them and have them change the knob on a 2-lever quadrant?

They're easy to disassemble and reassemble yourself, as well, if you want to swap out a lever or knob. There's not much to them...

Ironflight 09-17-2018 11:48 AM

Give DJM a call - Dayton makes the Deluxe throttle quadrant that ACS and Van’s sells, and can probblay come up with a solution for you.

Paul


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