VP-200 is dead

[C-FAH Q]

I believe it's to much faith being put into one box. We did a rewire of one that failed. When it did fail, it took out the radio and transponder with it. The re wire was the cheap part after getting the radio and transponder fixed. But, build the plane you want, not the plane others want you to build. It's tame reasoning I used when I installed an AFS 3500 and back up altimeter, turn coordinator and airspeed indicator, when it failed inflight, I could happily fly home without it. Electronics fail, that's what they do.

[dmaib]

Originally Posted by SMO

You guys are focusing on only one of many many features of the VP-200. There is a reason why those of us with this device are loathe to give it up - you get a lot more than simple circuit protection:

1. Alarm trip points for under-voltage (with and without engine running)
2. Alternator - support for dual, internally or externally regulated (including B&C SD-8)
3. Annunciator light circuits (for master warning)
4. Auto Boost (turns on boost pump if fuel pressure drops)
5. Auto-pilot disconnect warning (senses when autopilot turns off)
6. Aux battery voltage display
7. Battery contactor failure alarm
8. Canopy lock/unlock using remote control (uses standard remote logic)
9. Canopy seal inflation/deflation system for Lancair (w/annunciator)
10. Checklists, display automatically on Mode change
11. Codes required to start engine and to enter setup menus (replaces need for key)
12. Co-pilot trim and flap switches disabled using soft keys
13. Electrical system and status graphical display, including real time current draw for overall system and per circuit
14. Endurance bus circuitry (backup power)
15. Endurance bus failure alarm
16. Engine and Flight timer
17. Engine data logging
18. Engine gauges configurable based on Mode
19. Engine gauges with visual and audio alerts for exceedences
20. Engine leaning functions
21. Engine RPM drop during mag check process displayed
22. Engine run-up bug on RPM gauge displayed at correct time
23. Flap actuation user-configurable (intermediate settings)
24. Flap and trim position display
25. Flap control with electronic motor braking
26. Flap over-speed warning (user configurable)
27. Flap switch disabled above specified airspeed
28. Fuel tank level display
29. Landing gear circuit can be disabled while on ground
30. Landing gear up audio & visual warning on landing
31. Landing gear up, down, and in-transition indicators
32. Landing light pulse (wig-wag) tied to aircraft speed
33. Listing of status (on, off, fault) of each electrical device
34. Mag switch with audio and visual alarms for incorrect position during start, takeoff, cruise, landing and shutdown
35. Manual switching of electrical devices
36. Master switch, with timed automatic shut off in Pre-Flight Mode and Post-Flight Mode
37. Mode determination (pre-flight, before start, start, after start, taxi, run-up, take off, cruise, maneuver, landing) with automatic and manual sequencing
38. Mode-based automatic device switching (on/off)
39. One +12v regulated power output circuit (3A capacity)
40. Over-current protection for each circuit (fully configurable)
41. Over-voltage alerts, protection and automatic shut-off of alternator(s)
42. Remote control with four user-configurable buttons (encrypted)
43. Solid-state short circuit protection
44. Starter switch based on soft key
45. Status indicators for GPS and engine data inputs
46. Switch inputs - user-configurable remote (for flap, trim switches)
47. Switches ? 3 manual with LED status indication
48. Taxi and landing light soft start
49. Trim control with runaway trim protection & backup trim switches
50. Trim motor output +12v regulated
51. Trim motor variable speed to reduce trim sensitivity above specified speed
52. Under-voltage alarm
53. User definable annunciators triggered by discrete inputs (door, canopy, etc)
54. User re-settable circuit protection
55. User-activated Emergency processes and checklists
56. VMC and IMC user-configurable load-shedding
57. VMC/IMC switch controls devices on/off

I certainly don't use them all (landing gear up - what is that for? ) but I sure use a lot of them.

I could not have said it better myself! I hate the thought of giving mine up when the inevitable happens. I won't have a problem re-wiring, but I will sure miss this system.

[LifeofReiley]

Heck... someone clone the thing. Or there has to be someone out there who can fab replacement parts I bet.

[Brantel]

Originally Posted by C-FAH Q

When it did fail, it took out the radio and transponder with it. The re wire was the cheap part after getting the radio and transponder fixed.

Just curious to find out more about this situation. What failed inside the VP-200 that caused a cascade failure of the radio and xponder?

[C-FAH Q]

Originally Posted by Brantel

Just curious to find out more about this situation. What failed inside the VP-200 that caused a cascade failure of the radio and xponder?

I have no idea, wasn't worth the time to try and figure it out. It was toasted.

[vluvelin]

Originally Posted by C-FAH Q

I have no idea, wasn't worth the time to try and figure it out. It was toasted.

would gladly take a shot at it

[Brantel]

Originally Posted by C-FAH Q

I have no idea, wasn't worth the time to try and figure it out. It was toasted.

I was just curious what killed what since there should be nothing inside the VP-200 capable of damaging a radio or an xponder.

[Mich48041]

What failed inside the VP-200 that caused a cascade failure of the radio and xponder?

Too high voltage or reversed polarity can damage avionics. The VP-200 can not do either, or can it? Modern radios even have built in protection against disconnected or shorted antennas.

[MCA]

Originally Posted by Mich48041

Too high voltage or reversed polarity can damage avionics. The VP-200 can not do either, or can it? Modern radios even have built in protection against disconnected or shorted antennas.

Please be assured there is nothing in the VP-200 or any VP product that can damage external avionics. Over voltage and reverse polarity conditions are external to the VP (or any circuit breaker/fuse for that matter).

[johngoodman]

Folks, there seems to be a misconception that I lost some radios. As far as I can tell, the radios still work - I just can't turn them on. I can't make the VP-200 do anything. I can't even start the engine.
I'm working with a few individuals who might be able to find a repair, or possibly a replacement. I'll make posts as the situation develops, but I'm dead in the water, for now.

John