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  #11  
Old 02-18-2016, 06:15 AM
David-aviator David-aviator is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chesterfield, Missouri
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrispratt View Post
When I built my -8, I spent a lot of time figuring out how to design and mount a flap sensor mechanism. I used the Ray Allen sensor and some RC mounting hardware. It works fine after 10 years. But after all that work, I flew the airplane and realized it's easier to look over your shoulder and visually check the position. I've yet to ever reference the flap indicator on my panel. So give it some thought as to whether it's worth the effort. (The RV-14 might have a different sight line, but I doubt it's that much different.)

Chris
My feelings exactly Chris.
It is so intuitive to be looking around outside and a quick glance at the flap fits right in. I have markers at 10-20-40.
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  #12  
Old 02-18-2016, 01:01 PM
WingsOnWheels WingsOnWheels is offline
 
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Location: Plano, TX
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Here is the easiest way to go for flap position. A good old string pot. Except rather than $200-300 for a fancy industrial one, here is a pre-made kit version for $40.

http://www.andymark.com/product-p/am-2674.htm
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  #13  
Old 02-18-2016, 09:16 PM
vgb vgb is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: northern Cal
Posts: 111
Default Flap position

I'm interested in a flap position indicator also.
The last biannual I took the instructor was upset because I looked to see were the flaps were. First time he had ever been in a RV. I noticed other RVers check visually also.
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  #14  
Old 02-18-2016, 09:18 PM
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airguy airguy is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Garden City, Tx
Posts: 5,145
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vgb View Post
I'm interested in a flap position indicator also.
The last biannual I took the instructor was upset because I looked to see were the flaps were. First time he had ever been in a RV. I noticed other RVers check visually also.
What indicator would he prefer versus a visual confirmation? This is ridiculous, that instructor would have been fired on the spot if it had been me. Maybe I'm just too old and cranky and don't put up with stupidity though...

Sorry - drifting off topic - visual confirmation is plenty good for me, I haven't found the need for an indicator yet. I can look at the wing just as fast as I can look at the indicator, and the wing is already installed.
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Built an off-plan RV9A with too much fuel and too much HP. Should drop dead any minute now.

Last edited by airguy : 02-18-2016 at 09:24 PM.
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  #15  
Old 02-19-2016, 06:30 AM
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Walt Walt is offline
 
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Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
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The only time the visual indicator (looking out the window) doesn't work so good is at night.
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  #16  
Old 02-22-2016, 04:00 AM
RFazio RFazio is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 409
Default I agree with Walt

The first time I flew at night I looked out the side to see the flaps and couldn't beleive that I could not see the flaps at all. Another reason for flap indicator for me, is that I've hooked it into my dynon. Now my girl yells at me if I over speed or forget the flaps. I like have that.
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  #17  
Old 02-22-2016, 10:03 AM
RViter RViter is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Mesa, AZ
Posts: 242
Default VP-X Flap Position integration with EFIS

Quote:
Originally Posted by f14av8r View Post
I think looking at the flaps is pretty easy too but the Vertical Power system has some pretty cool functions if you provide it with a position sensor input. I've ordered the Vans RV-14 kit and am going to install it on my -4 in a few weeks. We'll see . . .
Had to fight with conflicting documentation and two vendors to resolve the issues but I chose the VP-X Flap Positioning (control) but integrated with the Sky View EFIS for position display using a screen widget.

Once solved any solution is a good one. The VP-X/EFIS installation was quite uncomplicated (in hindsight). Nothing in a flap positioning system precludes painting 'witness marks' on the flaps and visually confirming the action (in daylight). Whether using Ray Allen POS-12, Colin's string potentiometer recommendation, or the button magnet, the objective is the same, to consistently move the flaps to a known position for aeronautical benefit. The rest is icing on the cake.
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