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  #1  
Old 09-23-2018, 07:56 PM
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scrollF4 scrollF4 is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flower Mound, TX
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Default Smoke System Switch Placement

I'm installing Marvin's Smoke System Helper setup in my 7A. I'm trying to figure the best place to install the smoke oil pump switch. I was going to use my pinkie switch on the Infinity Grip (push on, push off), but decided against it for human factors reasons.

This leaves me with placing a toggle right between the throttle and prop handle. Before I commit to this, I'd like to hear from you smokers out there: Where did you (or do you wish you had) install(ed) the smoke toggle?
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Sid "Scroll" Mayeux, Col, USAF (ret)
52F NW Regional/Aero Valley Airport, Roanoke TX (home of DR's Van Cave)
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  #2  
Old 09-23-2018, 08:19 PM
SMRacer SMRacer is offline
 
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Location: Leesburg, VA
Posts: 551
Default Smoke switch

I use an on-off switch on my Infinity grip, but I've got a guarded master toggle switch for the smoke system on the right side panel to prevent inadvertent activation from the stick switch.
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  #3  
Old 09-23-2018, 08:32 PM
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vlittle vlittle is offline
 
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Default

I have an OFF-ARM-ON Switch on the panel. In the ARM position, the Infinity grip pinky switch is enabled. Maybe overkill.

http://www.vx-aviation.com/sprocket/...cs-2/SMOKE.pdf
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  #4  
Old 09-23-2018, 10:05 PM
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RV6_flyer RV6_flyer is offline
 
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Location: NC25
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Default

You want the switch so you do not need to move your hands while flying formation.

In my RV-6, the switch is located near my throttle so that I can flip it up for SMOKE ON and down for SMOKE OFF without looking. Switch is easy to check while moving the throttle to maintain formation position.
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  #5  
Old 09-24-2018, 04:26 AM
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ronschreck ronschreck is offline
 
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Location: Gilbert, AZ
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Default

I have the switch on the throttle handle. Don't want to release either the stick or throttle during formation aerobatics.
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  #6  
Old 09-24-2018, 11:10 AM
flyinga flyinga is offline
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Fredericksburg, TX
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Default

I have an "arm" toggle on the panel and use the toggle on the infinity grip. My toggle is spring loaded-off-on. I also have a blue "armed" light on panel and an amber "smoke on" light.
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  #7  
Old 09-24-2018, 11:59 AM
fred mann fred mann is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: sacramento,ca
Posts: 33
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In my -7, the switch is located next to the throttle, like Gary Sobek's, so I can flip it up/down without looking during formation flights.
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  #8  
Old 09-24-2018, 03:56 PM
Christopher Murphy Christopher Murphy is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: colorado
Posts: 873
Default Dont use a push on push off button

Quote:
Originally Posted by ronschreck View Post
I have the switch on the throttle handle. Don't want to release either the stick or throttle during formation aerobatics.
I have an arm switch that powers a relay operated by a small switch on the top of my stick grip. Small red LED light that is on when smoke is on.

I wish I had the switch on the throttle but I can turn smoke on without moving.off the stick or throttle. You DONT want a button. You will get out of cycle and turn if on for off and off for on.

Alot of airshow guys are installing a gravity switch to cut it off if youvhitcthe dirt


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  #9  
Old 09-24-2018, 05:44 PM
Stroh21 Stroh21 is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Clovis, NM
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I installed a guarded master switch and an on-off thumb push button on my throttle. I got both switches on Amazon. PM sent and I?ll text you a photo.

Matt
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  #10  
Old 10-18-2018, 10:10 PM
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scrollF4 scrollF4 is offline
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Default My solution

OK, Y'all ('cause I'm a Texan),
Thanks for all the help. Here's what I did:

I ran power to a 7 amp panel-mounted breaker ('cause I don't do fuses), then to a guarded toggle (smoke system master switch) on the far right end of the panel.
From there, power goes to a simple "Smoke On" toggle mounted directly between the throttle and the prop lever, right at my fingertip with my hand on the throttle where it belongs.

FROM THE "Smoke On" TOGGLE down side, I split the DC output.
- The 16 gauge wire goes to the oil pump, then grounds locally.
- I also ran a 22 gauge wire to a blue placarded panel light labeled "SMOKE ON", grounded locally.

Reasoning: I don't want an accidental bump of the throttle smoke switch to actually pump oil unless I have also activated the system with the across-panel guarded smoke system master switch. I also NEEDED a light telling me if the entire system (smoke master and 'smoke-on' toggle, which activates the pump) is activated. Why? I can't see smoke, smell smoke, or hear the pump or any change in the exhaust note when smoke is running. A half-gallon a minute at >$10/gallon gets expensive fast (coolness factor non-withstanding).

I'll post photos whenever I can get smugmug to finally work in my favor.

Bottom line: I love my smoke system. Many thanks to SMOKEY 1, Marvin Holmsley, at SmokeSystemHelpers.com.

PS: I recommend the check valves.
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Scroll

Sid "Scroll" Mayeux, Col, USAF (ret)
52F NW Regional/Aero Valley Airport, Roanoke TX (home of DR's Van Cave)
"KELLI GIRL" N260KM RV-7A tipper
Catch her on YouTube's "Because I Fly!" channel

Exemption waived.
Proud and grateful 2020 -=VAF=- Contributor
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