VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

- POSTING RULES
- Donate yearly (please).
- Advertise in here!

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics

  #11  
Old 06-25-2012, 04:50 PM
Walt's Avatar
Walt Walt is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
Posts: 5,687
Default

Guess I'm still "old school", give me wires & breakers/fuses anyday and save the $$ for more gas
__________________
Walt Aronow, DFW, TX (52F)

EXP Aircraft Services LLC
Specializing in RV Condition Inspections, Maintenance, Avionics Upgrades
Dynamic Prop Balancing, Pitot-Static Altmeter/Transponder Certification
FAA Certified Repair Station, AP/IA/FCC GROL, EAA Technical Counselor
Authorized Garmin G3X Dealer/Installer
RV7A built 2004, 1700+ hrs, New Titan IO-370, Bendix Mags
Website: ExpAircraft.com, Email: walt@expaircraft.com, Cell: 972-746-5154

Last edited by Walt : 06-25-2012 at 06:22 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 06-25-2012, 04:52 PM
ChiefPilot's Avatar
ChiefPilot ChiefPilot is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1,565
Default

I had a passing interest in Vertical Power when I did my electrical system couple of years ago, but passed in favor of a simpler (and IMHO, more reliable/serviceable) approach suggested in the AeroElectric Connection. I'm glad I went this route for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that VP has abandoned non-EFIS systems as "legacy". I'd be left with a dead-end at this point.

If you haven't read the AeroElectric connection, I'd strongly recommend it. It will give you the knowledge needed to make a sound decision based on your unique requirements.
__________________
Brad Benson, Maplewood MN.
RV-6A N164BL, Flying since Nov 2012!
If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not making anything
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 06-25-2012, 05:38 PM
vlittle's Avatar
vlittle vlittle is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Victoria, Canada
Posts: 2,251
Default

A few years ago, I had many misgivings about Vertical Power's concept. Marc and his team have addressed almost everyone of my objections and I believe that their products are well thought out and engineered.

In the end, however, I went with discrete breakers, relay-controlled loads and custom designed trim and flap controllers. I have a few extra functions that could not be supported by the VPX.

But I have 40+ years of electronics design experience. For the average builder, the VP systems can simplify installation and provide easier debug and maintenance.

So the only significant objection is that 10 years from now, can you get parts and service? 3 years ago that was a big risk. Now, it's less so because VP has a track record.

So... I didn't use them, but I'd recommend them for most builders who have limited experience with electrons. Just remember to always connect your circuits with one gauge heavier wire than you think you need. It's easy to electronically increase a breaker limit beyond the capability of the wire, and you don't want to let any smoke out.
__________________
===========
V e r n. ====
=======
RV-9A complete
Harmon Rocket complete
S-21 wings complete
Victoria, BC (Summer)
Chandler, Az (Winter)
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 06-25-2012, 06:15 PM
bird's Avatar
bird bird is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: lake charles, La.
Posts: 699
Default

Here are a few things to think about when it comes to an electrical system.
First, the traditional way of wiring an airplane, circuit breakers, switches and such are perfectly good, acceptable and reliable. They are a little cheaper too.
Systems like the vpx give you some flexibility for your wiring and is easy to make changes. They have features that are customized for us, like flap disabling above certain speeds, trim setups and faulty alternator protection. With the vpx switches can be of your choice because they only carry signal and not the circuit load. I like the idea of having the circuit load going only from the vpx directly to the load. We use a system similar to this at my work and over the years have found them reliable. Actually we have had zero electronic circuit breaker failure. Study and price out each way and make a decision that is best for your particular mission.

bird
__________________
Bird
rv8 entire airframe at airport now, painting done, intersection and gear upper and lower fairings done, maybe order engine around first of year or before the next rate increase.
"to fly is a privilege that I am so thankful to God for"
http://www.mykitlog.com/tcb328/
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 06-25-2012, 07:49 PM
RV-4 RV-4 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: St-Jerome,Quebec,Canada
Posts: 1,125
Question VPX IN RV-4

Hello everyone

Is there anyone who has installed a VPX in a RV-4 and if yes, where did you mount the box??

I'm running out of space in my -4 and I would love to see pictures of someone's installation..

I have a SKYVIEW in my -4 and sure would like to monitor and simplified my electrical system if I could .

Thanks

Bruno
rv4@videotron.ca
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 06-25-2012, 09:30 PM
Neal@F14's Avatar
Neal@F14 Neal@F14 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Wichita Falls, TX
Posts: 2,182
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walt View Post
Guess I'm still "old school", give me wires & breakers/fuses anyday and save the $$ for more gas
I'm pretty much with Walt on this one. My RV-6 (not built by me) has an EXP Bus system with polyfuses and I don't particularly like it. Someday, it will likely be "upgraded" to normal breakers. Now if I were building a new plane with a megabuck glass panel and a large budget, I'd probably seriously consider the VP gear due to the integration with today's EFIS/EMS systems. But on a simpler aircraft, good old switches/fuses/breakers make too much economic sense to not use them.
__________________
Neal Howard
Airplaneless once again...
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 06-26-2012, 03:45 AM
bignose bignose is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Sao Paulo, Brasil
Posts: 72
Default Why you don't like it ?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Neal@F14 View Post
I'm pretty much with Walt on this one. My RV-6 (not built by me) has an EXP Bus system with polyfuses and I don't particularly like it. Someday, it will likely be "upgraded" to normal breakers. Now if I were building a new plane with a megabuck glass panel and a large budget, I'd probably seriously consider the VP gear due to the integration with today's EFIS/EMS systems. But on a simpler aircraft, good old switches/fuses/breakers make too much economic sense to not use them.
Is there any specific reason you don't like it ?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 06-26-2012, 07:37 AM
Dvalcik's Avatar
Dvalcik Dvalcik is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Ellsworth, ME
Posts: 842
Default vpx

My research had been positive and decided to go with VPX-sport for my EAB rv12. Started installing the VPX last night with the help of my friend Ryan. So far it looks like it will be a clean install.
.
__________________
David
EAA 1250 KPTW
Royersford, PA
david@rv12pilot.com
2020 VAF Supporter


RV12 #568 EAB
* Started 9/30/2011
* 1st flight 8/30/12


http://www.rv12pilot.com
https://www.youtube.com/user/dvalcik
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 06-26-2012, 07:55 AM
Fearless's Avatar
Fearless Fearless is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Crestwood, KY
Posts: 848
Default

I had already decided on a GRT Sport EFIS and had started wiring with fuses and fuseblocks. Although I am on a tight budget I keep debating the VPX-Sport for my VFR plane. I liked the built in support for the trim and flaps and being able to see what my electrical system is doing on the EFIS. The wife okayed the purchase so I rewired the plane for the VPX. I like the situational awareness viewing the electrical system gives me and I haven't even flown yet.

I have a one axis safety trim box for sale if someone needs one. Just PM me.
__________________
Mike
RV-9A Based K6I2
Flying - out of Phase 1
Building RV-12 with brother
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 06-26-2012, 09:14 AM
ColoRv's Avatar
ColoRv ColoRv is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Tampa (BKV)
Posts: 926
Default

Time is money they say. The VP-X costs money but looks like it will save a bunch of time. In a previous life I was in R&D electronics for Chrysler which means only that they haven't made a circuit, wire, breaker or switch that scares me. I would happily wire my plane the old fashioned way with complete confidence that it would work as designed...but I bought a VP-X...because time matters to me. I have precious little of it and I want this plane in the air.

Now if I could only decide where to mount the **** thing.
__________________
RV-8 Flying
1,235th flying RV8
SARL Race#95
SnF Homebuilt Judge

2015 Sun n Fun Kit Built Reserve Grand Champion
2015 Oshkosh Kit Built Champion
2015 Jeffco Kit Built Grand Champion
2014 Oshkosh Outstanding Workmanship Award

Broken Warrior of the Jarhead Clan
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 06:51 AM.


The VAFForums come to you courtesy Delta Romeo, LLC. By viewing and participating in them you agree to build your plane using standardized methods and practices and to fly it safely and in accordance with the laws governing the country you are located in.