VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

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

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Main > RV General Discussion/News
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #31  
Old 08-13-2014, 01:50 PM
Toobuilder's Avatar
Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
Default

When making the decision to cut the LE or go to the wingtip has anyone considered the birdstrike aspect? This is probably getting way down in to the weeds of probability, but we have seen raging discussions around here for less...

I've hit a few birds in my relatively short flying experience, and the last one bounced off the leading edge of the RV-8 just inches from the landing light lens in the wing. I got away with a small dent in the skin, but I imagine that had the creature entered the LL lens then it would have been like a small meat grenade going off inside the wing.

The chances of taking a bird in the LL is very small, admittedly. However, a big hole in the wing covered with plexiglass is a significant reduction in strength for any impact.

Just something to consider before making that first cut.
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.

Michael Robinson
______________
Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 08-13-2014, 04:00 PM
byoung's Avatar
byoung byoung is offline
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Remond WA
Posts: 32
Default No data, but I did make a decision..

I was just assuming that the leading edge landing light was the only way to go until a few months ago when I found these threads on the new wing tip solutions. I like the idea of leaving the leading edge structure intact and the simplicity of using the wing tip cutouts for the landing lights. By the time I get around to needing to install the landing lights, the options and products will be even better. So I went out to the shop and riveted the leading edges together. It feels good to make a decision!
__________________
Bob Young
RV7A
Empennage done
Wings done for now
Forward Fuselage
http://www.mykitlog.com/young6586
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 08-13-2014, 05:04 PM
JohnInReno's Avatar
JohnInReno JohnInReno is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Prescott Valley/Chandler AZ
Posts: 351
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bavafa View Post
The LEDs are simply Trustfire flash lights that has been modified (simply removed the battery holder portion)
What model of Trustfire are you using?
__________________
John Morgensen
RV-9A N946PM 600+ hours since 2013
Nevada/Arizona
Reply With Quote
  #34  
Old 08-13-2014, 05:42 PM
Toobuilder's Avatar
Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnInReno View Post
What model of Trustfire are you using?
This thread details the trustfire flashlights.




Despite some earlier problems with noise when I was running 4 of the smaller, 3 LED versions, I'm now running these bigger units with essentially zero noise.

They are blinding, and seem to be holding up fine. I run them day and night.

Pretty impressive for $50 bucks- I've even "sold" a few other people on them after seeing mine in action.
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.

Michael Robinson
______________
Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
Reply With Quote
  #35  
Old 08-14-2014, 01:13 PM
tsneidin tsneidin is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 118
Default Trustfire modes

Has anyone found a way to disable all the various Trustfire flashlight modes? I'd rather it just come on full brightness when power is applied, otherwise it will not work with my existing wingwag circuit.
__________________
Todd Neidinger
RV-9 Flying
Reply With Quote
  #36  
Old 08-14-2014, 01:57 PM
Toobuilder's Avatar
Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
Default

There are ways to do this, I've heard. However, the lights have a memory - meaning they come back on in the same mode they were last in. There's no need to cycle through the modes to find "ON, high". Concerning the wig wag box- I'd suggest removing it. After flying with these for many hours now, I've found that the strobe and "SOS" functions work just great as a wig wag.

I'm going to convert the -8 from its halogen/wig wag configuration to the Trustfires eventually... I'll not shed a single tear removing an unneeded electronic box from the airplane.
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.

Michael Robinson
______________
Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
Reply With Quote
  #37  
Old 08-14-2014, 03:23 PM
Veetail88's Avatar
Veetail88 Veetail88 is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Hales Corners, WI
Posts: 981
Default

Michael,

I bought one of those flashlights to experiment with but never went any further. One question. How do you know what mode you've clicked into from the cockpit?
__________________
Jesse Bentley
N229Z - RV-8 - Flying - Livin' the dream!
Reply With Quote
  #38  
Old 08-14-2014, 03:34 PM
Toobuilder's Avatar
Toobuilder Toobuilder is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mojave
Posts: 4,652
Default

In my case, I can see the glow from the landing light lenses - even in broad daylight. However, if you can't see this, then a simple fiber optic indicator (like used on NAV light lenses) should work too.
__________________
WARNING! Incorrect design and/or fabrication of aircraft and/or components may result in injury or death. Information presented in this post is based on my own experience - Reader has sole responsibility for determining accuracy or suitability for use.

Michael Robinson
______________
Harmon Rocket II -SDS EFI
RV-8 - SDS CPI
1940 Taylorcraft BL-65
1984 L39C
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 08:40 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.