VansAirForceForums  
Home > VansAirForceForums

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

- Today's Posts | Insert Pics


Go Back   VAF Forums > Avionics / Interiors / Fiberglass > Electrical Systems
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Today's Posts

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #91  
Old 08-20-2013, 05:07 PM
southtarnation's Avatar
southtarnation southtarnation is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Punta Gorda, Fl
Posts: 325
Default

For anyone using a start button, they likely also have switches for the mags ( maybe a few still have keyed mags?) for those people there is a safety issue of accidental start and hot mags. The Vp-x has the starter switch disabled under a certain rpm which is great but if the mags switches are left on, get bumped or are played with, we have a hot prop where we thought we did not. The keypad, or fob are (for me) about making that situation safer. If you are not in that situation you surly would rather not have that feature incorporated.

Additionally, if anyone went the route of a starter switch and toggle/rocker switched mags they may have already made a concerted effort to not have to have a key/fob for whatever reason. Those people will like the keypad. If you are perhaps a little on the techie side you will like the fob.

Im sure the majority just have keys ( and like their steam gauges). I still like the fob. Between what devices would the fob operated switch be?
__________________
Jesse
'89 RV-4, N2626C - purchased flying
Converted to Fastback - Sliding Canopy - Tall Gear
Dynon Skyview w/ acc. & VP-x Sport
Catto 3-Blade (gen. 1)
Based: KPGD

Last edited by southtarnation : 08-20-2013 at 05:10 PM.
  #92  
Old 08-20-2013, 07:05 PM
scard's Avatar
scard scard is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Cedar Park, TX
Posts: 3,156
Default

I can just imagine the trouble ticket calls from the "users"; help, I can't get the airplane to start in this desert SW and I'm going to die!
I manage a team that answers such calls every day that are .00005 such as profound. No way would I implement that. My 2c.
__________________
Scott Card
CQ Headset by Card Machine Works
CMW E-Lift
RV-9A N4822C flying 2200+hrs. / Cedar Park, TX
RV8 Building - fuselage / showplanes canopy (Done!)
  #93  
Old 08-20-2013, 08:28 PM
rocketman1988 rocketman1988 is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Sunman, IN
Posts: 2,189
Default

As we discussed at Oshkosh, put a delay on the key fob so you have to hold it for a couple of seconds. It would prevent accidentally hitting it, like the car key fob panic button that sets the alarm off when it is in your pocket.

I like the form factor of the automobile keyless entry, too. Could you make the keypad such that entering the code and then pressing, say #, would engage the starter? That would eliminate another push button or switch...
__________________
Bob
Aerospace Engineer '88

RV-10
Structure - 90% Done
Cabin Top - Aaarrghhh...
EFII System 32 - Done
297 HP Barrett Hung
ShowPlanes Cowl with Skybolts Fitted - Beautiful
Wiring...

Dues+ Paid 2019,...Thanks DR+
  #94  
Old 08-21-2013, 02:12 AM
BSwayze's Avatar
BSwayze BSwayze is offline
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Molalla, Oregon
Posts: 955
Default

The disadvantage of the keypad is obvious, finding space in the panel. The disadvantages of the key fob have also been pointed out by several here. And both of these options require additional equipment and the possible failure thereof.

How about something like a virtual keypad that shows up on your EFIS screen? Like the ATM machine, where you touch the screen and enter your password. This could all be done with software programming and not even require more equipment. I would like it even more if it's an optional feature that can be turned off when not needed or desired, which may be 99% of the time for many pilots and many flights. Yet, when I'm traveling cross country somewhere and my plane is on a strange ramp overnight or for several days, or if I'm traveling out of the country, for instance, I'd like the added security of being able to turn it on. Your starter circuit is disabled until you fire up the EFIS and enter your own password.

Any thoughts or comments? What do you think?
__________________
Bruce Swayze
RV-7A Standard Build
First flight November 3, 2019!
http://www.BrucesRV7A.com
  #95  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:23 AM
rzbill's Avatar
rzbill rzbill is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Asheville, NC
Posts: 2,692
Default

I'm with Scott and support the completely virtual system (in ones head) that has no existence in reality.
__________________
Bill Pendergrass
ME/AE '82
RV-7A: Flying since April 15, 2012. 850 hrs
YIO-360-M1B, mags, CS, GRT EX and WS H1s & A/P, Navworx
Unpainted, polished....kinda'... Eyeballin' vinyl really hard.
Yeah. The boss got a Silhouette Cameo 4 Xmas 2019.
  #96  
Old 08-21-2013, 07:09 AM
f1rocket's Avatar
f1rocket f1rocket is offline
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Martinsville, IN
Posts: 2,326
Default

There are already devices on the market to lock out your battery while you are away. When I wired my Cobra, I used a Battery Brain device that is activated with a key fob. I didn't install a traditional ignition key, just a start switch and I didn't want a stranger driving off in the car while parked.

The same device would work well in an airplane. Just bolt it in-line from the positive terminal on the battery and you are set to go.

Of course, there are failure scenarios that would need to be considered. I haven't thought that through so I'm not recommending you go out and do this, just saying that there are devices out there already that provide this capability.
__________________
Randy Pflanzer
Greenwood, IN

www.pflanzer-aviation.com
Paid through 2043!
Lund fishing Boat, 2017, GONE FISHING
RV-12 - Completed 2014, Sold
427 Shelby Cobra - Completed 2012, Sold
F1 EVO - partially completed, Sold
F1 Rocket - Completed 2005, Sold
RV-7A - Partially completed, Sold
RV-6 - Completed 2000, Sold
Long-EZ - Completed 1987, Sold

  #97  
Old 08-21-2013, 09:47 AM
Mike S's Avatar
Mike S Mike S is offline
Senior Curmudgeon
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
Default No thanks.

Ah, the lure of electronic wizardry

Cost, weight, complexity, additional failure points, difficulty in troubleshooting problems..........

Give me a simple old key switch.
__________________
Mike Starkey
VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.

"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."
  #98  
Old 08-21-2013, 10:36 AM
OLDSAM OLDSAM is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tucker GA
Posts: 190
Default

An idea I have been toying with for the mag grounds on my 7, if I ever get to that stage before senility sets in, is 2 rows of 3 or 4 unmarked (After the DAR inspection) toggle switches wired in such a way that all have to be in the correct position to open the ground connection, with me of course being the only one knowing the correct sequence. With 3 switches per mag, there are 8 possible combinations per mag, 16 possible per mag with 4 switches, plus the thief would have to know that ungrounding the mags is the purpose of those switches to begin with. Like I said, however, advancing senility would make it difficult to operate the aircraft, which is perhaps not a bad thing.

This probably would be difficult to implement on a marketed device such as the VP units, but maybe a variation on the theme with a row of buttons that have to be pressed in the proper sequence would be workable, but then we are back at the equivalent of the keypad anyway.
__________________
OldSam
RV7A, Empennage, Wings & Tanks complete
Fuse under way
  #99  
Old 08-21-2013, 04:45 PM
bweiss's Avatar
bweiss bweiss is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 155
Default

Marc,
Great ideas. I am in favor of the keypad. I do not like the idea of losing the fob. By the way, I have been using the VPX pro system on my new plane and absolutely love it. Keep developing new products.

Bernie
N579DB -RV9
  #100  
Old 08-21-2013, 06:58 PM
Peter Autenried Peter Autenried is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Vermillion, SD / USA
Posts: 3
Default PPS to replace Ground Plate?

. . . . and just how can the Primary Power System replace the need for a ground plate?
Closed Thread



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 05:55 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.