SDS CDI vs Pmag

[maniago]

Originally Posted by rv6ejguy

True but more complicated, expensive to manufacture, less reliable in our experience. .

True. The buttons on my kid sisters speak and spell still get the job done......well.... I suppose it does. Havent seen it nor my sister for 40yrs LOL...

[maus92]

Is it absolutely necessary to have the SDS CPI control panel pilot-accessible during normal flight? Could it be remotely mounted (like the forward baggage compartment in an -8?) I would consider buying this system now if the current control head could be remotely mounted (and wait for the smaller head once it is developed.)

[Toobuilder]

Originally Posted by maus92

Is it absolutely necessary to have the SDS CPI control panel pilot-accessible during normal flight? Could it be remotely mounted (like the forward baggage compartment in an -8?) I would consider buying this system now if the current control head could be remotely mounted (and wait for the smaller head once it is developed.)

Absolutely no requirement to access it in flight. You can buy the system, load the curve, and forget about it.

[rv6ejguy]

Originally Posted by maus92

Is it absolutely necessary to have the SDS CPI control panel pilot-accessible during normal flight? Could it be remotely mounted (like the forward baggage compartment in an -8?) I would consider buying this system now if the current control head could be remotely mounted (and wait for the smaller head once it is developed.)

You'll be able to remote mount either the present CPI or new one as many have already done. Once programmed, most people would have no need to access the panel. BTW, we pre-program a base map into each unit for your CR and intended fuel octane despite misinformation posted in some other threads. You don't need to do anything other than verifying your initial timing is correct and running it, just like a P Mag or LS.

We have no plans at this time to offer a remote box with a smaller display head. The integrated design is what most have wanted and it keeps the costs where they need to be. We have other projects to work on immediately after the new CPI is designed, tested and in production.

[maus92]

I've been reviewing the SDS CPI documentation and I've determined that I would need to install a second alternator (or another backup battery) which would essentially equalize the cost between P-Mags and the SDS CPI for a split EI/mag ignition system in my plane. The installation process is a bit more complicated for the CPI, particularly for a existing aircraft, but I will be changing my alternator belt during my CI / MLU period this month, so it's not a huge consideration.

One question that came up is will the magnets on the ring gear negate the prop balance I had done a few months ago by Sensenich? - they mounted the weights on the ring gear.

Has anyone installed the magnets with the ring gear in place?

And I wish that the CPI install manual had a few more photo of the magnet install process.

Is the new CPI2 version going to change the coil pack, or the hall effect sensor? Or maybe the better question is what will be changing?

[johnbright]

Originally Posted by maus92

... Has anyone installed the magnets with the ring gear in place?

And I wish that the CPI install manual had a few more photo of the magnet install process...

When you say ring gear in place do you mean flywheel in place?

In any case, magnets are next to alternator belt. magnet installation instructions

See also CPI aviation supplement

[Toobuilder]

Originally Posted by maus92

...Has anyone installed the magnets with the ring gear in place...

Yep, its doable. The main thing is access to the backside of the ring carrier. If you have a front baffle/plenum that may need to be removed.

[6 Gun]

Looks like most considering the purchase of the CPI are concerned about the size and mounting of control head display.With just a small mod the brain box could be made any size and the display head could be mounted anywhere by using phone jax and phone cord like most ELT's that way control head could be mounted separate anywhere.If WIFF or Bluetooth is not in the picture at this time.
Bob

[rv6ejguy]

We've set the design as a 1 piece unit as we feel this is the best design compromise in keeping costs to plan while having the real estate to include a user interface to program in flight.

If people don't want to allocate any or very small panel space, they can remote mount the present CPI or even the new one. With no interface (keypad) the product becomes the same as the other EIs which also have none and you can take your pick. We've seen a pretty big market from those who want easy adjustability in a low cost, reliable EI and we want to continue to fulfill that niche. We realize we can't be all things to all people.

We've sold a lot of systems for 6 cylinder Lycomings where the competition has made only hollow promises year after year. We'll continue to fill that market which is currently bigger for us than 4 cylinder setups.

[Ralph Inkster]

"maus92 I've determined that I would need to install a second alternator (or another backup battery) which would essentially equalize the cost between P-Mags and the SDS CPI for a split EI/mag ignition system in my plane. The installation process is a bit more complicated for the CPI, particularly for a existing aircraft, but I will be changing my alternator belt during my CI / MLU period this month, so it's not a huge consideration. "

- Your choice, but if the CPI is running redundant to the mag (or vice versa), why go thru all the trouble of redundant alt & battery too? After all the redundant ignition system is there to get you to the next safe airport not across the country. Running CPI just gives you the advantage of a more optimized performance over the (now redundant) mag system.

One question that came up is will the magnets on the ring gear negate the prop balance I had done a few months ago by Sensenich? - they mounted the weights on the ring gear.

- the material drilled out in the three 1/8" magnet holes are refilled with the magnet/plug/epoxi resin so disturbance of the prop dynamic balance should be very minimal. The weights Sensenich mounted on the ring gear shouldn't affect the CPI magnets installation.

Has anyone installed the magnets with the ring gear in place?

-can be done on the plane, but much easier done with the flywheel off the plane, plus gives you access to the front of the case for installation of the crank timing sensor, you will have to trial fit the flywheel over the sensor a couple times to get proper clearances. Overall removing the prop only takes a few minutes, if care is taken to mark it's position on removal, all bolts are kept in the same holes, when re-installed your prop dynamic balance will not have changed, and the overall CPI installation is much easier.

Looks like most considering the purchase of the CPI are concerned about the size and mounting of control head display.With just a small mod the brain box could be made any size and the display head could be mounted anywhere
Bob

-the CPI control head is the brain box & is quite small, & could be mounted anywhere; behind some pop-out cover or component, sub-panel, side of cockpit, or where ever, you could even fashion the harness to make it 'pull out' to have access to it only when you want to make an adjustment.
In a Rocket installation I left the wiring harness about 30" long so the pilot could pull it out & make minute adjustments than tuck it away above his console, held in place with velcro.
In actual operation the CPI only needs a few adjustments on initial installation/setup, after which it just sits there & does it's thing.