ARP Carburetor Ice Detector

[David Paule]

I've got one of these devices (Spruce sells them) in my Cessna, and like it so much that I bought one for my RV-3B, too. I regard it as essential if you're flying a carburetor. I've mentioned that before from time to time. It tells me when there's ice. Other devices don't do that.

The documents that come with it are very limited, so I tested it today. Here is what I learned, using a 13V battery as a power source.

The device uses up to 0.33 amps.

The bright warning light has 11.80V across its leads.

This suggests that I can remove the warning light and run its output into the Dynon Skyview EMS. My RV-3B has a tiny panel and that saves some space there.

Incidentally, from the Cessna, I've learned that if the airplane voltage drops, the warning light comes on, too. It's actually a combination low voltage warning and carburetor ice warning system. While that sounds like a potential problem, in reality, it isn't. Merely pulling on carb heat will clear out the ice and restore normal indication.

Dave