I just checked out both systems and that's exactly what I was thinking.
Eagle looks more engineered, probably 20-30% more $ too. It appears to be a lot of purpose built or re-purposed parts. It looks like it's probably harder to install, more boxes need to find places to be mounted and it requires a extra battery, which is IMHO a wise thing to not be optional.
EFII appears to be a carefully selected set of automotive/racing components. That can be a great thing, if they are chosen well.
The only worthwhile comparison would be a 4yr side-by-side. And I'd love to hear from anyone who's installed either. Also horror stories from mfg would be nice to hear too (within limits)
They both say "call for quote" Do you know what they cost for a O-320? Even a rough estimate?
Thanks!
This is the project page that became the EFII right?
Is there an experimenal fadec out there that folks like/use? I'm not looking for single lever as much as engine management for optimal efficiency and performance and lifetime.
Thoughts?
please no holy wars
After discussing this with some Beech folk the other night in Dallas, I offer the alternate view.
You already have a perfectly good FADEC, one that will last you your entire flying career and you can transport it from plane to plane?..in fact you have to!
All it needs is some proper programming and a good set of data inputs, which if they play up the FADEC can manage with thorough understanding.
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In the OP's first post- "please no holy wars". This isn't a thread about manual controls vs. FADECS, he's trying to collect information on FADECs. Let's try to remain on topic here if possible.
In the OP's first post- "please no holy wars". This isn't a thread about manual controls vs. FADECS, he's trying to collect information on FADECs. Let's try to remain on topic here if possible.
It’s my understanding that Ross (SDS) supplies the ECUs and programmers for the EFII system. Apparently there was a past agreement between SDS and EFII that SDS would not sell to the aircraft market, but this agreement was obviously rescinded by SDS sometime after EFII became successful in the market. That being said, Ross is still supplying ECUs to EFII as well as his own solution, so EFII and SDS appear to me to be in a state of coopetition which is beneficial for both of them as well as for the market.
The Eagle EMS is easy to install. You use the same wiring for ignition as you would for mags. The throttle body is the same as the SilverHawk, just sensors in it so no change to airbox. All the components are built to be installed on the engine side of the firewall.
I had the system added when I had Aerosport build my engine. It cost me @ $1,500 more than dual electronics & FI or @ $2,000 more than dual slicks/FI.
Well worth it to me and it performs great!
...
The Eagle EMS is a blend of modern electronic control with aviation mechanical injection. EFII?s electronic port injection system is similar to a modern automobile fuel system design.
EFII has the capability to adjust timing and mixture in-flight; Eagle EMS does not. The EFII system is more adaptable to auto fuel. The EFII system has a typical pressurized fuel rail design and thus requires a fuel return system whereas the Eagle EMS system does not require this. The EFII system is more customizable and, if desired, can flow lots of fuel for high-performance (racing) applications.
The Eagle EMS system utilizes the typical mechanical fuel pump plus an electronic boost pump; the EFII system uses redundant electronic fuel pumps (Walbro).
...
For technical purposes it is worth noting that none of these systems are true FADEC systems.
I have one particular requirement I'd like to know customers input on...
After initial setup and config I don't want any panel devices, even a dial. I just want to sit back fat dumb and happy with the 2-axis AP on and the engine clicking away the miles into the sunset playing music and enjoying the view.
It seems pretty obvious to me that you need a slightly rich setting on take-off and a lean setting for cruise... From customer input, is that practical to config for all OATs, altitudes, rain, ice...?
btw... all the mfg I've asked say it can work that way. But I don't entirely believe them.
I have one particular requirement I'd like to know customers input on...
After initial setup and config I don't want any panel devices, even a dial. I just want to sit back fat dumb and happy with the 2-axis AP on and the engine clicking away the miles into the sunset playing music and enjoying the view.
It seems pretty obvious to me that you need a slightly rich setting on take-off and a lean setting for cruise... From customer input, is that practical to config for all OATs, altitudes, rain, ice...?
btw... all the mfg I've asked say it can work that way. But I don't entirely believe them.
This is for Ross at SDS
Couldn't find the company email link.
Do you have a long term plan on software continuation in case your software guru/partner can no longer provide support?
Any plans to advance your technology incrementally to a true FADEC?
Very impressive product. I plan on installing when I get to that stage.
Thanks Much
Pete
The SDS hardware and software is still being updated and and improved constantly as we act on more customer feedback.
Any chance you're considering making a smaller CPI module, possibly dual channel so you can have all the functionality of having two independent CPI's in one smaller package?
I have very limited space on my panel. Do you have any examples of flip down or stowaway type designs customers have used in RV-8, 4's or Rockets?