Trim Indicator Inop

[Dandlac58]

Dear Vans Airforce Builders,

First, I am not a builder but I do - ecstatically own - a 2004 RV7A. I have incredible respect for those of you who can actually build a totally airworthy complete airplane! Amazing!

My bird has electric trim, it works just fine using the hat on my stick. However, the vertical LED indicator on my panel does not work, although the LED at the top of the indicator is on or lighted. Without the indicator working, it makes it quite difficult to understand where the trim is actually at, especially in preparing for departure (Its easy enough to feel it change the pitch of the aircraft while in flight).

So, my humble ask, is does anyone know what the failure is and how I might remedy it? While I am not a builder, I do have a good A&P and between the two of us, we can hopefully get it repaired.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you may have.

Dan

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Common problem. Replace the indicator.

Most people have new ones sitting on the shelf as they are not needed with the standard EFIS installs. If you can’t find one locally, PM me.

Carl

 

[Dandlac58]

Common problem. Replace the indicator.

Most people have new ones sitting on the shelf as they are not needed with the standard EFIS installs. If you can’t find one locally, PM me.

Carl

Thank you Carl for the quick response... I live in a small town in SE Arizona, so not sure where I might find one? Auto Parts store?
Where do you get them?
Thanks
Dan

 

[Freemasm]

PM me. I’ve got one you can have for postage.

 

[Stevea]

Ray Allen trim indicator

Dan,

Answers to your question in a bit more detail:

Based on the age of your 7A, I am guessing you have a Ray Allen RP3 trim system indicator.
One of these: http://rayallencompany.com/RACmedia/instructionsRP3.pdf
Unfortunately, the RP3 is no available from Ray Allen.

Your options are:
1) put out a call here to beg/borrow/buy an RP3 from someone here on VAF. Lots of folks have replaced their Ray Allen indicator with a glass panel system.....and may still have the old part buried in the hangar somewhere.

2) buy a new RP4 trim indicator from Ray Allen.
http://rayallencompany.com/RACmedia/instructionsRP4.pdf
A quick read of the RP4 doc says it is compatible with the older RP3 type indicator, but the panel cutout will have to be enlarged to fit.

Ray Allen website: http://rayallencompany.com


Not an "auto parts store" solution, but still shouldn't be too hard a problem to solve