----- Original Message -----

From: kevin lane

To: Rotary motors in aircraft

Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 10:56 PM

Subject: [FlyRotary] mechanical vs electrical

I suppose this argument simply goes in circles, but a mechanical gauge works when there is no electrical source.  that seems like a big factor to me.  I still remember my Jeff rose electronic ignition [on my O-320] dying while flying over crater lake, OR and that 1920's-era magneto never knew what was happening.  I have a mechanical oil pressure[nylon line] & temp gauge that have 1000+ hrs on them and no problems.  same with my van's fuel gauges [original, electrical non-capacitance resistor style].  but, while I argue of the benefits of independent, non-electrical gauges, I admit that this rotary engine will have an electric fuel pump, so, when the juice quits, I guess it doesn't matter if you don't know why.  what about an electric airspeed indicator?  all those messy tubes and ports and such! ☺   kevin [will readily admit I may simply be dumb and happy]