I estimate I lost around 8 knots air speed with the ThermX and prop heat.  This is with a 4 blade prop. I figure the de-ice lets me fly 3 months of the year that I would not normally fly, so 8 knots is not a big penalty for me to pay.  I always try to leave myself an out so if the de-ice fails.

Yesterday while descending through a layer from 5500 ft down to 3000 ft, ATC had me stay in this layer for about 10 minutes.  Ice would build  and the heaters would cycle and the ice would shed in about 2 seconds.  Before the deice install I would have never made this trip.

Having watched the de-ice installation, I believe the install would be a challenge for someone who did not build the plane.

To make room for the dedicated alternator, my batteries were moved to behind the spar.  This did not take up any useable space.

With the engine driven air conditioner, the compressor had to be moved about an inch to make room for the prop heat slip ring.  This meant a new compressor bracket and baffling mod.

My wind screen glycol spray bar is about 10" long and 1/8 in diameter and barely sticks up above the cowling.  I had no room on the firewall (FADEC) for the glycol reservoir so the 48 oz. container and pump went in the baggage compartment.  (not where I wanted it but I had no choice.)  This gives about 60, three second bursts of fluid.  If I need more than that, seeing out the front probably won't be my greatest concern.

Since the last part of December I have had occasion to use the system about 4 times.  One time was for about an hour. (I had an out)

So far I am pleased with the performance of the system and the quality of RDD's work.

Dan Reagan
IVP 500+ hours