Message-ID: <37AD1222.D9504ECF@gateway.net>
Date: Sat, 07 Aug 1999 22:14:10 -0700
From: dfs <dfs@gateway.net>
To: Lancair List <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: More new pre-flight item comments
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Comments re: Jerry Grimmonpre's message describing how he plans to use
reed switches (in place of the standard micro-switch) to indicate when
his gear is in the "quiet landing" configuration.

Like a lot of things, sounds good but misses something crucial in the
application.

The micro-switches can be adjusted to actuate, mechanically, within a
few thousandths of the same point every time. Means you can really sense
the relatively small over-center travel of your links when they truly
are locked -- and you won't get a light if they aren't over center.

Unfortunately, the magnetic reed switches can't RELIABLY make that fine
a distinction.

A clear case of getting too fancy. The mechanical, cheap-o device, in
this particular application at least, is far superior to the (slightly)
higher tech one.

Besides, my switches, and attending wires don't move, they're all
attached to the "pork-chop" fitting (don't remember the P/N) with the
actuating roll-pin sticking out of the moveable upper link segment. Even
so, there's nothing wrong those wires flexing a bit, 's one of the
reasons wire is flexible. Put in a small service loop (1 - 2 inches) and
forget it until your next annual.
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