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I just received this e-mail from Pillar Point Avionics describing an updated product which has increased functionality. I enclose it here in its entirety. This new product seems to fill the bill for LNC2 builders. I am not endorsing this product (not that my endorsement is particularly valuable, in any event) but merely passing it on for everyone here on the list to share. You can bet I'll visit their booth at Oshkosh, though, to see it in person!
- Rob Wolf
In a message dated 4/11/00 1:23:39 AM EST, ddouglas@coastside.net writes:
<< Susan.... You might pass to Rob that he has based his opinion on an older
version of the PPAv controller. The current version of the controller--which
we will be shipping in about one month or so--provides EXACTLY the kind of
control he would like. Two FL sensors can be put into the nose (or header)
tank and connected to the controller. Of the two I/O pins on the new
controller, one of them will "start" the transfer pumps when it detects "no
fuel" and the other will "stop" the pumps when it detects "fuel".
With regard to Rob's interpretation about the controller modes and the apparent
lack of feedback to the user, he is incorrect in that interpretation. The user
selects one of two transfer modes: automatic or timed. In the automatic mode
(imagine your main tank to have less fuel now than the capacity of your header
tank) the pump transfers fuel until "air" is detected, then stops the pump.
While the transfer is underway, it is signalled by a steady green light on
whichever switch/pump was selected (or both). If the user holds the start
switch down for more than one second, a timed transfer occurs for five
minutes--unless a end-of-fuel condition is detected in which case it turns
off. During the timed mode, the pilot is informed of this via a flashing green
light. (The timed transfer has particular utility for lateral shifts of the
c.g. to help correct a heavy wing, for example....) The pilot can turn off the
pumps by pressing the switch(es). All of these modes are still available to
the pilot when the FL sensors are used. The FL detectors will, however,
provide their inputs to the controller and the pumps will be started or stopped
as determined by the fuel level condition....
The website is currently undergoing some change to accommodate the new products
we'll be offerring soon. I think the Lancair community will like what we have
to offer.
Thanks for the info!
Regards,
Dennis Douglas
Pillar Point Avionics, Inc.
mailto:ddouglas@ppavionics.com >>
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Date: Mon, 10 Apr 2000 23:05:54 -0700
From: Dennis Douglas <ddouglas@coastside.net>
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To: Catherine Smith <catheran@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fuel Management
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Susan.... You might pass to Rob that he has based his opinion on an older
version of the PPAv controller. The current version of the controller--which
we will be shipping in about one month or so--provides EXACTLY the kind of
control he would like. Two FL sensors can be put into the nose (or header)
tank and connected to the controller. Of the two I/O pins on the new
controller, one of them will "start" the transfer pumps when it detects "no
fuel" and the other will "stop" the pumps when it detects "fuel".
With regard to Rob's interpretation about the controller modes and the apparent
lack of feedback to the user, he is incorrect in that interpretation. The user
selects one of two transfer modes: automatic or timed. In the automatic mode
(imagine your main tank to have less fuel now than the capacity of your header
tank) the pump transfers fuel until "air" is detected, then stops the pump.
While the transfer is underway, it is signalled by a steady green light on
whichever switch/pump was selected (or both). If the user holds the start
switch down for more than one second, a timed transfer occurs for five
minutes--unless a end-of-fuel condition is detected in which case it turns
off. During the timed mode, the pilot is informed of this via a flashing green
light. (The timed transfer has particular utility for lateral shifts of the
c.g. to help correct a heavy wing, for example....) The pilot can turn off the
pumps by pressing the switch(es). All of these modes are still available to
the pilot when the FL sensors are used. The FL detectors will, however,
provide their inputs to the controller and the pumps will be started or stopped
as determined by the fuel level condition....
The website is currently undergoing some change to accommodate the new products
we'll be offerring soon. I think the Lancair community will like what we have
to offer.
Thanks for the info!
Regards,
Dennis Douglas
Pillar Point Avionics, Inc.
mailto:ddouglas@ppavionics.com
By th
Catherine Smith wrote:
Dennis:
For your information.
Susan
>From: RWolf99@aol.com
>To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
>Subject: Re: Fuel Management
>Date: Sun, 9 Apr 2000 19:14:26 EDT
>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> >>
>I looked up Pillar Point's web site, and they have a "Smart Switch"
>designed
>for the Facet fuel pumps. You hit the switch to turn on the pump, and it
>monitors the current. When that changes, it means the tank is empty and it
>turns the pump off. While it sounds like a good idea, it has limited
>utility
>for the LNC2 with header tank, since the wing tanks are bigger than the
>header tank.
>
>The above part is fact. The following part is interpretation, which may be
>incorrect. I lost interest in the device after discovering the above, so I
>didn't pay too much attention to the rest, which follows here.
>
>I was confused by the multi-fuctionality of the switch, which seems to have
>several modes (depending on how long you hold down the pushbutton) with no
>feedback as to which mode it's in. I thought that was a bad thing.
>
>Having said all that, it seems like a neat device for those with auxiliary
>tanks that are smaller than the main tank. Check it out for yourself and
>see. And if I'm wrong about my interpretation of how the thing works,
>don't
>be bashful. Please let me know.
>
>- Rob Wolf
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
>Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair
>
>Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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