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Hi folks,
I recently received the following reply from Dennis Douglas (ddouglas@coastside.net) of Pilar Point Avionics (http://ppavionics.com/) regarding my inquires about their latest controller and fuel management system.
The one neat feature of their system is that the pumps will shut off when the wing tanks go empty, however, it does shut off both pumps rather than shut off only the one that is actually empty. I guess at this point, if one tank has sufficiently more fuel, you'll have to go and switch to the manual mode or timed mode.
I am seriously considering this system and will report on the functionality once it's in operation...
Rick Argente
Hello Dennis,
I read, with great interest, your posting to Susan regarding your new PPAv
Controller. I own a Lancair 360 with a header tank and am one of those
Lancair pilots who seem to always forget to shut the transfer pumps off when
the header tank reaches it's full mark. The smell of fuel usually prompts me
to shut it off!<G>
Here's is my understanding of your system:
Setup: two (2) FL sensors installed in the header tank, new PPAv
Controller
CLARIFICATION: We refer to the controller-compatible devices as "Fuel State
Detectors" or FSDs. This is to keep them logically separated from the Low Fuel
Level Sensor (LFL) which operates a warning light but doesn't "talk" to the
controller..... OK.. now to your questions...
Function: At LOW fuel level, the controller will initiate fuel transfer
automatically
CORRECT.
At FULL fuel level, the controller will turn both pumps
off.
CORRECT.
Sounds like exactly what I need, but I have a few questions:
1. Is there the ability to turn the pumps on and off MANUALLY, and
override the automatic functionality?
YES. The controller retains all of the functionality of our original Smart
Switch!
2. Will the controller turn off the pumps upon a 'NO FUEL' detection in
the wing tanks? (i.e. air detected...).
YES. See. 1., above.
3. If so, will it shut off the pumps independently?
NO. When a HIGH fuel state is detected, the controller shuts off BOTH pumps.
Likewise, when a LOW fuel state is detected, it turns ON BOTH pumps.
4. Also, will it turn the pumps off regardless of the mode selected
(i.e. manual, automatic)?
There is no selection of "manual" or "automatic". It just "is".
5. Is the 'Timed' mode eliminated with this system? (not terribly
important mode though...)
NO.. the timed mode is retained. This is a useful adjunct for some airplanes
for lateral load balancing purposes....
6. Lastly, can you comment on the reliabilty of your system and testing
results, if any...
Well.. we have close to 100 controllers out in the market, and I'd guess that 25
of them are in flying airplanes. (Pure guess; no back-up). We've only had one
return due to a bad board and based on the installation, we suspect the builder
faulted the output FET by applying power to it. We've done limited "testing" to
establish the Empty-Tank Recognition probabilities (very high), and we've tested
the code and the hardware in a variety of modes, including low and high
voltages, high and low temperatures, and so on. We've done "some" but not a lot
"cycle" type shop testing. Our "reliability" claim comes mostly from the
quality of the components and the robustness of the design. Plus, as time goes
on, we are more and more confident because of the continued success of the
installed systems...
I am very excited about your product and would appreciate your feedback
regarding my questions. N360ZR is due for its annual inspection and, if
everything checks out, I would like to install your fuel management system as
soon as available...
The new controller and FSD detectors will be shipping in about 5 weeks. We
would be shipping now, but a week ago, our entire "manufacturing division"
(that's my partner) went on vacation to Europe for 5 weeks.... So we'll have to
wait for his return. We are taking orders now, however...
Sincerely,
Rick Argente
N360ZR
ricargente@cs.com
http://ourworld.cs.com/ricargente
PS Oh yes, if you have a schematic diagram currently available, please send
me a copy, thanks.
I have attached a *jpg of the wiring to the LFL detector. The FSD wiring will
be sort of like this, but different... there are three pins for each FSD that
get connected to the controller.
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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