[Dennis]

Dennis on December 12, 2024 at 1:17 pm #22910

Steve:
Thanks, but I think the FARs specifically allow the 3-inch N-numbers when repainting. Here’s the regulation without all of the confusing babble.

A small U.S.-registered aircraft built at least 30 years ago may be operated without displaying marks in accordance with §§ 45.21 and 45.23 through 45.33 if:
It displays in accordance with § 45.21(c) (contrasting color, not ornamental, etc) marks at least 2 inches high on each side of the fuselage or vertical tail surface consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” followed by the U.S. registration number of the aircraft.

I have an inquiry in with the local FSDO, but no response, yet. It seems quite clear to me that 3-inch is OK, on 30+ year-old certified aircraft.

VFRs,

[Dennis]

Dennis on September 1, 2020 at 6:10 am #20163

The small diodes in the Annunciator Panel have very little to do with whether the individual lamps light or not when appropriate. Those diodes primarily support the TEST function in that they allow power to the lamp for testing of the lamp itself, not the entire system.

The diode that controls the lighting of the ALT lamp in normal operation is a very large diode that is located under the rear seat. Look for connection problems there.

Also, note that the lamp for the ALT indicator is a low voltage lamp. It is not the same as the OIL or VAC lamp. The actual voltage rating of the ALT lamp depends on the voltage of your ship’s battery. Check your parts manual for the proper lamp.

VFRs,

[Dennis]

Dennis on May 26, 2015 at 6:59 am #17751

An update to my RANGR 978XVR installation. Initially I was experiencing a lot of irritations with my system. Eventually, I changed my Android device from a cell phone to a NEXUS 7. That made a world of difference. The limited memory and processor speed seemed to be the source of my problems. I’m using the 32GB / 2nd Gen version and it’s been perfect since.

The only squawk remaining is that occasionally ATC will complain that I’m showing on their radar as two targets, separated by a small distance. On occasion, they will ask me to suppress my ADS-B Out. This problem seems to be an FAA problem in the handling/resolution of the two signals they’re feeding into the ground stations. I suspect this problem will be resolved, eventually. I also get a “ghost” image of my own ADS-B OUT transmission in various areas of the country.

It is amazing how much more traffic is out there, that I never saw or knew was there before. The weather is extremely accurate and helpful. Especially for this VFR-only guy.

I’m running the FF ADS-B with Wi-Fi to AVARE on my NEXUS 7.

[Dennis]

Dennis on March 2, 2015 at 7:26 am #17648

Scott and others that may be interested:

Here’s a few pictures of the winch that I modified, and the remote controls that I used to make it wireless.

First, these are the remote controls that I used. I bought them at an after-Christmas closeout for $10 for the pair.

These remotes could also be used, and are readily available at many retail sources.

This is the winch modified with two additional power cords, extended stainless cable, and a spring “soft-stop.”

The winch retains the original pendant control, so I have both wired and wireless control of the winch. The original power cord powers the winch and pendant. The two additional power cords power the “IN” and “OUT” power to the winch, through the wireless remote controls. You could do all of this with a single power cord and relays, but there was no way in enclose the needed relays within the existing terminal box of the winch. The “soft stop” spring was added when it was found that the extra length of cable increased the cable speed enough that it overstressed the original “auto-stop” feature of the winch. There’s a few wiring changes required within the terminal box to complete the conversion, but it’s all well within the skill set of most handymen or handywomen. When complete the winch plays out or winds in the cable at a very comfortable rate. The redundant stop features eliminate the concern that a pilot could lose control and winch the plane into damaging situation. I’m not posting the wiring changes here as that’s an entire article in itself.

VFRs, without TFRs,
Dennis

[Dennis]

Dennis on February 27, 2015 at 6:25 am #17640

I’m using a Harbor Freight winch that I heavily modified. It has a much longer stainless steel cable now, and I’ve wired in a pair of those wireless Christmas light controllers ($10-20 at Home Depot). For a total cost of $130 it has been flawless.
VFRs, without TFRs,
Dennis

[Dennis]

Dennis on February 23, 2015 at 6:48 am #17630

My primer line was replaced with simple 1/8″ copper tubing from ACE Hardware. The original was not stainless.
VFRs,
Dennis

[Dennis]

Dennis on February 23, 2015 at 6:39 am #17629

Looks like I’m the only one with the RANGR 978XVR installed. It was installed in December, but I’m still working out the bugs. When it’s working, it’s quite nice. But I’m having some kind of problems getting the IN data to my Android device. FreeFlight has been working with me continously to resolve the problems, but so far it’s sporadic at best.
One might wonder why I bothered having the system installed. I’m a VFR-only guy, but since I fly a lot at night I really wanted good weather “FIS-B” information.
I’d like to hear from anyone else that has the RANGR system and is using the WiFi to their iPad or Android.
VFRs,
Dennis

I just noticed that on this site you can’t put FIS-B in parenthesis without getting an unwanted emoticon, as in (FIS-B).