Smooth Power, LLC has been recently named Master Distributor for the lower 48 states for the Electroair electronic ignition systems which serves both certified and experimental aircraft. Smooth Power has been a successful distributor since mid-2015. Through aggressive product stocking, heavy air and type show attendance, and lots of miles traveled, Smooth Power has positioned itself as the number one Electroair distributor in the country.
Smooth Power is owned and operated by Darrell and Rhonda Pool. This team has worked together in the aviation industry for more than sixteen years with their previous company in the propeller overhaul and repair business. That business has been sold and continues to operate very well today. In order to make the transition from propellers to engine performance, a great deal of knowledge needed to be learned at a very rapid pace. The lead engineer and owner at Electroair, Mike Kobylik, worked extensively with Smooth Power to build their knowledge base. Smooth Power not only distributes the products but they also help with installation plans and training, as well as the occasional trouble shooting.
Here’s how the Electroair systems work: Whether you have an experimental or certified aircraft the system is basically the same. One magneto is replaced with a Magneto Timing Housing (MTH) which provides crankshaft position and RPM information. On some applications, the RPM and crankshaft position information will be supplied by a Crankshaft Trigger Wheel (CTW) in which case the removed magneto will be replaced with a cover plate. The controller, the brains of the system, is installed on the cool side of the firewall and receives this information. The controller in turn uses this information to instruct the inductive coil (typically mounted on the firewall) to fire the appropriate spark plug. The controller gives this order twice per cycle, initially on the compression stroke and then again on the exhaust or waste stroke. This is known as a waste spark system and serves to burn any residual fuel thus completely cleaning out the cylinder and reducing deposits. Once the aircraft is at altitude, and operating below 24″ of manifold pressure, the Manifold Absolute Pressure Sensor (MAP) lets the controller know it’s time to start advancing the timing. This allows the engine to perform more efficiently, with less fuel, while also producing more power. This is a true, highly tuned, electronic ignition system and it is now FAA/PMA approved for most certified and experimental installations.
Electroair Benefits
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Smoother engine operation
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Longer spark plug life typical
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DO -160E tested and certified
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Ignition timing automatically adjusts with altitude
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Reduces maintenance costs
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10-15% gain in fuel efficiency
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Reduces spark plug fouling
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Improves high altitude performance
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More horsepower
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Comprehensive technical support
Electroair offers both experimental and certified systems for most four and six cylinder Lycoming and Continental engines. Electroair’s systems are FAA/PMA certified for most single and twin applications. Additional applications are continually being added. Many more new projects are currently underway, including a system to replace the single drive dual magneto which has been given an FAA project number and they expect to have product on their shelves by mid-year 2019.
To find out more about Smooth Power and Electroair products, visit our website at www.smoothpowerllc.com
