Knighty

Buy a new old model vehicle Yes ultralights, I hear you. I even mentioned to the wife I will buy an old carby job car for her and have it converted to gas. You should have heard what she called me! We all want the latest and greatest but when they fail to proceed BURN EM WHERE THEY BREAKDOWN or just walk away because my army ammo box full of socket sets and you name it aint worth the weight I carry in it at the end of the day with the high tech stuff. I might look into another distributor from the wreckers and swap it over, if it still does the same its not the crank angle sensor, maybe something more sinister. Knighty

Hi Guys The wifes V6 Mitsubishi triton(G672 engine) is on the bloody blink again, I am going to bash it if it keeps on playing up like this. Yes I know its got nothing to do with planes however all the time I am fixing it I am taken away from my aviation so it sort of fits the criteria:laugh:. 1: replaced crank angle sensor and computer control unit 4 years ago. 2: replaced crank angle sensor shortly after the warranty run out following year. 3: replaced another crank angle sensor January 07 after the warranty run out on the last one, mind you these were expensive units and not cheap aftermarket crap according to my auto electrician whom I trust. 4: Triton has been towed to the auto electrician again however it was still going this time but in limp home mode (2000 rpm and thats it). The sparky put a timing light on it only to find she is firing 23*BTDC and he seems to think it could be another crank angle sensor problem. I wish I could swear on this forum because I have a faily good Repertoire of names I would like to call it and blow off steam. Gone are the days of fixing a cars electrical problems with a pair of long nose pliers!!! I dont know how the small business mechanic survives in the industry without going into high tech computerised analysis machines. The engine in my plane is another high tech device with computers, sensors and the like all for performance and economy, lets hope its more reliable than the bitsaremissing! Looking forward to hearing back from you high tech jockeys and dont mention to buy another vehicle, Im going to run the mongrel into the ground after spending the money I have lately on it with other repairs. Cheers Knighty

Subject: The Rake...... http://www.smwa.net/downloads/funny/rake_bush4.swf Pretty funny Knighty

Ballistic Chute Incidences like this one brings me back down to earth and makes me think of my young family and weighing up "will I fly or not" as I got into aviation well before marriage and kids. For the sake of another 5-6 grand which is bloody cheap insurance; I wonder if a chute could have made the difference here? A bit hard to say but I would lay odds on it someone would have seen it deployed and maybe the lifeguard could have been a little closer to aid assistance at the time of impact? We will never know. I am really thinking hard about my choice to fly and having a $60,000 aircraft sitting in its hanger just below my house. I dont think there is an easy answer to anything that we freely chose to do with our lives or the destiny that awaits us all! Who's got that darn crystal ball? TERRY, I could not have said it better myself! Knighty

Hi Curandero 2 weeks is nearly up, all of us are patiently waiting for your report. Cheers Knighty

Ag Planes at Narromine When I was learning (still am) how to fly and JUST became solo I backtracked 04 right up to the piano keys on 22 and when I spun around into the wind this darn crop duster was coming straight at me without warning. The pilot would have thought this to be a huge joke to see the whites of a student pilots eyes and especially flying a rag and bones machine, my heart was in my throat. Lots of wot ifs to be considered here however it was not my day nor his thank goodness! Knighty

Mate they tell me that the Bingg carby doesn't have a choke but an enricher. Do you know exactly how they work? Do you know of any websites detailinging Bing carbs? The Rotax manual doesnt show much. Yes you are right about the enricher circuit, I have seen the breakdown on how the carb works but have looked through my books and cant find the info anywhere. I have however a breakdown of the carb parts in my California Power systems book, I can scan the pages for you and email them if you like? Give me a pm with your details and I will email you the pages if thats any good. Cheers Knighty

Hi Hatrack Dont know about being a guru but have a rough idea how things work in the big picture of things! 1: Choke will ONLY work when the throttle is closed because of the carbs design. A simple priming trick without taking anything apart is to lightly blow a small mouthful of air into the clear tube that comes from from each side of the carb (Atmosphere Equalisation). Doing this fuel transfers directly into their throat. My 582 loved this on a cold winters day and it fired up after one revolution, you dont need to spend a cent on priming gear or taking spark plugs out or air cleaners off. 2: Fuel bowl level is measured when the carby is full of fuel as per normal running. Take off your bottom bowl and measure the fuel from the top, this should be between 1/2 inch to 9/16 inch mark from the top. As for the dead spot I have never experienced any of this on the Bings and numerous motors I have worked on. When you experience the the dead spot I would suggest to shut the motor down immediately and check that fuel bowl level. It sound like to me your motor is BOGGING DOWN. You may need to replace the needle (cant think of the proper name, its 4 in the morning and I cant sleep, bugger) as it has a soft synthetic end on it and if its not closing off when the floats are telling it to then excess fuel and a high fuel bowl level would be the result and flooding would shortly follow until the system is clear. This sounds pretty much what you have explained yeh? Also another point that needs to be made is the carby design only requires a low fuel pressure, if you have a secondary electric fuel pump this may cause a few problems. Give me a post back when you have looked over things. Also I must add your little 2 stroke relies on good fuel management for performance and reliability. Ive always run my motors according to the EGT's, if you havent an EGT BUY ONE as it can save you $$$ not to mention that safety factor etc. Cheers Knighty

Rough end of the pineapple Its got me buggered why my misus makes me mix the lawn mower fuel for her, Ive shown her 1000 times how to do it and she still insists!!! How rude and unkind, I dont know why she just does'nt insert the broom up my kahoona and I can sweep the floor as I go. Knighty

THE LAST ONE IS AN ABSOLUTE CLASSIC!! Customer: "I've been ringing 0800 2100 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?". Operator: "Where did you get that number from, sir?". Customer: "It was on the door to the Travel Centre". Operator: "Sir, they are our opening hours". ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Samsung Electronics Caller: "Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?" Operator: "I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about". Caller: "On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?" Operator: "I think you mean the telephone point on the wall". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- RAC Motoring Services Caller: "Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia ?" Operator: " Doesn't the product name give you a clue?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ): "If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Directory Enquiries Caller: "I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please". Operator: "I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?" Caller: "Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven. Operator: "Woven? Are you sure?" Caller: "Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator: "I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tech Support: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop". Customer: "OK". Tech Support: "Did you get a pop-up menu?". Customer: "No". Tech Support: "OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?" Customer: "No". Tech Support: "OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?". Customer: "Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'". ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Tech Support: "OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?" Customer: "Wow. How can you see my screen from there?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Caller: "I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?". ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- There's always one. This has got to be one of the funniest things in a long time. I think this guy should have been promoted, not fired. This is a true story from the Word Perfect Helpline, which was transcribed from a recording monitoring the customer care department. Needless to say the Help Desk employee was fired; however, he/she is currently suing the Word Perfect organization for "Termination without Cause". Actual dialogue of a former WordPerfect Customer Support employee. (Now I know why they record these conversations!): Operator: "Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?" Caller: "Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect." Operator: "What sort of trouble??" Caller: "Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away." Operator: "Went away?" Caller: "They disappeared." Operator: "Hmm So what does your screen look like now?" Caller: "Nothing." Operator: "Nothing??" Caller: "It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type." Operator: "Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??" Caller: "How do I tell?" Operator: "Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??" Caller: "What's a sea-prompt?" Operator: "Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?" Caller: "There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type." Operator: "Does your monitor have a power indicator??" Caller: "What's a monitor?" Operator: "It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??" Caller: "I don't know." Operator: "Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??" Caller: "Yes, I think so." Operator: "Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall. Caller: "Yes, it is." Operator: "When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??" Caller: "No." Operator: "Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable." Caller: "Okay, here it is." Operator: "Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer." Caller: "I can't reach." Operator: "Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??" Caller: "No." Operator: "Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??" Caller: "Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark." Operator: "Dark??" Caller: "Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window. " Operator: "Well, turn on the office light then." Caller: "I can't." Operator: "No? Why not??" Caller: "Because there's a power failure." Operator: "A power......... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now. Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??" Caller: "Well, yes, I keep them in the closet." Operator: "Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from." Caller: "Really? Is it that bad?" Operator: "Yes, I'm afraid it is." Caller: "Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??" Operator: "Tell them you're too f---ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!"

Teflon Yes I remember that experiment. I think they were testing Nulon oil additive at that time, says a lot about the product. Teflon has good lubricant properties (not to be used in wet clutch applications, limited slip diffs etc) however I am not sure what it does to the human body once ingested via our 'you beaut' non stick pots and pans. There has been tests that teflon has been found in liver tissue however the results are still pending on the adverse effects as far as I know. A bit off the subject but still interesting! Knighty

Other concerns and issues Hi Guys I am not doubting the claimed HP of this little beast because I have seen some dyno tables and results however the tests did not conclude how long the engine could deliver the total HP before going BANG!!! I am not promoting an engine manufacturer here but I have sighted the Sub4 people in NZ who are remanufacturing the Subaru engine and undergo some full on tests where the motor/psru is under full load for hours at a time and verified by a recognised authority. It would be good to see how long the engine could run before something failed? I am also not sure how a certified aircraft engine is put through its paces however I am sure they would go through some heavy duty testing in regards to running max throttle, max heat, max lean burn etc, someone on the forum might like to enlighten us all. As for propeller speed reduction units (PSRU) and propellers they would have to be some serious mean mothers of equal size and proportion to the claimed horsepower. I've personally gone down this path and believe me you can really chase your tail here, get roped in by a lightweight alloy motor of considerable power versus weight then bolt on the extras to harness the ponies and so the story starts to unfold and $$$. My experience dictates that once you go over the 120HP mark the redrives and props start to get very expensive and heavy, you start to run out of options on brands/makes of popular parts used for common aircraft also you have to think about extra cooling (duel radiators or custom built aluminium $1000 units, and modifications to cowls) etc etc. If only life was just that simple to bolt in an engine and away we go, lots to think about in this subject and huge considerations need to be made. Knighty

Also in addition to my last post a fellow by the name of Clauss Grimm in Qld makes an alternative regulator/rectifier for Jabiru and Rotax, he has sorted out power spikes and electrical noise generated by the stator. FANTASTIC invention and has worked well in my plane for 350 hours without a problem. You should look at http://www.powermate.com.au/prod03why%20powermate.htm Cheers Knighty

I hear you Ross! Thats why I welded the LPG bottle with the valve open and filled to the welded nipple with water. Too many people just go ahead with a good idea without really thinking about the 'what if's' and other common sense stuff that keeps us home DIY's in action and safe within reason. Rule of thumb, if you are going to weld ANY vessel that had a combustible hydrocarbon in it I.E. any oils vegetable or otherwise, fuels including diesel etc etc FILL THE BUGGER WITH WATER after giving it a good rinse. Metals can be porous so one must take away any risk factors before attempting to go any further, by the way the water eliminates the expansion of combustable gasses ONLY, its not there to put out the fire. Knighty

I had the same problem with the Icom A 200 in my Quicksilver, NEW COAX, NEW BNC's and NEW GROUND (6mm) wires starting from the battery along the frame right up to the motor. I wish this forum was about when I was working on my radios, would have saved a lot of colourful words coming from the workshop and hanger!!! Good luck Knighty PS, I tried the squelch on the trimpot but that was not the problem, the radio is tested and set at the factory so it should be right or one would assume anyhow.

One thing that hasnt been mentioned about redrives available for the EA81 and bolt straight on without any mods is the Autolight unit made in NZ (Sub4 uses this drive). This unit cost me $3500 about 3 years ago and comes with an inspected/tested second hand starter to keep costs down to a min. It is supplied as far as I know with 2 ratios roughly 1.8:1 & 2.21:1, this unit is fairly heavy in comparison to toothed belts BUT can handle 160hp for 2000 hours before TBO. I had to choose this geared PSRU over a toothed belt as my engine developes too many hp's as the belt PSRU manufacturers suggest no more than 120hp max and many props on the market have the 120hp max as well. Just do your homework and ask a lot of questions and you should come out on top! Knighty

Hi Chris Just a suggestion without outlaying huge dollars for a compressor that will only be used now and again. Out of date LPG bottles are purchased reasonably cheap and those 90 litre bottles (providing they are still in good order!!! 120psi/8bar is enough to take someones head off if you are using inferior/damaged/rusted/fatigued vessels) are ideal for storage of compressed air for the operation of airtools/painting etc if your compessor is an el cheapo direct drive unit made in China, mine is and no troubles at present after 5 years of use. All you need to do is weld a nipple onto the EVACUATED & FILLED WITH WATER gas bottle and fit your air connections/hoses to it and link it directly to the existing tank supplied with the compressor. The bottles are reasonably thin but thick enough if your good with a stick/mig/oxy welder, if not get another person to do the welding for you!!! Ive done this and the system might take 15-20mins to charge but once its there I can use the racket/rattle guns, die grinders, spray painting equipment etc fairly continuously for my applications. This is certainly not OH&S approved by workcover but as a farm boy living in the bush it works fine. Use lots of common sense and think about the 'what ifs' and you should be fine matey! Cheers Knighty

Diversional therapy Hi guys My wife continually threw up or felt sick when flying with me on the SMOOOOOTH days, but the rough thermally ones she was fine, I am sure it was the fear factor and the white knuckle experience while hanging onto the framework thinking that this was going to stop the plane falling apart in mid air. The more time a person has to feel/think about being sick the worse they become, I got the wife involved in flying the plane and helping out with being the co-pilot and this worked great. I gave her the choice one day as I remember many years ago either help out or bail out or suffer the consequences of having a pair of vice grips from my tool box hanging from her ear lobe just tight enough to hurt and take away that sick feeling. Yes I was joking at the time about the vice grips and bailing out but one would try just about anything at that point in time where death sounds to be the better option. I myself suffer chronic sea sickness when out on a rocky boat fishing or trying to don my scuba gear for a dive and would happily throw myself in shark infested waters to end the sickness!!! A mate of mine always filled my shopping bags with his chunda no matter what type of day it was however loved the experience of flight and said it was all worth it. I offered to take him up to Natfly about 5 years ago so he filled himself (as per directions) up on those over the pharmacy counter type meds 'travacalm?' some 24 hours prior and this was the first time I have ever seen him not feel sick and actually 100% enjoyed himself. So just to recap on my thoughts: 1; try and get the pax involved with the control over the flight, a little pressure is sometimes a good thing "cruel to be kind" 2; have some chunda bags handy, 3; drugs drugs and more drugs prior to the flight BUT in accordance with the manufactures directions and read the fine print and precautions on other health conditions like high blood pressure/other medications used etc etc. I have tried those accu-pressure type alternative treatments and herbal remedies but found them ineffective I am sorry to say. I hope I may have helped someone out with my experiences within the rhelms of avoidable air sickness. Knighty

Found my FREE solution Hi Mudjeep I've downloaded the free DVD Decrypter program and it works perfectly for the discs Shrink will not read. What I do is download the DVD onto the hard drive in 'C' then let Shrink do its thing to compress the movie so I can put it onto a 4.7gig blank. Bit of double handling but it works every time. Most bought movies are always 6-7gigs so I still need a compression program, if your friend is using Nero then it must have some sort of a compression within it's program??? I am not real familiar with Nero as I always use Roxio so I cant really comment. Happy ripping and burning (sounds like something the Grim Reaper would say!) Knighty

Thanks for the info lads, I have been given a program to trial by a mate, if this fails I will look further into the advice given on this thread. Much appreciated! Knighty

Good work newairly I bet it was a big culture shock flying the drifter in comparison to a slippery glider, I bet you like that angle of approach on short final!!!!! Anyhow mate great news and enjoy the Tyro. Knighty

True and Sad How True, I see it all the time in my line of work "many kids get bashed", cruel for the children and the worse thing of all; 9 times out of 10 they follow in their parents footsteps so the cycle continues! Attempting to break that cycle is what I am all about. Knighty

skimming stones and planes An old flying mate told me that a certain ag pilot would do this to him every time he would take his boys out fishing at one of our local dams. Could you imagine the face slap if he got things tangled at 80 knots? I think the old ag pilot has somewhat quietened down now, self preservation has finally kicked in! You have to admire the courage (or stupidity), dont try this at home kids. Knighty

In addition to my last post Have a squiz at this demo, I also have an instructional DVD supplied with my kit if anyone is interested. Knighty

Welding with Dillon Mk III / Henrob 2000 Hi I've purchased this Oxy welder especially for my Aeropup and swear by the quality of the equipment and welding capabilities when joining chrome molly or mild, it was advertised in the RAAus mag and come with a kit price tag of $1000 or near abouts quite a few years ago. The manufacturer claims it uses less gas than the conventional oxy handpieces and trust me on this THEY ARE RIGHT! The flame can be adjusted to a fine pin point however still not within a good tigs capabilities unfortunately. For an example I welded a 2" extension on my aluminium belly tank fuel intake but had no choice but to tig a small 10mm OD vent tube to the neck, I tried welding this with the Henrob but could not control the heat no where near as good as a $5000 tig unit. By the time I got the 2" tube aluminium hot enough for the filler rod the small vent tube was starting to melt down. I dont think I would put a great deal of faith in mig welding aircraft, I have seen too many great looking welds fall apart due to the lack of penetration or lack of surface preparation. Also I remember reading somewhere that a certain aviation body will not allow mig welding RE airframes, only tig or oxy can be used??? Someone from SAAA, LAME, CAR35 etc might be able to clarify this one which I am sure they will. Catchya Knighty