ozzietriker

Hi all,

I'm trying to solve a rather interesting radio problem on my friend's microlight.

Radio Transmissions & receptions on the ground while taxiing are fine (as verified by radio checks and traffic hearing me ok 15 miles away on ground), but once airborne - transmissions are still fine however receptions become very weak as if the volume was turned down all of a sudden? I verified with one other pilot on the ground then after that he heard me loud & clear on ground and in the air at all times.

He has a Vertex VXA-220 radio interfaced with raptor box intercom and antenna mounted on top of kingpost (similar set up to my trike, I have the VXA-150 - which works perfect). I have replace the antenna coax with good quality single strand core RG58, routed the coax well away from power/ignition cables, crimped new BNC & SMA connectors and still no joy :(

Can anyone please help us? :(

Dennis

thanks Trevor - I'll keep in touch!

cheers

Dennis

Thanks Andy & Nev for your advice, I totally understand where you are coming from and I agree with you both. Fitting those caps would have been a big trap, i'll get the non resisitive type. Can't believe Wade Air sold me that type of cap without asking.

thanks again for your help Gents

tailwings always

Dennis :thumb_up:

Hi Nev,

yes exactly - i'm concerned of the fact that a resistor is incorporated in the cap.

This concept is used for EMI suppression in motor vehicles, difference being here - the spark produced by the ignition units on a 582 is very weak hence why the spark plug gap is set to only 0.48mm instead of 0.7mm like most other engines.

So not sure whether if this resistor incorporated in the plug cap will affect performance, any ideas?

thanks in advance

Thanks Gents, as I mentioned before that I have only been using the solid post spark plugs.

I have never ever used the screw top plugs and getting back to my original question: can I use these black 5K Ohm suppressed plug caps LB05EP pic attached above which were supplied by Wade Air on my 582? will there be any ill effects to engine performance?

cheers

Hi Alf,

i've always used the solid tip spark plugs only mate, it's an assumption of mine too that they know what they are selling. Just wondering whether if anyone has these fitted on their donk.

cheers

Dennis

Gday Chaps,

Two of my spark plug caps wobble slightly when sitting on the spark plug head and have no doubt worn out (expected as my engine & trike is over 10 years old).

Thought that I might as well replace all of them at the same time so I ordered 4 from Wade Air and was surprised they are different to the reddish/orange ones that I have fitted. These are black 5K Ohm suppressed plug caps LB05EP (pic attached) out of curiosity does anyone have these fitted on their Rotax 582? and will it be safe to fit these plug caps instead? will there be any ill effects to my engine performance?

thanks in advance

Dennis

it's very sad day indeed, my thoughts are with their families.

use premium unleaded on 582cc, total of 432hrs - it's cheaper to use good fuel than replace your engine sooner

check six :thumb_up:

Yes I agree - take the damn thing off, it's not worth the trouble or risk. There will be no warning when the system fails. It only takes a small amount to block one of those injectors.

I have been pre-mixing my fuel for 7 years and my 582 still runs like a swiss clock, it's one less thing that can go wrong champ

Dennis

Hi Guys - thanks so much for your valuable input. I have now got myself two new visors for my helmets from the UK.

thanks again & regards :thumb_up:

Thanks Mark! i've just found out they still make those visors for my helmet and i'm about to place an order with them.

i'll be definitely keeping his webpage handy - thanks again guys!!

thanks John! i'll check it out also :)

cheers:thumb_up:

Thanks John, i'll give them both a try :)

cheers:thumb_up:

Dennis

Dear Trikers,

I am looking for replacement visors for both of my helmets as they are a little too scratched up. I used to buy them from Aerial Persuits but apparently they are no longer available. I've attached 2 pictures (it fits to the helmet via three 'press studs')

Any advice, i'd be greatful :)

regards.......dennis

Hi Gents, I can confirm that the blue top 582cc motor came into use around mid 1999 as my 582 grey top was the last one to be fitted by the trike manufacturer (airborne) in April 1999

cheers

Dennis

Hi Guys, some very interesting information indeed. My 582cc is a grey top and almost has 400hrs on it and running still like a swiss clock(touch wood).

This subject has raised much interest as I wonder whether if the 300 hrs TBO comes from Rotax covering their backside or whether if they want extra business.

Looking at the Airborne Engine Maintenance Schedule it actually states 400hrs TBO and even then, it is not a mandatory TBO but I quote "recommended overhaul or replacement".

From day one - I only use Castrol Active 2T oil (premixed - no oil injection) my insructor said to never use anything else and only used premium unleaded fuel.

Also warm your engine up sufficiently, water temp up to 60'C before take off and run your motor at least for 5 mins on the ground each week if you don't fly often.

I recently checked my bearing clearances, front cyl meas 0.02mm play and rear cyl 0.01mm play. Not bad for a motor that's done 400 hrs, I believe if you follow the regular general servicings then there's no reason not to get at least 500hrs out of your 582cc - touch wood :thumb_up:

Just priced up a new 582cc from Floodies $6300 + GST included are the carbys, ignitions and exhaust. Gearbox is an extra $2100 + GST. I don't know how long a gearbox is good for though, can I just plonk it on the next new motor? there is no maintenance policy on the gear reduction drive that I can find apart from the oil change.

chers

Dennis:thumb_up:

just priced up a new 582cc blue top motor from Bert Floods - $6300 + GST this comes with carbys, exhaust & ignition units. Gearbox is extra $2100 + GST

Hi Dieselten, thanks & much appreciated - some excellent info/advice of yours. It seems that I am headed in the right direction with my care to the engine as you suggested although I have a grey top 582 not the blue top as you mentioned.

I only use Castrol Active2T oil from day one and only premium unleaded fuel. I also fly about 100-120 hrs a year and run the motor for 10mins each weekend as a minimum if weather is bad for flying so this hopefully should place me in good stead (touch wood).

I warm it up initially at 2500rpm for the 1st minute then bring revs up to 3000rpm until water temp reaches 60'C before heading for heaven.

I recently checked my bearings, front cyl meas 0.02mm play and rear cyl meas 0.01mm which is amazing for a motor that's done almost 400hrs.

I've observed though occasionally a seal is leaking at the bottom of the crankcase toward the front of the motor below the stator/pull start unit but it's very intermittent at this stage.

cheers

Dennis:thumb_up:

Hi again Gents,

The 582cc (fitted to my trike) has just ticked over 400 hrs now, I've had it since new for 7 years. Bearing clearances still 0.02mm (both cylinders) both carbys pulled down and checked, cylinder walls and piston heads checked with borescope - everything is as clean as a whistle. motor still runs like a swiss clock (knock on wood) since day one and all of this resulted from only using Active 2T oil and premium unleaded fuel ONLY - all for 7 years.

My suggestion from this experience to anyone is NOT TO USE ANYTHING ELSE as my instructor put it.

regards

Dennis:thumb_up:

Hi Gents, been flying my trike with a 582cc fitted for 7 years and only used Castrol Active 2T oil (formerly called Super TT). I was told by my instructor not to use anything else.:thumb_up:

thanks Brent, i'll give them a call. I'm with the HGFA so i'll have to check if they have the same leniency as the RAA.

cheers

Hi Folks, I have a quick question regarding when do you overhaul your engine. I have a Rotax 582 fitted to my Airborne Trike and I have done approx 370 hours on it.

By taking a look at the Rotax engine maintenance schedule, it states 300 hrs for TBO, whereas in the Airborne maintenance schedule it states 400 hrs for TBO.

After speaking with some people from the trike/ultralight community, the general concensus seems to be - run them up to 500 hrs and then call it a day.

I would appreciate any helpful comments & opinions that you may have experienced.

Thanks in advance and Happy New Year to you all.

tailwinds always!:thumb_up:

Dennis

Hi Gents I agree, however you all recieved a letter from the HGFA back in March 2004 (softcopy attached below) whereby we were instructed by the HGFA to comply with the rest of the other aviation disciplines in Australia and take the same security measures. Yes it may sound excessive however I am not wealthy enough to be kindly donating $5500 to the Aussie Government if the inspectors are in town and I don't have a lock on my aircraft. I have mine fitted at all times even when inside a hangar. Anti theft devices come in 3 different forms, nose wheel locks, throtle locks & propellor locks. I lock my prop to the gearbox also as suggested by the HGFA.

cheers

Dennis

New Security Regulations - Aviation Transport Security Act 2004

Owners of all powered aircraft are now required by law to take reasonable measures to deter the theft of their aircraft when they are unattended and assembled for flight. The areas of the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 (the Act) and its supporting regulations which concern all powered aircraft (including sports aircraft) are those about the requirement to take reasonable measures to deter theft. This requirement applies when the aircraft is unattended and capable of flight. This measure could comprise locking it in a hangar (or garage, or shed) or fitting a locking device (bought or home-engineered). Pilots of ultra/microlight aircraft may use a length of thin steel cable (plastic-wrapped) around the controls and secured with a padlock. The standards for these cables and locks must comply with Australian Standard: AS 4145.4-2002 Locksets - Padlocks, with the highest grade practicable for the locking device chosen. Locking systems can cost as little as approximately $60. More information can be found at [http://www.dotars.gov.au/transsec/atsa/resources/Aircraft_Locking_Devices.doc]. You should also look at the relevant CASA AWB which is at [http://www.casa.gov.au/airworth/awb/02/008.htm].

this is totally unacceptable! people need to be held accountable for ridiculous negligence acts like this. The penalty for not fitting an approved anti theft device to an aircraft (GA, RAA & HGFA) is $5500 thumb_down