Light Aircraft Association

There are some polarised electrolytic capacitors in the design but they do not generally cause any problems. It is the main non-polarised capacitor that is used as the primary charge store for the spark that causes the problem. I suspect that they are adversely affected by a combination of heat and ...

After experiencing a number of Rotax 912 SMD ignition module failures I am curious how many module failures others have had. If you are a Rotax 912 owner and you've had no failures then please respond to make the figures more meaningful. If you wish to say which aircraft they were fitted to and how ...

I sent mine to Chris Theakstone (CT Aviation) who turned it around in a couple of days. The price was very reasonable from what I remember. I made my own tool to remove the gearbox (follow the Rotax manual), posted it off to Chris and then fitted it back using the approved Loctite surface cleaner an...

Depends what's wrong with it. The most common problem is the internal back up battery failing. This is a relatively easy fix for someone with a soldering iron and some level of dexterity.

Yes, 16V is about 2V too high. I would not bother with a crowbar circuit, my experience is that they are more trouble than they are worth. Most voltage sensitive equipment will have its own internal over-voltage zener designed to blow a fuse or trip a breaker. Does your engine have a separate regula...

Hi John, Whilst I cannot find a data sheet for the short circuit diode I would suggest that the diode was an over-voltage protection device. It is possible that the diode 'just failed' but it might be possible that there was an over-voltage event that killed it. I would make a few measurements of yo...

This thread coupled with a similar one on the BMAA site has created a mini project for me. There is more info that I have posted here on the Gillham code:
http://www.ccsinfo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=140960

and here on my decoder circuit:
http://forums.bmaa.org/default.aspx?f=22&m=86558&p=1

That's a bugger then! I see the last one for sale on afors was back in January. There a number on ebay.com but they are all in the USA so you will have VAT & duty to pay when you import them. Do you know someone in the USA who could bring one over at Christmas?

The tray in our old aircraft became slightly twisted and the aerial connection was not making contact. I would suggest making some measurements with a ruler to work out how far in the unit needs to be to make contact.

Hi, I've only ever posted Narco kit back to the USA for repair. There is always the risk of being charged VAT & duty again on the unit which I have had happen. I have had trouble with Narco gear not seating properly in the cradle. Are you sure it is engaged properly? Are you sure that it is totally ...

Interesting problem. If it occurred at 6800ft that would imply that the A2 line was somehow shorted to somewhere it shouldn't. This may be of some assistance to work out what is going on: http://www.airsport-corp.com/modecascii.txt Don't forget that the Ameriking unit takes time to before it outputs...

As a fellow Eurostar owner I can suggest the Rotax 912 Heavy Maintenance Manual, section 74 the Ignition System. The manual is excellent and gives a full description with diagrams and is the definitive reference on the Rotax engine. If you go here: http://www.rotax-aircraft-engines.com/a_searchdoc.a...

Looking at the manual the ATR500 it has a built in VOX intercom which I would imagine would produce a side tone on transmission unless it was faulty. The problem may well lie with the intercom. I know that some intercoms can be adapted to produce a simulated side tone if needed. eg. http://www.sigtr...

The flag is not appearing and the supply is good. The 3 phase 400Hz drive signal to the motor is also good. I suspect that there is a mechanical problem. The unit looks nicely made inside with reasonable quality components. I have noticed that it sounds different now compared to when it was working ...

Hi,

Where, other than the manufacturer, can I send a Falcon electric AI for service/repair? I don't think that the gyro is spinning fast enough and consequently it needs repeated caging in flight to realign it.

I suspect that it may need to have the bearings replaced.

Thanks,

Kevin