Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 02:21 AM - Re: Tail plane counterweight cables (John Cliff)
2. 03:54 AM - Re: Neville: Can stuff nuts be reused? (Neville Eyre)
3. 07:50 AM - Re: Tail plane counterweight cables (John & Amy Eckel)
4. 08:13 AM - to build or not to build (tom@tompaul.com)
5. 09:29 AM - Re: to build or not to build (Terry Seaver)
6. 10:07 AM - Re: to build or not to build (Jos Okhuijsen)
7. 10:23 AM - Re: to build or not to build (Jeff Roberts)
8. 10:27 AM - Re: to build or not to build (europa@pstewart.f2s.com)
9. 12:00 PM - Re: Tail plane counterweight cables (Paul Mansfield)
10. 12:35 PM - Re: Tail plane counterweight cables (John & Amy Eckel)
11. 01:18 PM - Mode "c" info required (Tim Houlihan)
12. 01:56 PM - Re: Mode "c" info required (Ami McFadyean)
13. 03:09 PM - Re: to build or not to build (Tim Ward)
14. 03:36 PM - Skydrive Carb. Synchronisation Rotax 912S (Tim Ward)
15. 07:58 PM - Re: to build or not to build (DuaneFamly@aol.com)
16. 08:02 PM - Re: Mode "c" info required (n3eu@comcast.net)
Message 1
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| Subject: | Re: Tail plane counterweight cables |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "John Cliff" <mx@crixbinfield.freeserve.co.uk>
> Hello.
> Has anyone used an alternative to the cables that
> have to be swaged on the tail plane counter balance?
> I am thinking that using turnbuckles to provide tension
> would make an easier installation.
Yes, a number of us have put turnbuckles in these cables. Enables you to centre
the weight nicely and have some control over the wire tensions. No drawbacks
except for the extra cost.
John Cliff
#0259
Message 2
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| Subject: | Neville: Can stuff nuts be reused? |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Neville Eyre" <neville@europa-aircraft.com>
Hi All,
The stiffnuts can be re used again and again, untill they get to a point that they
can nearly be spun on by finger and thumb [ but not quite].
This normally equates to about 20 or so cycles.
Cheers,
Nev.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of
EuropaXSA276@aol.com
Subject: Europa-List: Neville: Can stuff nuts be reused?
--> Europa-List message posted by: EuropaXSA276@aol.com
Hello Neville!
Question about the stiff nuts supplied with the kit. Can stuff nuts be
reused? As you know many items must be assembled and dismantled while making
adjustments. Will the integrity of the locking nut withstand a few removals?
Thanks!
Brian S
A276 Tri Gear. Texas
http://forum.okhuijsen.org/modules.php?set_albumName=BrianS&op=modload&name=ga
llery&file=index&include=view_album.php
Message 3
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| Subject: | Re: Tail plane counterweight cables |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "John & Amy Eckel" <eckel1@comcast.net>
Thanks for your replies, turnbuckles it is.
John, A230
do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Cliff" <mx@crixbinfield.freeserve.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Tail plane counterweight cables
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "John Cliff"
<mx@crixbinfield.freeserve.co.uk>
>
> > Hello.
> > Has anyone used an alternative to the cables that
> > have to be swaged on the tail plane counter balance?
> > I am thinking that using turnbuckles to provide tension
> > would make an easier installation.
>
> Yes, a number of us have put turnbuckles in these cables. Enables you to
centre
> the weight nicely and have some control over the wire tensions. No
drawbacks
> except for the extra cost.
>
> John Cliff
> #0259
>
>
Message 4
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| Subject: | to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "tom@tompaul.com" <tom@tompaul.com>
Hello group,
I need some advice. Not about technique or materials, but about the
more basic question of what becoming an airplane builder does to one's
life.
If you have a moment to indulge such a question, read on; if not,
happy building and flying.
I am 39, single (not married, but living with someone) freelance and
not exactly financially stable. I do ok, but I live in New York City,
so my expenses are high.
I have been dreaming about a Europa for 10 years, ever since i saw it
at Sun 'n Fun back when it was a new design. I have been flying for
18 years.
I found a kit in a partially-built condition that i purchased last
fall. It was a decent deal at $19k for a mono XS with all the fast
build options, including the flightcrafters headstart that got the
cockpit module bonded in place. Since then, the builder has made a lot
of progress with control mechanics and the tail plane, and various
layup work to complete the wings. Nothing is closed yet. He
estimates it to be about 60% finished.
The kit is still in Southern CA, and i am now considering my options
for retrieving it. Most people around me (friends and family) think i
am nuts to take this on. I am a very busy person and a bit of a
workaholic, striving to make a name for myself in NY as a Sound Mixer
and Sound Designer for movies. It is going well, but you never know,
being freelance. I basically don't have time to do anything
recreational these days, but the work does come in spurts, so i have
some weeks where i am not so busy. I have a little cottage upstate
with a one car garage that i am turning into a workshop for the Europa.
I am just worried about getting into something that requires more time
than i have to give. My girlfriend says this is something a retired
person should do, not a person busily building his career, and with
other hobbies. I am very dedicated to writing music and playing the
piano when i have a spare moment, and i am worried about losing these
moments to the Europa. I know there will be a lot of research involved
in building a plane, especially when it comes to the panel and the
electrics. This kind of stuff is fun for me and i am very
mechanically inclined and able to do things like this. I don't mind it
taking me a long time to finish, either. I fully expect it to take a
couple of years, at least. If the kit is really 60% done, then, based
on the factory's build-time figures, I would estimate 500 hours more
to finish it. If I could average 5 hours per week, it would take two
years. I don't mean one hour per night, five days a week, i mean
AVERAGE. There would be weeks when i couldn't touch it, and there
would be weeks where i work 50 hours on the plane. I intend to make
the workshop a clean, task-dedicated space that is locked when i am not
working on the kit, and is dedicated solely to the Europa.
I will have to start a fund for the firewall forward bits anyway. Of
course i would like the 914 and the airmaster, so i would have to save
my pennies. I have about the value of these things in credit card debt
at the moment. Maybe a 912 would be the way to go.
If I had the money, i would buy a completed europa or another sport
plane like a Decatholon. Frankly, I want to fly, and building is a
means to an end. I am too bored with the performance of the rental
fleet of Cesnas and Cherokees. I know some of you love the building
and mourn the completion of the kit, but my motivation is owning and
flying a wonderful, fast, aerobatic, handsome, affordable plane.
As i said before, it has been a dream for a long time and i am very
excited to make this happen.
To all of you europa-builders, please let me know what your experience
has been regarding the impact of building on your life and your time,
and please give your impressions and/or advice regarding my situation.
Feel free to ask about something if i have left any important
variables untouched. Many, many thanks! This is a tough one. I don't
want to let it go.
Best,
Tom
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: Terry Seaver <terrys@cisco.com>
Hi Tom,
I was told by many people that you should only build an airplane if you
are interested in building, NOT as a cheap way to get a flying plane. I
built a Europa with a partner, which took over two years, both of us
working EVERY day, from 8PM-11PM on weekdays and 6-8 hours a day on
Saturdays and Sundays. We have nearly enough money invested to buy a
brand new Decathalon, and more than enough to buy a good used one. If
you can't see yourself committing several hours every day for the next
several years to a Europa build, maybe you should consider a used
Decathalon, or a Great Lakes, or a ____ instead.
regards,
Terry Seaver
tom@tompaul.com wrote:
>--> Europa-List message posted by: "tom@tompaul.com" <tom@tompaul.com>
>
>Hello group,
>I need some advice. Not about technique or materials, but about the
>more basic question of what becoming an airplane builder does to one's
>life.
>
>If you have a moment to indulge such a question, read on; if not,
>happy building and flying.
>
>I am 39, single (not married, but living with someone) freelance and
>not exactly financially stable. I do ok, but I live in New York City,
>so my expenses are high.
>
>I have been dreaming about a Europa for 10 years, ever since i saw it
>at Sun 'n Fun back when it was a new design. I have been flying for
>18 years.
>I found a kit in a partially-built condition that i purchased last
>fall. It was a decent deal at $19k for a mono XS with all the fast
>build options, including the flightcrafters headstart that got the
>cockpit module bonded in place. Since then, the builder has made a lot
>of progress with control mechanics and the tail plane, and various
>layup work to complete the wings. Nothing is closed yet. He
>estimates it to be about 60% finished.
>
>The kit is still in Southern CA, and i am now considering my options
>for retrieving it. Most people around me (friends and family) think i
>am nuts to take this on. I am a very busy person and a bit of a
>workaholic, striving to make a name for myself in NY as a Sound Mixer
>and Sound Designer for movies. It is going well, but you never know,
>being freelance. I basically don't have time to do anything
>recreational these days, but the work does come in spurts, so i have
>some weeks where i am not so busy. I have a little cottage upstate
>with a one car garage that i am turning into a workshop for the Europa.
>I am just worried about getting into something that requires more time
>than i have to give. My girlfriend says this is something a retired
>person should do, not a person busily building his career, and with
>other hobbies. I am very dedicated to writing music and playing the
>piano when i have a spare moment, and i am worried about losing these
>moments to the Europa. I know there will be a lot of research involved
>in building a plane, especially when it comes to the panel and the
>electrics. This kind of stuff is fun for me and i am very
>mechanically inclined and able to do things like this. I don't mind it
>taking me a long time to finish, either. I fully expect it to take a
>couple of years, at least. If the kit is really 60% done, then, based
>on the factory's build-time figures, I would estimate 500 hours more
>to finish it. If I could average 5 hours per week, it would take two
>years. I don't mean one hour per night, five days a week, i mean
>AVERAGE. There would be weeks when i couldn't touch it, and there
>would be weeks where i work 50 hours on the plane. I intend to make
>the workshop a clean, task-dedicated space that is locked when i am not
>working on the kit, and is dedicated solely to the Europa.
>
>I will have to start a fund for the firewall forward bits anyway. Of
>course i would like the 914 and the airmaster, so i would have to save
>my pennies. I have about the value of these things in credit card debt
>at the moment. Maybe a 912 would be the way to go.
>
>If I had the money, i would buy a completed europa or another sport
>plane like a Decatholon. Frankly, I want to fly, and building is a
>means to an end. I am too bored with the performance of the rental
>fleet of Cesnas and Cherokees. I know some of you love the building
>and mourn the completion of the kit, but my motivation is owning and
>flying a wonderful, fast, aerobatic, handsome, affordable plane.
>As i said before, it has been a dream for a long time and i am very
>excited to make this happen.
>
>To all of you europa-builders, please let me know what your experience
>has been regarding the impact of building on your life and your time,
>and please give your impressions and/or advice regarding my situation.
> Feel free to ask about something if i have left any important
>variables untouched. Many, many thanks! This is a tough one. I don't
>want to let it go.
>
>Best,
>
>Tom
>
>
>
>
Message 6
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: Jos Okhuijsen <josok-e@ukolo.fi>
Hi Tom,
A fellow builder, 4 years in the project, answered the question like this:
If you want to fly, don't start with such a project, rent or buy a plane.
If you like to build, go for it.
Today, while i am 5 month's building most of the remaining spare time, i
agree with that.
I like the building as it goes, and it is not really for the future flying
fun. That is still so far away, that it hardly counts as a bonus. A bonus
is the ashtonishment of other people :-)
Building as an enonomical solution, in other words turn your hours into a
plane that you otherwise not could affort, is not the right solution
either. I guess by putting more hours or effort in anything related to
your speciality, job you could get there with less effort.
My 10 cnts,
Jos
Message 7
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: Jeff Roberts <jeff@rmmm.net>
on 4/29/04 8:01 AM, tom@tompaul.com at tom@tompaul.com wrote:
Tom,
Like you I am self-employed, work on the plane when I can, buy a part when I
can, but I use the building as my recreation. I would not take the project
on unless you are considering giving up the spar time you said you we're
worried about loosing. The money issue is also another one you should
consider. A finished Europa will take at least $60,000 on the low end and I
know of some that have invested $80,000 plus. Will you have this money in
the next 4 years to complete the build? By the way from start to finish a
realistic number to finish the kit from scratch is like 2000 hours plus. So
use that number on your 60% done formula. Of course everything is dependent
on how perfect you want your plane and how many toys you'll want in it.
On the other hand I don't believe you could find a better plane as for the
performance for the dollar of operation. If you like to make things you'll
enjoy the build. But if you're going into it to get to the end, as so many
others have, you may never finish it.
One other area worth mentioning that may draw some controversy. Consider
the tri-gear, as there have been a bunch of completed mono wheels that have
been converted. You can get use to anything but are you willing to gamble on
damaging 4 years of work learning to handle it. Or consider the conventional
gear package that flight crafters have. Sounds like you've been flying
rental tri-gears so I thought I should mention it. I have been building for
2 years including my jump starting it at Flight Crafters. (Thanks Guys) I
love most of the process and still I get discouraged. It's human nature.
Thats when you walk away and realize there is no hurry. In a few days I
eagerly jump back into it.
Good Luck with your decision and I hope this helps.
Jeff
A258 Tri-Gear
Airframe built, engine installed, working on the perfect cowling & spinner
fit. Still getting ready to order electronics. So many choices
Tom,
Like you I am self-employed, work on the plane when I can, buy a part when I
can, but I use the building as my recreation. I would not take the project
on unless you are considering giving up the spar time you said you we're
worried about loosing. The money issue is also another one you should
consider. A finished Europa will take at least $60,000 on the low end and I
know of some that have invested $80,000 plus. Will you have this money in
the next 4 years to complete the build? By the way from start to finish a
realistic number to finish the kit from scratch is like 2000 hours plus. So
use that number on your 60% done formula. Of course everything is dependent
on how perfect you want your plane and how many toys you'll want in it.
On the other hand I don't believe you could find a better plane as for the
performance for the dollar of operation. If you like to make things you'll
enjoy the build. But if you're going into it to get to the end, as so many
others have, you may never finish it.
One other area worth mentioning that may draw some controversy. Consider
the tri-gear, as there have been a bunch of completed mono wheels that have
been converted. You can get use to anything but are you willing to gamble on
damaging 4 years of work. Or consider the conventional gear package that
flight crafters have. Sounds like you've been flying rental tri-gears so I
thought I should mention it. I have been building for 2 years including my
jump starting it at Flight Crafters. I love most of the process and still I
get discouraged. It's human nature. Thats when you walk away and realize
there is no hurry. In a few days I eagerly jump back into it.
Good Luck with your decision and I hope this helps.
Jeff
A258 Tri-Gear
Airframe built, engine installed, working on the perfect cowling & spinner
fit. Still getting ready to order electronics. So many choices
>
>
>
>
>
>
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: europa@pstewart.f2s.com
Tom
1 Ignore the factory estimates, the advert has said 500 for years - with the
time all the fast build options cut off it should be built before it is
started! I am not aware of anyone contributing to this forum who has built in
anything like this time (think 2000hrs +). There is a huge amount of time
spent (certainly be me) thinking and learning before setting a finger on some
of the tasks - wiring / panel etc.The saying 90% finished with 90% still to go
is very true.
I have been building with one regular partner for about 5 years putting in two
regular 3 hr evenings per week and a fair number of whole days dotted around
the place. We are probably 2 years from flying (we may be a slow breed of
builder - I don't know). The saving grace for Richard and I is that neither of
us can fly and so much as we are looking forward to the end of the project we
are not desprate and consequently very much enjoy the building - it can be
great relaxation away from work. I can't comment on what it's like to long to
get the aircraft flying.
Do not underestimate the magnitude of the progect even in it's advanced stage.
I
guarantee there will be times when its greatly satisfying and others when it
seems like it will never end and you are tempted to jack it in - hence the
number of unfinished home builds.
One of the most ewnjoyable things for me has been the learning of completely new
skills and seeing how your confidence at taking on tasks grows. A great aspect
of the Europa kit is that there appears to be little you can get wrong that
someone else has not already done and that can't be fixed - composite building
is very forgiving. The support from Europa and this forum is fantastic.
Don't know if any of this rambling has shone any light on the matter or not.
Good luck
Paul
G-GIDY
-------------------------------------------------
Everyone should have http://www.freedom2surf.net/
Message 9
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| Subject: | Tail plane counterweight cables |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Paul Mansfield" <m@nsfield.screaming.net>
This is supposed to be a simple & effective technique:
Undo the bolt, release the bottom arm of the TP18 and swing it up a few
(many?) degrees.
Fix the cables with "finger-tight" tension temporarily, using clamps, &
lower into position.
Test for tension & symmetry.
Raise again (to release tension in the part & the builder) and swage.
Lower & bolt.
Robert is your mother's brother.
I seem to remember it written up here or in Europa Flyer, but can't
recall/be bothered to check.
From an original idea by Duncan McF or somebody of that ilk??
I haven't tried this myself yet (the very next job to do, so I'll let you
know ...)
HTH
Paul M
XS Mono, wings & TP done, CM in, TP torque tube in, TP18 next!
--> Europa-List message posted by: "John Cliff"
--> <mx@crixbinfield.freeserve.co.uk>
> Hello.
> Has anyone used an alternative to the cables that
> have to be swaged on the tail plane counter balance?
> I am thinking that using turnbuckles to provide tension
> would make an easier installation.
Yes, a number of us have put turnbuckles in these cables. Enables you to
centre the weight nicely and have some control over the wire tensions. No
drawbacks except for the extra cost.
John Cliff
#0259
Message 10
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| Subject: | Re: Tail plane counterweight cables |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "John & Amy Eckel" <eckel1@comcast.net>
Paul,
Great solution, thanks.
John
do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Mansfield" <m@nsfield.screaming.net>
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tail plane counterweight cables
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "Paul Mansfield"
<m@nsfield.screaming.net>
>
> This is supposed to be a simple & effective technique:
>
> Undo the bolt, release the bottom arm of the TP18 and swing it up a few
> (many?) degrees.
>
> Fix the cables with "finger-tight" tension temporarily, using clamps, &
> lower into position.
>
> Test for tension & symmetry.
>
> Raise again (to release tension in the part & the builder) and swage.
>
> Lower & bolt.
>
> Robert is your mother's brother.
>
> I seem to remember it written up here or in Europa Flyer, but can't
> recall/be bothered to check.
>
> From an original idea by Duncan McF or somebody of that ilk??
>
> I haven't tried this myself yet (the very next job to do, so I'll let you
> know ...)
>
> HTH
>
> Paul M
>
> XS Mono, wings & TP done, CM in, TP torque tube in, TP18 next!
>
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "John Cliff"
> --> <mx@crixbinfield.freeserve.co.uk>
>
> > Hello.
> > Has anyone used an alternative to the cables that
> > have to be swaged on the tail plane counter balance?
> > I am thinking that using turnbuckles to provide tension
> > would make an easier installation.
>
> Yes, a number of us have put turnbuckles in these cables. Enables you to
> centre the weight nicely and have some control over the wire tensions. No
> drawbacks except for the extra cost.
>
> John Cliff
> #0259
>
>
Message 11
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| Subject: | Mode "c" info required |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Tim Houlihan" <Tim@houlihan.flyer.co.uk>
Hi.
I have a Terra AT3000 altitude encoder connected to a Garmin GTX 320 Transponder,
during initial flight tests I found that only mode A with no altitude information
was being received .
Next time I remove the panel I will have to check that I have the wiring correct.
Can anyone advise me of a simple way to ground test this setup off the aircraft.
I plan to produce a test lead with LED's on the data lines to see if the
encoder output code changes as pressure is reduced. Where can I find any info
about the grey code that the encoder sends to the transponder? I only require
codes for for a couple of spot checks between ground and say 10k feet.
This forum provided me with a wiring diagram for the encoder within minutes so
I am confident that someone will reply with a really simple way of getting these
devices to talk to each other.
I also have a vacuum DI that works fine on the test rig , passes every test BUT
preccesses like crazy in the aircraft but thats another story.
Regards
Tim Houlihan
G-BZTH No 10
Message 12
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| Subject: | Re: Mode "c" info required |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Ami McFadyean" <ami@mcfadyean.freeserve.co.uk>
Try
http://www.rst-engr.com/rst/catalog/altitude_encoder_and_elt.html
for a USD 25 test box
and
http://www.rst-engr.com/rst/articles/kpapr98/index.html
for grey codes. There are more comprehensive sites; but others can let you
in on that.
Fast enough response?
Duncan McF.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tim Houlihan" <Tim@houlihan.flyer.co.uk>
Subject: Europa-List: Mode "c" info required
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "Tim Houlihan"
<Tim@houlihan.flyer.co.uk>
>
> Hi.
>
> I have a Terra AT3000 altitude encoder connected to a Garmin GTX 320
Transponder, during initial flight tests I found that only mode A with no
altitude information was being received .
> Next time I remove the panel I will have to check that I have the wiring
correct. Can anyone advise me of a simple way to ground test this setup off
the aircraft. I plan to produce a test lead with LED's on the data lines to
see if the encoder output code changes as pressure is reduced. Where can I
find any info about the grey code that the encoder sends to the transponder?
I only require codes for for a couple of spot checks between ground and say
10k feet.
>
> This forum provided me with a wiring diagram for the encoder within
minutes so I am confident that someone will reply with a really simple way
of getting these devices to talk to each other.
>
> I also have a vacuum DI that works fine on the test rig , passes every
test BUT preccesses like crazy in the aircraft but thats another story.
>
> Regards
>
> Tim Houlihan
>
> G-BZTH No 10
>
>
>
>
Message 13
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Tim Ward" <ward.t@xtra.co.nz>
Tom,
My twenty cents worth!
You need a challenge!
You need a project!
You need spare time!
You need money!
You need not to believe 'build time' quotes!
You need an understanding partner!
You need confidence!
You need patience!
You need to control frustration!
You need to control excitement!
You need to enjoy building!
You need to like fiberglass!
You need to be able to take advice!
You need a professional attitude!
You need to be able to prioritize!
You need to be able to delegate!
You need to be a finisher!
YOU NEED TIME!
Great fun, very rewarding, a real challenge, very absorbing!
I am about to break a Europa record, I think.
Over the past 7 years I have got married, had 3 children, shifted house AND
BUILT A EUROPA AIRCRAFT
and the marriage is still in tact.
Cheers,
Tim
Tim Ward
12 Waiwetu Street,
Fendalton,
Christchurch, 8005
New Zealand.
Ph 0064 3 3515166
ward.t@xtra.co.nz
----- Original Message -----
From: <tom@tompaul.com>
Subject: Europa-List: to build or not to build
> --> Europa-List message posted by: "tom@tompaul.com" <tom@tompaul.com>
>
> Hello group,
> I need some advice. Not about technique or materials, but about the
> more basic question of what becoming an airplane builder does to one's
> life.
>
> If you have a moment to indulge such a question, read on; if not,
> happy building and flying.
>
> I am 39, single (not married, but living with someone) freelance and
> not exactly financially stable. I do ok, but I live in New York City,
> so my expenses are high.
>
> I have been dreaming about a Europa for 10 years, ever since i saw it
> at Sun 'n Fun back when it was a new design. I have been flying for
> 18 years.
> I found a kit in a partially-built condition that i purchased last
> fall. It was a decent deal at $19k for a mono XS with all the fast
> build options, including the flightcrafters headstart that got the
> cockpit module bonded in place. Since then, the builder has made a lot
> of progress with control mechanics and the tail plane, and various
> layup work to complete the wings. Nothing is closed yet. He
> estimates it to be about 60% finished.
>
> The kit is still in Southern CA, and i am now considering my options
> for retrieving it. Most people around me (friends and family) think i
> am nuts to take this on. I am a very busy person and a bit of a
> workaholic, striving to make a name for myself in NY as a Sound Mixer
> and Sound Designer for movies. It is going well, but you never know,
> being freelance. I basically don't have time to do anything
> recreational these days, but the work does come in spurts, so i have
> some weeks where i am not so busy. I have a little cottage upstate
> with a one car garage that i am turning into a workshop for the Europa.
> I am just worried about getting into something that requires more time
> than i have to give. My girlfriend says this is something a retired
> person should do, not a person busily building his career, and with
> other hobbies. I am very dedicated to writing music and playing the
> piano when i have a spare moment, and i am worried about losing these
> moments to the Europa. I know there will be a lot of research involved
> in building a plane, especially when it comes to the panel and the
> electrics. This kind of stuff is fun for me and i am very
> mechanically inclined and able to do things like this. I don't mind it
> taking me a long time to finish, either. I fully expect it to take a
> couple of years, at least. If the kit is really 60% done, then, based
> on the factory's build-time figures, I would estimate 500 hours more
> to finish it. If I could average 5 hours per week, it would take two
> years. I don't mean one hour per night, five days a week, i mean
> AVERAGE. There would be weeks when i couldn't touch it, and there
> would be weeks where i work 50 hours on the plane. I intend to make
> the workshop a clean, task-dedicated space that is locked when i am not
> working on the kit, and is dedicated solely to the Europa.
>
> I will have to start a fund for the firewall forward bits anyway. Of
> course i would like the 914 and the airmaster, so i would have to save
> my pennies. I have about the value of these things in credit card debt
> at the moment. Maybe a 912 would be the way to go.
>
> If I had the money, i would buy a completed europa or another sport
> plane like a Decatholon. Frankly, I want to fly, and building is a
> means to an end. I am too bored with the performance of the rental
> fleet of Cesnas and Cherokees. I know some of you love the building
> and mourn the completion of the kit, but my motivation is owning and
> flying a wonderful, fast, aerobatic, handsome, affordable plane.
> As i said before, it has been a dream for a long time and i am very
> excited to make this happen.
>
> To all of you europa-builders, please let me know what your experience
> has been regarding the impact of building on your life and your time,
> and please give your impressions and/or advice regarding my situation.
> Feel free to ask about something if i have left any important
> variables untouched. Many, many thanks! This is a tough one. I don't
> want to let it go.
>
> Best,
>
> Tom
>
>
Message 14
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| Subject: | Skydrive Carb. Synchronisation Rotax 912S |
--> Europa-List message posted by: "Tim Ward" <ward.t@xtra.co.nz>
Just used the above unit to synchronize carbs. on my Rotax 912S.
Very impressive result. New engine, and I thought it was running well.
After synchronizing, the engine ran so much smoother.
We adjusted the outer cable of one of the throttles to balance them as it
depends
so much on the routing back to the throttle quadrant. Slight different
routing can cause one
carb. butterfly to lead the other. Doing it this way we did not have to
adjust the throttle inner cable
as well as the idle stops, set up by the engine company.
For what it is worth,
Tim
Tim Ward
12 Waiwetu Street,
Fendalton,
Christchurch, 8005
New Zealand.
Ph 0064 3 3515166
ward.t@xtra.co.nz
Message 15
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| Subject: | Re: to build or not to build |
--> Europa-List message posted by: DuaneFamly@aol.com
Hi Tom,
I guess you are in a pickle. You have already bought a partially built kit
but it is on the other side of the country.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, so I cannot envision building a Europa
under those circumstances, even if you have a build site upstate. I am lucky
enough to have retired early, I built a 36 X 24 shop specifically for my Europa
build. I bought a virtually untouched kit and now I spend 4-10 hours a day with
my shop 10 feet from the house. I am 648 hours into the build and still see
another year of building. So take your situation with a large grain of salt to
make a decision. What does your "partner" say about losing more time with you?
If you do go forward with the build, think about the type of flying you do.
Unless your wanting to fly up around the 20k level a 914 with CS prop may be a
bit of overkill. A CS prop may be all that you need to get the performance you
want.
Good luck with your decision.
Mike Duane A207
Redding, California
XS Conventional Gear
CM & rudder pedals with cables installed. Tailwheel complete. Wing pins and
tie bar installed. Working on baggage bay. Conventional gear assembled and soon
to be fitted.
Back from Sun-N-Fun with lots of ideas!
Message 16
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| Subject: | Re: Mode "c" info required |
--> Europa-List message posted by: n3eu@comcast.net
Tim Houlihan wrote:
> I have a Terra AT3000 altitude encoder connected to a Garmin GTX 320
> Transponder, during initial flight tests I found that only mode
> A with no altitude information was being received .
> ....
> Can anyone advise me of a simple way to ground test
> this setup off the aircraft?
With xponder on, the and encoder turned on for at least the length of any
warm-up period specified my encoder mfr, measure the voltage at each encoder
data line. These lines are "active low," meaning if all are high (5-10V)
that's an invalid code which ATC will ignore. Tends to indicate the
encoder is at fault, or not warmed up. If working and at any ground altitude,
some will be low - 0V. What the true code is generally not important if you
can inhale on the static line and change some lines every 100'. However, one
bad data line -- one supposed to be low but isn't -- can cause ATC to see an
invalid code and no apparent output. For that you need the grey code chart.
> I plan to produce a test lead with LED's on the data lines
> to see if the encoder output code changes as pressure is reduced.
I'd be leery of doing this myself. Narco's Mode C input lines are "buffered,"
so OK to fiddle with homebrew circuits, but on Kings, you're going straight in
to a humungously expensive, big IC chip. What Garmin does I'd want to know
before proceeding with my inserted circuitry. Note also on King and Narco,
the internal "pull-up" resistors on the data lines are 10K ohms, meaning they
won't light an LED!
RST's kit with only LED's I presume is designed to be safe for all xponders.
But when I made one of these 25 yrs ago, I cautiously buffered the LED's with
transistors, which also made the LEDs light up to read active low. But I
have not used it since, since it hasn't been necessary for diagnosis.
Good luck!
Regards,
Fred F.
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