If you fit an EIS just make sure you have a means to isolate it from the
main bus during startup. We have found that if the EIS is not switched off
on startup (starter cranking) the spikes often scramble the memory and
alarms which take about 20 mins to reset again. The worst thing is the reset
ususlly causes the screen contrast to go to zero and then everything becomes
impossible to ajust until the screen contrast can be increased (ie: the
display appears to go blank).
I would suggest that a momentary disconnect button is fitted close to the
starter switch so that temporary isolation can be effected, though a more
sophisticated setup could include an isolator solenoid connected to the
starter solenoid.
An manually operated isolator switch (which is what we have) is not a very
satisfactory solution as its very easy to leave it on during startup and
also easy to forget to turn it back on after startup.
Our EIS is currently playing up in that the oil pressure and temp readings
are jumping about by a couple of degrees/ PSI. We suspect this is possibly a
prelude to the oil pressure sensor failing which I believe is a common
problem with Rotax 912 engines (unless someone else has a better
explanation).
It would be nice to have the luxury of both analogue and digital readings
but not very practical.
Otherwise the EIS is very good and we would recommend it.Ours is the Grand
Rapids version.
Carl & Dot
G-LABS
----- Original Message -----
From: "John & Paddy Wigney" <johnwigney@worldnet.att.net>
Subject: Europa-List: EIS versus Steam Gauges
<johnwigney@worldnet.att.net>
>
> From: "Ronald J. Parigoris" <rparigor@suffolk.lib.ny.us>
> Subject: Europa-List: EIS
> Anyone ot there flying with just an EIS with no Engine Steam Gauges and
find it
> acceptable? thx. Ron Parigoris >>>>
>
> Hi Ron,
>
> I have an EIS plus an analogue tacho and analogue manifold pressure. I
have found that the EIS is one of the best instruments in my panel - it is
rock-solid reliable. I would have no hesitation in removing the analogue
tacho since I find that I do not look at it because the EIS is so accurate
and refreshes very rapidly. (I would like to replace the tacho with a
Digitrak which I lust for.) I have all the engine variables set with alarms.
>
> If you have a constant speed prop, I recommend you have an analogue
manifold pressure gauge - it permits rapid and accurate power changes. If
you use the EIS to follow MP, you may have to change to a different page
which is a bit clunky.
>
> One final comment :- The fuel flow/totaliser option on the EIS is a good
investment. It is very accurate and provides great peace of mind on a long
trip by giving the calculated endurance. I just keep a healthy margin
between that number and my GPS ETE (estmated time enroute), there is no
mental arithmetic. Finally, I set my low fuel alarm at 4 gallons.
>
> Cheers, John
>
> N262WF, mono XS, 912S, Whirlwind C/S prop
>
>
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