Fred,
I have a Classic mount not allowing the heavy duty starter for the 912ULS.
Voltage stability during cranking is essential. So I decided to have
firewall forward a "Ballistic" 16 cell Lithium-Iron Battery cleared for
ATV's, large displacement motorcycles obtainable at any of those stores.
While the capacity for the largest obtainable model (16 cell) is only 9AH,
many comments online point to the fact that it holds cranking voltage
close to open cell voltage (13.4 Volts) while many OPB batteries drop as
much as to 10 Volts. Short term cranking amps are rated at 500A, the Rotax
starter takes only 60-70 amps.
I also saved 12 lbs weight, so the battery could be installed on the
firewall forward footwell Port side, effectively balancing out the extra
12 lbs extra weight for the Woodcomp SR3000/2 blade. The 2 blade saved me
another 10 lbs up front. B&W settles at 59.95 at 875lbs with a GRT Sport
plus conventional gauges. The 2-blade also has much less inertia when
starting, staying well below 3 bladed props, lowering kick back tendencies.
Because of the small starter and higher reported probability of kickback I
switched to the new fly wheel and new start retarding E-Modules.
Having logged 20+ test flying hours last week I noticed that the engine
cranks well. I compared the old modules with the new, the old being not
bad worth the new flywheel, but noticeable rougher. With the new modules
there is absolutely no kickback tendency and when shutting down I let her
settle on Right Magneto setting (one Module) for 10 seconds and she shuts
down without kicking. It is essential to do both mechanical and pneumatic
carb balancing. It needs to be done at different RPM. Smallest changes in
the linkages disturb a smooth operation. The Woodcomp came with custom
made Classic spinner and was already balanced at the factory. One less
thing to worry. Just bolts on.
The Ballistic battery comes with a special charging unit, quickly
recognized coming from the Radio Control market, weights very little and
also has cell balancing capacity which they say to apply once in a while
to lengthen the life of the battery. Otherwise they say it works well with
all existing charging /regulator units for cars, motorcycles, etc. It
recharges fast at 5 Amps and can even be operated in the field directly
---From a car battery as it pushed the voltage up to where it is needed, up
to 10 cells (20 Volts). Max operating temps for the battery is 60 degree
celsius. I have an in cowling air temp sensor which indicates, with
classic installation, only a 10 degree celsius elevated air temperature (I
have no cold air inlet installed to save further 5 lbs weight - the
conical carbs such air right inside the cowling. After shut down it is
essential to open the 2 top cowling hatches to keep the under cowling air
temps at app. 40-45 degrees max. The battery was also wrapped in heat
shield material obtainable from race car stores.
So far it works. But you might notice I did put it in from of the
firewall, 787 permitting
Cheers,
Christoph Both
#223 912ULS, Flying since SEPT 19, 20 hrs
Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
On 13-09-30 8:45 PM, "Fred Klein" <fklein@orcasonline.com> wrote:
>
>All,
>
>Are there any Europas flying w/ something other than an Odyssey 680, and
>would there be a good reason to choose another brand or type?
>
>Experience and insights welcomed,
>
>Fred
>
>
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