Hi George,
I've had horrendous problems getting the EM2/EC2
working. Much, if not all, of the problems have probably been to do with my
wiring, not RTFM
What does RTFM stand for ?
properly (ie grounding the wrong wire), not
using shielded cable for everything,
Is that an Aviation type
cable?
not mounting the Program Control Module
properly, long cable runs, etc. etc. After many many months of sporadic
results, I'm still fighting with it. I have 30 hours on the plane, and I have
to say that despite all these issues, the EC2 has never let me down in flight.
Hiccupped, yes, but silence - never. My wiring harness tests out
perfectly, but still no joy. The EC2 won't communicate with the EM2, and won't
trigger a spark. I'll be doing a definitive test later today by doing
what I should have done months ago, and installing my EC2 in Buly's
identically configured airplane. THEN we'll know.
Good idea!
Despite the severe frustration and delay caused
by all this, I really HATE to consider the alternative of an aftermarket
ECU like the Microtech
Well I must say I have some good advice on the
Microtech and it was to leave it alone in relation to Aircraft use. Don't get
me wrong it is a good cheap aftermarket unit for the young blokes cars, but
the mechanics have said they have had problem with a few
units.
where installing redundancy will be a real bear and
the total solution will be a lot more expensive and complex (read fault
prone). I'd also prefer to continue supporting Tracy's efforts for the benefit
of rotary aviation in general. I think he'd rather be rid of me, but I
just aint going away. :)
On the EM2, I much prefer analog input for quick
glance confirmation and trend info,
I'm afraid I grown to rely on the analogue gauges as
well, especially so with reduced ( age related) vision - I actually hired a
plane in Tasmania and forgot my reading glasses. All the gauges had three
pointers on landing - had to guess it.
Which bring me to the next question - what size
screen ( big or small) do you think would be best for my poor old tired eyes
and I suppose from reading the garb the LCD screen is the better
option.
but its well worth
the cost and panel space to have ALL the data available when you have
time to study it, the graphic access to the EC2 MAP data, and the range
warnings working for you in the background.
Do you think there is a cost savings on using the EM2
as compared to analogue gauges?
I installed 6 analog engine gauges (coolant temp
& pressure, oil temp & pressure, MAP and Fuel pressure) alongside the
EM2 which allow me to do a scan and also confirm calibration /
sensor failure. The promised autotune and data-logging features of the
EM2 will be worth the cost on their own.
Another good idea, I figure they could be added when
finances permit!
One advantage some of the aftermarket units
apparently have is a built-in timing split to help avoid detonation with turbo
installations (a subject very close to my heart and wallet). Tracy has
promised to add this feature, but he's busy with a lot of stuff so I don't
know when that'll happen. This isn't an issue for NA
people.
All issues considered, if I were doing it again, I'd
buy the EM2/EC2 combination in an injection pulse width. (rotary equivalent of
a New York second).
John (desperately hoping my EC2 fires up Buly's
engine, but fueling up my car in case it doesn't)
Thanks again John,
George ( down
under)