Message-ID: <19980924231013.9688.qmail@www06.netaddress.usa.net>
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 23:10:13
From: Dan Schaefer <dfschaefer@usa.net>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: canopy restraints, drilled batteries, 14 vs 28v, more
Mime-Version: 1.0

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Noticed in several comments the concern that the fwd swing canopy 
could catch the wind from behind and maybe be damaged. Saw a neat fix
for this in Ray Modert's 320 (Camarillo, CA). Ray used a retractible
seat belt (automotive) with the automatic wind-up spool feature, 
mounted to the roof behind the roll over structure. The end of the
belt was attached to the rear of the canopy with just enough of the
belt left to allow the canopy full upward travel, but no more. With
the canopy closed, the belt was wound up neatly, and automatically, 
on the spool. As the canopy was swung open, the belt would un-wind 
from the spool until it came to the end, firmly limiting any further
movement. Looked like it would withstand a gale.

In post 201, Brent R. mentioned that you could drill a hole in a RG
battery and not much would happen (other than inducing it to quit
making like a battery, that is), no ugly-stuff would run out, etc.
Though I wouldn't advise it, you could get some REALLY interesting
sparks, or molten lead, even, if you just happened to stick the drill
bit thru a bunch of the active plates.

I've actually seen the military versions of these tested by being shot
with various sizes of ammunition. Purpose was to prove that the RG
batteries wouldn't let any ugly stuff run out, or do other bad
things, like explode, or start a fire, when suffering a direct hit 
from whoever or whatever might be shooting at the airplane. Saw the results in a Battelle lab over in Columbus, OH, and these things are 
tough compared to the standard flooded-cell battery. Which usually 
just go to pieces (literally) when shot. (Can't blame 'em, so would I)

To John Cooper, what's the source of the Bosch relays you used? They
sound like they have better specs than the P&B relays I used, 
particularly if you used them for the hydro pack control. I agree
with you, those big suckers that came with the kit are boat anchors. 
And probably cost more than the Bosch units, too.

IMHO?? C'mon guys, give a computer illiterate a break. It's beginning
to look like we (I) need an acronym dictionary for us uninitiated.

Cheers,

Dan Schaefer


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