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From: Ernest Christley <echristley@nc.rr.com>
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
Sent: Mon, April 25, 2011 10:09:49 PM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Next step

Last night I installed MegaTune on an old Pentium computer.  I had to use an old one, because I need an honest to goodness serial port to talk to the MegaSquirt ECU.  This afternoon, I hooked it up to the airplane and started checking systems.  First, I calibrated the throttle position sensor, then verified that the manifold pressure sensor responded by blowing gently in the tube.

The computer has a mode to check the injectors.  I have separate switches for the primary and secondaries, and verified a nice clakety-clack from each using a metal rod between my ear and each injector.  I haven't verified that they all flow equally.  Finally, I verified the computer is seeing the engine turn over while cranking.

Two questions:

1) Is a flow test absolutely necessary, or is the sound verification of them opening and closing enough to know they're at least working?

2) Is 250RPM enough spin to start a rotary?  I know Lynn has emphasized that they start better the faster they can be spun.  Will 250 give an easy start?

I now have to bolt the panel back into place, put some gas in the tank, and then set the fuel regulator pressure.  Bolt the cowl and prop on, call in some fire extinguisher bearing friends.  Roll it out, kick a tire and then (hopefully) light the fire.

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