Turbo Firewall layout

[Darick]

Without the tail its nose heavy with the engine. Mine is currently weighted down to avoid problem and wings are not on either. So yes, without wings or tail it will tip over.

[NWade]

So I got the engine assembled and temporarily mounted on the firewall. From that exercise, I settled on a slightly revised firewall layout. In the end I probably *should* have mounted the air-oil separator elsewhere as this got a bit tricky; but I think it's all going to work out. Here are a few photos - please feel free to provide critique and point out what I've forgotten to account for! :-D

https://flic.kr/p/VUjVqG

https://flic.kr/p/VUjViY

--Noel
Sonex #1339

[jjbardell]

It looks like you have an Earthx battery holder. If that's the case, it appears you have the wrong voltage regulator. It's hard to see in the pic.

If you have this one, you are fine:
https://www.jthomasparts.com/435-175-vo ... AtdC8P8HAQ

If you have this one, you should replace it.

Don't ask me how I know... :(.
I got mine on Amazon prime.

Also. Consider this for your relay. Saves a lot of wiring and is very clean to manage.

[NWade]

It looks like you have an Earthx battery holder. If that's the case, it appears you have the wrong voltage regulator. It's hard to see in the pic.

JJ - Can you elaborate? What do you mean by "wrong" voltage regulator? I know that individual Lithium cells tend to run at a slightly different voltage than Lead-Acid cells; but I was under the impression that the EarthX was a drop-in replacement for a standard 12V cell (when it comes to voltages). I looked on the forums here and didn't see EarthX users talking much about their regulators, so I'm not sure what you mean. Any info is appreciated!

--Noel

[jjbardell]

Noel,
I have the discovery lite EFIS. The AHARS unit has a tendency to tumble if I am running a higher load on the electrical system. It is believed that my issue is due to the voltage regulator. I talked to Matt at MGL who thinks that is the issue (spikes or drops in voltage will cause a digital gyro to tumble). We added a capacitor to address the spikes. It helped but not a 100% reliable still. I talked to Sonex and I learned they now have a new voltage regulator (not sure how new...just new to me), that puts more volts into the EarthX batteries.

The Earthx is a drop in replacement battery and I love mine. But if I am loading up the system, the voltage will drop slightly (as noted on my EFIS, with a tumbled gyro to follow). Once the voltage comes back up, then the horizon stabilizes (usually a second or two). Just long enough to disengage the A/P.

I have the new regulator installed, just haven't gone flying long enough to confirm it solved the issue. I have had no issues on my last 3 flights, but I want a long x-cntry with AP runnings, ADSB loading targets while running landing lights and transferring fuel. That will my final test before I can confirm my issue is resolved. My local A&P is fairly confident the issue is solved.

Hope this helps.

[NWade]

Thanks, JJ. I look forward to hearing whether the regulator changes your experience - seems odd that it would, but on the other hand I see some websites marketing the "original" Aerovee voltage regulator as a 15-amp model; not a 20-amp model.

On the Sonex/AeroConversions web store, it looks like they've quietly updated the Voltage Regulator in the last few months. I haven't seen any service bulletins or critical warnings, so I'm hoping this is just a move from an "OK" part to a "Better" part (or to a part with a steadier supply chain).

Examining the photo on the Sonex Web Store and elsewhere, I've concluded that the part is a Kawasaki Regulator Model # 21066-7011 (or similar; these regulators are marketed for a variety of equipment). I'm going to use my factory-supplied voltage regulator for the time-being. But I've found the Kawasaki regulator online for ~$42 and bought one to have as a spare; just in case my original regulator acts up.

Take care,

--Noel
Sonex #1339

[mike.smith]

Noel,
I have the discovery lite EFIS. The AHARS unit has a tendency to tumble if I am running a higher load on the electrical system. It is believed that my issue is due to the voltage regulator. I talked to Matt at MGL who thinks that is the issue (spikes or drops in voltage will cause a digital gyro to tumble). We added a capacitor to address the spikes. It helped but not a 100% reliable still. I talked to Sonex and I learned they now have a new voltage regulator (not sure how new...just new to me), that puts more volts into the EarthX batteries.

The Earthx is a drop in replacement battery and I love mine. But if I am loading up the system, the voltage will drop slightly (as noted on my EFIS, with a tumbled gyro to follow). Once the voltage comes back up, then the horizon stabilizes (usually a second or two). Just long enough to disengage the A/P.

I have the new regulator installed, just haven't gone flying long enough to confirm it solved the issue. I have had no issues on my last 3 flights, but I want a long x-cntry with AP runnings, ADSB loading targets while running landing lights and transferring fuel. That will my final test before I can confirm my issue is resolved. My local A&P is fairly confident the issue is solved.
.

I have the old style regulator, the EarthX battery, and the MGL Xtreme Mini. I have had no issues. I asked Sonex if I should change to the new voltage regulator and they said not if the current one is working well; there was no benefit to changing. So obviously mileages may vary.