My experience with the ElectroAir ignition upgrade

[waynemcc999]

Looking for some guidance on the ElectroAir. I was just about to pull the trigger on ordering the ElectroAir, when my A&P/IA shared his recent experience:

• a couple months ago he installed the ElectroAir on two aircraft, a C172 with the O-320 engine and on another for which I'm not sure of the specifics
• both aircraft are experiencing high CHTs in climb... he's have difficulty keeping the CHTs below 450 degF
• he's identified the ElectroAir as the cause of the high CHTs, because if during climb he temporarily goes to the "mag only", then the CHTs drop a bunch quickly
• in cruise, the ElectroAir seems to work quite fine and delivers on it's promised reduction in fuel burn

What are your experiences with the ElectroAir during climb? From sea level? Departing from altitude (say 5000' MSL)? Any adjustments in SOP for the ElectroAir (leaning/not leaning during climb, prop setting, other than wide open throttle, etc)? Is the ElectroAir performance contingent on other subsystems (e.g. fine wire plugs, Gami injectors, etc)?

Thanks in advance for any help and guidance you might be able to provide,
Wayne

[rwtucker]

I am interested in what you learn here Wayne. I have heard the same comments about an installation in an RV but I do not know which engine, plugs, etc. In addition -- more theoretical, I guess -- it seems like the fact that the EA is tied to the magneto for "permission" to fire, loses much of the potential of digitally controlled ignition. Most of the reports from Diamond pilots is very positive.

[BlackMammoth]

The EA has nothing to do with the Magneto. Firing is based off of timing, which is sensed using a dedicated toothed wheel system - there is no mechanical or electronic tie to the remaining mag.

[rwtucker]

Phil,

When I was talking with the EA rep, I seem to recall him saying that the EA could not fire before the existing mag, meaning that variable timing was not at play. Is that wrong?

[BlackMammoth]

Yes, that was wrong. I am not sure about the context of what he told you but it is absolutely incorrect.

[startingovercfi]

I am trying to get the electro-air installed and my mechanic is having trouble with the wiring to the G1000. Electroair says they know it has been done but no guidance yet on how to do it.

Does anyone have a shop we could contact for advice?

[Rich]

I am trying to get the electro-air installed and my mechanic is having trouble with the wiring to the G1000. Electroair says they know it has been done but no guidance yet on how to do it.

Does anyone have a shop we could contact for advice?

Why would it be wired to the G1000?

[startingovercfi]

I am not sure, I will check, but I think the MAP sensor has to go to the G1000 and it has its own sensor that doesn't fit.

[BlackMammoth]

The MAP sensor for the G1000 is separate from the Electroair sensor. You use a "T" fitting to split the manifold pressure to the new Electroair sensor.

I don't understand the conflict? Can you offer more details?

[startingovercfi]

The MAP sensor for the G1000 is separate from the Electroair sensor. You use a "T" fitting to split the manifold pressure to the new Electroair sensor.

I don't understand the conflict? Can you offer more details?

Apparently they found a way around it, but there were 3 sensors going into the G1000 (one MP, one RPM, and something else) and the Electroair cable only had one, but they found the right part eventually. If anyone else needs more details they could ask me and I can find out. Sorry for the scant info; haven't had a chance to sit down and have it explained to me more fully.