Pappy's LEXL Build in Texas

[pappyadkins]

Thanks Brock, yes the 'center' washer (w/3/8" hole will be replaced with the 'D' shape tab welded to the fuse) & I have the star lock washer to help dig in & 'ground' the antenna... As far as tunning to the center - that's what I had to do since my meter wouldn't go to the low end! Great comments, thanks for following... I was hoping to communicate with the F16's... NOT! lol yep I agree most of us will be mid range... Thanks again...

[pappyadkins]

Today, let's think about propellers...

[Kamcoman77]

Two Legal Eagle builders I know have purchased GSC props. One of them is flying and is very happy with it. The other has been test run on the fuselage. Both engines are Scott Casler 45 hp 1/2 VW's. GSC seems to be the only wood prop maker that can currently provide a prop in a reasonable amount of time. I have an Ed Sterba (retired) prop, but if I need another, I will definitely buy GSC.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Nyloc nuts are fine.

[Wayne Munich]

I carved my own prop.

[pappyadkins]

Wayne, I sure was tempted... maybe someday...

[Wayne Munich]

My duplicator is a little more hi tech but does the same thing.

[Brock]

I had received a quote from Prince back in December 2024.  Here is what they had to say about a prop for the 3VLA engine.

Thank you so very much for the inquiry we have manufactured many propellers for this engine but few for the 42 hp. Calculating for a Full Throttle Level Flight of 60 mph, 42 hp @ 2500 rpm the propeller size will be 67" diameter 29" pitch. The cost for our Wood P-TIP Propeller will be $1163.00. For the Better Performance Most Durable Carbon Fiber P-TIP propeller $1652.00. Optional Leading Edge Protection for either propeller will be $161.00. The propeller size can be adjusted for diameter size should it be longer than ground clearance allow.

The current delivery time is 10 months. A quick delivery option is available, 90 business day delivery with an increase cost of 50%.

BTW - I fly a Prince P-tip on a Sonex, it's been a very nice prop.

[Brock]

... prop carver so I can duplicate ... video

Enjoyed the video.  Had no idea how simple (though labor intensive) making a prop could be.  Thanks

[pappyadkins]

Update: my prop was shipped from Canada Wednesday (basically 1 week lead time) & is in the US (Oregon)... YEAH!!!! Can't wait to get it...

[pappyadkins]

Today's Update: Seat Belt & Battery Charging Port...

[Brock]

I see you chose a nice AGM battery.  What factors helped you choose that battery over a LiFePO which is likely 7 lbs less?

[pappyadkins]

Brock, short answer... tried & tested... I would like to do some testing on Lithiums as well... maybe upgrade some day... I think it would be so nice if we could use 'standard' tool battery... just think from a charging standpoint on a crosscountry...

[Brock]

... 'standard' tool battery...

I'm not sure what you mean by 'tool battery'.  I get visions of the battery in my cordless drill.  I use EarthX batteries in two planes.  They work well but you cannot think of them in terms of the AGM/lead-acid.  My expirence is that they charger (low internal resistence) very fast.  So in both cases I have to charge at idle for a few minutes.  One plane easily charges at a rate of 55amps (on a 60 am alternator) & the max rated charge current on the battery is 60 amps.  While the other, charge rate will easily exceed the capacity of the alternator and burn out the stator (have pics to prove it).  So charge management is in order.  The good thing is that it takes only about 4 minutes to get charged to where the current drops.  This happens to be how long it take my oil to get to operating temp.

I don't know anything about the alternator in the Verners and suspect the .5 VW's use a variety of alternators/generators.  So proceeding carefully until the system is understood is in order.