Avionics

[Brock]

I was reading Chuck's thread about his instrument panel and remembered this company Falken Avionics.(https://www.falkenavionics.com/falken-ems/).  Avionics is a real big word for a part 103 vehicle but I'll throw it out there.  Since the DHL truck promises to deliver a Verner to my door on Monday, the topic of temperatures & pressures played in my dreams.  I'm curious if anyone has expirience with Falken (previously OpenFlightSystems).  Their EMS box might be a good fit considering we all (most) carry smart phones (&/or iPads) that can act as the display.

BTW Chuck I noticed a rather largish battery in the same picture as your instrument panel.  What does that baby weigh?  Anyone use an EarthX on their Verner?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Brock.. that's a lithium battery. Memory fails me at the moment but I think about 1 1/2 lb. You'll need a fair amount of cranking amps for the Verner. This one has 120 CCA.

[jrbirdman47]

Anyone else considering using a "plug in" system to crank the engine, and then unplug and leave the battery, (And its considerable weight), on the ground, rendering the weight of the battery irrelevant? The receptacle could be located close enough to the starter to use short wires and yet be convenient to plug and unplug.

But Chuck's estimated weight of 1 1/2 pounds might figure into it. The weight of the plug and associated structure might be more than that. Just thinking.........

[Brock]

Anyone else considering using a "plug in" system to crank the engine,...

Birdman, I like your thinking outside the box. The question that I have is what then will you do with the engine electrical system?  Avionics are a non-issue but if the engine's ignition relies on the engine generated power then to keep things happy you may need some sort of battery or at least a large capacitor.  In the case of my Verner (now scheduled for delivery on Monday) it has a dual ignition thus six coils (two per cyl).  That's going to need some current stability and not just a connection to the generator.

If you have an engine that can be hand propped, that reduces the needed battery capacity quite a bit.  I look forward to trying-out hand proping on the Verner.  If it goes well, it would be nice to remove the starter/ring-gear and save that weight.  That would leave more weight avialable for a larger battery - which I then wouldn't need.   

[Chuck in Indiana]

The Verner is easy to start by propping. Just the same, I much prefer sitting down and punching the button. 

[jrbirdman47]

I was thinking along the lines of a dedicated small Lithium battery for ignition and any small amount needed for instruments. Thing is, they're getting so light and powerful now that it may not be worth the whole plug and crank idea.