Chinook Plus 2 - Electrical Questions...

1. Where is the best place to mount the battery on the 912 to give optimal center of gravity?
On the 912 we like to mount the battery up between the pedals right in the nose area, this gives you a better and wider center of gravity range. We do however have one guy who is about 140 lbs and he has a 912 and he has his battery in the STD location, which is on the RH side under the front seat. Jim flies with Full Lotus floats and indicates he has zero problems with weight and balance and he does fly most of the time solo. The heavier you are in the front the better you are!! - back to top

2. Is it necessary to use the adjustment pot to calibrate the Tachometer to a master reference Tachometer?
We verify on board Tachometer with a prop Tachometer during engine run-up. -back to top

3. What is the correct way to put a negative ground on the airplane? 
There is no hard set rule to make a ground and how you do this can be customer preference. We run one ground strap from the engine to the 2 x 2 cross tubes and then we run a second ground; start from the battery to the seat plate. The important thing is that you have a ground. See the attached photos to see how we did it. - back to top

4. Are there any tips on wiring positions for the electricals? 
On the Rotax 912 and the HKS application, we have introduced the Hot Box, which makes wiring much simpler. Thorough instructions are provided which simplify the procedure. - back to top

5. What gauge wire is used when wiring the Rotax regulator to the Hot Box? 
If in doubt about wiring refer to the Rotax engine installation manual for wire size etc. The Rotax manual suggests 2.5 mm squared. - back to top

6. Is shielded or unshielded wire used on the Hot Box?
Unshielded wire. The Hot Box does not use shielded wire anywhere. - back to top

7. What ignition set-up shall I use for the master switch wiring? 
You can use whatever ignition set-up you wish. You can use the aviation type with the RH LH mag on/off, or a couple of toggles, or a master on/off. This is where it gets to be pilot preference. - back to top

8. Is the Rotax starter relay used with the Hot Box?
When using the Hot Box, there should be a starter relay inside the Hot Box. - back to top

9. How do I install the Hot Box? 
You may have to make some kind of cover, due to some open wiring. We installed a couple under the seat, the brackets supplied are made to go under the seat on the left hand or right hand side and catch the two cross bars, but once again you can install it where you like. - back to top

10.  How do I put acid in the battery and charge it up? 
Anybody who sells or service batteries will have acid. Fill it and leave it for 1 hour. Then run a very low charge for about 12 hours. - back to top

11. How can I prevent my ultralight from overcharging its electrical system with the regulator/rectifier that requires a 1-amp draw?
We seem to always have a 1-amp draw, be it a strobe light, COM radio, landing light, electric fuel pump and or even an hour meter. - back to top

12. How do I put heat into the cabin for winter flying? 
We do not have a bolt on heater kit for the HKS or 912 yet, but we are working on it. We do have an in-cabin heater for the Rotax 503 and there is a heater available for the 582, provided by another supplier. - back to top

13. Where can I order the metal panel to the right of the front seat that the ignition and toggle switches are mounted to?
We don't have an exact part for that. Everyone has been making their own. We can probably assist you with it if you give us an overall size of what you would like. - back to top

14. Where can I order the metal panel to the right of the front seat that the ignition and toggle switches are mounted to?
We do not have anything different than what you see. Our engineer assures us the 912 mount was designed for a 9g-crash load, but of course this depends on the type of crash. Our thinking is the main post will prevent the engine from breaching the passenger area. A Chinook was dropped from a crane 40 feet on its nose and the 503 engine did not come through the post area. Since then we have beefed that post up. - back to top

15. I have more instruments than I have holes in my supplied front instrument panel dash pod. Where do I install the rest of the instruments that don’t fit into the dash pod?
Again a customer can opt to design a small custom panel to the right of the front pilot that might also hold his switches. Normally customers have been adding this themselves because not everyone will require them but we can assist you if you can provide the size you would require. - back to top

16. Is there a wiring diagram that shows which cables go to each instrument?
No. Each instrument has its own wiring diagram that comes with it. - back to top

17. Do the start/kill switches require shielded cables/wires? 
No.- back to top

18. Where can I find information on radio wires, fuse bus and recommended fuses for each instrument?
Information on the radio wires should be with the radio information. Fuse information comes with the instrument instructions. - back to top

19. Where does the start relay and rectifier-regulator mount on the aircraft or engine AND how and where exactly are the wires/cables, fuel line and throttle cables routed and secured?
The starter relay and rectifier get mounted under the front seat usually, but for the HKS everything gets mounted to the H06-08’s. The wires and cables can get mounted to the cabin floor. The fuel line and throttle cables can get mounted to the cabin side. - back to top

20. Why did I receive two pitot tubes with my kit? 
You will only receive two pitot tubes if you have opted to add the airspeed in the back instrument panel. Our standard kit provides a single pitot tube for the front airspeed but if a customer has requested an airspeed for the back instrument panel, then we will provide you with another pitot tube kit. - back to top

21. Were there bus terminals supplied for the side panel, (where switches and ignition will be placed), and the instrument cluster dash pod? 
No. These are not supplied with the kit. There are many ways to wire this, many different instruments choices and different locations of the instrument. We leave these choices up to the end user. - back to top

22. Were there inline fuse holders supplied?
Yes, there are. - back to top

23. Is there a photo of the cable routing of the EGT and CHT wiring for the HKS?
Connect the sender to the proper location on the engine. Refer to your HKS manual, Page 19 and 20. See the attached photos. - back to top

24. What are the 2 toggles used for the HKS application?
Two switches are required to shut your engine down. Refer to your HKS wiring manual, Page 18. See the attached photo. - back to top

 

Well, we hope that we have clarified a few of your questions. If you do require additional assistance, we would be very happy to hear from you with your questions, comments or concerns.

 

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