Next-generation engine
monitors arrive at AirVenture
By James Wynbrandt
In recent years, digital
engine monitors have helped revolutionize powerplant management for
pilots. By showing temperatures for individual cylinders, they can help
pilots spot a small problem before it becomes a bigger one. Now, the
next generation of digital engine monitors has arrived, providing
one-box solutions displaying all engine functions in a single glass
panel-type screen.
"They give pilots
the ability to have a lot more data in a very readable format in the
cockpit, the ability to trend monitor data, to track data and store it
for analysis, and also quicken the scan," said Eric Hathaway, of
Xerion Avionix, which makes one of the new all-in-one monitors.
J.P. Instruments, makers
of the popular EDM-700 and EDM-800 Engine Data Management analyzers, is
showing off its EDM-930. The EDM-930 replaces all engine gauges with one
6-by-4-inch liquid crystal display (LCD) screen that graphically
displays more than 20 engine-performance parameters, ranging from rpm
and manifold pressure to percentage of horsepower and shock cooling
data. It also records engine performance data for later analysis.
"We’ve got about
50 or 60 flying in certificated aircraft since we got the primary STC
(supplemental type certificate), and another 50 in experimental
aircraft," said Marc Polizzotto, vice president of operations at
Costa Mesa, California-based J.P. Instruments, as he ticked off the
system’s benefits. "You get improved accuracy over the
traditional steam gauges, you have data recording, plus it cleans up a
lot of panel space."
The cost of the EDM-930
for a four-cylinder engine is $9,400; the six-cylinder version is
$9,600. Both packages include all sensors, harnesses, and wiring.
Installation requires about 20-25 hours.
The company’s exhibit
is in Microsoft Flight Simulator Hangar B, 2144-2146.
Xerion Avionix, based in
Canandaigua, New York, is also showcasing its next generation primary
engine instrument display, the Auracle.
"This product takes
the instrumentation a step above the engine analyzers currently on the
market," said Eric Hathaway, vice president for sales and
marketing. "We incorporate one of the best human factors interfaces
of display of information available, in a graphic format that allows you
to get a quick glance of what power settings are."
The five-inch screen
replaces all analog engine monitor gauges and a recording function
tracks the previous 250 hours of operation for analysis of engine
operation.
The first system will be
designed for Beechcraft Bonanzas, and the company expects to receive
certification within 60 days, according to Hathaway.
The Auracle comes in two
models: Auracle 1 is made for aircraft that already have a digital
engine gauge; existing digital connections can be used to wire the
Auracle unit. The Auracle 2, for aircraft without any digital engine
instrumentation already installed, is designed for its engine interface
to be mounted on the engine side of the firewall with a single cable
connecting it to the panel-mopuned display.
The Auracle 1 will be
priced at $4,200 and $4,500, and require about 15 hours for
installation. Auracle 2 will cost between $4,800 and $5,500 and require
15-25 hours of installation. (Microsoft Flight Simulator Hangar B,
2138).
