QuickTalk 3 - QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

A: Regarding Jim Stoveken's question (Issue #2) about a good, reliable tachometer for the Onan. I believe that I have found a good substitute - a Digitac Micro Analyzer automobile computer. This instrument is lightweight and relatively small. The tachometer consists of a magnetic pickup on the prop extension with a sensor that picks up the magnetic field every time the prop passes through one revolution. The computer then counts these revolutions and displays the RPM in a digital LED format. I haven't tested it enough to confirm its reliability, but its principle is the same that works accurately on my car. The computer also monitors oil pressure, temperature, CHT, voltmeter, fuel quantity along with a built-in clock, calendar and burglar alarm. The retail cost is around $75. If builders want additional information they can send me a SASE and I'll get the information to them. A discount may be possible if I get enough orders. (Stephen Eckrich, #420; 1313 S. Dakota, Aberdeen, SD 57401.)

 

Q: Could the orange foam pieces on the Quickie be made by glassing the foam sheet first and then cutting out the individual parts, rather than cut, glass and trim? (D.P. Campbell, #192)

 

A: There is probably no law against it. The actual glassing process would go much easier, but beware of possible tradeoffs. Certainly you would not want to glass a piece of foam that needed to be formed later such as the seatback bulkhead. Also, any internal holes would have exposed foam (i.e. bulkheads). You might feel it necessary to grind the exposed foam out along this edge and fill with micro to prevent the glass from separating. Also, there will be purists who claim that it is absolutely necessary to have glass-to-glass in these areas for extra strength. Perhaps most importantly, if you don't cut out your piece while the glass is still soft, you will have a itchy time grinding out your part later.

 

Q: I've had problems with my foam cuts warping as in the diagram below:

 

 

The problem is to figure out how to take out the warp and be able to jig the wing for glassing. (Fred Wemmering, #2296)

 

Q: Does anyone know the correct layout of the orange foam for the Quickie? (Jerry Zigler, #51)

 

A: I imagine it caught several builders by surprise trying to match the plans sketch of QPC2 with the five pieces of 23" x 50" foam they received. Try the following:

Piece #1: Top Console, Forward Cockpit Cover

Piece #2: Main Wing Cover-Fwd, Top Console, FS89 Bottom, FS110, Wheel Pant

Piece #3: Seatback Bulkhead, FS153.7, Firewall Brace, FS89-Top

Piece #4: Aft Canopy Bulkhead, Side Console, Fuel Tank, Wheel Pant, Stiffeners

Piece #5: Wheel Pant (2), Main Wing Cover-Aft

 

The layout for the 23" x 15" piece of orange foam is the same as QPC2.

 

NOTE: QBA has been informed by Aircraft Spruce that the orange foam is now being replaced in Quickie kits by three pieces of white foam.

 


You can order a PDF or printed copy of QuickTalk #3 by using the Q-talk Back Issue Order Page.