question on air system
 

Hey Guys,

Here's a question for you. I've almost finished my Eurosport (pictures soon). I set it up with gear doors, and because I often fly off of grass, I set the main gear doors so that they close when the gear comes down like a P-51.

Here's my problem. The wing bolts are inside the main wheel wells. When I'm done flying, I need a way to let the pressure out of the door close air line so I can get the main doors open to take the wing bolts out. On the other hand, howwhatever I put in there to do thst has to be secure so I don't loose air in flight and have a gear-up landing. I already have the system setup on a UP-2 valve, so I don't want to change that. What I'm looking for is a secure valve ( ball or screw type air valve) I can put in that one line so I can depressurize it at the end of a flying day.

Anybody have any suggestions? I know one of you guys out there MUST have some ideas?

Thanks,
Bob

RE: question on air system
 

I see that you want to depressurize that one line, but will it work to just purge all of the air lines? The gear should stay locked down and you can still pull the door open? The pressure will be released when you pull the wing off any way. Robart makes the fill valve that has the valve stem type insert, you can purge the line there. Just a thought.

RE: question on air system
 

The Robart fill valve actually has two check valves in it. You can remove the screw in schrader valve and it will still hold air.

RE: question on air system
 

Hello, :):D:)

I had the same issue, so I installed a Robart in line connector to my air pressure guage. Works great, just disconnect and reconnect. This valve does not leak, is sealed with o-rings. Sorry I don't have the part number. One side of the connector is brass/bronze with a six sided body for a small wrench, if necessary. The other side is composed of an aluminum knurled knob which rotates about the brass/bronze insert, so the air line doesn't have to rotate and kink up on connecting/disconnecting.
Good luck!

Skeet

RE: question on air system
 

The Robart quick disconnect is # 190. they are nylon and come two to a pack.

The metal one is spring air #122. they are the metal ones. they are sold individually

I have found that both work equally well. The Robart is a 1/4 turn quick release and the spring air is threaded. I personally would use the Robart simply because it is quick and easy to connect and disconnect

RE: question on air system
 

Minihobbies valves are all I use and they bleed the air so you can open that hatch when power is turned off. I've found this to be helpful in any number of ways including the speed brake on my Euro Sport with my switches and fills etc. I show up to the field and I can open close it without any air on board, then when I park after a flight, I turn the airplane off, and I can close the speed brake ;)

Todd uses another brand that does the same thing, don't remember the name though.

RE: question on air system
 

Bob,
Robart #190 or the airpower disconnects would work fine for this purpose. Just put it inline with the airtank, fill valve or pressure gauge....whichever is easiest to have access to ;-)
Todd

Hmmm, could also use a #193 inline with the tank which would keep the air in the tank instead of bleeding it out if you prefer...

RE: question on air system
 

Hey Todd,

Looks like the quick disconnects are the way to go - I didn't think about that option, thanks guys! Anybody know where I can get those fittings?!? :D
Just kidding - order's on the way Todd...

Bob

RE: question on air system
 

Perhaps better yet - put the shut-off connectors in the line between the UP valve and the gear door cylinders. That way, you can let air out of the cylinders but have it keep pressure for the gear.

RE: question on air system
 

Yea, that's what I was originally thinking, but I believe that once the valve to move the doors up is open, it stays open. If so, breaking the line to the door will empty the whole system. BTW, I have both the gear and the doors on the same air system. My thinking was that the doors have to operate in order for the gear to operate, so if the door system leaks and won't operate, it does no good to still have air in the gear system. The brakes and speed brake are on a second, separate system though.

Bob