Smoke Question
 

Just installed the Artes Jet smoke kit on my F-16. The problem is that it will only start pumping when almost idle. Once it starts you can give it full throttle and it smokes. If I such the pump off and on again the pressure of the pipe (I believe this is happening) won't let the fluid out of the smoke nozzles.

Can anyone help here? Is the pressure of the engine keeping the pump from pumping out fluid at anything other than idle upon startup? Like I said once it gets going it works fine. its just when I try to turn it off and on again that it wont come back on until I idle it down. Strange.

Andy

RE: Smoke Question
 

What does an Artes Jet smoke kit look like??

RE: Smoke Question
 

Most smoke systems have a one way valve to help keep the pump primed, does it have one?

RE: Smoke Question
 

Engine pressure has nothing to do with it..... RPM will affect consistancy & smoke density though...

RE: Smoke Question
 

if it's like the Tam system, the pump won't turn on and pump if you cycle the power and have the TX in the smoke ON position, it has to be cycled to the smoke OFF position to reset. check it with the turbine off and make sure the pump is turning back on after the power cycle.


on the smoke sticks, the exhaust blast usually causes a slight suction on them slowly drawing fluid out.

RE: Smoke Question
 

Make sure the sticks aren't pointing back slightly into the exhaust.

RE: Smoke Question
 

check your ATV...

RE: Smoke Question
 

Hi Andy:

Let's see if we can sort this out.

1. There is no way that the exhaust pressure can be greater than the pump pressure, even if you point the tubes directly to
the turbine
2. Please check the solenoid for correct set up. The solenoid for the smoke system is set up "reverse" of what you know as
normal. . .the "IN" nipple is used as the "OUT" in our smoke system. This insures constant pressure. It will work if
hooked up in reverse, but not as efficient. Please refer to the diagram and check this. Correct if necessary.
3 The fuel pump has an on/ off electronic switch and a solenoid valve. The electronics of our latest version has to "read OFF
position to be armed. The solenoid insures the pump does not lose it's prime when it is off.
4. Most likely there is a problem of transmitter curves or atv adjust they have to be 100% and 0% for "on and off"

I suspect the solenoid is plumbed in reverse. If after checking the above, you still have this issue, please let me know through RCU or email me directly.

Thank you,
Eric Clapp
Jet Central Micro Turbines

RE: Smoke Question
 

Eric,
Some of us have not seen your smoke system. Where can we find info on it?

Thanks, Jim

RE: Smoke Question
 

Hi Andy:

Just a follow up to my response regarding the issue you have / had with our smoke system.
Since I have not heard from you I assume (Uh OH) that problem is solved. If so, how about posting to let us know. If not, please email me so we can figure out the install.


JIM: Thanks for the inquiry. We released our smoke system at Florida Jets. it consists of the pump w/ internal PC Board for electronics, solenoid, necessary Festo's, Tygon clear tubine and nozzles. Will operate off any battery combination ranging from 3.6v to 7.2 v which makes the 4c 4.8v nicad packs just about perfect. Comes complete with written instructions and a 4 color diagram (map) for success.
Retail will be $225.00, however thru July, it is $200.00 plus shipping. I will have these at each jet meet I attend.

Best regards,
Eric Clapp
Jet Central Micro Turbines

RE: Smoke Question
 

Hi Eric,

Do you have any photo for the smoke set??

Thanks.
Regards.

RE: Smoke Question
 

No, not at the moment. Sold out. Next order will be here in about a week. Will photo and post.

Regards,
Eric Clapp
Jet Central Micro Turbines