heaters

[airlina]

The next step for me in the preheat process was a way to control the activation from home, so I wouldn't have to drive to the hangar to set the timer or plug in the heat then come back 2 hours later to fly. After some research , I found that most manufactured cell call activated units run $200-300 . Being the true homebuilder (read cheap) that I am , I figured there was a more economical way. So with a bit of further interneting I just finished a homebuilt unit for 60 bucks or so. I found a Romanian Helicopter pilot who builds a cell phone activated (the light on the screen of the cellphone does the activation) relay switch for 25 bucks shipped to my door. I had an old cellphone that I bought a new sim card and 3 mos of prepaid minutes for another 20 bucks ($10 for the sim card and $10 for the 3 mos of mins so about $3 per month for cell service). A trip to lowes for a elec box to put the relay switch and plug in for a few more bucks and I was good to go.I just installed this at the hangar and testing has just begun. If it works OK , i will take photos with more details in a future update. Bruce N199CL

[Av8r3400]

Okay, Bruce: If this project works out, I don't think I'd be alone in requesting a full write up (new thread start) with photos, drawings and the works on the build and operation of this system.

[airlina]

Okay, Bruce: If this project works out, I don't think I'd be alone in requesting a full write up (new thread start) with photos, drawings and the works on the build and operation of this system.

OK Larry, so far I am one for one, got up at 5:30 , checked duats, wx looked good, called the preheater , went to the hangar at 8:00 am to a toasty IO-240. Probably gonna go again tomorrow. Bruce