IVO InFlight Adjustable

[raffdhc6]

Hi Norm
Not sure about about the pitch. The model is a UR370+PE KFOX /912/80.
I told IVO the aircraft and engine type and this is what was recommended.
I get 5800 on takeoff and start putting a bit of pitch in through climb out to maintain 5500 or so. I usually cruise at 52 to 5400 if I want to get somewhere . Hardly ever run it under 5000 unless in the circuit.
When are you in the air?
Cheers
Don

Hi Don, I own a Kitfox 5 outback rotax 912 ul with a CSG 68 prop. I have 2 Ivoprop light - 1 is standard and the other Patriot (thinner) 1 blades is 34 iches. What is the blade you are using? What is your cruise speed at 75% power. Cheers Raff

[kitfox2009]

G`morning Raff
When I bought my Vixen it came with a 68 inch GSC. I never did fool around with the pitch but if I remember correctly it flew at MAX high 90`s MPH at about 5500 RPM at 2500 ASL.

I changed to a 70 inch IVO IFA on the recommendation of many folks on this forum. I elected to go with the Ultralite model as my 912UL is a mid 90`s version and may have a lighter drive than later engines. I sent the engine serial number and a/c type to IVO and ordered their recommendation,so I am not sure if it is Patriot blades or not. The prop now has over 600 hours on it, and like has been mentioned, the planetary/motor assembly on these is pretty small and can be subject short life if you are constantly dinking around with the pitch controller!
I would say this is a good low budget IFA setup for the 80 HP engines but, of course with deep pockets and 100+HP the Airmaster is definitely the way to go.
I am always surprised at how much throttle and/or pitch adjustment is necessary on cross country flights, especially in the mountains. The CS and a bunch of cash would take care of that!!
Oh, to answer your question, I can now cruise at 115 or so with the IVO.

I really believe in order to get performance and efficiency out of these small engines IFA pitch really helps.
Good luck with your experiment.
Cheers
Don

[av8rps]

If the IVO IFA is set up properly, just as the electric motor is starting to run to the end of its limits (and is starting to bind) the circuit breaker should turn off. I move my IVO prop switch probably 20 to 30 times every time I fly and I've had the same prop motor for more than a decade.

My recommendation to anyone going with an IVO IFA: Follow the directions on how to set up the limiting washers so the motor isn't overloaded, and do not shorten the wires for the switch and the breaker as the resistance in the wire is part of the design.

Maybe I've just been lucky all these years with my motor, but my luck usually goes the other way

Oh, and I have another plane that has a Hartzel Constant Speed prop on it. It works very well, but it also costs 20+ grand. By comparison the IVO is a incredible value. If they could just solve the short life stainless leading edge tape issue I would be tickled pink over the IVO IFA.

[kitfox2009]

HI av8rps
I your IVO the Ultralight or Medium model?

[av8rps]

Ultralight version with the low pitch blades. I originally had the higher pitch blades and I couldnt get static rpm any higher than 5 grand when pitched flat for takeoff (too much molded in pitch in prop). A 100 hp 912 would do fine with the higher pitched or the Patriot blades, but for my 81 hp 912 the lower pitched blades work better.

[kitfox2009]

Sounds good. Mine must be the same, then.

[little rocket]

What static RPM are guys setting the prop for as a maximum and how many washer/spacers are you putting in to limit it so that it can't over rev on takeoff?
THANKS

[Maverick]

How often do you torque your prop bolts?

[Dusty]

I run an ivo on an 80 hp. My old motor had 68 inch fine pitch blades and I could just get enough adjustment to keep my revs in check. My new 80 hp motor with the 100 hp ratio ( I believe this the default ratio now) would redline at 3/4 throttle with these blades. I installed the high pitch blades at 72 inch but the 80 wouldn't get above 4800 static at full fine so I shortened them down in place with a cutoff grinder at 1/2 inch at a time. 68 is where I could get 5300 static ! Take off performance is identical but cruise is at least 5-10 kts faster than the original setup. After I was happy with the length I removed and checked the balance it was spot on.
i hope this is of some help
cheers
Dusty