Mounting the ECU on the Intrepid Turbine

[Reindeer]

As shown in the attached photo, the ECU casing had to be mounted on its side, with ECU Data Terminal (and other controller plug-ins) facing inward. A more desirable orientation would have been to have the plug-in terminals facing upward. However, the 4-pin control lead emerging from the turbine shell was about 1/2 inch too short to accomplish this. As oriented, there is barely enough interference clearance for convenient plug-in of the Data Terminal. The orientation shown in the photo is contrary to that shown in Bergen's documentation; although they did state there could be a difference.

So, the above comments really should be directed toward Wren for future reference: Please, fellas, a 1/2 inch more of control lead length would have made life a lot easier.

Have any of the other builders encountered this problem? What did you do about it?

Garren and Gary[/url][/list]

[cbergen]

We do have new ECU's, they are flatter and somewhat wider. I could possibly be convinced to trade with you if you wanted :D

I have seen 3 different ECU's configurations, with the flat ones being the latest version.

If you want to keep your current one, try moving things around a little, running the wires different ways to get a little more length out of it. I do have the same ECU mounted on an Industrial Turbine, can't say I ran into any difficulties with the length, I just put it somewhere that reached. :glasses2:

Got any more pics? Looking good so far.

[Reindeer]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the offer to swap ECUs; I think I'll stay with what we have because the Data Terminal can be plugged in by grabbing the ECU and tilting it back slightly while plugging in the terminal. I pondered trying to rearrange the equipment on the platform, but the orientation shown in the photo is really the only position that would work without putting a strain on the control lead; and, there is just no other path to reroute this lead. Anyway, its going to work out ok. My comments were directed more to Wren; if they had just made that lead a half inch longer.....!

Attached is another assembly progress photo. As you can see, the upper mechanics are complete and being assembled to the lower frame. Assembly progress has been slow because the weather has been so good; who wants to sit inside with all of this beautiful flying weather! However, rain is forcast for this weekend, and that will be the start of the wet season. We figure about two weeks after the rains start, we'll complete assembly and be ready to start the engine.

Assembly is going very well, we've encountered no major problems; your documentation is very good. We've gone over the turbine documentation many times and think we have a good understanding of the steps required for, at least, the initial startup and running of the engine; at least, we have no questions at this time. We now have everything required on hand and are ready to go when assembly is complete.

As we get closer to assembly completion, we will post more photos and comments.

Thanks for concern and response.
Garren and Gary

[fitenfyr]

When you guys get that thing done I may just have to fly down and check it out!

[WillJames]

Looking good Garren!! I know Greg's is fun to fly, you guys are going to LOVE it!

[Reindeer]

fitenfyr,

If you are serious about flying in, send a PM with an email address and we'll let you know when and where. We commonly fly off a hanger apron at a small local airport. If you have a private plane you could easily fly in and check us out.

Garren and Gary

[fitenfyr]

Garren,
Will do for sure.
I have some time to burn and a longer x-c flight will be a good way to do it.
How far south are you?
I was thinking about flying down to see the Goose sometime this winter.

[Reindeer]

We are in Brookings, OR. Come down any time; I'm home most of the time, and only about 10 minutes from the airport.

[fitenfyr]

Cool.
Next time I think I am headed that way I will do that.