Unfortunately, during the initial runup it was apparent that the engine instruments displayed on the AuRACLE were not properly displaying engine data. Although the EGT and CHT displayed correctly, manifold pressure, oil pressure, fuel pressure, fuel flow and RPM were all missing. So the monitor was removed and returned to Ultra Electronics for repairs.
Yesterday, February 13, I returned to aviation Research to assist in the calibration of the digital fuel gauges. We selected gauges from Aerospace Logic as the primary fuel display system. Each gauge displays fuel status of two tanks using two bar graphs and a digital readout of fuel quantity, selectable by tank. The fuel level senders in the main tanks are 0 - 30 ohm senders and the gauge for the main tank was calibrated using this information. The 3 unusable gallons were added to each main tank, and then one gallon at a time, we filled the tanks and calibrated the gauges. Following the mains, we calibrated the tip tanks, which use 0 - 90 ohm senders. During this process, we discovered that the Osborne tip tanks actually hold 22 usable gallons each!
And now, all that remains is to reinstall the engine monitor, complete the paperwork and start flying the airplane. Again, I feel compelled to praise the folks at Aviation Research Systems. Jerry and Felicia operate a truly first class facility. Considering Bill, the avionics wizard and Felix, the sheet metal guru and mechanic extraordinaire, the is the place to bring a Bonanza!!
