Electroair ignition switch

[bmcconnaha]

Well, the time has almost come for my full panel overhaul.  I’m about 45 days from starting the install, and need to clean a few things up.  The last two things on my list are the ignition switch and glareshield lighting.  I like the idea of the electroair ignition switch. Can anyone share their experience if they have gone this way? Surefly mag in the left spot.  Regular slick in the right spot. 

[Niko182]

I have it and like it a lot. Its simple and does the trick. At first I forgot to turn off the mags a couple times, but since I've added it to the checklist, it hasn't been an issue.

[Oscar Avalle]

Same with me… including forgetting to switch them off


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[tony]

Do you have impulse couplers or a shower of sparks?  My ignition switch has a position to turn on the vibrator, then engage the starter. I just bring that up because I don't see a  separate switch for the vibrator.  I guess you could tie it to the starter solenoid.   

[LANCECASPER]

About a year ago I put one in a Bravo that I recently sold. I took off the factory plate and ended up with three switches, which I thought had a more finished look.

[ArtVandelay]

At $300, what’s the benefit over a conventional key switch?
One downside I see is it makes it easier to steal your plane.

[LANCECASPER]

If thieves can pick the door locks they can steal the avionics or the airplane no matter what you have for an ignition switch.

Putting good door locks (https://aircraftsecurity.com/collections/mooney/products/asm20) on won't stop them if they want to get in badly enough, they use a crowbar.  But it will most likely cause them to just move to the next airplane with file cabinet door locks. 

[47U]

3 hours ago, ArtVandelay said:

At $300, what’s the benefit over a conventional key switch?

Benefit is that with the Surefly, there’s a greater chance of after-fire when doing mag checks with the traditional key switch.  The Electro Air comes with an STC, so there’s also a 337 to be filled out.  

If you’re an aspiring CB, a couple MS toggle switches (spring loaded, DPDT) will do the same thing as the Elector Air switches.  I adapted a schematic from an RV’er I found online and did it as a minor mod.  Talk to your A&P/IA and see what they think.  

 

[Ragsf15e]

5 hours ago, tony said:

Do you have impulse couplers or a shower of sparks?  My ignition switch has a position to turn on the vibrator, then engage the starter. I just bring that up because I don't see a  separate switch for the vibrator.  I guess you could tie it to the starter solenoid.   

Once you have an eis on the left mag position, you don’t have an sos or impulse coupling.  The OP has a Surefly mag there, so no need for the sos anymore.

[tony]

Thank you sir. That clarifies things for me.  

[aviatoreb]

That’s my set up!  Love it.

I don’t know but it’s unexectantly fun starting the engine by pressing a button.

yeah - what other people said - it’s easier to forget to flick the switches to off after shut down - very important.  And I would add - check again before you ever touch the prop.

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[40_Year_Dream]

Same experience - easy to forget to turn the ignition off. I was reminded "Music, Mixture, Mags, Master" at shutdown. Seems like the mag checks are quite different - little or no drop (that I can tell) when you shut off the mechanical mag, big drop when the electronic mag is off.

[Oscar Avalle]

If thieves can pick the door locks they can steal the avionics or the airplane no matter what you have for an ignition switch.
Putting good door locks (https://aircraftsecurity.com/collections/mooney/products/asm20) on won't stop them if they want to get in badly enough, they use a crowbar.  But it will most likely cause them to just move to the next airplane with file cabinet door locks. 

Thanks for the tip. My door locks are old and needed to be replaced! So I ordered a set


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[carusoam]

So…

1) It helps know which mag you are testing…

Really important, if your memory sucks, or you have lost feeling in your finger tips… was that one click or two?  

 

2) It is good if your electronic mag is delayed when being turned off and back on… after fire… boom.  The traditional ignition switch makes you go through all the options you don’t always want…

3) Any switch can be left on… so checklists rule!

4) This switch is missing the key… that gets left on the glare shield as an unmistakable reminder that the switch is turned off…. Or, if not there… the switch is probably live! 

-a-

 

[carusoam]

2 hours ago, 40_Year_Dream said:

Same experience - easy to forget to turn the ignition off. I was reminded "Music, Mixture, Mags, Master" at shutdown. Seems like the mag checks are quite different - little or no drop (that I can tell) when you shut off the mechanical mag, big drop when the electronic mag is off.

Sounds like a different problem than the switch…

Might want to do some research on mag drops for your particular mag…

Or, your old mag may need some assistance…

Guess it depends on what you call No drop vs… big drop.

Mag drops come from imperfect ignition, and the two mags/plugs cover for the imperfection…

It is possible the new mag does such a good job, with its powerful spark… it may be good at hiding the imperfection…

Just be sure the mags are both working properly.

Often, when there isn’t a drop… one of the mags isn’t getting turned off by the switch, as expected… 

A big mag drop is usually a sign that the mag is asking for some service… a 500hr mag inspection is always good…

Got an engine monitor?  These are good at showing what is going on during the run-up… identical mags give identical graphs when their timing is set the same…

Some of the electronic mags give really interesting graphs during the run-up…

Best regards,

-a-

[MisfitSELF]

I installed in my M20J in anticipation of getting a Surefly installed on the left side.  My only complaints are:

1.  Sometimes (maybe once or twice) I forget to turn on the right mag until I get out to run-ups.
2.  The mag switches are too "soft" meaning that it's too easy to flip them off and on.   I installed mine right where the original key switch was located which is directly under my digital clock.  On one occasion, in turbulence, while starting my timer for a practice instrument approach, my hand accidentally turned off one of the mag switches.
3.  Once (and only once, so far) I forgot to turn them off.

Advantages:
1.  You don't have the bendix 100 hours AD grounding checks anymore.
2.  Cleaner Look -- feels cool to use a push button start
3.  You have a solid feel for which mag is on and off during mag checks.

[carusoam]

Great pirep for the Electroaire ignition switch MfT!

Best regards ,

-a-