Any Interest in an AC/Ice Box Product - Gauging Interest ???

[Guest]

Hey guys,

 

We're just gauging interest in what everyone thinks of the AC/IceBox products for the summer.

 

We have an idea for a cheaper, 'smart' IceBox using an Iphone App again and some smart sensors. But do pilots in Warm climates actually enjoy using these things? I know the ice lasts only about an hour and for some in the South/MidWest thats imperative and really makes a difference.

 

Let us know your thoughts. 

 

The ArcticAir is the long standing model - $550 with shipping

http://www.arcticaircooler.com/

 

B-Kool - lot of pilots use this one - $425 with shipping

http://www.b-kool.net/index.html

 

Between our circle of pilots in the NorthEast, no one has purchased an icebox because "it doesnt work" is the consensus. Maybe if it was cheaper we would have sprung for one a few years ago.

 

What do you think? Whats the price point and features you guys would want?

Phillip

[carusoam]

I think the hassle of stopping to get ice compared to how long it takes to taxi and get airborne were in my thought process.

I've not had any experience with them either....

A test drive would probably be the most telling.

Best regards,

-a-

[1964-M20E]

I cannot see enroute for a long flight these being effective but for initial taxiing and maybe save your ice for taxiing on the other side. Fly high young man fly high. I generally fly above 7k (10k to 11k preferred) for this reason. At least in the south above 7k it gets pretty comfortable OAT in the 50s to 60s.

 

 

I thought about building one myself but too many other projects and I'd rather spend the time flying.

[Marauder]

Phillip -- you just convinced me to stop hauling around propane tanks and go electric with your Switchbox and now you want me to carry ice!? Seriously as John mentions above, flying higher in the summer is what I try to do. Now if you can find a way to cool the plane for those minutes that I am doing up run-ups on a sweltering 90 degree / 90 percent humidity days AND it doesn't involve me carrying ice to the airport, I would be interested.

 

Here is a thought. My F350 has air conditioned seats. they are running some sort of Peltier device that with a blower pushing cool air through small holes in the artifical leather seats in one setting and warm air in the other direction. Now that I would be interested in.

[MARZ]

I actually made one for far less than the commercial variety. Flew with it twice in the sweltering heat and it did help make things tolerable on the ground. As indicated its good for a short period of time - maybe 45 minutes on twenty pounds. Needless to say its not on my take along list. But I may use it as a novelty at some point.

[MARZ]

Phillip -- you just convinced me to stop hauling around propane tanks and go electric with your Switchbox and now you want me to carry ice!? Seriously as John mentions above, flying higher in the summer is what I try to do. Now if you can find a way to cool the plane for those minutes that I am doing up run-ups on a sweltering 90 degree / 90 percent humidity days AND it doesn't involve me carrying ice to the airport, I would be interested.

 

Here is a thought. My F350 has air conditioned seats. they are running some sort of Peltier device that with a blower pushing cool air through small holes in the artifical leather seats in one setting and warm air in the other direction. Now that I would be interested in.

Cool in th e summer and a heated seat in the winter...... Hmmmmm.

[Mcstealth]

I have no idea why CFI's here in TX don't all have their personal cooler. I don't know why the FBO's don't have one to rent. I would have spent the rent money on it. It is friggin hot here. I am going to buy one,  and I like the looks of the B-Cool, especially when/if they have it on special for us Mooneyspacers.

 

df

[David Mazer]

I have an Arctic-Air.  I have modified it by increasing the pump size from 500 gph to 800 gph and increased the tubing size from 1/4 in to 3/8 in (or 1/2 in, I can't remember).  I have also put in an cigarette lighter power source with a 24 to 12 V converter on the hat shelf, removed the switch based control, and put on an RF transmitter control so I don't have the cord coming to the front of the plane.  Why have I done all this?  Because I live in FL., the temperature in the plane can easily exceed 100 degrees very quickly, and this reduces the interior temperature at least 20 degrees and makes it very comfortable.

 

As far as ice goes, I have a freezer in my hangar and had a special aluminum box built to make blocks of ice just the right size.  When I stop at an FBO I just ask for 20 lbs of ice and they bring it to the plane.  No hassles and never a charge.

 

With the higher flow rate, I still get about an hour of relief and that makes all the difference on taxi, climb, and long approaches at low altitudes.  I can't see flying around FL without it anymore and I strongly recommend these for people in hot climates for more than just comfort.  I believe the reduced heat makes it easier to make decisions based on what is happening outside the plane rather than rushing to get in the air to cool down.  That doesn't even take into consideration the fatigue contribution and dehydration.

 

Be sure you get the kind with a heat exchanger.  The kind that just blow air over the ice just don't have the oomph to cool the cabin down.  Even though they are much less expensive, they just don't work.

[HopePilot]

I'd like one that is more "vertical" in shape, so it would easily fit into the hatch.

[rbridges]

I have no idea why CFI's here in TX don't all have their personal cooler. I don't know why the FBO's don't have one to rent. I would have spent the rent money on it. It is friggin hot here. I am going to buy one,  and I like the looks of the B-Cool, especially when/if they have it on special for us Mooneyspacers.

 

df

 

I was thinking something along those lines.  When you're getting your PPL, half your time is spent at low altitudes.  I remember sweating my butt off during the summer months.

[Hank]

Phillip, if you can build a cooler like you do cell switches, I'll take one. It must be back seat friendly, leaving room for a person, and actually cool the cabin while taxiing, climbing and (hopefully) shooting an approach. It's nice and cool cruising at 8-10K, but descending back into heat and humidity can be uncomfortable.

[1964-M20E]

I was thinking something along those lines.  When you're getting your PPL, half your time is spent at low altitudes.  I remember sweating my butt off during the summer months.

[PilotDerek]

I want one but I just can not justify the cost at the moment.

[Guest]

We're thinking of a way you can use our http://www.switchboxcontrol.com with the Summer Cooler Box.

 

In a perfect world you'd be able to 'remote start' the A/C in "120V ground" operation. Cool everything down before you get there

 

Then unplug the extension cord and switch to the "12/24V Ice flying" operation.

 

This is a great thread because the need exists for everyone, us too... and we're gathering all the features everyone wants. We'll present something soon, this is great guys... Thanks for all the feedback.

 

How is the price point for everyone? $399 is no problem for something that works well, or its a bit on the high side, etc? 

 

This one looks pretty cool also... Battery packs and accessories, looks good

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/gocool.php?clickkey=22759

[N601RX]

I rigged this up last summer to keep cool while working inside the plane.  It was 105 inside the hanger and it would keep the interior of the plane around 80.  If I had rigged up a return, it would have done much better.  I suppose it could be started remotely with Phil's box.

[Guest]

How would you guys feel on a "smart app" that could run on your iphone which could turn On/Off all fans, features, etc... even measure the ice/water level remaining, inside Box Temp, Outside cabin temp, etc ? We could do this pretty easy for everyone

and

it still has the wired controls on the 12V plug everyone wants from Arctic Air, or the Wireless dongle too

P

[Guest]

Noted Jim, thanks

p

[1964-M20E]

I rigged this up last summer to keep cool while working inside the plane.  It was 105 inside the hanger and it would keep the interior of the plane around 80.  If I had rigged up a return, it would have done much better.  I suppose it could be started remotely with Phil's box.

Maybe a couple of straps and we can attach one of  these to the wing.    Temporary installion no STC needed.

[David Mazer]

Don't forget the really long extension cord.

[Piloto]

Keep in mind that not all departures are from your home base. If you don't have ice or cooling off before engine start it will not work half the time. Not to mention the hassle with ice and baggage space that the contraption takes. I live in south Florida and my wife and I found out that leaving the door open while taxing provides enough fresh air even when is in the 90F. After takeoff we climb above 6,000ft for air conditioning temperatures and less turbulence. Mooneys after the 1980s have a good ventilation system when compared with the older ones. One solution would be to put a high velocity fan in series with the duct that comes from the tail to the cabin. This would provide fresh air without the need to keep the door open.

 

José

[Guest]

Think of this product as a 'crowd sourced' performance driven project. On the SwitchBoxhttp://www.switchboxcontrol.com we kept it in our workshop the entire time (developing and underwraps) and then after selling 3-400x orders -- started to incorporate the 2.0 upgrades, with comments from all of us/pilots that were using it over the Winter.

This time, for the IceBox project, we are going to make it open-source. I want everyone to feel like they helped develop it from the beginning. Features, Benefits, complaints, price point, etc. The BeechTalk and Cirrus guys are also involved and this is going to be a cool project. no pun

And... its gotta have a Free Iphone App, 'smart' sensor technology and ... be cheap.

We are pilots like you, and Never invested in one of the AC boxes because we wanted at least 3 hours of duration, cheaper price, etc. Possibly even more time, just so you never have to worry about it. And some technology/a new design and idea.

For now, we are taking interest for that cheaper Intro price and making a small run for select pilots. We have 2 slots left since this morning and I'll keep you in the loop with all info on this project. 

Basically everyone on the forums are involved... Designing this together with us, with the ultimate features and specs 

Phillip

[David Mazer]

Keep in mind that not all departures are from your home base. If you don't have ice or cooling off before engine start it will not work half the time.

I've never had any problem getting ice from an FBO.  They have it available, deliver it to the plane, and they have never charged me.  Even if they did, what does 20 lbs of ice cost?  $4?  Unfortunately, that is less than a gallon of 100LL now.  I don't understand the second part of this comment at all.  Even when I've left the plane on a hot ramp (especially when I've left the plane on a hot ramp), it makes the plane bearable.  My 86 has decent ventilation but is still really hot air coming in.

 

What I do is immediately close the door, turn on the master and let the cooling begin while I do everything else,  Works like a charm.

[Guest]

I agree with you David. On hot days, even with leaving the windows open and door etc.. My dog in the back seat really gets crazy! Would be nicer to have an AC box running

p

[Hector]

Interested. Saw them at Sun N Fun and was tempted. If you incorporate some of the changes recommended here I would seriously consider it

[Guest]

Thats the plan Perezm check back for pictures soon