Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
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Electric linear actuators - Amphib floats
I just completed the installation of linear actuators on my amphib floats. I purchased 3 four inch I.T.E.
actuators for $71 each. The addition of some wiring, an over-head
panel, and replacement of some AN hardware cost me less than
$250.
The actuators have 110 lb dynamic load and 500 lb static
load, so there is plenty of power to move the gear. The actuators
have internal limit switches and potentiometers which simplifies
wiring. I used six LEDs as indicators for low power and reliability,
one for each wheel/position.
If your considering electric
gear, drop me a line. I learned quite a bit through trial and error
before getting it to work perfectly, so I might be able to save you
some time and money.
John
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Bob McDonald on
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Why electric gear actuators? I always thought electricity & water don't mix well. I have a friend with a C-180 on amphibian EDO floats. Originally his floats were electric operated and then recalled and converted to hydraulic operated mechanisms. The Zenith float produced today have a small hand operated hydraulic pump to raise & lower the floats. Let us know how it works out.
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Permalink Reply by Heinz Genrich on
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Hi,Bob!
Why would anybody want to raise and lower the floats???Read your e:mail to John Ellis
Heinz
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"Dang!"
its that one finger shift key and the other finger pecking out the message and both fighting for control of my brain thing. :>)
I have flown the last 9 years with a Challenger on Amphib. Puddle Jumper floats, a simple single lever with 180 degree travel raised and lowered the wheels by cable.
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Permalink Reply by John Ellis on
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Hi Bob, not sure about the EDO floats but I did make sure the actuators I used were water tight. They are not water proof so if the get submerged they won't hold up. They will be ok with the splash you get in rough water.
My main reason for the electrics was the panel indication, plus I wanted the gear to fail-up or stay in place. There is lots of water were I fly, but few roads to put down on during a "forced". The electrics allow me to raise them and keep them up even if there is a failure. I tried pneumatics and limit switches but it left too many part in the wind and a leak resulted in a wheels-down. Hydralics was the same issue. It will be intresting to see how they hold up through the season. Since I live on a lake, they will see the water every time I fly.
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It is the same questions I asked of Zenair in Midland when they showed me the floats. Is there springs to retract the gear and actuators to lower or do the actuators raise and lower the wheels? I like having an indication on the panel for wheels up or down.
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The actuators raise and lower the wheels. There are no springs on the mains, but I left the one on the nose wheel since it ensured the wheel seated properly and remained aligned. Since the actuators have 500 lb static load rating the gear fails in place. My plan is to have a SOP of always flying with the gear up. Of course, since 99% of the time I will be taking off from water, this is the default. I will only have to be extra vigilant if I land at a strip and then take off since there would be a chance I could forget them in the down position. Of course my downwind and final checks will include verification of the wheel position.
Did you watch ICE Pilots? If you did you would have seen them put down a water bomber wheels-up on a runway. So, even seasoned pilots can make a mistake if they don't follow the checklist. --- Me I am anal about my list and aways say them aloud (even if I am alone). I once took off with the water rudders down crosswind with a 172 becuase I did not follow the checklist and that scarred the crap out of me. Try putting in rudder input when the water rudders are forcing the pedals straight. Lesson learned --- checklist - checklist - checklist. :-)
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Permalink Reply by Ron D Leclerc on
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Hey John
I'm interested in how the actuators are working out? Perhaps you can email me at infow@mts.net... rON
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Permalink Reply by Normand Lambert on
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Hi John,
My actuators are only 45 lbs dynamic and 160 static but still work OK. Where did you find yours ?
They seem less costly than mine... Did you use the same one on the front wheel ?
Do you have part numbers ? Models?
Did you use the Tundra front wheel instead of the smaller version wheel ?
I'm setting up my 701 with the SkyJeep gear on amphib floats and will be using the front Jeep wheel ...
Some redesign to do but nothing too serious.
You have pictures of your setup ???
Thans for any input you can provide.
Norman Lambert
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Hi Norman,
You can find the actuators at this link.
target="_blank">https://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=5-1577-4&catname=el...
- 107 lbs dynamic, 500 static, 3.93" stroke, internal limits
- small tires
- same actuators on all wheels
- Will take some pictures and will post.
John
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