Re: [PIK20] Landing gear warning

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bob pye

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Mar 6, 2025, 4:43:54 AM3/6/25
to 'Francis Savage' via PIK20
Definitely was no warning system in the original design. The reason manufacturers do not incorporate them is that any form of alarm sounding on final approach as you extend the flaps will encourage the pilot to attempt to swap hands in order to lower the gear just at the most critical stage of the flight, when speed control and judgment are most vital. The manufacturers and most (sensible) governing bodies advise against fitting them. Far better to land safely wheels up (impact cushion offers huge protection against back injuries) than end up crashing because one was outside the envelope for a successful landing. 

I would say things are slightly better in the 20b as the flap can be locked in position unlike most Airbraked gliders. Nonetheless I am not a fan of them; most pilots would struggle to maintain approach attitude and lower the gear at the same time.  If one does forget to lower the gear the high workload is likely to be the cause. Therefore an alarm going off just increases the workload and adrenaline further exacerbating the chance of a serious accident rather than an annoying wheels up. 

If you fit one remember it maybe better ignore the alarm and make an accurate landing than flapping (pun intended) around with the all of the above. 

Hope this helps explain the logic. 

Bob 

On 6 Mar 2025, at 03:09, 'Francis Savage' via PIK20 <pi...@googlegroups.com> wrote:

 This style of reed switch is a better choice. Easier to fit, more robust. Can be located with 2x tape.
I typically use 1x N/O, 1xN/C.
Cheers
Frank

On 6 Mar 2025, at 1:26 pm, Mike Davis <davi...@msn.com> wrote:

There are much smaller reed switches no more bigger than a few grains of rice that work with 12v and other systems and are simple to mount. You can also buy small but strong magnets and Home Depot, etc. 
Michael
Buy 60pcs Small Magnets,Round for Refrigerator , Cylinder, Fridge , Office , Whiteboard , Durable Little Miniature Tiny Mini for Crafts: Refrigerator Magnets - Amazon.com FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

MATE-12B-17-23 Littelfuse Magnetic / Reed Switches MATE-12B 17-23AT STDSORT datasheet, inventory, & pricing.

From: pi...@googlegroups.com <pi...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Narre Flyer <narre...@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 5, 2025 7:10 PM
To: 127178 <keith...@gmail.com>
Cc: PIK20 <pi...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: [PIK20] Landing gear warning
 
Hi Keith.
To the best of my knowledge, there is no original/factory warning system for the u/cart !
Any system will have been installed by a previous owner.
There may have been a kit available at some stage.


Cheers.
Bernie.

On Thu, 6 Mar 2025 at 11:30, 127178 <keith...@gmail.com> wrote:
Evening all,

It's been awhile since I've asked any questions.  Does anyone have any photos of what an original installation for the gear warning system would have looked like?  I have seen magnets used similar to what used to be installed on windows for burglar protection.  One set of magnets was on the landing gear actuator tubing and another set was used on the flap actuator tubing.  These were tied into a battery powered buzzer.

Thanks,
Keith

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andrew Hulme

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Mar 6, 2025, 4:48:34 AM3/6/25
to bob pye, 'Francis Savage' via PIK20

Bob

 

How very well put and absolutely correct!

 

 

Andrew

Janos Bauer

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Mar 6, 2025, 5:09:02 AM3/6/25
to bob pye, 'Francis Savage' via PIK20
But how do you determine the landing configuration in the B version? On other gliders, a buzzer is activated when the airbrake is not locked and the landing gear is not extended. But in case of the B version, what do you consider as a trigger for such warning?

Janos

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Narre Flyer

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Mar 6, 2025, 5:09:22 AM3/6/25
to andrew Hulme, bob pye, 'Francis Savage' via PIK20
Well said Bob, I totally agree.
I once landed with the wheel down but not locked, the reason for this was very active air & no chance to swap hands to check.

Cheers.
Bernie

127178

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Mar 7, 2025, 7:53:43 PM3/7/25
to PIK20
Evening all,

Once again you guys have been very helpful with ideas for a gear warning system and I appreciate it.  I haven't decided for sure about installing one because the flying season is nearing and if I do install one it probably wouldn't be until next year.

Thanks,
Keith

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