I am considering installing the Xcom 760 remote head (1-5/8" depth + connector) to be mounted in the new 7AC replacement panel with the actual Xcom 760 radio mounted under the front seat next to the ELT on the plywood deck. Anyone have experience with this Australian mfg radio operated on battery power only in a 7AC, 11AC with -8 engines or other Continental -8 powered tube & fabric airplanes?
Status: I currently have a lead-acid rechargable battery mounted between the front pedals, against the firewall, supplying power to a portable ICOM A24, SIG intercom and a Garmin 396 w/XM weather (a current hog!). I get 8-10 hours good airborn use from the lead-acid source. If I disconnect the XM satelite antenna I get 12-16 hours use of the A24, G396 and intercomm. I have a new un-cut replacement 7AC instrument panel. All boiler gages except the CC Tach have been removed and refurbished by Keystone and/or John Wolf. I'm running on temp guages now except for the tach. It will get it refurnbished in a 48 hour turn-around by Keystone. I'm cleaning up the panel, except for a recesed Air-Gizmo 396 mount and the 2-1/4" diameter Xcom 760 head only. All will be done when we complete & install the C-85-8.
Experiences with Xcom 760 Radio on battery?
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Orlan H Franks
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WWhunter
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Orlan,
There was a discussion recently on the Murphy builder site about this radio. It wasn't that favorable I believe. I will try and find the thread and relay what was said.
I know it said there HAD been some quality issues with them and that they were from Australia and may be hard to find someone to work on them. I believe the radio they recommended was a Val-Comm for around $700.
Hope this helps.
Keith
There was a discussion recently on the Murphy builder site about this radio. It wasn't that favorable I believe. I will try and find the thread and relay what was said.
I know it said there HAD been some quality issues with them and that they were from Australia and may be hard to find someone to work on them. I believe the radio they recommended was a Val-Comm for around $700.
Hope this helps.
Keith
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Jerry Eichenberger
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We have a regualr Xcom in our Champ. The airplane has a full electrical system. I wouldn't think there would be any operational difference if your battery is fully charged.
I like it very much. My only negative comment is that is takes a few times to get used to setting volume for the radio as well as the intercom, setting squelch for both, and making frequency changes with only those little knobs.
Once you get used to it, it's fine. The volume and squelch seldom need to be changed once set.
I have the privilege of hearing it on the air quite a bit, as I stand in our hangar or FBO lounge and hear the unicom frequency. It's a good, strong radio, and comes across very clear, even in the noisy cockpit environment of the Champ.
It has NOAA weather channel too. For the price, and with the features (including flip flop frequencies), I think it's a good buy. I can't comment on ease of repair, as we haven't needed any repairs.
I like it very much. My only negative comment is that is takes a few times to get used to setting volume for the radio as well as the intercom, setting squelch for both, and making frequency changes with only those little knobs.
Once you get used to it, it's fine. The volume and squelch seldom need to be changed once set.
I have the privilege of hearing it on the air quite a bit, as I stand in our hangar or FBO lounge and hear the unicom frequency. It's a good, strong radio, and comes across very clear, even in the noisy cockpit environment of the Champ.
It has NOAA weather channel too. For the price, and with the features (including flip flop frequencies), I think it's a good buy. I can't comment on ease of repair, as we haven't needed any repairs.
Jerry A. Eichenberger
Columbus, Ohio
614-798-1600
Columbus, Ohio
614-798-1600
Am I right in that you can put an Air Gizmo and 396 in the panel as long as it's not hard wired into the planes electrical system if it has one? I am in the planning stages of installing a new panel in my Champ and would like to add the Air-Gizmo. Where can I buy a blank instrument panel also.
Jim Wright
46 Champ 7AC BCM conv. N2121E
Jim Wright
46 Champ 7AC BCM conv. N2121E
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Orlan H Franks
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Blank 7AC Instrument Panel
I bought a PMA BLANK panel from Wag Aero. It is preshaped top and bottom, well made and has no pentrations, not even for screwing to the airframe tubes.
The Air Gizmo recessed Garmin 296/396 holder is about 1-1/2" total depth. It projects forward of the panel about 1/2". Air Gizmo also has a $20 cover plate that is very thin (flimsy?) that conceals what is behine to the casual viewer when parked on the ramp.
A Electrified Champ is not a temporary battery powered 7AC or 11AC. Electrical requires either a generator, or alternator whether 'under-the-hood' or an externally mounted fan bladed unit mounted in the prop blast/air stream area between the gear. We use a 10AH lead acid battery between the rudder pedals at the firewall. Angles fix to the ply floor board to confine the battery base and a double bungy has strap has worked well. The battery has never lifted out of the TEMPORARY INSTALLED BATTERY mount. I have given it many opportunities to rise up when dealing with ATP pilots getting a taildragger refresh.
The charger plugs into an A/C wall outlet with extension cord. I get 10+ hours minimum power with ICOM A24, Sig Intercom and the Garmin 396 w/XM active weather/TFR data. GW's ranch TFRs requires this pop-up watch arrangement.
The Air Gizmo recessed Garmin 296/396 holder is about 1-1/2" total depth. It projects forward of the panel about 1/2". Air Gizmo also has a $20 cover plate that is very thin (flimsy?) that conceals what is behine to the casual viewer when parked on the ramp.
A Electrified Champ is not a temporary battery powered 7AC or 11AC. Electrical requires either a generator, or alternator whether 'under-the-hood' or an externally mounted fan bladed unit mounted in the prop blast/air stream area between the gear. We use a 10AH lead acid battery between the rudder pedals at the firewall. Angles fix to the ply floor board to confine the battery base and a double bungy has strap has worked well. The battery has never lifted out of the TEMPORARY INSTALLED BATTERY mount. I have given it many opportunities to rise up when dealing with ATP pilots getting a taildragger refresh.
The charger plugs into an A/C wall outlet with extension cord. I get 10+ hours minimum power with ICOM A24, Sig Intercom and the Garmin 396 w/XM active weather/TFR data. GW's ranch TFRs requires this pop-up watch arrangement.
Have to add one thing to what Orlan said. An "electrified" airplane is one with an alternator or generator ON THE ENGINE.
You can hang a wind driven generator on the wing strut or belly and it remains a "non-electric" airplane as per the FAA.
Only reason to pass this along is the second that you install a generator or alternator on the engine you also have to have a radio and transponder. Personally I do not want either on my airplane and will stay NORDO.
Orlan,
What model battery do you use? What is the weight on it? Always looking for options in this area and lighter is better IMHO.
You can hang a wind driven generator on the wing strut or belly and it remains a "non-electric" airplane as per the FAA.
Only reason to pass this along is the second that you install a generator or alternator on the engine you also have to have a radio and transponder. Personally I do not want either on my airplane and will stay NORDO.
Orlan,
What model battery do you use? What is the weight on it? Always looking for options in this area and lighter is better IMHO.
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Orlan H Franks
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A/C Rechargable Comm Battery info
The Battery I use in my 7AC is as follows:
BatteriesPLUS Stores (local) Rechargable Lead Acid, sealed, no caps, etc.
12 Volt 10 Amp Hour (AH)
Battery Plus model OE-12V10S
footprint size is 2-3/8" front-to-back X 5-3/4" long
height is 4-3/4" including slip-on terminals (not screw-on)
Charger is BatteriesPLUS sold DelTran Battery Tender Junior Automatic Model with a single Red/Green charge status indicator
I have the battery confined by 3 small 1/16" x 3/4" x 3/4" angles screwed to the floor plate between the front rudder bars and pressed against the cabin-side of firewall. I have a short bungee strap hooked thru the 2 end angles that I just pull snuggly over the battery top between terminals to hold it down. I use slip-on connectors to tie battery to a bus bar with a single bat switch to turn D/C power on or off. Powers Garmin 396 w/WX active weather, ICOM A24, Sig portable intercom feeding 2 Aloft headsets = 10 to 12 hours between charges. WX Antenna is a current HOG!
BatteriesPLUS Stores (local) Rechargable Lead Acid, sealed, no caps, etc.
12 Volt 10 Amp Hour (AH)
Battery Plus model OE-12V10S
footprint size is 2-3/8" front-to-back X 5-3/4" long
height is 4-3/4" including slip-on terminals (not screw-on)
Charger is BatteriesPLUS sold DelTran Battery Tender Junior Automatic Model with a single Red/Green charge status indicator
I have the battery confined by 3 small 1/16" x 3/4" x 3/4" angles screwed to the floor plate between the front rudder bars and pressed against the cabin-side of firewall. I have a short bungee strap hooked thru the 2 end angles that I just pull snuggly over the battery top between terminals to hold it down. I use slip-on connectors to tie battery to a bus bar with a single bat switch to turn D/C power on or off. Powers Garmin 396 w/WX active weather, ICOM A24, Sig portable intercom feeding 2 Aloft headsets = 10 to 12 hours between charges. WX Antenna is a current HOG!
Orlin your setup is exactly what I have in mind. I have an Icom A-24 and Sig intercom. The 396 would be great in the panel. If I stay with just a battery and no charging system can I run the GPS mounted in the Air-Gizmo and be legal? What do I need to do after I install the Air-Gizmo? Can my AI sign it off?
Do you have a picture of your panel you could share?
Thanks
jim
Do you have a picture of your panel you could share?
Thanks
jim