Displaying all fuel quantities on PA30/39

[Robert Bitzer]

Hi all,

I'm a brand new PA39 owner and looking at all the gadgets out there to enhance safety and lighten my wallet... I've been trying to see if there are any devices on the market that can display fuel quantity in all 6 tanks simultaneously... left and right main, Aux, and Tip.

Looks like the big ticket solutions like the Auracle and EDM 960 can only display 4 tanks. I've emailed EI about the CGR-30C...seems very customizable but we'll see. I'll post what I find out.

Anyone else replaced their original gauges with a modern setup?

Anyway, I'm looking forward to many fun years with the plane and participating in ICS.

-Robert Bitzer

[N3322G]

Have 39-10. Not aware of way to display all tanks at the same time but haven't been looking either

[Robert Bitzer]

Hi all,

Got a positive response back from EI...the CGR-30C cluster gauge replacement CAN display all 6 tanks, but needs an additional box in the installation (EDC at $995) since the usual input limit is 4 tanks...anyway, like most things it can be done with a little more time and money. EI has some really useful-looking instrumentation available that don't require a lot of panel modifications. I think the longer-term solution would be their CGR-30P/C multi-engine combo...but I'd want the gauges closer to me vs. way over on the right side.

Anyway, its not a first on my to-do list on the plane by any means but getting the engine/fuel instrumentation into a more modern, organized format would be a plus. I inquired with JPI and the people that make the Auracle and neither of them will display more than 4 tanks...nice to have a solution out there.

Enjoy the weekend, everyone!

-Robert Bitzer
N8898Y
PA39-33

[Robert L Markle]

I have installed the EI twin system which includes two CGR30P's and one CGR30C. Doing this you would not need to purchase any additional items to display all six fuel tank gauges. I love having the tanks all visible at one time. In addition you can then move your tip tank selector switches to the instrument panel (with a local field approval) and do away with the micro switches and a bundle of wires from under the fuel selector bowl. Mine were a real mess and always complicated reinstalling the bowl. If you just installed the CGR30C you would need to purchase an additional box to display over four tanks. The RFLM is for the resistance float system. If you have newer floats, Magnetic or capacitance type this box would not be used. Also in my case I have no instruments on the right side instrument panel any longer. Just my usb charging and data ports for the CGR's. Bob

[Robert Bitzer]

Bob,

Looks like a great setup...especially having the tip switches on the panel. Do you have the total fuel tied to a gps?

Thanks for attaching the picture. Not sure what type of fuel senders I have...just getting to know the plane.

[Robert L Markle]

Robert I do have the fuel sent to my 430w. That only displays fuel from one CGR30P so it doesn't give you correct reading. Only one side. I have mine hooked to the left CGR so I have to double that number. Each CGR shows total fuel for that wing. The left CGR gives me all the fuel calculations such as fuel to destination, time etc. Not a problem because both wings and fuel burns being nearly identical the calcs are good.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

http://www.aerospacelogic.com/index.php ... gory_id=30

They have a stand alone fuel gauge that reads 6 tanks. I have their gauge, very accurate and calebrates to the existing sender at 2 gal intervals so even a non linear resistance gets computed out.

-Zach

[Robert Bitzer]

Great stuff, thank you!

[Charles Schefer]

FYI regarding the CGR30P - I'd talked to EI about getting 2 of these for a twin but wanting the fuel total to be the total when sent to the GPS (a GNS-480 in my case). They said this could be done by tying the two CGR30P units thru their standard fuel flow meter (the FP-5 if I recall correctly but don't quote me on that). The FP-5 would then feed the total to the GPS.

Just FYI.

- Charles

[Gomer Pound]

Hi Zach, I am pretty certain I will get the CIES fuel senders for my PA-30senders. I am looking at the Aerospace Logic FL204D four tank fuel level indicator. Is that the same model of the Aerospace Logic Fuel level indicator you have? Thanks for letting me sit in your plane at Airventure and turn on the master switch. As I recall, it seems to me all 4 levels in your plane were being displayed simultaneously.
I am curious how you have the instrument wired. Do you see all 4 tanks continuously as I thought? Did you bypass the microswitches which normally "choose" which tank levels are being displayed on the stock fuel level gauges, or did you keep the microswitches so they "highlight" or otherwise mark which tanks you are actually using at that time so all levels are viewed, but you can tell which tanks you are using?
Aerospace Logic gave a lead time of 4 weeks, so that may be a factor for me, as if I had an issue in the future, I'm a little concerned how long it would take to repair the gauge. With EI, you can usually get a replacement or loaner right away.
Clear Skies,
Gomer

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Yes, all tanks are displayed simultaneously. You simply eliminate the micro switch fiasco from the circuit and wire each sender directly to the gauge pigtail. EI has had some backorder issues with the CGR 30 as well. I think they are more popular than originally thought.

Zach

[Gomer Pound]

Hi Zack, Looks like from reading the Delphi board CiES has announced they have the STC to use their senders with the AeroSpace Logic instrument on Comanches. I just got my gauges and senders overhauled at Keystone Instruments, but they are not installed. I may call Zack to see about getting his senders.
Gomer