FAQS
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QUESTION
Does the Therm-X™ system come with everything I need to perform the installation?
Answer
You will need to provide the 6 gage wire for the installation. This is not provided due to the impracticality of shipping a large spool of wire. All of the systems hardware components and detailed instructions do come with the kit along with technical support via phone or email.
QUESTION
How long does the Therm-X™ airframe system take to install?
Answer
The Lancair ES and IV series aircraft take an estimated 130 hours for installation. The Lancair Legacy installation takes an estimated 100 hours. Keep in mind as part of the Therm-X™ system purchase/installation RDD provides the installation of the heaters and intialization (initial power up and operational test) at no charge.
QUESTION
Is there a performance penalty incurred by installation of Therm-X™?
Answer
RDD thoroughly compliments all development programs with a well devloped flight test program designed to maximize design and implementation of our technologies. We find a 5KIAS speed loss for the airframe system and an additional 2KIAS for the propeller system - a total of just 7KIAS for the full system. We have even raced a Therm-X™ equipped Lancair Legacy in the National Championship Air Races, Reno, NV!
QUESTION
What if I have air conditioning, will I still be able to install the Therm-X™ propeller de-ice system?
Answer
Yes, you will be able to install the system with extra work, generally. RDD has encountered front mount A/C compressors commonly used. RDD has a customized bracket to accomodate A/C installations not included in the Therm-X™ prop kit.
QUESTION
My batteries are installed on the firewall of my Lancair IV, how will the Therm-X™ de-ice alternator installation work around that?
Answer
RDD has an additional "re-work" instruction that relocates the batteries to the spar area inside the cabin to free up the firewall space. With the relocation, upgrade to the newer Odyssey battery design is strongly recommended.
QUESTION
Can I use the Therm-X™ alternator as a bus alternator?
Answer
Yes, RDD does provide an alternator switching control to utilize the alternator on the bus when it is not performing deice duty.