AOPA Pilot - May 2013

AOPA Pilot

The press is taking notice of the new digital fuel level senders in the new Cirrus aircraft.

In this case AOPA Pilot and Tom Horne

Here the new fuel level  senders are being discussed with the integration to the standard Cirrus Garmin Perspective Panel.

We agree that accurate fuel level makes it much easier to manage fuel and payload 

The dialogue we started a year and a half ago 

That accurate fuel level in aviation will allow for a higher level of integration, and relieve pilot workload

These innovations are reaching the light of day and in now in production

Tank level balancing and enriched warnings are now reality

Vulcanair P68 Service Bulletin - Digital Fuel Level Digital Fuel Level

Vulcanair P68 Service Bulletin - 

The two new fuel senders are of magnetic field typology and their output is a digital square wave signal whose frequency changes according to the fuel level in the tank.

This new fuel sender uses one wire to interface the level indicator by which it transfers its output frequency to the indicator and a second wire to get a voltage supply, typically  the 28Vdc of the aircraft.


Vulcanair is the second OEM Aircraft manufacturer to utilize the CiES Digital Fuel quantity sender for installation on all of it's aircraft.   

Vulcanair is the first manufacturer to offer a retrofit Service Bulletin Kit to install the system on legacy Vulcanair and Partenavia Aircraft.  

 
AIRCRAFT FUEL GAUGES THAT TELL THE TRUTH 

"With over 10,000 units now flying, CiES has taken over the OEM fuel level sending field.   Our combination of outstanding quality,  reliability, and accuracy has made CiES the standard and the industry leader for fuel level indication on all aviation platforms, GA, Utility, Rotorcraft for both reciprocating and turbine engine applications " 

Customer Responses - CiES Non-Contact Fuel Level

Cessna 177

Hi Scott,Our senders have been working perfectly with the Aerospace Logic gauge since installation last August. Thank you for your outstanding support in helping us work through an unrelated ground wire issue in the plane.Gregg Ridder

Mine have worked flawlessly since installation, and the accuracy appears to be extremely good. Hopefully someday I’ll be able to quantify that accuracy. I sure wish other aviation vendors cared about their customers like you do. Jerry Olson, 76 C177RG

Hey Scott,
I presume you got the original frequency senders back by now? The new ‘voltage’ type senders are working fine with my old(er) JPI 930. I did calibrate them (again) when installing them, however, they fail to indicate the full 30.5 gal on each side on the 930 when ‘full’ (JPI’s display units do not show partial gallonage). Most times the 930 reads 29 each side when “full” (full is over 30.5 gallons each side, sometimes QUITE a bit more). However, when I fill up, I can tell you the amount put in + the 930 readout of what’s left is almost spot on, close enough to more closely calibrate my K factor in the 930 installation (it’s still off quite a bit). I also double check with my fuel dipstick. And I did level the plane while calibrating, even though the Cardinal cruises nose down, so calibration methods give differing results depending on nose strut extension, attitude, cross level, etc.
Any my 930 still shows the digital amount remaining.
So I’m happy. Much better than the OEM stuff and those original gauges.  And it will get better with more flights.
Too bad you can’t get JPI to include your senders when new fuel reading units are ordered.
Marc, 76 C177RG 

Everyone, Mine are installed (Bob Russell) and interface properly with the JPI 930.  Fuel readings seem to be extremely accurate.  I can read the remaining fuel from the JPI, and then stick the tanks for a comparison.  So far, readings are within .5 gal of what I measure.  Scott, excellent product.  Thanks for supporting CFO and members.Alan, C177RG

The Three Fundamental Truths About Aircraft Fuel Level

We have a unique perspective to aircraft fuel level,  in that CiES works daily on these systems.  We see the good, the bad and the downright ugly.

What we have observed and are sharing here is what CiES has determined to be the

Three Fundamental Truths about Aircraft Fuel Level Systems. 

Here they are:

If the technology of fuel level measurement can find the surface of the fuel reliably. 

• Floats that actually float or are allowed to float.
• A set capacitance based on fuel level in a tube (ignoring temperature & other fuel dielectric effects).
• Ultrasonics tend to get messed up with foaming fuel. 

If the basic sensor system can output a lot of data related to fuel level. 

• A capacitance fuel level system can output a theoretically infinite number of data points - but realistically in an actual fuel level device -  potentially 10,000 to 30,000 data points 
• Our Magnetic Field Technology has 10,000 to 12,000 data points.
• A legacy potentiometer system that provides maybe 50 or 60 data points (wiper and trace size controlling the data point size) 

If your fuel level display system can capture the complexities of a fuel tank curve  

• a non linearly marked fuel gauge or an Multi Function Display with a calibration feature

Then if these three criteria are met - you will have an excellent aircraft fuel level system - meet a few of them and your fuel level system will be functional. 

As we know the world isn’t perfect -  

To make a old aircraft fuel level system work well -  You need to make a unique potentiometer, carefully assemble it to reduce internal friction, maintain wiper contact and hope it all holds together and doesn’t corrode.  

Now combine the above with a non linear and an easy to calibrate gauge.  This is fussy work at best.

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Here is  our real world challenge  - 

• Say for example you have a simple fuel gauge marked with the same distance from Empty to 1/2 tank, & from 1/2 tank to full 
• We are all very familiar how long it takes to go from Full to 1/2 Tank and that it takes a fraction of the time to go from 1/2 Tank to Empty.
• The above is a fundamental universal truth. 
• Therefore because CiES can  - we load a tank table with a characteristic curve onto internal memory on the sender.
• Log, Sine, 3rd order, 4th order, 5th order, Non Linear - You name it - We can do it - challenge us.
• Of course we need the tank function and a simple gauge to get it right.
• Unlike a potentiometer - we don’t have to cram all that onto a circuit card by physically making the small steps with variably positioned traces, or onto a carefully delineated gauge.
• We have 10,000 reliable data points with our sensor technology - we just do it in software - easy peasy. 

Just don’t tell me that fuel gauges only have to be accurate at empty - we get all apoleptic.

Heli-Expo 2015 - AS350 Fuel Tank

Heli-Expo 2015

We are happy to show the Robertson Fuel System - Airbus AS350 Tank in the Vector Aerospace booth.

Our fuel level indication system is finding favor in many applications.

The unique nature of our magnetic field technology makes for a robust and accurate fuel level sender.

We have produced rotorcraft fuel senders and fuel senders for Jet A fuel applications, but this combination is a first for our application.

Our capability is exceptional and we are excited every time we are able to prove this in a new application.

We change opinions on how an accurate fuel level can be attained and are replacing legacy fuel quantity systems in the field

Check into our capabilities and we will change your perceptions.

Cirrus SR22 Fuel Level Retrofit

Feedback on the the CiES system....

While my aircraft (NA G3 #3813 Perspective) was at Leading Edge Aviation in Tampa for an annual, I had the CiES digital fuel system installed. The crew at LEA had recently received the benefit of Scott Philben's tutelage on the intricacies of this installation, and I was in line next for the retrofit. Two points of observation:

From This

1 - Fuel quantities are now precise and crisp. No longer do I tend to disbelieve fuel gauge indications because of erratic needles.

 Now there is no "negotiating" with myself of how much fuel I probably have. The installation includes calibration at 2 gallon intervals from "Zero Fuel" empty to full.  In my opinion, the replacement round gauge on the center panel is superior to the Perspective MFD indication.  Fuel quantity and balance is abundantly clear.

To This

2 - Choice of shop doing the work is very important. With the changes in wiring harnesses among all the iterations of Cirrus aircraft, there are a several unique and significant distinctions for each application. You need a knowledgable, detail-oriented, and thorough installer. I was fortunate to have one at Leading Edge Aviation.

Contact Steve Miller if you want this job done properly.




Finally, thank you Scott Philben for extending the OSH incentive, motivating me to get this system in my airplane. After seeing the results, I think the discount I received should more appropriately have been a premium paid to you. 

Like Cirrus Aircraft - Vulcanair uses CiES Fuel Level Senders - Exclusively

The entire article may be viewed at:

Vulcanair's New V1.0 Four-Seat  Airplane

April 10, 2014

By Paul Bertorelli Editorial Director

At Aero 2014 in Friedrichshafen, Germany, the Italian company Vulcanair announced a new model called the V1.0 that's meant to be positioned between light sport aircraft and the Cessna 172.  At a $250,000 projected price, it's far less expensive than the Skyhawk.  Vulcanair's Remo De Feo gave AVweb a briefing on the new model.

Our CiES digital fuel senders interface with the JPI 930 installed in this aircraft.

Click Here for Video

© Copyright 2014 AVweb. All rights Reserved.

Oshkosh - EAA 2013

CiES Inc will be at OSHKOSH for the EAA AIRVENTURE  

We will be there...... but we will not be displaying our products at the show in a trade show booth.

We are demonstrating the system to several aviation OEM customers and potential customers.  If you are interested in the system and you are at OSHKOSH the early part of the AirVenture week - please reach out and contact us, we will be more than happy to demonstrate our system.

We continue to receive praise from our customers on the retrofit CiES Cirrus Fuel Level Kit

Noah Wood sent us this message yesterday

"Really happy with them. They are running really close to the totalizer. I posted a couple of shots on one of the COPA threads. I will post a couple of more on COPA after my next couple of flights.  I thought Clearstar Aviation in Addison did a good job on the installation.

I've noticed I actually prefer the digital display on the console to the tape on the MFD. Maybe it is force of habit. 

In my opinion, dollar for dollar, one of the best upgrades you can do to a Cirrus." 

Cirrus Retrofit Update

CIRRUS AIRCRAFT RETROFIT

Cirrus Fuel Level retrofits are now occurring throughout the world.

Wells Aircraft in Hutchinson Kansas was the latest 

Don, Scott and the rest of the team at Wells did an excellent job with the retrofit and took these pictures to show how well the system integrates to the Cirrus Aircraft 

Wells Aircraft Website


 This illustration shows the new CIES Fuel level
sensor on the Left and the replaced sensor on the Right.   Notice the increased area for fuel sealing on the new design, the smaller float and sealed Circular connector with gold plated pins.  The quality improvement is evident.

 Here is a close up of the Engine page on the MFD in the Cirrus Aircraft.  This gives you  the view of how the fuel level is depicted on the screen immediately adjacent to the Fuel Total




This illustration shows you confirmation of the fuel level remaining in the tanks as well as the fuel burned during the flight.  Given that you inputted the initial amount correctly they should match throughout the flight.



A closer view of the MFD depiction

This shows how well the new gauge integrates to the cockpit center console.  Notice that it gives you the same information as the Perspective MFD and also gives a numeric value for fuel.   If you exceed the manufacturers POH fuel imbalance the more full tank will turn yellow and flash to indicate the tank you should now select.  Simple

Another view of the Cockpit installation on the aircraft.  Notice even how well we matched the black anodizing on the instrument.   Attention to detail does not end at accurate representation of fuel level.

 Here we show the map view on the MFD with fuel level on the left side of the Perspective Screen

 A closer view of the fuel level displayed on the aircraft

CIES Has New European Installation Centre

CiES Inc is proud to have RGV Aviation 
join our list of Installation Centers.  They are excited to be able to offer their Cirrus customers the new CiES  Fuel Level retrofit for SR22T, SR22TN, SR22 & SR20 Aircraft.

This modification brings legacy Cirrus Aircraft the benefit of the new factory Gen 5 digital fuel level sensor solution.  

RGV - A Cirrus Platinum Service Center -  Based at Gloucestershire Airport (EGBJ), is a family run Aircraft and Avionics maintenance business established in 1973.  As an established EASA Part 145, FAA Repair Station with EASA Subpart G and Irish Aviation Authority Subpart G approval, they have the ability and capability to support you and your aircraft, regardless of your requirements.

CiES  - A design and manufacturing business to incorporated to redefine the measurement of fuel.   CiES patented technology for measuring fuel is intrinsically safe - Non contact,  highly accurate and has proven itself reliable under the harshest conditions.   We brought accurate fuel level to aviation 

What can we do for you 

Customer Feedback - Cirrus Retrofit

Folks I just picked up the plane this evening from Advanced Aviation in Lancaster PA.

Joel Glover and his team did an outstanding job installing the new CIES digital fuel sensors despite a steep learning curve on this first ever install.

The next one (an SR 20 was already in the shop) should go a lot faster as the first is always the hardest.

I had a chance to run the system through its paces on the short hop from KNLS to KMMU this evening.  I must say my first impression is WOW !  A huge improvement.

I love having the fuel flow quantity on the MFD now, but the icing on the cake is the redundancy with the new digital fuel guage that replaces the former analog version.

Really cool looking, but more important is the functionality.  I really like how you can flip between fuel quantity and the fuel burn graph, really helpful for fuel balance. 

The CIES team even made sure it dims with the instrument dimmer.

I will get some more time this weekend (during the daylight) to run it through its paces, but 

I would HIGHLY recommend this a must have upgrade to your Cirrus.

Get in line now and place your orders, I am convinced you will not regret it.

If you want to eliminate all your fuel level issues, this is the only way to go.

Like you I highly recommend Advanced Aviation in Lancaster PA as the place to get it done.  Joel and his team are the defacto experts now for this upgrade.

Aerospace Logic - Cirrus Design Retrofit

In creating a new fuel level system for Cirrus Aircraft we kept in the back of our mind  the opportunity to provide this technology to legacy Cirrus Aircraft as well as other aviation applications.

Aerospace Logic was the obvious choice - 

We chose their 200 series unit over other 2 1/4 instruments as Aerospace Logic has created a quality and sunlight readable  display with a clear and concise level indication.

More importantly, Aerospace Logic like CIES saw accurate and reliable fuel level indication as a valuable instrument in the cockpit.  Aerospace Logic was hampered in achieving it's goals for fuel level indication by fuel level senders that were previously available to the aviation market.  CIES Level senders with our new and patented technology completely changed the fuel sender game.

You will note that a digital value of fuel is displayed below each quantity gauge.  This gives an unmatched accurate calculation of quantity in each tank.

Aerospace Logic has worked with us to incorporate appropriate warnings that a quality fuel level indication system can provide.

Note:  The upper display is indicating a fuel "Imbalance Condition"
and the flashing Amber bar is indicating you have exceeded the POH recommendations for fuel level imbalance. Switch to the flashing AMBER tank.

One of the most important characteristics of the Aerospace Logic Display is the trend graph featured on the second page.  This provides graphical information of fuel level over time.  The use of the displayed trend data makes it easier to manage fuel in a single engine aircraft.

Most importantly,  Aerospace Logic was willing to work with CIES in developing a display unit that would allow a digital interface between the display and fuel level sender.

Aerospace Logic and CiES Inc. look forward to pilot response for this system.

http://www.aerospacelogic.com