Temperature sensors

[RV7Ron]

I want to hook up two general purpose thermocouples, one for cabin temp and one inside the cowl area for a fire warning indication. I expect someone has done this, whats the best method of achieving this? K-type thermocouple? J-type? What kind of sensor should I use? The same as the OAT sensor Dynon provides or is there something cheaper? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[paul330]

I wired up a spare OAT probe to monitor temperature in the RV10 tunnel, which can get high. Works fine. The only issue is the top temp is only (from memory) 170F.

 

[Dynon]

So you can use virtually type of temperature sensor that SkyView supports. A type J thermocouple is certainly suitable, and would possibly react quicker (if you choose one that doesn't have a big mass of metal on it) than some of the other more meaty sensors like oil temp or even OAT. Note that you don't necessarily need to use the type J thermocouples we sell, which are the CHTs (although you can too). You can use any form factor you find - a type J thermocouple is a type J thermocouple.

 

[RV7Ron]

Just to finish off this thread. You could go either way...an OAT probe or a multi-purpose TC. I ended up buying some cheap ($5) J-type thermocouples off the internet and installed them in the open pins for general purpose TC's. They work fine...although they seem to read about 3-4 degs F higher than my OAT while sitting in the hangar. I put one in the cockpit under my fuel selector...out of the way, to give me cabin temp. The other one is in the engine compartment, low, near the exhaust outlet. I figure an engine fire will seek oxygen and the flames will be in this area. This route should be sufficient for me...I didn't want to spend a lot of $$ for this solution. Its a nice to have...not a must have.