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Old March 3rd 11, 03:36 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Tony[_5_]
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Default airspeed indicator problem after TT2 transponder install

On Mar 3, 9:26*am, Frank Paynter wrote:
I installed a TT21 transponder over the winter, and as per the
installation instructions, tapped into my ship's static line for
altitude reporting. *Yesterday I checked the transponder with Orlando
ATC and they reported a good signal and proper altitude reporting. *So
far, so good.

Then I noticed my airspeed indicator seemed to be reading
significantly higher than normal, and I confirmed this with a stall
series. *My Ventus 2bx, which normally stalls in the 40-45kt range
depending on bank angle, now is apparently stalling in the 50-55kt
range. *The ship actually feels pretty much the same as before,
although I haven't flown for 3 months so that's a bit hard to tell for
sure.

My dry flying weight is probably about 5-10lbs higher this year than
last, as I added the TT21 itself, plus a 5-lb battery to support it.
However, I'm pretty sure that by itself doesn't explain the
significantly higher apparent stall speed.

As a troubleshooting step, I removed and plugged the static line from
the airspeed indicator, so now the ASI takes it's static input from
cabin air, and everything else should be unchanged. *I haven't flown
it yet to try it out, but I will today. *I also have a spare airspeed
indicator that I can swap in if necessary.

Anything else I should be considering?

TIA,

Frank


Frank,

My guess is the new static line that you plumbed in for the
transponder introduced a leak into the static system. It should've
been leak tested when the transponder check was completed. Do you know
if that was done?