In a message dated 2/16/99 6:59:31 PM Central Standard Time,
wdavidson@thegrid.net writes:

<< Kurt,
 I'm wondering about those optical fire detectors.
 Seems to me that with all the dirt that gets blown up inside the engine
 compartment of my syncro, depending on the lens of the detector being able
 to pass light through it may be questionable.
 What do you think about that?
 Bill
 90 Westy Syncro
 -----Original Message-----
 From: Kurt Thomas <ILIKEVW4ME@AOL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
 Date: Tuesday, February 16, 1999 10:41 AM
 Subject: Re: engine compartment temp?

 >In a message dated 2/16/99 12:16:14 PM Central Standard Time,
 >wdavidson@THEGRID.NET writes:
 >
 ><< Hello Volks,
 > I'm working on a fire alarm for my engine compartment.
 > I figure that I will install a heat sensor/switch in the engine
 compartment
 > and wire it to a buzzer or siren.
 > In order to avoid false alarms, I need to know the MAXIMUM temperature
 that
 > will occur in the engine compartment under normal operating conditions (no
 > fire) in, let's say, the Arizona desert in July. I would then use a heat
 > sensor/switch rated just above that maximum engine compartment
 temperature.
 > Ideally I would like an actual measured maximum temperature, but estimates
 > are welcome too. Please specify weather your response if measured or
 > estimated.
 > Thanks
 > Bill
 > 90 Westy Syncro >>
 >
 >Bill,
 >        justa thought instead of using a temp sensor how about using a
 light
 >detector.  My helicopter(MH-53E) uses fire detectors in the engine
 >compartments.  They detect light in the spectrum/type of light found in
 fires.
 >Once in a while flying during sunset/sunrise if the light of the sun gets
 to
 >one of the detectors it sets off the light on the inst. panel. To verify we
 >turn 90 deg to heading and if the light goes out it was the sun.   here's a
 >link <A HREF="http://members.aol.com/mh53e/">MH-53E Sea Dragon
 Helicopter</A>
 >
 >kurt thomas
 >87 syncro
 >

  >>Well my helo leaks hyd fluid and no prob. also these are mounted facing
down at a slight angle. And well as they go into a holder that looks like a
ball in a cup so all you see is the one side of the ball/detector. I'm not
sure if they are 28vdc or? I can find out soon once i look it up

Kurt