Relesable instrument tubing

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Any hints how to fabricate releasable instrument tubing, to enable
removing the entire instrumnet panel from the glider for winter
storage.Winter sells "5 way quick tube connector", I would need
something similar solution, but maybe a better and reliable, because I
feel this is not 100% safe avoiding leak.

[nimbusgb]

On 10 Feb, 08:06, wrote:
> Any hints how to fabricate releasable instrument tubing, to enable
> removing the entire instrumnet panel from the glider for winter
> storage.Winter sells "5 way quick tube connector", I would need
> something similar solution, but maybe a better and reliable, because I
> feel this is not 100% safe avoiding leak.

I have done 3 ships with removealble panels. An ASW 20, a Ventus Bt
and a Nimbus 3t. All using the Winter quick coupler. Never had any
trouble.

Ian

[Wayne Paul]

"nimbusgb" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> On 10 Feb, 08:06, wrote:
>> Any hints how to fabricate releasable instrument tubing, to enable
>> removing the entire instrumnet panel from the glider for winter
>> storage.Winter sells "5 way quick tube connector", I would need
>> something similar solution, but maybe a better and reliable, because I
>> feel this is not 100% safe avoiding leak.
>
> I have done 3 ships with removealble panels. An ASW 20, a Ventus Bt
> and a Nimbus 3t. All using the Winter quick coupler. Never had any
> trouble.
>

I have used Winter quick couplers in my last two sailplanes. They have "O"
rings that prevent leakage. If "O" ring seals work on your Prandl tube, why
wouldn't they be good enough for a coupler?

Wayne
http://www.soaridaho.com

[Bob Salvo]

I once had trouble with a small leak between lines on the Winter. I don't
know of a better substitute. The addition of lubricant to the "o" rings
would probably provide reliable sealing.

Bob

> wrote in message
oups.com...
> Any hints how to fabricate releasable instrument tubing, to enable
> removing the entire instrumnet panel from the glider for winter
> storage.Winter sells "5 way quick tube connector", I would need
> something similar solution, but maybe a better and reliable, because I
> feel this is not 100% safe avoiding leak.
>

[Chip Bearden]

> I have done 3 ships with removealble panels. An ASW 20, a Ventus Bt
> and a Nimbus 3t. All using the Winter quick coupler. Never had any
> trouble.

I used the older Winter 4-way coupler many, many years ago and did
have occasional leaks. The problem then was that the seal for each of
the four connections was formed by two O-rings pushed face to face. If
the coupler was not firmly pushed together to compress these O-rings,
leaks were quite possible, including across two connections. AFAIK,
the seals used in a multi-probe are formed by tubes sliding into O-
rings. So long as the tube is pushed through the O-ring, a good seal
is guaranteed unless the O-ring is damaged or worn. If Winter has
changed their coupler design, my comments are irrelevant. If the
design is the same, I wouldn't necessarily avoid using their quick
coupler but I would be careful connecting it: pushing it together a
bit and then spinning the knurled knob may not insure a perfect seal
100% of the time. You should push, tighten, then push again and
tighten until it's certain that it's truly tight. And, from
experience, I'd be tempted to run a leak test the first few times just
to make sure. But that sort of defeats the purpose of a quick
connector device, I suppose.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"

[ContestID67]

The "O" ring will not leak air if kept in good condition (smooth,
clean).

I use high quality medical type quick connect/release tubing
couplings, one for each line. You can use the same for a pee-bag
disconnect.

http://www.smallparts.com/products/descriptions/2170.cfm
http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/20372/60-197230202

I also like to use colored tubing from Wings and Wheels.

- John

[Eric Greenwell]

Bob Salvo wrote:
> I once had trouble with a small leak between lines on the Winter. I don't
> know of a better substitute.

I suggest using silicone rubber lines on the panel side, connecting to a
barbed fitting on each line on the glider. The silicone lines remove
easily, even years later, and form a good seal. If you think you might
get the lines mixed up when reinstalling them, then the Winter connector
would likely be a better choice.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly
* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org