Dessicant dehumidifier?

[IO540]

Suprisingly, google isn't turning up much useful stuff on this one.

I know a number of people use these, based on silica gel or similar, inside the aircraft.

Mine is hangared but I know it actually spends quite a bit of time outside during the day, and I want to make the avionics last as long as possible.

There are various small mains powered refrigeration-cycle-based units but I can't easily ensure that a 240V supply is connected. So something with a replaceable "pack" would be great.

Aircraft Spruce sells something that has 110V power input and goes into the dipstick hole. I don't need that because I fly at least once a week. I am after something that can sit on the floor.

Any suggestions?

[H Ferguson]

you can buy one in any hardware store, you have a small container with a tray on top in which the silica is contained.

[Mark 1]

Try a search on Desivent.
Quite a few places stock them.

[IO540]

Thank you for the pointers. I searched other forums also and found similar products mentioned. The Desivent DV300 seems to be a common product, badged by numerous people.

I need to decide whether I should buy a couple of 0.5kg bags of self-indicating silica gel and just swap them out when I fly (and put the used ones in the oven at home) or buy a couple of DV300s.

There is no data anywhere on the DV300 and my guess is that it contains only a very small amount of silica gel. I use the stuff at work for packaging certain electronic components and it needs heating to about +120C to clear it out, and I can't see the whole DV300 unit heating itself up to +120C...

Also some of the self-indicating stuff looks rather toxic.

[dublinpilot]

We use some of those silica crystals in our aircraft. One think you got to be very careful of is to make sure that the water that collects in the container doesn't spill when you're taking it out! It's easy to do, and I understand that it's pretty bad for any metal that it gets in contact with.

It does collect a fair amount of moisture, but our aircraft are outside all the time.

dp

[Pianorak]

I have been using five KDV300 from Kiltox for the past couple of years. Not sure if they are responsible for first-time starting every time but like to think they are.

[3FallinFlyer]

We've tried a few dessicant packs etc in our Arrow (kept outside) but we just got a couple of these http://www.airtreatment.co.uk/index....products_id=69 They seem to work a treat and they tell you when they need recharging, plug em in for 24 hrs and there good to go again (and there pretty cheap too!)

[Flyboynick]

Our group Cessna 150 sits outside and we've been using a wardrobe dehumidifier which hangs off the top of the panel and therefore lies next to the avionics. Seems to be working and a bargain at £10 for 2 coathangers from B & Q. Each coat hangar contains a bag of Water glass which is easily recharged in the microwave so I keep one recharged at home and swap them over every time I fly. Looks strange but works!!.
Nick