Pneumatics
(gear change, throttle blip, parachute release and, possibly, air brake actuator)
This page explains the basic pneumatic principles and setup. Go to or
for more detailed information.
This is my take on a pneumatic system. It may not be the best way, or even the neatest, but is my best shot. If you have any constructive comments, please contact me, either by email or blog.
When I decided to fit a sequential gearbox, it didn't take long before I decided to go the whole hog and control it via flappy paddles. This meant that I had to chose between electric and pneumatic. I chose, obviously, pneumatic.
The system is quite simple. An air compressor is used to supply the air, which is stored in a suitable container, in my case a paintball air cylinder rated to 5000psi. As I will be using a maximum of 200psi, this is more than adequate.
The compressor is rated at 200psi max so a min/max switch controls power to the pump. When pressure reaches a set amount (in this case 175psi) the pump is switched off. When it drops below 150psi the pump is switched back on. I need around 8bar (120psi) so an inline regulator makes sure this is maintained. These settings may have to be adjusted once system is tested in anger.
Air from the presure regulator is fed to the various solenoids (parachute, gearchange and throttle blip so far) ready for use. when the solenoid is activated air is allowed in the actuator, extending the piston out. In the case of the gearchange actuator there are two air supplies, one for upchanges and the other for downshifts.
They ar eall supplied by one airline. My reasoning is that the throttle blip and parachutre release actuators will use very little air and I will be running ample reservepressure. Besides, if I have to deploy the parachute any interuption to the gearchange air will not be my greatest concern at the time :-)
Air pump mounted to fuel system board (saving weight of additional mounting plate).
Air reservior from a paintball gun modifed to accept my fittings.
Pressure regulator required to maintian a constant pressure.
Throttle blipper solenoid and actuator.
Gearchange solenoid and actuator. One pipe for upchanges and the other for downshifts.
Parachute solenoid. Actuator has yet to be fitted.