Reading carburetor temperature.

[rwaltman]

... sunvisors in my IV ... http://www.leggott.flyer.co.uk/extras.html (http://www.leggott.flyer.co.uk/extras.html#Sun%20Visors)

Browsing that site I found this, (near the bottom of the page):

"LCD Temperature module - Can be used as a carb temp monitor if attached to the body of the carb or an OAT sensor if fitted elsewhere"
I don't recall ever seeing a carb temp gauge on any (small) plane I flew, although I can see how it can help to assess the risk of carburetor icing. Is this common?

Roberto.

[rogerh12]

There are some cheap displays that can warn of carb ice, I had one in my Zenith 601, but I have not seen on in a certified plane and I don’t’ think they are all that helpful (the cheap ones anyway)

I was thinking that real Carb ICE Detectors are not the same as Carb Temperature sensors, they use other ways to detect icing directly (or is it just icing conditions) . A Cold carb does not mean you will get ice, unless other conditions are right for it too, like high humidity, but I might be wrong.

Anyone have some insight on the matter?
Roger

[mr bill]

Most of the carb ice detectors are optical, looking for the presence of ice. They do not sense temperature.

[Dave Holl]

Some sensors detect a change of feqency of vibration as ice forms on the probe

[jrevens]

Carburetor air temperature gauges used to be fairly common, for instance on Lycomings with Marvel Schebler carbs. A small probe (a B-4 or B-5 type) is inserted in a threaded port and sticks into the airstream in the throat of the carburetor near the throttle valve. The panel-mounted gauge reads temperature, usually with a yellow band that signifies the range where carb ice is most likely. The idea is to maintain at least 9 deg. F (5 C) above freezing temperature when in "icing conditions". I've seen and used them many times.

[MotReklaw]

We had one in our Cessna 175. It measured the air temperature at the throat of the carburetor. Worked great.

[rwaltman]

Most of the carb ice detectors are optical, looking for the presence of ice. They do not sense temperature.

That's news to me. Some details here: http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/inpages/icedetect2.php

Roberto.