The title gives an impression this blurb is about computer apps for cubs. Not quite, this important public service announcement is about running electrical service across the lake ice, so I can plug in the Super Cub’s heaters before flying.
Electric cord running from PVC upright to Cub wing
On cold days, say below 40*F, I plug in the cub’s engine oil sump heater. Which is a silicone pad glued to the sump bottom. 75 watt I believe. I plug the heater in the night before flying. Or if the forecast is for extended nice days, I leave the sump heater plugged in continuously and after each flight.
I walk down to the lake and plug in the cabin heater about an hour or two before I fly. The cabin heater is a (Canadian) 900 watt ceramic heater originally made for cars. The integral fan blows heated air around the cub’s cabin, and allows me to clean the windows with Plexus. Without heating up the cabin (and windows), the Plexus instantaneously freezes to the window. Very difficult to fly trying to see thru frozen window cleaner.
And settling into a pre-heated seat starts each flight off with a pleasant mindset. I like to think that the cabin heater is also warming up our Odyssey battery, giving it that extra little oomph.
I ran electric in the ice last year, so I’m practiced and have materials at the ready.
We already have 120 volt run down the hill from our house to the dock for summer use. For cub use, we chainsaw a groove through the ice from the dock to the cub’s parking spot with. Then place 2” PVC pipe in the groove, with uprights at each end. Once all PVC ends are glued together, we weight the pipe down with whatever is handy and fill the groove with water. Once the water has frozen for a couple days, we run a fish tape down the PVC and pull an extension cord thru. My youngest daughter happily volunteered for apprentice electrician duty this year.
A little deeper than needed, but…
Having the electrical cord below the ice is comforting. A mind-blowing number of ice skaters have been zipping around the lake during these recent low-snow winters. Skating over an electric cord in the dark isn’t something I’d wish on an ice skater. Plus, Rick may plow a track around the lake again this year. So again, electric cord under the ice is beneficial for all.
All frozen in and ready to pull weights off the pipe
PS I use our electric chainsaw when cutting the ice
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