Adding sensors to JPI EDM-830

Jamie Kirk

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JamieK
Currently have a EDM-830 installed but I wanted to add the following sensors:
OAT
Oil Pressure
Manifold Pressure
RPM

I called JPI and got the part numbers and the tech said they are plug and play but I am assuming this is not something an owner can do and an A&P needs to handle it. Is there a rough estimate of hours it should take per sensor or as a whole? Local FBO is a more of a drop it off and when it's ready we will let you know and then you can know the price kind of place. They are already telling me it'll be mid or late January till they can even get me in.
 
I think a ton of this will depend on your plane. Since the 830 is not primary these will all have to be spliced into the existing lines and retain the existing sensors and the new sensors.

For instance, I'm helping my A&P install my JPI 900. I did the OAT probe and since I'm replacing the existing one on the right wing(Mooney) it took about 10 hours with plenty of breaks, between de-riveting the existing inspection plate, putting the new sensor on, contorting myself to run the wires through the wing, pulling an interior panel to get the wires to the panel, cleaning up the 400 wire ties and re-riveting the inspection panel. I'm sure my A&P would have been faster, but he also charges more than I do. But if yours was on the cowling then it would probably take much less time.
 
I think a ton of this will depend on your plane. Since the 830 is not primary these will all have to be spliced into the existing lines and retain the existing sensors and the new sensors.

For instance, I'm helping my A&P install my JPI 900. I did the OAT probe and since I'm replacing the existing one on the right wing(Mooney) it took about 10 hours with plenty of breaks, between de-riveting the existing inspection plate, putting the new sensor on, contorting myself to run the wires through the wing, pulling an interior panel to get the wires to the panel, cleaning up the 400 wire ties and re-riveting the inspection panel. I'm sure my A&P would have been faster, but he also charges more than I do. But if yours was on the cowling then it would probably take much less time.
I put the OAT on my mooney in the side NACA vent. Took about an hour including cleanup.
 
I put the OAT on my mooney in the side NACA vent. Took about an hour including cleanup.
Since I'm pulling the original OAT I figured the new one should go in the original position. I will admit I did get lazy and didn't actually remove the old wire from the wing bundle though.
 
You don’t have an EDM 830. You have a 730. You may get sticker shock. I highly suggest talking to a shop before getting to excited.


Currently have a EDM-830 installed but I wanted to add the following sensors:
OAT
Oil Pressure
Manifold Pressure
RPM
 
You don’t have an EDM 830. You have a 730. You may get sticker shock. I highly suggest talking to a shop before getting to excited.

730/830 are the same unit, just which probes are installed. All the probes and harnesses are less than $900.
 
730/830 are the same unit, just which probes are installed. All the probes and harnesses are less than $900.


Words have meaning......


I have a Garmin G5....


No you don’t, that’s a Gx3


Both are screens.... meh.

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So how much do you think $900 in sensors is gonna run you to be installed? Having played this exact game, I’m curious what you are anticipating.
 
mine was about 28 hr install completely new, obviously yours will be less, but those wires needs to come to the other side of the firewall, depending on how the EGT and CHT wires came along it might not need another hole in the firewall. its not a 5 hr job, its closer to 10-12 or more.

i am not A&P, so take this estimate with a pound of salt.. and talk to other shops for estimate.
 
Update on this.

Cost me $126 to install Manifold Pressure, RPM, Oil Pressure and OAT sensor.

$26 was in parts.
AN aluminum T for Manifold Pressure sensor
AN Stainless T for Oil Pressure sensor
RTV Silicone
$100 to A&P to sign off

RPM sensor you literally unscrew a cap on Mag, screw in sensor, plug sensor into harness.

Manifold pressure sensor is installed on the back of the factory gauge with a AN T-Fitting. Then plugs into harness.

Oil Pressure sensor can also be installed by using AN T-Fitting off the factory gauge line. 2 wires connect to this sensor which come off the harness.

OAT is just a hole drilled on the side. Factory OAT is on the left side near air scoop, A&P said install JPI OAT on the right side in same spot. The wires for the OAT plug into the P1 harness.

All the CHT and EGT wires were run through a hole in the firewall. Removed silicone, pushed RPM sensor wire through, reapplied silicone.

The P3 harness has connectors for the Oil Pressure, Manifold Pressure and RPM. It just plugs into the back of the JPI unit. I just reached up and plugged it in and screwed in the two post on the side.

Overall it took me who knew absolutely nothing about airplanes and never worked on one before nor knew how any of this installed less than 3 hours. Took the A&P 30 minutes to make sure AN lines were tight, wires secured and everything worked.

I was getting quotes of $2,000-$3,000 for labor by shops. None of this was hard, just required you to think about how to install. A shop should already know how to install.

Being new to aircraft in general I was shocked how simple these machines are. They are not hard or difficult to work on. All this involved was AN fittings.
 
If you are mechanically inclined and have a friend that is an A&P, install cost is zero dollars. Perhaps a case of beer or a gift certificate to a nice restaurant in the area? People, get out and learn a thing or two about your aircraft. Seems the Aviation industry is starting to suffer in every aspect, including qualified mechanics. The more you can accomplish, the better off you are in the long run.
 
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