diamondaviators.net

Thanks for all the input. We have the model that lights up on the panel not integrated to software. I am leaving the colorimetric card in the plane for piece of mind. We'll just watch it and report back if we learn something new.

Regards, Barry

I had this same issue... the plane was on the ground at Lakeland Florida for about 3 hours baking in the sun. About 5 mins into flight the CO2 detector started flashing. And to make things worse, I was on my Instrument Rating check-ride! It was hot... 84+, so of course the heat was not on, however I double checked. We had all the vents open and then also opened the side windows. It went out, then back on, then back out. For the last 45 mins it was out and the side windows were closed. After debrief (I passed), flew the plane a short hop from KLAL to KVDF and it did not come on at any stage. I guess I will get one of the portable card type units and just monitor, unless anyone has other advice? My DA40 is a 2008 XLS, and it has the small black independent CO2 unit that flashes.

I bought the dot type, but the problem i had with it was that they have bad sensitivity compared to the electronic units. So if your unit alarms you don't know if it's detecting CO below the limits of the card or malfunctioning due to heat.

So I ended up buying a monitor with readout for my keychain. Any monitor with a display will work. If your unit alarms just start up the monitor and see what the actual level is.

http://m.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/co300.php

I had the CO detector come on mid-air also. Landed and found that it came on with the power on but with the engine still off. Took me a while to realise this (doh!) - obviously a sensor fault. IIRC it was about $1000 to replace the sensor (inc parts, labour, tax).
Never had it come on when on the ground except when faulty (and the power on check when the light comes on briefly)

ThomasD wrote:. . . obviously a sensor fault. IIRC it was about $1000 to replace the sensor (inc parts, labour, tax).

Which kind do you have Thomas?

It has a small square display (separate from the G1000), sorry don't know the model

My DA40 has the additional glare shield removed. On a sunny / hot day the CO detector came on. I shielded it with a map for a few minutes and it went away. Definitely heat sensitive.

Ahhh the command economy of general aviation; $1,000 to replace a $1.50 sensor on a battery operated CO2 detector that you can pick up at Home Depot for $20, maybe $30 if you want a PPM digital readout. Sure, it is probably a newer and better technology. Can't use it though. No STC. We have an analogous situation in the US with pharmaceutical pricing.

RWTrucker,

(Back at a computer now) I have the standalone panel-mounted red lamp/button which is mounted next to the small ELT planel in front of the right seat.

Tom