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Has anyone used the Twin Hornet 22 to keep their engine warm? How well does it fit in the small opening in the cowl? Do you leave it run continuously or connect it to a remote cell phone based switch? Thanks for your input
 
I put mine in the bottom cowl at the air outlet. I then put blankets over the engine. The unit will turn off and on by itself and it doesn't run any chances of cooking the oil like some units. Overall the unit doesn't have enough power to quickly warm an engine so it needs to stay plugged in and blankets will be a must. The plus side is that it doesn't use too much electricity.

It's designed to be safe in areas where there might be fuel vapor so that's not a concern.


Don't expect super heat like the tanis heaters. When I need that type of heat, I have two hair driers that I point into the cowl.

Overall, I find that the Hornet is one of my better airplane investments.
 
I've used one for about a year. I am becoming a fan of this product. I like the "heat top down to prevent condensation" idea. It seems very safe as it only heats gently (wont melt nylon cloth). On a freezing day I see my oil temp gauge showing mid 60s (F) when I crank. I usually only run it a day or two before the forecast shows a chance of flying weather. I stick in the cowl inlet above the air filter angled as much up as I can. I leave the other side cowl-plugged and use a moving blanket over cowl per their instruction. I don't have any qualms about running it continuously as my hanger neighbor has for years. It cycles itself off/on about 75F if I remember correctly. it comes with a really long cord and plug that illuminates if voltage is applied, no on/off switch. And, its says it explosive-environment rated which give me peace of mind around gas.
 
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I put it in the cowl opening angled so the air blows at the base of cylinder. I leave it plugged in with two moving blankets over the cowl. Using it for the first time this season but so far so good.
 
I run mine continuously ~ November through April. It fits in the oil door. I slide it down such that it is discharging the warm air somewhere in the vicinity of the intake tubes. I plug the air inlets/outlets, install the cowl blanket and put another heavy blanket over the entire top, including the prop. It keeps the temperature ~60F inside the cowl.
 
I hadn't thought about the oil door. A buddy has one and we are going to test it out tomorrow

Thanks for all the guidance
 
I purchased one for my RV9.

Waste of money. Put it on top of the engine with an insulated cowl cover. I ran it for a few days in temps just below freezing. It does not warm up the engine nearly enough to be safe to start. I ended up putting a car heater on the firewall.
 
Kizad said:
I purchased one for my RV9.

Waste of money. Put it on top of the engine with an insulated cowl cover. I ran it for a few days in temps just below freezing. It does not warm up the engine nearly enough to be safe to start. I ended up putting a car heater on the firewall.
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250 watts is like 2 1/2 old fashioned 100 watt light bulbs. Here in Canada it would be useless in the winter. Maybe some what effective during July or August.
 
Foghorn said:
Anyone using the 12v version for cabin heating in flight?
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I use the Hornet 45 (120V) in my cockpit as a pre- heater. I turn it on with the Switcheon at the same time I turn on the Rieff preheater. Does a great job of warming up the cockpit and Confor seat foam. I wasn't aware that they made a 12v version but I haven't really needed it. It is really nice to have the cockpit warm before start and that's all I really need until the cabin heater kicks in after engine start.
 
RV9-A, I use my Hornet by placing it in the front air inlet then snaking it on top of the cylinders. Cowl plugs in and blanket over the top. It provides top down low heat. I then use the AntiSplat Aero oil sump heater for preheating before start up. I can control everything via my hangar's wifi and smart plugs. I'm able to grab Public Wifi signal with an exterior antenna which brings the signal into my router. Heaters, wifi and smart plugs all work well. I also have a wifi camera in my hangar.
 
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