ASAP Aviation Supplies Blog

The autopilot systems that aid aircraft have revolutionized how we conduct flight, allowing pilots to operate such vehicles without continuous hands-on control. While this may make some believe that pilots are then allowed to sit back and relax, autopilot systems are simply implemented to increase safety and efficiency while reducing the workload of pilots so that they may focus on the most important aspects of an operation. Autopilots also differ in design from aircraft to aircraft, featuring varying degrees of automated control and features.

In the realm of electronics, an electromechanical relay is a type of switch capable of utilizing the properties of electromagnetism to control circuits. Depending on their type and how they are implemented within a device, such parts may be used to manage a single circuit with a low-power signal or to control several circuits with a single signal. As a versatile electronic component, relays may be found in a number of simple and complex circuits for numerous applications.

During a standard flight, it is important that all doors and assemblies are shut and secured as to protect passengers from the environmental conditions of the surrounding atmosphere. In order to ensure that doors remain closed, many aircraft will utilize a series of mechanical and electrical latches. Additionally, engineers will also often specifically design and shape the aircraft door to take advantage of the difference in pressure between the fuselage and surrounding atmosphere. With the various systems and designs used by aircraft, the chance of an accidental opening is extremely low.

Proper maintenance is critical to the performance of any machine. Not only does routine maintenance affect functionality, it will help you cut down on cost of ownership over time. Both reciprocating and oilless air compressors require relatively minimal maintenance. Nevertheless, there are still important steps to take to ensure your compressor runs properly for its entire service life. Here are nine considerations to make in regards to compressor maintenance.

When procuring various electronic or electromechanical components, some may find themselves confused on the differences between relays and solenoids. While both are a form of switch that operate through the induction of electricity, both component types serve different applications due to their unique characteristics. As relays and solenoids are both common components found in a wide variety of industries and applications, understanding their differences can be very useful for making a well-informed purchasing decision.

Printed circuit boards (PCB) are electronic hardware pieces that facilitate the electrical connection of electronic components, and its construction allows for components to be soldered or mechanically fastened for the support of assemblies. With their flexibility in construction and design, PCBs may be found in all but the most basic electronic products. PCBs also serve as translation of circuit schematics, often specifically created with an intended system in mind so that all components may be facilitated and connected.

An FF, or Flip-Flop, is a circuit element used to store data. Standard FFs can be used to store data in the form of 1 or 0, but to store several data bits, many FFs are required. In these cases, a shift register is used to store the data. A shift register is an electronic device used to store and move data in a series of connected FFs. They are considered sequential circuits, mainly used to store data and move it to the output on each clock cycle. In general, there are four types of shift registers: serial in serial out (SISO), serial in parallel out (SIPO), parallel in serial out (PISO), and parallel in parallel out (PIPO).

Over the past few decades, we have seen a great amount of advancements in how we transfer data and carry out telecommunications. While connecting a computer or device to the internet used to require direct connection to a modem or dial-up system, many can now utilize the capabilities of the internet through wireless connection provided by a wireless router. Also known as a Wi-Fi hub, wireless routers are networking devices that connect to a broadband line to transmit data from the internet provider to wirelessly connected devices.

While aircraft are primarily air based vehicles that rely on wings and other aerodynamic structures for flight, wheels still play a crucial role in operations and should never be overlooked. From taking on the weight of the aircraft to allowing for it to land properly and be transported across a runway, aircraft tires serve many important uses that are often taken for granted. Due to their high importance in providing more safety and functionality to an aircraft, understanding the basics of their construction and maintenance can be useful for ensuring that they have long service lives and perform well under extreme conditions.

Since the advent of the internet, newer technology has greatly increased the capabilities in which we can transfer and receive data over networks. While the base speed of the internet may depend on your network provider, the physical cables that are used to shift data around from system to system also have a major effect on data speeds that may throttle performance if they are not powerful enough. While coaxial cables serve as an old and reliable form of cabling for networking, newer fiber optic cables are quickly revolutionizing speeds and performance with their powerful capabilities.