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Hard to miss

USB-powered carbon monoxide detector

Carbon monoxide detectors vary widely in size, sophistication, and price, and Radiant Technologies has developed a USB-powered version for $29.95.
Image courtesy of Radiant Technologies
Zoomed image
Image courtesy of Radiant Technologies

The orange device is about the size of a thumb drive and fits into any USB-A port for power. A green LED light shows the unit is active, and a bright red light flashes if the carbon monoxide level reaches the FAA limit of 41 parts per million.

The Radiant CO detector is ideal for airplanes with a USB port in the pilot’s normal field of view. I flew with one in a Beech Bonanza where it plugged in near the center of the instrument panel for easy monitoring. There’s no aural warning when high CO levels are detected, but the flashing red light is hard to miss.

James Wiebe, a pilot and inventor, said he created the Radiant USB CO detector as an improvement to less reliable carboard version designed to turn color when exposed to carbon monoxide. The USB version comes with a five-year warranty.

[email protected]

radiantinstruments.com

Dave Hirschman
Dave Hirschman
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large
AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Dave Hirschman joined AOPA in 2008. He has an airline transport pilot certificate and instrument and multiengine flight instructor certificates. Dave flies vintage, historical, and Experimental airplanes and specializes in tailwheel and aerobatic instruction.

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