Engine Thefts
in General Tech Discussion
8 years ago
Throughout Europe we are seeing a number of thefts of ROTAX engines. Their high cost makes second hand engines an attractive option for some builders. To stop the thefts we need to reduce the demand. I'm not saying we can stop the demand for stolen engines altogether but if buyers had a way of knowing the engine history it might reduce the market. Currently it takes a great deal of time before ROTAX update the stolen engine Service Letter which makes it pretty useless & I am under the impression very few ever check it once the engine is fitted. What we need is a database that is easily accessible.
Here's my idea. A code on the engine. Ideally a QR code etched into the crankcase or at least on the engine number plate. Easy to scan doesn't require any special scanning equipment other than a mobile phone.
Scanning the QR code with a mobile phone could give access to information on that engine. Different access levels could be available.
Level 1 - anyone - gives engine serial number , hours, date of manufacture & any significant info like if it is stolen.
Level 2 -owner - who can update service information & operating hours
Level 3 - engineers- who can add service information, repairs & overhauls
Level 4 - inspectors - who can add relevant notes about observations on the engine.
Level 5 - authorities / distributors who have access to all info but no editing rights.
Inspectors & service engineers could easily check the engine status on their mobile phone without having to look up a Service Letter that might be well out of date.
Thoughts anyone?
Maybe ROTAX admin could pass these thoughts onto the factory.
ConAir Sports
Conrad Beale
Here's my idea. A code on the engine. Ideally a QR code etched into the crankcase or at least on the engine number plate. Easy to scan doesn't require any special scanning equipment other than a mobile phone.
Scanning the QR code with a mobile phone could give access to information on that engine. Different access levels could be available.
Level 1 - anyone - gives engine serial number , hours, date of manufacture & any significant info like if it is stolen.
Level 2 -owner - who can update service information & operating hours
Level 3 - engineers- who can add service information, repairs & overhauls
Level 4 - inspectors - who can add relevant notes about observations on the engine.
Level 5 - authorities / distributors who have access to all info but no editing rights.
Inspectors & service engineers could easily check the engine status on their mobile phone without having to look up a Service Letter that might be well out of date.
Thoughts anyone?
Maybe ROTAX admin could pass these thoughts onto the factory.
ConAir Sports
Conrad Beale
