Frequently Asked Questions

Review our frequently asked questions below. Still have questions? We have the answers. Contact us using the form below.

General Questions

Where are TCW’s products made?

TCW proudly manufactures its products in the USA.  TCW has a modern 7,000 square foot facility in Emmaus, PA (Lehigh County).

I’m not sure which product fits my application, where do I go for assistance?

We would be happy to speak to you about your application and requirements.  You can reach us at support@tcwtech.com or (610) 928-3420.  We can help you select the right product to meet your needs.

How does TCW use my personal information?

At TCW Technologies, we understand that your privacy of both personal and business information is vital to our relationship.  We have developed this Privacy Policy to describe how we use and maintain your information.

TCW is the sole owner of any information collected on this site.  TCW Technologies will never sell or share your information with any company or individual.  We only collect and use information that is considered necessary regarding the reason you contacted us, such as fulfilling your order and providing customer service.

We request information from you on our order page. To buy from us, you must provide contact information (like name and shipping address) and financial information (like credit card number, expiration date). This information is used for billing purposes and to fill your orders. If we have trouble processing an order, we will use this information to contact you.   We use an outside shipping company to ship orders, and a credit card processing company to process orders. These companies do not retain, share, store or use personally identifiable information for any purposes beyond filling your order.

When will I receive my order?

All orders are generally processed the next business day, except for weekends or holidays.  If we are experiencing a high volume of orders, shipments may be delayed. Please allow additional days in transit for delivery. If there will be a significant delay in shipment of your order, we will contact you via email or telephone.

Shipping charges for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout.  TCW offers Domestic Ground, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air.  TCW also offers International shipping.  However, TCW is not responsible for any customs and/or taxes applied to your order.  All fees imposed during or after shipping, such as tariffs, taxes, etc., are the responsibility of the customer.  You will receive a Shipment Confirmation email once your order has shipped containing your tracking number(s). The tracking number will be active within 24 hours.

TCW is not liable for any products damaged or lost during shipping. If you received your order damaged, please contact the shipment carrier to file a claim.  Please save all packaging materials and damaged goods before filing a claim.

How do I return an item I ordered?

TCW will accept returns on products within 60 days of purchase.   Products must be returned in their original packaging.  The returned product must be in its original condition and TCW will not accept returns on products that have been used or installed.

Refunds will be processed to your credit card or original method of payment.  All returned products are subject to a 10% restocking fee, which will be deducted from your refund amount.   Please allow up to 14 business days for your refund to be processed.

To return a product for a refund, you will be responsible for paying return shipping costs.  Shipping costs are not refundable.  If you are returning an item over $50, TCW strongly suggests you consider using a traceable shipping method and purchasing shipping insurance.  We are not responsible for returns lost in shipment.

If you have further questions about returning a product, please contact us at support@tcwtech.com.

Integrated Back-up Battery Systems (IBBS)

Which product should I use to connect a communication radio to my back-up system?

We recommend using the 12-volt, 6 amp-hour IBBS (Model # IBBS-12V-6AH) for applications with communication radios.  Communication radios require significant current during a transmit event and the 6 amp-hour Integrated Back-up Battery System has the highest peak current capability.

Why should I connect the pass-thru inputs on my IBBS system even though my connected equipment has multiple power inputs?

The pass-thru feature provides redundant power inputs to the protected equipment.  In the event of failure of the main power connections to the protected equipment, the pass-thru power feature would provide uninterrupted power and keep the equipment running.

Where should I mount my IBBS system in the aircraft?

The IBBS can be mounted anywhere in the aircraft except the firewall forward.   Any orientation is permitted.

Can I put my electronic ignition system on the same IBBS as used for my EFIS system?

We recommend separating the engine functions and the flight instrument functions so that each has their own IBBS system.

Can I create an essential bus powered from the output of the IBBS system?

Yes, you may bus together all four outputs of the IBBS system and use them to provide back-up power to a group of devices; however, be sure to comply with the maximum continuous and peak current specification of the IBBS system.    To do this, simply sum together all the equipment current and ensure it is less than the IBBS ratings.

Safety-Trim Products

Can the Safety-Trim controller be connected to an autopilot?

The Safety-trim controller can be connected to many autopilots.  It provides the manual trim function and the autopilot provides the auto-trim function.

Which Safety-Trim controller do I use to drive trim motors that exceed 1 amp from a Garmin or Dynon autopilot system?

The Safety-Trim models used to drive larger trim motors from the signal from an autopilot system are:   ST-1-12V-10A-BSTR for 14-volt applications and ST-1-24V-10A-BSTR for 28-volt applications.

Can I use the same airspeed switch to signal a Safety-Trim and Flap Controller?

Yes – just connect the wire from each controller together to a single airspeed switch such as our Airspeed switch 55-140 knots (Model # ASW-1).

Intelligent Flap Controller

Does the Intelligent Flap Controller (IFC-10) support flap positioning presets?

Yes, you can set as many position presets as you want.

The Intelligent Flap Controller (IFC-10) doesn’t require a position feedback sensor, how does it do position presets without one?

The IFC-10 uses timed intervals to set each preset value.  The time between each interval is settable by a trim-pot on the side of the controller.

Control Valve Servo Kit

Which Servo kit do I use with the TCW butterfly valves?

The standard duty kit with 30mm travel is used with both the 3” & 4” Butterfly valves.

Is there a way to monitor the position of the servo?

The position of servo is directly related to the position of the knob on the controller, the line on the knob can be aligned with markings on the instrument panel.

Is there a way to reverse the direction of the servo motion with respect to the rotation of the knob on the controller?

Simply disconnect the black 5-wire connector from the servo motor and flip it over and reconnect.  It is non-polarized so the direction of servo travel is set by the connector mating direction.

Do I need other couplings or fittings to join the butterfly valves to scat tubing?

No, the butterfly valves are swaged out on one end to mate up with a tube fitting and the other end fits inside scat tubing. For example: the 4” butterfly valve has a 4” O.D. on scat tube end and 4” I.D. on the fitting end.

Universal Switch Airspeed Kit (USW-1) and Airspeed Switches

Can I just use an Airspeed Switch to control an electrical load?

No, the ASW-1 & ASW-2 are signal level switches and can only switch about 15 milliamps. They are not intended for switching of load current, rather, they are used to signal a relay such as the USW-1.

Is the Airspeed Switch (ASW-1 & ASW-2) open or closed below the airspeed set-point?

The airspeed switch is open below the setpoint.

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