Mar 03, 2023     Starter Solenoid       Category: Electrical

I wanted to test fit the Starter Solenoid and make the cable. I noticed that the Oil Cooler Box was in very close proximity to the Starter Solenoid location and was concerned that it would interfere. I'm told that the Starter Solenoid should be positioned upside down, so that any excess positive G Load would not affect the internal contact. I clecoed the box into position and assembled the terminals to the cable and attached to the through firewall post to the solenoid. It all seems to fit quite well.

  Mar 01, 2023     Some Wires       Category: Electrical

Did some basic wiring today around the Main Battery area. First I connected an External Power Plug to the Main Battery. Then installed a lead with a plug on the backside of the bulkhead area to make removal more easy. Then installed a Hot Battery Bus. I wired a #2 Ignition Lead from the Hot Battery Bus, forward toward the Instrument Panel. I also started a fused lead from the Hot Battery Bus for a Dome Light switch to be installed later.

  Oct 04, 2022     Stic Grip Mounting       Category: Electrical

Started to mount the Infinity Stick Grips. This required the Sticks to be cut down so that once the grip is in place it doesn't hit the instrument panel. i purchased the swivel mount option for the grips. This allows a natural positioning of the grip relative to the offset. It simplifies clocking of the grip for different pilot seat positions by pivoting 90 degrees.

  Oct 03, 2022     EarthX Battery Tray Mod       Category: Electrical

I can't really take credit for this. I have been thinking of something like this for some time but couldn't figure a design that would work. I saw this design on the VAF. I'm not CAD savvy in any way, but Jon on VAF was able to send me the STL file that would enable me to print his design. I'm new to 3D printing so I'm learning a new skill. I researched and decided to purchase a nice but modestly priced printer. Once I obtained the STL file I needed to open it in a "slicer" application. The one that came with the printer was simple to understand and seemed to work well. The bottom part of the tray is printed in two parts which are then glued together. The top is in one piece. I have to say the printer worked quite well out of the box with no adjusting of settings required. The print took quite some time to complete. The top alone was over 20 hours, but I'm quite satisfied with the results. The bracket is designed to have the battery sit offset from center. This allows the cross bar to stay clear of the terminals. The top fit the battery very well but the bottom needed some sanding to trim the sides down a bit.

  Jun 17, 2022     New Battery Terminals       Category: Electrical

Found some new Terminals for the EarthX EXT900-VNT Battery. It allows an additional terminal connection and is a lower profile attaching on the side rather than on top.

  May 21, 2022     Electrical System Design       Category: Electrical

I've spent quite a bit of time thinking and re-thinking the electrical system. I've read the AeroElectric Connection by Bob Nuckolls and Aircraft Wiring Guide by Marc Ausman. Both have been very helpful. I think I'm going to go with one Main Battery, two Alternators and a TCW IBBS plan based on the AeroElectric Z-12 design. I was thinking of a VPX-PRO design but I'm concerned about the added complexity. However, the VPX Installation and Operating manual has also been a good resource to find what is and isn't needed in the basic plan. I think I have a draft of the plan complete but will get it looked at before I get too deep. For ignition I've been reading about P-MAGs. Also drafting up a Instrument Panel design. Planning on three G3X GDUs for PFDs and MFD and a G5 as an ISFD with a GMC 307 Autopilot and GTN 635 Nav.

  Jun 15, 2021     Main Battery Cables       Category: Electrical

Working on the Main Battery Cables. Used my new Terminal Tool for crimping the terminals to the 2 GA cable. The tool works very well and provides a nice crimp/swage. I need to make some more holes in the Fuse ribs to run the cable but it made a nice installation. I ran out of 1/2" heat shrink, so had to order some more. Should come tomorrow. The "fake" battery empty case is really helpful for fitting and placing the wiring. I need to fabricate some support structure for the battery as Van's doesn't plan for the EarthX type battery.