Feb 06, 2024     CanBus Wire       Category: Training

Getting ready for the avionics installation. I decided to dissect some Canbus Wire. There is even a YouTube video for the stripping instructions on the GigaFlight website. The construction of the wire is very interesting. There is an outer jacket and braided shield, like most shielded wires. Inside of that is a PTFE Tape Binder holding the two wires. There are two fillers of foamed FEP that provides the separation between the wires Also, there is a dual-wall insulation of the wires to maintain a 120 ohms-controlled impedance. The outer wall of the wires is 20AWG while the inner wall is 24AWG.

  Feb 28, 2023     Stripping and Crimping RG-400 Coax Cable       Category: Training

I wanted better results on stripping and crimping Coax Cables and BNC Connectors. After a lot of reading and YouTube, I found good tool to strip RG-400 Coax Cable on Amazon. I got the ConnectoRF Cable Stripper RG-58/59/6, 3-Blade Model (HT-322) for about $13.00. It's designed for RG-58/59/6 cables and since it has 3 blades it cuts RG-400 very well out of the box. I set the cable in the jaws leaving about 1/16" extended from the edge. Clamp it down and spin it around a couple of times. I slide the Feral over the end before I crimp so the braided shield portion doesn't get messed up sliding over it. Then pull off the shielding. The Dielectric might require using pliers to pull off the core wire. Ensure 3/16" core wire is extending from the core and insert the Pin. Look for wire in the witness hole on the pin. Using the Pros'sKit CP-371 Crimper with Coax jaws, crimp the Pin using the .068 small crimp hole. Rest the shoulder of the pin on the outside edge of the jaw and squeeze. Be sure to give a "tug test" on the pin. slide the BNC connector over the Pin and Dielectric and rotate the connector flaring the Shield out a bit. Push on the BNC until it snaps. Slide the Feral over the Shield until it buts against the BNC base. Crimp the Feral using the .213 crimp. Finally do a continuity test to make sure the pin isn't shorted to the BNC housing.

  Nov 22, 2022     Fiberglass for RV and Sheet Metal Airplanes       Category: Training

The EAA has put a few of their SportAir Workshops on-line. I guess this was due to Covid but the advantage is that with the course being on-line I don't have to wait until a class is available nearby. This on-line version can be viewed at home on a computer or any mobile device and is available for an indefinite period. I took the Fiberglass for RV and Sheet Metal Airplanes course and it is over 6 hours of video training. It can be stopped, backed up and reviewed multiple times so for myself is the perfect resource for basic fiberglass techniques. It covers the different resins and fillers and has some nice projects to practice. I was concerned about the bottom windshield transition and this is one of the practice projects. The course also covers making molds and repairs.

  Jun 17, 2022     More Relay Fun - Door Indicator Light       Category: Training

Had some more fun using relays. I wired up a practice circuit using the magnetic switch for the Door Open Indicator Light. Same idea as a simple light switch circuit but this time uses the 87A pin of the 5-pin relay which is Normally Closed. This would cause the light to be ON when the switch is Open. Closing the switch extinguishes the light.

  Jun 12, 2022     Practice Relay Circuit       Category: Training

Too hot to go to the hangar.... Had some fun making a practice circuit using a switch and a relay. I understand relays but have never wired one. So this was a nice little learning experience. Watched some YouTube videos and got a small LED light and a automotive relay on Amazon. Using switches that I planned for the airplane and some wire I had around the house, I started by making a simple one switch one light circuit. Then I made a one switch two light circuit. Using a DPDT ON-ON-ON switch allows an OFF position then 2 ON positions. This simulates OFF / Wig-Wag only / Wig-Wag + Landing Light positions. Nice afternoon indoor project on a hot day.

  Feb 22, 2022     AEA Avionics Installation Course       Category: Training

Attended the AEA Garmin Avionics Installation for Experimental Aircraft Course in Kansas City Feb. 16-18. AEA (Aircraft Electronics Association) is a first class operation with a state of the art facility. This course is targeted for the home builder who wants to learn about performing an avionics installation in an experimental aircraft. The class focused on the Garmin G3X Touch system, and a simplified example harness was constructed as part of the hands-on portion of the class. The G3X is the primary focus. It was an excellent course, presented by Levi Self, owner of Midwest Avionics, a very experienced instructor and former Garmin engineer. The tools were all professional grade which made assembling the practice harness more easy, rather than fighting poor quality tools. I believe that taking the course is of value, even if not planning on doing your own installation, as it provides a basic understanding of the Garmin schematics in pin-outs. On Thursday, the second day of class, we were welcomed by a fairly substantial snowstorm which gave us about 4~5 inches by lunch time. By the time the class let out, the snow had stopped and getting back to the hotel wasn't too much of an issue.

  Dec 16, 2019     EAA Sport Air Workshop - Electrical/Avionics - (16 hours)       Category: Training

Took EAA Sport Air Workshop for Electrical/Avionics with instructor Dick Koehler. It had probably been since High School since I have done any soldering and this class helped. Good class presented basics. Now starting to re-read AeroElectric Connection Aircraft Wiring Guide. I know I'll need some help but this will get me started.

  Dec 01, 2018     Sheet Metal Class       Category: Training

Took the EAA Sport Air Sheet Metal Workshop this weekend. Hands-on training in basic sheet metal techniques. Got some basics but tool bags were a mess. Missing items and sort of unorganized. A few fellow CAL/UAL pilots In the class. Tom Massey and wife Anita. Tom Conner, Cliff Schuyler. Several others. The class size was a bit too large for the single instructor to spend any time with individuals. Not much one-on-one. I plan to spend some time at home and use the Van's practice kits to get some more experience in prior to the build. Could have used a stool. Long days standing. Not really sure I'd recommend. I think there area better classes out there.