Sep 10, 2020     Tensioning the front alternator belt - (1 hour)       Category: Electric Sys

Using a torque wrench, Doug and Stratford tightened the alternator belt until the required torque showed up on the torque wrench.

  May 04, 2008     Fuses vs circuit breakers       Category: Electric Sys

We decided to go with fuses in fuse blocks rather than install circuit breakers. The fuses are the automotive type and easy to obtain.

  Jul 14, 2007     Wiring wings for HID landing lights and more - (40 hours)       Category: Electric Sys

We decided to use HID landing lights just inboard of the wingtips. At the time we made that decision, high powered LEDs were not available. After searching on the Internet, we convinced Duckworks to have us be the first Sportsman to install their new HID landing light system just inboard of each wingtip. In addition, we installed LED nav lights on each wingtip. The HID system did require a power pack that we installed on the right side of the tail cone just behind Bulkhead A.

  Feb 14, 2007     Connectors and labeling wiring - (100 hours)       Category: Electric Sys

Sometimes it took two of us to hold a connector and the other to solder. Always, the right tool made a huge difference.

Doug took the time to label each wire, on each end, so even if the wire traversed a bundle, you can identify it at the starting point and termination point.

  Feb 14, 2007     Special heat shrink and crimping tools - (100 hours)       Category: Electric Sys

We all wanted this Sportsman to be top quality workmanship, using top quality parts. And that meant tools too. One area where Doug Hanson was especially valuable was in the primary person to design and install the wiring, not just for what was in the building manuals from Glasair, but a number of "nice-to-haves" we added. For instance, we have "courtesy lights" installed in inspection cover plates under each wing. Those LED arrays, pull very little current, but give light during night loadiing and unloading. Aother special add-on was a taxi light in the left side of the cowl which is in addition to the Duckworks HID landing lights we installed in the leading edge of each wing just inside the wingtips. And, in the cabin, we've installed blue LEDs next to each wing root fuel gauge for easy viewing at night.

  Feb 14, 2007     Electrical wiring throughout the Sportsman - (100 hours)       Category: Electric Sys

The electrical system of our Sportsman is rather complex but beautifully built mainly by Doug Hanson. However, the avionics panel we chose a professional avionics shop to assemble, namely John Starke, in Georgia. However, that still left a mountain of wiring to be done to connect the instrument panel avionics to all sorts of engine temperature sensors, pressure sensors, lighting in the wings, and in the cockpit (even in the baggage area!).