Dec 22, 2023     GAD 29 rewire - (6 hours) Category: Avionics

No answer back yet from Garmin on Config setting for ARINC RS 232 connections. I decided since I was getting similar error messages before and after redoing wiring from GNX375 to GDU 460 per page 109 of GNX 375 install to diagram on page 24-37 G3X ver AQ install manual, I decided i had a wiring error. Sure enough, I had some wires cross between GAD 29 and GNX 375.
Originally thought I would have to pull out entire instrument panel to access connectors. After removing all avionics and just a few panel support screws, I saw I could access the pins at back of GNX375 mount using jumper pins. Spent 6 hours trouble shooting, pulling pins on connector on GAD 29 and repinning to match wiring diagram located page 24-37 on G3X install manual ver AQ. During the process, i reconfirmed correct pin continuity between GDU 460 and GNX 375 were/are as shows on page 24-37 G3x install manual.
Pleased with my self, I put all back together and fired up config screen. Good new is I had another connection show up but still with couple Red X's with ARINC and RS 232 connections......very discouraging.

  Dec 19, 2023     tail section details - (1.5 hours) Category: Avionics

Install numerous nuts and torqued down. Finally found missing sheet metal edge roller to put slight bevel on edge of sheet metal closeouts around horizontal stab. Also put in horizontal crease on large panel to get it to fit better.

  Dec 19, 2023     GDU GNX rewire - (4.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Multiple hours to change wiring from pintout diagram from GNX 375 install book to diagram on page 24-34 G3X install Ver AU. After finishing up wiring and re-installation connector, fired up config screen.....still issues with connection. Another Help request into Garmin

  Dec 17, 2023     GDU GNX wiring issue - (6 hours) Category: Avionics

Over several days (now going into weeks) I've been dealing with connection problems between GDU 460 and GNX 375. I originally wired GNX 375 per GNX install instructions. G3X per page 25-27 in install manual Ver AP, AQ, AU shows different wiring config. Will no luck getting RS-232 and ARINC taling between GDU and GNX, two contacts about problem with Garmin G3xpert with modified config settings, I decided to rewire to meet the suggested wiring on G3X to GDU pin outs. Spent today trying to figure out which wires were which, which to cut and which two wires to splice to accomplish the goal.

  Nov 29, 2023     RS-232, ARINC connection - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Still can't get all RS-232 and ARINC connections to talk to each other. Tried some more settings per manual but don't work, Got some pictures and will send to GarminG3xpert.

  Nov 15, 2023     Configuration - (6.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Worked most all day on configuration of panel. Tried various inputs for ARINC and RS-232. Did not that I have pinouts and wiring diagrams for two different ways of wiring between GNX375 and G3X (GDU460).. I didn't confirm for sure which way I did it but pretty sure that I used page 109 from GNX375 install manual. Found I have to spin airplane to configure/calibrate the magnetometer. Still with issues of ARINC and RX-232 connections. Not sure what I did but red "x" on GPS is gone on system page on GDU460 config page. I have all green checks with yellow "!" for magnetometer since hasn't been calibrated.

  Nov 14, 2023     GMU 11 issue - (5.5 hours) Category: Avionics

Spent hours trying to track down issue with GMU 11 (magnetometer). Found a blown fuse for GMU 11 and replaced it.....but new one blew immediately. I traced wires and from wing wiring connector to fuse bus, Wiring seems OK. Checking from connector to wing tip, I show no continuity on either power/ground pin but do measure ship voltage across same GMU 11 connector pins 7 and 9. I'm at a loss for now.
Found the issue....but can't explain it. Issue seems to be with the power and ground pins on GMU 11. A white wire and white/blue stripe. Long story short, I found the GMU 11 white wire "becomes" the white wire with blue stripe and visa versa at wing root connector. I'm 99.9% sure I used a single, un-spliced 2 wire, shielded cable between GMU 11 and wing root connector. Down stream, I connected the shielded cable wires to simple white and black wires for power and ground respectively. The fix was to switch wires at the power bus. White wire is now connected to ground and black wire to power.
Fuses stay together and GMU 11 shows up now on CANbus. Need to spend some time to configure the GMU 11 module.

  Oct 31, 2023     Research on avionics config - (1.5 hours) Category: Avionics

Still trying to figure out how to program oil pressure, ARINC and RS232 connections to GNX 375. Haven't even started on GM507 and radio yet. Still have to program TOGA button.

  Sep 15, 2023     Panel avionics config - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Able to find upload site for Garmin experimental Avionics to download current operating system for GNX375. Then played with setup for GNX375 and a little later worked some on G3X screen. Still have a lot to do

  May 11, 2023     Sub panel, Capacitors - (5.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Went from a roughly (very roughly) bent piece of 0.060 thick aluminum sheet to final sub-panel piece to hold the throttle control. Ended up much smaller than original plan as one or two of the buttons/switches was moved to the main panel. Didn't figure I would use them much. I have actually NEVER used similar switches/buttons on C-182's I fly for CAP.
Also mounted the RAM ball on mockup panel. I forgot to do it earlier. Need to get the holder and attachment arm and try it on mock panel to see if I have the ball mounted in proper position.
Started next project but leery about starting due to "fuzzy head" issue. I've had this issue off and on for several months.....long COVID....brain fog??? NOt for sure but decongestants and antihistamines seem to help but I hate having to take them every day.
I did decide to start on capacitor install (X2) for the voltage regulators. Found out that small friction quick connect tabs didn't work and would have to solder contacts. I needed two capacitors but FWF kit only had one. I bought two similar which are a little larger and slightly different from kit supplied one. I used the kit supplied one to experiment with soldering wire to terminal. Soldering worked fine for the capacitor terminals and 14 AWG wire with solder iron on 4 and larger tip.....actually too easy.

  May 09, 2023     Mock up panel - (8.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Scattered time over several relatively short sessions over past 2-3 weeks working on a temporary mock up acrylic panel. Using design drawn on white masonite board, I hand transferred the design then cut all the holes for everything to be mounted on the panel. After several trial fittings, I was able to get all the instruments, switches and controllers to fit and mounted all. During process, I had to get a 5/32 drill for some of drill holes. Learned a lot about how critical to measure for mounting holes as final panel will not be transparent.
I did find out problem with using a drill NOT designed to drill acrylic. I got all major holes cut with only one crack. Had to put an extra screw in panel to minimize bowing of panel due to weight and panel being very flexible. In process of trying to put in a single hole and screw, I created a major crack/break in panel, I ended up drilling another 5-6 holes to try to fix initial problem and created more cracks. Good thing this is only a temporary mock up.
Last thing I did today was print up labels for all the switches.

  Apr 25, 2023     hole cutter text - (1.0 hour) Category: Avionics

Tested my hole cutters on piece of scrap aluminum that is 50% thicker than my panel. The cutters went through aluminum like hot knife through butter.
Heading out of town again...Cozumel for 6 days.

  Apr 24, 2023     Basic power wiring - (3.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Spent several hours working on cutting and crimping wires for basic power supply between battery contactor and my proposed fuse busses and the necessary ground wiring from busses to engine ground. Still didn't get all the CORRECT wire connectors but I made do with what I have.

  Apr 24, 2023     More videos watched - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Watched multiple EAA homebuilders tips for electrical applications. The information presented actually made sense to me this time.

  Apr 23, 2023     Finish up Avionics rack - (6 hours) Category: Avionics

I only had a couple of "little" items to finish with the avionics rack. I spent quite some time trying to open up lightening holes on side supports for the radio rack. Not saving much weight but hopefully allowing more cooling of the radio and large/heavy GPS/transponder unit. By golly, 6 hours later it WAS finished and mounted onto temp panel. Even the radios fit into the racks but the acrylic panel is not strong enough to support the avionics rack with the radios in place.

  Mar 02, 2023     Engine compartment fixes - (4 hours) Category: Avionics

Four hours to replace some fire sleeves on oil and fuel lines. Also worked on power and grounds for both fuel pumps. Poor access for all installed items. Need to talk with whoever decided to put things where they did on the fire wall.

  Feb 27, 2023     Panel planning - (8 hours) Category: Avionics

Eight hours (at least) has been spent over several weeks on panel layout planning. I have prints from Garmin (supposedly life size) of equipment I'm putting into panel. I just have them taped on and keep moving them around every few days. One day I need to find the online panel planner and finalize my design, then download the design and take it to someone to cut the panel.

  Feb 22, 2023     material order for avionics Category: Avionics

Sent in a large order to Air Craft spruce....lots of odds and ends of wire, connectors, nuts, screws, clamps, aluminum, etc. Hopefully this will be able to help me finish the engine and avionics install.

  Feb 22, 2023     more wiring/research - (10.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Hours over three days. Had to correct couple of wiring errors. Built the CAN bus for LRU's behind panel. I have the termination planned for GEA 24. Loose connection from GSU 25 hanging over the heater. Built CAN bus to connect the LRU's. Today, started plugging CAN bus pins into connectors. Got to the GNX375 and tried to locate which hole to stick the pin into......lo and behold.....NO CAN bus connection (RS 232 ARINC via GAD 29). Oh well.... I just covered up pins and labeled as "EXTRA" CAN bus node. Maybe I'll add something in future and CAN bus ready to go.
Spent some time coming up with final plan for panel lay out and determine type/number of switches needed. Also tried to read about GPS/TXpndr antennas and needed material. Would like to send in large order to Aircraft Spruce for most of final needed parts/supplies.

CAP border flight tomorrow then immediately after, trip back to mountains. Only maybe 4 weekends left in ski season.

  Feb 16, 2023     CAN bus wiring for panel LRU's - (7 hours) Category: Avionics

I recorded 7.0 hours. Most 4.5+ was spent just re-researching/building CAN bus connection for panel LRU's. Another hour or so was trying to figure out how CAN bus connected, size of pins needed, ports to attach pins. I'm getting a little better with soldering branch connections

  Feb 14, 2023     error correction, GEA 24 to be CAN bus term - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Late start and more distractions. Had to chase down and correct some errors (inconsistencies) on wire color vs pin number designation. Fortunately unplaced pins so didn't have to remove any. Just corrected wire color/pin number on pin out sheets. I had jumpered GMC 507 to be CAN bus termination but read that one of other LRU's with terminating plug would work better so I clipped the jumper (couldn't remove tiny pins), sealed cut ends and designated GEA 24 as CAN bus termination. WIll use one of supplied plugs that provides termination and allow removal of LRU without penalty.

  Feb 13, 2023     GNX 375 and GDU 460 config wiring - (3.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Worked on pinning the tiny wires for config modules on GDU 460 and GNX 375. Also cut wires to start process of wiring the CAN bus for the behind the panel LRU's starting at teminated end at GMC 507 and daisy chain connection to GNX, GTR, GDU, GEA24 then GAD29. Will do final CAN bus connection from GSU 28 GEA 24 at the GAD 29 when panel mostly ready to install.
Lots of squirrels (distractions) today so not much productive work today.

  Feb 12, 2023     More on GDU 460 GNX 375 GAD 29 - (5 hours) Category: Avionics

More hours on sorting out wiring interconnections on GDU 460, GTR 200B, GAD 29, GNX 375, and GMC 507. With exception of CNA bus connection, pretty much done with wires on GMC 507, GAD 29, GDU 460, GTR 200B. Lots of wiring and much more to go yet.

  Feb 11, 2023     Wiring GNX375, GDU460, GDU29 - (5.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Worked on six cables connecting GNX375, GDU460, GDU29. I carefully labeled new wires with LRU and pin numbers for both ends to minimize confusion on my part. It worked well....only one wrong plug in. Now I realize that I need to keep tract of wires connected on pin out sheets to be sure I don't miss supplying needed wires.

  Feb 10, 2023     More reading on GDU 460 and GNX 375 - (4 hours) Category: Avionics

SEveral hours spent researching and understanding connections between LRU's behind panel. I pinned three wires each on P3752 and P4602 with wires from back of plane. I had them coming out of fuselage from under seat area to provide longer reach to my work table with intent of eventually feeding the connector through console tunnel..BUT a three O'clock AM realization told me that would not work once all wiring and connectors for front LRU's completed. No way all that would fit through the console tunnel.
So I then spent an hour trying multiple tools to remove the six wires. Finally able to do so with a cheap plastic pin remover.

  Feb 06, 2023     wiring for GMC 507 AP - (4.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Some time researching, re-recording wire colors for pin outs for GTR200B, but mostly on cutting/fitting wires into the GMC 507 AP control head. A 15 pin, high density pin spacing connector. When I initially tried to crimp brass tip, it went all the way through the crimping pliers. A closer look showed that the male pins were quite tiny and I used the crimping adapter head for "tiny" pins as I had marked on it a couple of years ago when I first bought them.
Still need to connect CAN bus wires and then connect backup power directly from backup battery. Backshell still not complete either.

  Feb 02, 2023     GTR 200B connector wiring - (7.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Spent two days working on figuring out how tray and connectors worked on radio insert tray. Determined I had to complete inserting all plugs/wires before assembling the connector in back of instrument tray. Got all wires installed with exception of Can bus wires.....a lot of wire....about 1.5 pounds of just wire. Next week, will start on 507 auto pilot head. Now...back to Ruidoso for more sled training for multiple new patrollers.

  Jan 31, 2023     Fixed missing wires - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

A little closer read showed I needed some more RS-232 wires for GDU and GNX from ADHRS unit. Had to pull out the plug and add couple or more wires. Not too hard but took a while to confirm I DID need the wires and reread the diagram multiple times to confirm.
Started on wiring for GTR 200B.

  Jan 24, 2023     Connectors ADHRS, AP servo - (18 hours) Category: Avionics

Cut, stripped, crimped, wrapped, plugged, screwed wires in to back shells for both connectors on ADHRS GSU25 unit and also for roll servo. Wires for connect in panel sent forward on the floor and center console.

Also fitted Tosten pilot grip and fed wires through stick and out side of stick bottom. Had to modify the top, forward portion of stick grip with belt sander to clear panel face in full nose down position. May still have to modify tabs for panel mounting to permit full stick movement.

  Jan 16, 2023     Actual continue with wiring project - (12 hours)       Category: Avionics

Work over several days where I'm actually working on the wiring. Pulled out wiring sheets done over year ago and re-familiarized myself with what was previously done. Wings seem complete. Worked to start with on ADHRS GSU 25. Learned wires to attached and located/labeled needed wires.
Now working on trim control, trim mixer, trim booster, pilot control handle/wiring. Ordered part to fit pilot

  Jun 08, 2022     Order for GNX 375 and antenna - (1.0 hour) Category: Avionics

Have been waiting 8 months for back-ordered GNX 375 GPS/transponder and associated antenna. Finally got note from SteinAir that part was ready to ship. I sent check and had them delay shipment because we were suppose to be gone to Cuba for Scuba diving. Jeanne turned up quite sick day before trip with symptoms possibly of COVID> We canceled trip. GOOD THING....Jeanne tested positive the day we were to leave and I showed up positive 3 days later on June 13.

  Jan 26, 2022     trim controller Ray Allen - (8.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Found out I need another trim controller to tie in my Tosten grip with trim. Already had to get a box (TCW booster to get to work) to make Tosten grip work. Now I have to have a box for the box so that the box works that is run by the box (Ray Allen controller, TCW servo booster, GSA 28, GMC 507...respectively)
Also order some small screws and washers to ground shield wire to connector cases (not supplied in expensive connector kit). Several hours spent researching the TCW booster, Ray Allen controller, reviewed CAN bus wiring protocols.
Some days later after receiving all supplies, spent 4-5 hours temp wiring the trim control circuit together and adding power. Got the circuit to work just fine....only after I spent hour or so chasing a non-existant problem due to my hooking up battery backwards to circuit and creating hot, smokey wires. No problem with my wiring....just hooking up battery wrong.

  Dec 07, 2021     ELT install - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Ordered ARTEX ELT and install kit. Install was easy with no fuselage cover. Would have been very tricky to wait. Only took about an hour or so to install bracket and antenna. Spent more time trying to figure out what to order and how to install than actual installation......although only the main body is installed. I still have to wire it to panel switch and GPS.

  Dec 01, 2021     Avioinics, misc order - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Ordered radio, LRU boxes for engine monitor, connect GPS, connectors, mounting hardware for back ordered GTX 375, ELT, antenna.....everything needed for panel and completion except for mentioned GTX 375 with expected June 2022 delivery. I was able to find mounting kit for GTX 375 at Stein and also ordered GPS same place. Should be able to have (theoretically) everything ready to just drop in GPS to holder.

  Nov 06, 2021     ELT order - (1.5 hours) Category: Avionics

Spent an hour or so researching for ELT for plane. ACK E-04 ELT 406/121.5 with antenna. Placed order with Aircraft Spruce and Specialty.

  Oct 07, 2021     GDU 460 arrived - (0.3 hour) Category: Avionics

Surprise, surprise, surprise (as Gomer Pyle would say). GDU 460 arrived two months before earliest expected arrival. More incentive to finish fuselage and cover/paint fuselage to start on wiring.

  Aug 06, 2021     Order for Garmin G3X GDU 460 - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Found out at Garmin lecture at Oshkosh that major backlog for G3X panel due to world wide chip shortage because of COVID mess. Same for a lot of cars/trucks in US......no chips...no drive/fly. Put in order and now estimate delivery in Jan 2022.

  Jul 18, 2021     Panel mock up - (4.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Several hours over several sessions trying to find out about how to print lift size photos of future avionics. Printed photos and fitted them to panel. I'm sure several switches are missing...I just don't know what.

  Apr 21, 2021     Avionics-System LRU kit - (1.5 hours) Category: Avionics

Ordered System LRU kit with GSU 25C, GMU 11, GTP 59 and configuration module from Kitfox.