Dec 17, 2022     Exploring placement alternatives - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Decided it was time to cut open the beautiful loop of wires that Steinair had bundled with the panel. Gotta squeeze lemons to get lemonade I guess, this will allow me to figure out where I can mount various items behind the panel and still be able to attach to the CAN bus as the bundle was sent to me.

  Dec 29, 2022     Mounted IBBS units (2) - (1 hour)       Category: Avionics

The correct screws for mounting the backup power supply units arrived today so they were attached to the bottom of the GTX 45R mounting brackets. I also added a padded adel clamp to support the wires that go to the GSU 25, will still need to add a cushion and cable tie where those wires pass the bracket, just can't get the wires away fro the bracket with an additional clamp so will tie it tight and padded instead.

  Jan 05, 2023     Remote mounting avionics - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Worked on final remote mounting of GEA 24 and GPS 20 units behind the right side of panel. Since these will be in an area that is easily accessible now, but will be very difficult to access after the plane is complete, I am trying to make it easy to get to them from the underside. (Top side will then be covered) The GEA 24 engine inputs box will be able to swivel down on the front cross tube of the cage. I had planned to use nut plates on the piece of angle that supports the front of the unit, however, bolt head clearance issues made it apparent that this was a poor choice, so I used more push nuts to hold the bolts to the angle and put the nuts on from underside. It still isn't going to be fun to undo if ever required. I still believe it will be easier than using a shelf however. There was no suitable area to mount the GPS 20 that would have allowed it to swing down. It is mounted with adel clamps on three corners and if removal is needed, it will just be unbolted and brought down to the rear of the plane where the opening is much larger.

  Feb 22, 2023     Switch antenna connectors - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

All of my pre-made antenna connections were sent as straight, both the comm antenna and GPS antenna would be better suited to 90 degree fittings. Changed out the comm BNC and GPS ANC to 90 degree versions. A note that time could have been saved if I had thought about unhooking the radio ends before changing the antenna ends out, finally dawned on me that you will have some continuity from the shield to pin if the end opposite that you are working on is still hooked to equipment.Doooh!

  Feb 26, 2023     Wiring stick grips - (2 hours)       Category: Avionics

Soldered the wires for both stick grips tonight. Started with the precut pieces from the Ray Allen pkg for the grounds to each switch and then used actual wires from the extra on the wiring harness from Steinair to run down the stick. This should make it easier to keep things correct in the future. I used style #2 wiring scheme from instructions in a slightly modified format as per the VPX install manual. Tested for proper operation and then covered with expandable sheathing for protection.

  Apr 05, 2023     Control grip moles connections - (1 hour)       Category: Avionics

Started adding the Molex connector to each of the control sticks to plug the switch leads from the stick to the main wire bundle.

  Apr 09, 2023     Solder phone and mic plugs - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Soldered the wires to the headphone and microphone jacks, these will mount in the center console behind the flap lever. Found the easiest illustration of what wires went where in the book, Aircraft Wiring Guide by Marc Ausman. Short shop day, Easter Sunday and reseeding yard project ran interference.

  Apr 14, 2023     O A T probe wire added to GSU 25 D-Sub - (2 hours)       Category: Avionics

I have installed the Garmin OAT (outside air temperature) probe in my left wing already. Since I already had it, Steinair did not add the wire into the harness, so I needed to add the wire to one of the GSU 25 ADAHRS D-Sub connectors. Pinned and added shield ground for this purpose.

  Apr 15, 2023     ELT Install - (6 hours)       Category: Avionics

Started yesterday but entering all time this entry. Fabricated a mounting plate for .050” aluminum to support the ELT mounting bracket securely without flexing or vibration. It is riveted to the Station #4 bulkhead and two of the stringers on the floor of the tailcone. I couldn't bend a double offset in that thick of material so the front support is a piece of 1/2x1/2 angle with countersunk screws coming through from the underside of the fuselage. When finally mounted, it is very solid.
Next was the D-Sub connector which actually required a fair amount of soldering. There is a g-switch loop to connect, power and ground for the piezoelectric buzzer, a ground wire to the airframe, and three wires from the Steinair harness (2 for switch and 1 for gps data) for a total of 8 connections on a solder cup type of D-Sub. I made it work nice, but would consider buying a crimped pin D-Sub if doing it again.
Fabricated a doubler for the ELT antenna to rivet to one stringer on the roof of the tailcone and lay against the skin where the antenna will mount. Secured the antenna wire around the back side of the station #4 bulkhead with clamps and tinerman plates/screws. Burned more time than I anticipated, but it all looks good and panel switch did work correctly.

  May 12, 2023     Securing various wires / bundles - (3 hours)       Category: Avionics

I secured the largest bundle of wires that will exit the panel area on the starboard side and started them on their journey down to the right. Used a couple of adel clamp combinations to support the bundle and route it away from tubes, etc.
I also coiled and laced some of the extra wiring associated with the autopilot servos and rerouted the line to the electric fuel boost pump. I still need to anchor these runs with RTV sealant right under the middle of the fuselage to ensure that they never tangle with the rudder control cables that are passing right over that area.