May 14, 2024     Installation - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

After a quick call to Advanced Flight I found out that there are a few wire colors on the drawings that do not coincide with the actual wire colors. There are labels that help sort this out, but one would think this is an easy issue to correct. Moving on. If you ordered an Aero Classic interior take note: they provide a new forward center floor panel with the hole, centered for the 12V Power Plug. They also provide a new mounting plate for the 12V Power plug that is now centered thus the cross piece (installed on the QB) from Van's needs to be replaced. So we drilled out the rivets holding the old mount to the ribs, riveted in the new mounting plate with the plug installed and also coiled up the music plug and wire for later removal as. there really isn't any need for it since the technology now uses bluetooth rather than a physical connection. Wiring this plug still remains to be done.

  May 11, 2024     Research - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

After attempting to run a wire from the ACM front connector to the furel pump, I found out it was the wrong wire. So I decided to closely study the wiring from the ACM to the fuselage by performing continuity checks because a few wire colors didn't seem to work out just right. I completed the ACM front wiring connector pins/wires checks and found some unusual labeling and incorrect colors. I hope the other connectors are correct. Oh well, pressing onward.

  May 10, 2024     installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

Simple task, screw in the ground terminal for the 12VDC charger plug. Well, like everything else it wasn't easy. Poor accessibility required us to build a stubby phillips screwdriver attached to a vise grip and pushed into the screw head with a long bucking bar. Meanwhile, I took a 1/4" wrench and tightened the nasty little steel locknut. Once done with that we secured the excess wires with zip ties. I decided to place them into the tunnel rather than alongside the rudder cable. Of course they too were somewhat in accessible requiring a lot of gymnastics and bleeding hands to get to and tighten. But it's done and yes it took a freaking hour to accomplish! Geez!

  May 08, 2024     Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

It seemed easy, but it wasn't due mostly to lack of accessibility. Finding a ground area for the IFD540 backup battery switch ground location was the issue. I had decided to use the one of the unused 3 drilled holes where the glovebox is. Finding a screw to fit in the crimped ring terminal was easy, but then to enlarge the holes and reach in behind to secure the ring terminal was not easy, mostly due to my fat hands and the need to get into confined areas. It got done and you can see Paul struggling to get to the screw while I reached behind with the locknut. I guess I could have found an easier location, but hey, let's make it a challenge.

  May 06, 2024     Wiring - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Completed wiring the ADAHRS. The last wire, supposed to be orange, was green. Talked with AFS and they said that Vans probably shipped it and didn't have any more orange, so they used green. The green wire in hole 1 is paired with blue for hole 6. The other green is now in hole 5. Hope it works. Also completed the OAT sensor wiring and installed and secured it in the ADAHRS. Temporally checked the left bottom skin in place. While I had AFS on the phone I learned the TCW B/U battery for the IFD 540 has a white wire coming out of it. This wire, labeled enable, is installed on the Power Switch for the IFD. The black wire is ground and can connect to the airframe. Switched gears for another hour to work on my -7A conditional.

  May 05, 2024     Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

After giving the G-5 pitot static installation more thought, I decide to reroute the tubing from the center stack behind the instrument panel to the far righthand come thru the glove compartment. This gives the tubes some additional space and it allows for easier removal of the G5, or panel removal, should the need arise. With is small mod complete I cut the pitot and static lines. I inserted the new tube capture fittings into the G5 and the tubes into the G5. On to the static line in the tunnel where we cut the line and installed a tee so we could go out to the wing in addition to the G5. I installed the OAT sensor into the hole on the left wing and inserted the power wires into the fitting.

  May 04, 2024     Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

We spent the time running the Pitot and Static lines thru the forward fuselage up to the G5. The same Pitot line also went thru the tunnel then turned and went out to the left wing area. A new Static line was run from outside the left wing attach area and thru the mid- fuselage to the tunnel where I'll later connect the two together.

  May 03, 2024     Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

We removed the lower left wing panel and installed the ADAHRS and the pitot, static and AoA tubes. The AoA tube was originally installed with the intent to attach to the EFIS, however the plans changed and with the ADAHRS in the wing, there is no connection to the EFIS. So I replaced the AoA line with one that goes directly from the pitot tube to the ADAHRS and no further, thus eliminating the Y fitting (and another possible leak point.

  May 02, 2024     Installation - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Installed yet more wires and reran a few to help untangle the mess of wires behind the panels. With the exception of the G5 pitot/static lines and the dimmer switch wiring, the copilot side wiring appears (LoL) to be complete. Time will tell. Sorted out the wires on the pilot side in preparation for wiring switches and some other wires and tubing for the pitot static system. Lots more to do as there is no light at the end of the tunnel yet.

  Apr 26, 2024     Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Continued installing more wire bundles to the ACM, Comm2 radio and its tuning head. Temporarily installed the SIC's panel (with the MFD) and its wire bundle.

  Apr 25, 2024     Installation - (.5 hour)       Category: Avionics

With a few minutes available I temporarily installed several connectors to the ACM and installed the connector to the EMS-220. The connectors will be readjusted to get rid of the criss crossing when the full complement are initially fitted.

  Apr 24, 2024     Installation - (4.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Now that the diplexer is on hand and schedules are coordinated with Dean we hooked everything up and attempted to install the Avidyne IFD540. But it wouldn't seat properly. Note the gap in photo 6365. After a lot of attempts and thinking everything thru we determined that on the first attempt we didn't drill the mount holes in the appropriate location - that is, based on the original cover plate. With the new cover plate in hand we then measured a few more times before drilling the new holes - and then went for it. This time everything went well and the unit fits properly and is finally installed as in photo 6367.

  Apr 09, 2024     Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

With the Avidyne mount tray clecoed in place we drilled the #28 holes to secure the tray. Then we removed it and deburred the holes. Next we were ready to install the GPS, Comm, G/S and Nav cables to The back of the tray, but I was short the Nav cable. I ordered a RG400 with BNC's cable for the wing root to IFD. Amazon will have it here tomorrow.

  Apr 06, 2024     Center Panels - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Installed some of the avionic boxes into the new upper and lower center panels. The new lower center panel now has the 60A ALT CB hole drilled in place, labelled and the CB installed. The old panel didn't have this. The ELT control is awaiting battery and screws before it's installed. The upper center panel was completely redone so the the A/P and Radio are on the sides with the Avidyne B/U battery switch and the canopy eject handle now centered on the panel.

  Feb 08, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

Took a break from taxes and installed the manifold pressure fitting in the engine and then installed and secured the hose ends.

  Feb 02, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

I continued the installation of zip ties to hold wires in place and I removed all the temporary ones (at least I think I got them all, there are a lot.) Also, I thought the left side was done but I found a few locations where more support was needed to safely secure everything. There is a place for adel clamps, and I guess I could have used more, but seriously the engine mount would have had dozens of those darn near impossible clamps to install and the engine mount isn't large enough to hold them all. I exaggerate, but I need to remember why I went in another direction. The right side is done - for now. There are more wires to come.

  Jan 30, 2024     Parts Installation - (4.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I shortened cylinders 1 & 3 CHTs & EGTs wires from the EMS and then installed new barrel connectors. Again, I wrapped all the individual connections in rescue tape. All wiring attachments to the engine mount on the right side were rerouted and refastened, but rather than using adel clamps I used zip ties with multiple wraps of rescue tape on the mount to ensure NO direct contact with the zip ties on the mount. I managed to start the same procedure on the left side, but ran out of time. Also, I continued the procedure of separating the ignition wires from each other. The right side is done, but there are a couple of more on the left side that need attention. This process is ongoing as I see how the entire wiring package comes to together as the build continues.

  Jan 29, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Building hint. Completely read the instructions. Turns out I planned to to do the oil pressure, fuel pressure and fuel flow at the same time since they were on the left side. Well, duh, the manifold pressure uses two of the same wires that others do, but it was on the right side and didn't get done at the same time. So I had to solder in another connector for power and use a different ground wire. No problem, but just a little more work to run the wires. Now the manifold pressure sensor wiring is complete.

  Jan 28, 2024     Parts Installation - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Research complete and the solder 'ring' is okay as is. It doesn't need to disappear. Pull tested the wires and they're secure. I finished the fuel pressure and oil pressure wiring and secured the wires. On to the fuel flow measurement wiring. I had to feed those wires thru the firewall opening - missed them on the initial feed. They were very hard to get too, but it got done. Soldered and pull tested okay. I secured all of those wires then went on to securing cylinders two and four spark plug wires on the backside of the engine. Due to the expected shaking and engine vibration, I left a little extra slack in all the electrical wiring.

  Jan 27, 2024     Parts Installation - (2.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

I completed the wiring of the EGTs and CHTs on cylinders 2 and 4. I did leave some extra slack in the harnesses so I could easily reach them and also just in case the wires should need rework in the future. The butt connectors are quite cumbersome and to protect them I opted to wrap them in rescue tape. Not pretty, but functional. I wired the oil temp sensor. Then I tried using a solder joint tube for the first time. The wires are soldered together but the solder ring isn't completely melted, I'll research that to ensure it's done correctly before I do more.

  Jan 26, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.0 hour) Category: Avionics

I did some research and found the brown EMS wires can be cut without any problems so I began the CHT and EGT wiring work on cylinders 2 and 4 with the wires being cut for a better fit. I'll still leave room for an extra 6 or so inches of slack. I'll also go back and redo the wires for cylinders 1 and 4.

  Jan 25, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

I completed the installation of cylinders 1 & 3 EGT & CHT probe wiring. I also decided to leave the EMS probe wires full length for now. I don't know if resistance is a factor or not because if it is, it's not a big deal as I can always cut them back later. Also, I feel I need to find some material to protect the connectors.

  Jan 24, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

I added a new adel clamp to cylinder 3 rocker box cover mainly to hold the CHT and EGT wires and also added the #1 plug wire thru the clamp. The wires were then thread thru zip ties that attached to the adel clamps, but not the plug wire. The right side bundle of EGT and CHT wires were zip tied to the engine mount, with plenty of slack.

  Jan 23, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

The engine sensor wires that were split into two bundles are now zipped tied, one for behind the firewall and the other forward of the firewall. The Dsub end was connected to the EMS unit and the wires threaded above all the other wires, tubing and the plethora of other important items, behind the rear instrument bulkhead. The forward wires were then jammed, I mean threaded, thru the upper firewall opening. This opening is now nearly at max capacity. I also physically installed the 12V plug in the center floorboard tab. Although the wires are connected to it, this remains to be wired to power.

  Jan 20, 2024     Parts Fabrication - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

Easy day as I finished using the multimeter to verify each wire for the EMS-220's sensor harness and then separated them into firewall forward and aft bundles. A lot of wires aren't used, but I hesitate to remove them from the connector as I don't want to possibly damage an adjacent wire. I plan to make them shorter and protect the ends with a piece of heat shrink. I also need to figure out what to do with the many ground wires. The instructions aren't clear as to whether they're unused or should be grounded. Probably unused or there would be a grounding symbol on the drawing. I'll verify with Advanced Flight.

  Jan 19, 2024     Parts Installation - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

This is unf'ing believable. Yes, it took three hours to finish installing one LEMO jack and one headset jack on the right side and get the floor painted - twice! It wasn't fun. Take note: The LEMO jack nut that fastens it to the floor is one of the weirdest, most user unfriendly design I've come across in quite a while. You can't just place a wrench on it. It has two small flats that are tiny and barely accessible to the average wrench. Add to that you have to shove your arm under the floor to hold the case from turning while attempting to tighten it. Good thing a friend stopped by to help. Oh yes, and the larger headset jack has a conical nylon washer with a protruding head that comes thru the floor, but it protrudes too much and the nut can't tighten down the jack before bottoming out. After sanding down the protruding head and adding two more washers on the bottom side, I finally got the jack secured. But only after screwing up my first repainting job. The second repaint was marginally acceptable, but I have had enough of this simple task. It must be me as I'm sure no one else has had this problem OR will admit to it! Anyway, the second paint job looks good from 10 feet away but will be partially hidden by the seat. All jacks are now installed and tightened.

  Jan 18, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

I can't believe it took me an hour and half to do this, but it did. After locating and drilling the additional 9/16" hole for the LEMO plug, I installed the pilot and copilot headset jacks - and the LEMO plug. I did screw up the paint job on the copilot side, so I'll have to fix that later. Also, a note to self; the LEMO plugs haven't been tightened yet.

  Jan 17, 2024     Research - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I decided to attempt to make sense of the EMS-220 (Engine Monitoring System) wiring. I had a couple of goals by doing this. First, since this was the only cable not labelled I wanted to be sure I had the correct wire bundle. (it is the right one.) Next, for routing purposes, I wanted to separate wires going forward thru the firewall and those that are aft of it. Then I wanted to identify each of the wires so that I could label them and get them to the right location. In doing so, I found many unidentifiable wires. Working with Advance Flight Systems, they were very patient and helpful, I was able to identify a few more. Due to time limitations, I'll have to call them back again. Also, there are many wires/pins that aren't used, so I guess I'll have to do continuity checks to see what's what.

  Jan 16, 2024     Parts Installation - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Continued installing more wire bundles. The glove box audio panel wiring bundles containing the headset "plugs" were fed thru the fuselage tunnel then over to the seat area where they'll be installed and the audio panel connector to the ACM was installed. Comm 1 and comm 2 antenna wires were marked and installed to the antennae. The comm 2 wire was installed into comm 2. In my continuing saga of misaligned boxes I adjusted the ADS-B, but it still looks off - oh well, two tries and I'm done. I discovered the transponder unit connector wouldn't quite clear the EMS unit so I had to move it up and over slightly. I should have plugged the connectors in and checked for clearances first, so lesson learned. The ground wire nut plate has been installed. I plan to run another ground from there to the battery ground, just to be safe. I started working on the sensor connector, but there's a lot to do to identify where each wire goes, A job for tomorrow.

  Jan 15, 2024     Parts Installation - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I installed oil temperature sensor, no issues here. Spent the majority of time routing and rerouting the cable bundles and temporarily installed the connectors to the ACM and other components. The reason for this is to keep the wire bundles from hanging too low, not rubbing against anything sharp, etc and to be sure the lengths are correct. So far it's fine. However, I did discover the ADS-B unit was about 3/4" of inch to high because when installed, the connector was just too close to where the canopy would close. I moved the unit down - problem solved. However, it's sitting at about .4 degrees off of vertical. It must be that the transponder is slightly off. Since it's purely aesthetic, I'll get to when I can. I know I'm being anal, but....

  Jan 14, 2024     Parts Installation - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

I installed the RAMI certified GPS antenna on the top of the fuselage aft and to the right of center of the rear window. With this done all the antennae are now 'mechanically' installed on the aircraft.

  Jan 13, 2024     Parts Installation - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Today I installed the transponder antenna under the center of the fuselage and ran the RG400 cable to the transponder on the sub panel. Suggestion: It would be easier to install this antenna before the right side baggage floor is riveted in place as the antenna sits under the floor and access is tight. But not to worry, it's still doable if you already have the floor in. I began to install the RAMI GPS antenna on the top of the fuselage aft of the rear window, but I didn't have the necessary hardware to do it. I did run the RG400 antenna cable from the behind the baggage bulkhead thru the center tunnel and behind the center instrument panel. Now it's off to the aviation aisle at Lowes for the GPS installation hardware.

  Jan 12, 2024     Parts Installation - (4.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I installed the Engine monitor unit and the MFD B/U battery on the shelf, but I had to move the Comm slightly forward as I found on the test fit it was needed to avoid the MFD - which actually wasn't a big deal. Then I installed the ADS-B unit on the instrument Sub Panel, but rather than nut plates I decided to use two #10 sheet metal screws due to to tight access on the backside of the Sub Panel, not a biggie since the ADS-B unit weighs only a few ounces. I can always change it if it becomes necessary. Then, moving to the rear of the aircraft, I installed the Delta Pop ADS-B antenna and attached the RG-400 cable to both the antenna and ADS-B unit. I also installed the two Delta Pop Comm antennas in the locations specified by Vans.

  Jan 11, 2024     Parts Assembly - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I decided to go to Plan B. I didn't know there was a Plan B until we inserted the glove compartment avionics assembly into the glove box and I discovered the Comm radio just didn't fit to my liking. It extended above the top edge of the glove box opening which wouldn't let me remove it. The work involved to lower it was just not worth it. I removed the assembly from the aircraft, then removed the radio and reinstalled it in place of the ADS-B box on the shelf in front of the glove box. I'll find a place for the ADS-B later. With that done, we reinstalled the assembly into the glove box and riveted it in place.

  Jan 10, 2024     Parts Installation - (5.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Now that I've decided which parts will be on the shelf I finished installing the nut plates. I also final fitted the hinges and drilled the holes for forward hinge and riveted it to the sub-panel. Then I attached the shelf to the installed hinge with the hinge wire. Marked and drilled the shelf and hinge for riveting. With it now clecoed in place I swung the shelf under the instrument panel frame, drilled thru the frame and shelf and installed nut plates on the frame and inserted a couple of screws to hold the shelf up. Then I riveted the shelf to the hinge and just like that, it's done. Lastly, I drilled and then bolted the transponder holder to sub-panel and installed the transponder.

  Jan 09, 2024     Parts Fabrication - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I temporarily took the SIC panel and measured to ensure the avioncs would fit with it installed. So far so good. Then to make the avionics fit a little better I decided to move the transponder off the hinged panel and replace it with the ADS-B. Then I did a final fit of the panel, cut some more off the corner for electrical wiring access and also slightly adjusted the corner fit. I began installing a few nut plates for the avionics on the 'shelf'.

  Jan 07, 2024     Parts Fabrication - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

With the comm radio now in the glovebox there are still numerous components that have to be installed. Using cardboard I mocked up a design that will use a hinged panel to fit under the SIC panel and extend back to the sub panel. Then I went to a friend's hangar and had a piece of aluminum sheared to fit. Next I will have to mount the new SIC lower panel to ensure there is adequate clearance for the avionics that will populate the shelf. I'll save that for tomorrow-maybe.

  Jan 07, 2024     Parts Assembly - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

I decided to install the comm unit into the glovebox assembly after studying the available room for components. So I added 3 nut plates to the right glovebox rib and screwed the comm holding assembly in place and secured the radio.

  Jan 06, 2024     Parts Assembly - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

With the glovebox ribs removed I installed a lot of nut plates on each rib to accommodate the remote audio panel rack and one of the remote backup batteries. The tight fit of the of the attach holes for the audio panel necessitated 4 nut plates, each with 2 rivet holes in a row, due to the edge distance. For the battery I included 4 extra nut plates on the right side rib just in case there was any problem with installation on the left and I had to relocate the battery. I also removed the components of the center panel so I could return it to AFS to resize the access opening for the IFD540.

  Jan 05, 2024     Research - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

Another weird work day at the hangar. To say the least, trying to fit all the equipment in the area behind the instrument panel has been challenging. I installed the SIC panel to get an idea of the available space. There isn't a lot. So I decided on a drop down hinged panel below/behind the SIC panel so access would be easier in case a component had to be R&R'd. The AFS documentation has been okay, but the execution isn't easy. Pro tip: I thought installing the glove box ribs in advance would be good - wrong. To make it easy I decided to now remove them so as to install nut plates for the equipment going into the glove box area. The glued on thermal shield for the firewall was blocking access for the rib's rivets that had to be removed, but despite the great glue and stainless sheet I got it removed. On the bright side, they'll be easy to replace as will the new rivets.

  Jan 03, 2024     Parts Installation - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

We worked on the installation of the center panel including installing (or trying to) the Avidyne IFD540. The tray had to go in first then the center panel and after many tries - it didn't fit. Calls to AFS resulted in taking hacksaw to the sub panel sheet metal behind the tray. Turned out to be pretty easy to do and I believe actually strengthened the sub panel, once 3/8" lip was bent to allow the tray to fit properly. Great - not so fast. Once fitted in place the nomenclature on the switch panel is not legible from the pilot's perspective without bending down to be sure you touch the correct switch - can you say vertigo? Working on that issue later. Installed the ACM with no problem, but it did take more time than I thought it would since I used nut plates rather than bolts, just in case it needs to come off at some future time.

  Jan 02, 2024     Research - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Spent a couple off hours unpacking the avionics and trying to figure out what goes where and how to mount things. I guess I'll resort to reading the instructions:-)

  Jan 01, 2024     Engine Instruments - (2.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

After a VERY HAPPY START TO THE NEW YEAR! -- I moved from mechanical installations onto electrical/measurement systems. I physically installed the EGT Sensors, CHT Sensors, Oil/Fuel Pressure Sensors and the Manifold Pressure firewall fitting.

  Oct 09, 2023     Inventory - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

I completed the inventory, to the extent possible. since I didn't want to tear into the many piece parts in the boxes. I'm confident it's all there and if there's something missing I know that AFS will make good on it. There are two pictures below. One, is the 70 pound box everything came in and the other a peek at the SIC panel with the AFS-6600, G5 and a few other items.

  Oct 03, 2023     Instrument Panel - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

I asked Keith P. a great person, aviator, mechanic, etc. to cut and weld my canopy release handle 90 degrees so as to be in the vertical position to accommodate my center panel design. He did an outstanding job!! It's much appreciated. With the delivery of my avionics from Advanced Flight Systems I began the inventorying of my complete instrument panel. This is going to take quite a while, but at least it's started.

  Jul 02, 2023     Parts Assembly - (.5 hour)       Category: Avionics

The ribs were riveted in place around the glove compartment of the instrument panel. I chose to use blind rivets so the starboard side holes had to be countersunk to accept the blind rivets I had in inventory - no problem.

  Jun 25, 2023     Glove Box Ribs - (.5 hour)       Category: Avionics

Dean center punched the holes into the firewall from the inside, then I re-punched them from the outside, and drilled them to #40. We did this for all 6 holes. Rivets to go in soon.

  Jun 24, 2023     Research - (3.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Since I don't yet have the hardware I spent the afternoon making templates for the SV-COM, the TCW Battery and the PS Engineering remote audio panel. The reason for this is to see where I can place everything and still maintain access in the event I need to remove or replace one of the boxes. Dong fit checked is the best way I can think of do this sans the hardware. There are a few options available so with this now complete I can install the glove box ribs.

  Jun 19, 2023     Parts Fabrication - (1.0 hour)       Category: Avionics

The rivets holding the glove compartment ring in place were removed, as was the ring, per the Advanced Flight System documentation. We then attempted to install the new ribs but stopped short when we tried to figure out how the new components would be secured in place. A call to AFS found that the predrilled holes, which I was going to install nut plates on, may not fit the new generation hardware. AFS is going to send the new parts to me so I can figure out an installation scheme.

  May 12, 2023     Instrument Panel - (3.0 hours)       Category: Avionics

(Updated May 18th) The panel design is complete - again. It's still not perfect, but it has the essential elements of what I'm looking to do. There was a tweak here and there, but by the beginning of the week it'll be ready to move forward. Here's the latest design mod: After a little more human factors work I determined the two dimmer switches, originally at the top of the lower slanted panel, were not optimal. Actually, for me, the top half of the slanted panel is difficult to reach so I moved them above the G5 where they are more accessible. Your results may vary:-)

  May 02, 2023     Instrument Panel - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

More research on panel location of various devices and switches. Communications with AFS continues to be excellent. Consulted with van's tech support on the eject handle location and various options. I finally decided to leave it in place and to change the orientation to vertical by cutting and rewelding the lever. Still working on TO/GA switch location.

  May 01, 2023     Instrument Panel - (2.0 hours) Category: Avionics

Continued working on the final design of the instrument panel, sub panel and throttle plate layout. The design is about 98% complete. Hopefully I can get the CAD drawing done soon and then it's metal cutting and module testing time.

  Apr 20, 2023     GPS - (1.5 hours)       Category: Avionics

After searching for and finally finding the proper screws for attaching the Dynon GPS-250 antenna I finally drilled the holes (perfectly centered) and fastened the antenna on the canopy frame. I used a 1/2" plastic grommet to protect the GPS' wires.