Jul 20, 2021     Dimmer install - (3 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

Soldered up the potentiometers for the LC-50 from Flight Data Systems. Instead of simply cutting off the anti rotate tabs on the potentiometers, I had earlier made a shim with holes. This came in handy when I did the soldering off the panel. With everything installed in the panel, I tested with the LED strip I intend to use as overhead light on the panel and one of the map light spots. The LC-50 is powered via a switch that would be the Cabin light ON/OFF master switch.

Dimming worked perfect it will need some adjustment for rate and offset, but can wait until it's properly installed in the aircraft.

  May 18, 2021     Dimmer knobs - (0.1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

The LC-50 does not come with knobs. Mouser.com got plenty of options, too many and some out of stock. I ended up getting a little selection from both Mouser and Onlinecomponents.com. Some of them are too shiny, but I do not have to decide yet. Also, this is my first post from the phone. Another good reason for migrating from Kitlog.

  May 09, 2021     Lightened the GMA tray straps - (1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

Removed material from the GMA tray straps (bottom left in the picture).
Also started to modify the canopy release mechanism using a a pull cable rather than the rod through the panel. I'm probably going to lock it in place, but I will not completely shut the door for aerobatics. Competition rules requires "functional" release mechanism, but have anyone actually intentionally jumped out a RV-7 in flight?

  Apr 29, 2021     GMA Straps - (1 hour)       Category: Instrument Panel

With the ribs repositioned I could go ahead and make some straps for the GMA tray. The GMA tray is shorter than the GTN tray and does not reach the angles on the subpanel. I made a strap for each side. They will be Swiss-cheesed (lightened) a little later.

  Apr 28, 2021     Fitting forward fuselage ribs - (1.5 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

The rear portion of the forward fuselage ribs was cut offs while back to make room for the GDUs. They will be re-positioned/purposed as radio stack/panel support. With the tray mounting screws in place it's hard to adjust the fit so I made cardboard “ribs” templates to ease the final fit. Then it was easy to transfer the shape to the actual ribs and drill them to the same angle that the GTN tray is hanging on.

  Apr 25, 2021     Radiostack reboot - (2 hours)       Category: Instrument Panel

The October 2020 re-boot didn't really take, so it's been after a little too long hiatus from building due to work and other life-things. I used the shame from lack of progress to kick-start the building again. I had started putting the GTN and GMA trays in last year, but haven't really committed yet. After a quick review I couldn't see any reason why not do the final fit of the support angle (needs to be shortened). I also need to add something to hang the rear part of the GMA tray.