Sep 29, 2022     Project visit - (2.5 hours) Category: Research

Got a project tour from my tech counselor. It was an RV-7 slider so very similar to mine. The same engine I've ordered was installed and work had started on the baffling. The panel was being modified for instrument and switch cut-outs. Some Stein built wiring harnesses were in the airframe. It was a great chance to see the early stages of the next steps for me and a chance to take lots of pictures and ask lots of questions. I got a lot of practical tips.

I started follow up research on some of the topics. I decided to use the Nuckolls Z-11 design as the starting point for my power distribution. I plan to incorporate one or two TCW IBBS battery backups.

  Sep 07, 2022     Insurance - (.4 hour) Category: Research

Discussed hull insurance (not in motion) insurance with Jim at Falcon and requested coverage.

Reviewed Aircraft Spruce response on Garmin Autopilot part number changes. Ready to buy.

Looked at wire gauges and d-sub pins and DMC crimp tool settings.

  Sep 01, 2022     Aircraft Spruce and Garmin - (.5 hour) Category: Research

Called Aircraft Spruce about order to confirm I could pay by credit card without an extra charge and that I would be billed when parts shipped. Discussed sales and tech support with Aircraft Spruce. Scanned sections of the G3X Touch maintenance manual and GNX375 installation manual that Jaycee sent me.

Two years remain on my goal to be ready to fly the grandkids.

  Aug 30, 2022     Wiring and... - (2.1 hours) Category: Research

Received confirmation that my prop order was accepted and is in the queue. Looks like February delivery.

Called Vans about the engine order conformation since it has been a week. They said it had been received and sent to Lycoming and was in the queue. They would probably hear back in a month or so. And that the lead time is 8 to 14 months. I'm a little worried that my order might have been dropped somewhere so I emailed my contact at Lycoming asking if he could confirm my order had been received and was in the queue. I also asked if he had a preliminary schedule yet.

Spent the rest of the day adding the GNX 375 connector signals to my wiring spreadsheet and reorganizing the spreadsheet with all the avionics I finally selected. I still need to add any battery backup boxes and lights and ELT and other non Garmin items. I'd like to get answers for the questions I sent to Garmin before I spend much time on the spreadsheet connections.

Headed to Camarillo tomorrow to visit my daughter and her family.

  Aug 29, 2022     More Failure Mode Research - (3.3 hours) Category: Research

Took one final look at Whirlwind and Catto propeller information and finalized my order with Catto. Expecting February 2023 delivery. Should be here long before the engine that has a March/April date, I hope...

Continued detail review of G3X Touch system component pinouts and descriptions. Completed my questions about what happens with CAN bus failures. Also spent time on power wiring, sample TCW wiring, and power failure effects. Completed and emailed my list of questions about CAN and power failures to Brad at Garmin.

Searched for engine baffling and plenum ideas on VAF.

  Aug 28, 2022     RV-7A flight!!! and lots of research - (6.6 hours)       Category: Research

Amazing day! Had a great flight in Luis's beautiful RV-7A to experience flight with a Catto propeller. Also got a chance to ask a lot of other questions and look at how he did things. It has has been too long since I've been flying. And then I went across the runway and talked to John about failure modes and how his Bonanza works with the new Garmin avionics upgrades. Some of the topics I covered this morning were trim control and failures, flap control and failures, Foreflight/Garmin interaction, single vs dual COM and CAN bus failures and antenna locations and installation. I spent 4 hours at Breakaway Park and am counting 1 hour of actual research.

Continued research at home and started email with questions for Garmin support. Read and searched through VAF forums and Garmin documentation as I created my questions and tried to answer as many as I could (or at least ask better questions). Spent time reviewing the details of post installation configuration for the Garmin LRUs to learn more about the settings and options available.

Also searched for information on PermaGrit files, Otto Switches (used in Luis's RV), antenna mounts and more.

  Aug 27, 2022     More Research - (6.8 hours) Category: Research

Ended the week with 21.3 hours so met my requirement, barely. Worked every day, but not much on one day. The commitment is working and helped me to put in a longer day today to meet the weekly goal.

Arranged to meet Luis at Breakaway Sunday AM to look at his RV-7A and to hopefully fly. After Luis and I are done I will probably go look at John's Bonanza with the Garmin avionics upgrades. I created a list of topics and questions to discuss with Luis and John and hope I learn a lot. I'm sure I will enjoy the day!

I spent a lot of time on the Garmin documents trying to understand more about CAN bus wiring, autopilot and trim, G3X and GTR 200B and GMA 245 audio inputs and outputs, antenna locations and constraints, GSU 25 and GMU 11 mounting locations. I also spent time trying to understand how the GAD 27 works and what kind of problems I would have when it fails. That all gave me more information and questions I hope to discuss tomorrow.

I also reviewed FlyLed documentation to understand how it works with the GAD 27 and think about backups. My next step in FlyLeds assembly is to trim the boards to fit in the wingtip. I used some scrap PCB and tried filing and using a band saw to cut it. I think I will rough cut to size with the band saw and then file.

Studied a panel layout someone posted on VAF. Looks interesting. He is going to post more later and provide details.

  Aug 26, 2022     CO Detectors and Garmin - (3.2 hours) Category: Research

Researched CO detector options and connections to the G3X Touch. Found three that interface the same way and added them to the Avionics BOM. Can decide which one later.

Decided I should come up with a list of questions for Garmin before completing my initial draft of the Failure Modes Document. I need to understand the equipment better before identifying all the potential failure modes.

Read Garmin docs and VAF to understand the autopilot and trim connections and function. That lead to me reading Garmin docs and VAF posts to understand CAN routing and recommended wire type. Started thinking about the order of items on the CAN bus and the location of some items.

Looked at mounting location of GAP 26 pitot and angle of attack mounting location and routing of tubes to the panel and added alternate static port to the list of things to consider in the future.

Rethinking the plan to use a single COM with a handheld backup radio. Calculated a cost difference between single GTR 200B and the cost of two GTR 200 and a GMA 245 audio panel to be $2545. Hmmm. Looked for options on VAF to eliminate the audio panel and didn't find one I liked.

If the weather cooperates I will meet up with Luis and get a flight in his RV-7A and get the chance to ask lots of questions. He is using a Catto three bladed prop. Created a list of topics to cover when I meet with him.

  Aug 25, 2022     Propellers - (2.1 hours) Category: Research

Reviewed Catto and Whirl Wind quotes and researched Whirl Wind more on VAF and Kitplanes. Decision time...

Searched for the wing tip lenses I haven't seen in 10 to 15 years and found them. Looked up information on Van's and VAF to get ideas on how to cut and install them.

  Aug 24, 2022     G5 Pilot manual - (.4 hour) Category: Research

Read portions of the G5 Pilot manual trying to understand dependencies on other G3X Touch components and the autopilot functions.

  Aug 23, 2022     Ordered an Engine! - (2.8 hours) Category: Research

Talked to Van's builders support one last time and then placed an order for a Lycoming IO-360 M1B 180 hp horizontal induction engine with dual e-mags.

Discussed the FWF kit with Van's support and copied the part numbers for the bill of material into a spreadsheet so I can start looking things up and decide what changes to make. I'm starting with the FWF kit for the IO-360 M1B with constant speed prop. Of course I need to eliminate the CS prop parts since I am going with FP. And I probably want to make other changes such as a firewall mounted oil cooler.

Continued reading the G3X touch pilot manual.

  Aug 22, 2022     Props and Ignition - (4.2 hours) Category: Research

Continued research of props and ignition on VAF and other websites. Talked to Nicole at Catto twice to learn more and then requested a quote. Researched whirlwind and requested a quote.

Had a very helpful phone call with an RV-7A builder at breakaway about Catto and electronic ignitions.

Was holding off on ordering an engine until I made a decision on the prop. Van's has a $1000 discount if you order a Lycoming engine and a Sensenich or Hartzell or MT Prop from them on the same day.

  Aug 21, 2022     More Prop and Avionics - (1.8 hours) Category: Research

Still researching Catto props in VAF forums.

Started reading the G3X pilot guide to understand operation and fault handling.

Saw VAF posting for PC-680 battery box and purchased it.

  Aug 20, 2022     Ignition, Props, Avionics and power distribution - (4.5 hours) Category: Research

25.1 hours last week or 3.6 per day. Made some real progress understanding the tradeoffs for different engines, ignition and props. Plan to place an engine/prop order early next week.

Continued work on Avionics costs and options. Started a failure mode document listing parts, failures, and backup plans. Realize I need to dig in more to understand how the Garmin components work together and what happens during various failures.

Reviewed feedback from a friend on Catto props and e-mag ignition and sent some questions.

Researched electronic ignition more. Leaning towards using dual e-mags for faster starts, some fuel efficiency in cruise and potentially lower maintenance cost.

Researched props more. Still waiting on response from Catto. Leaning away from Catto due to more maintenance for prop bolt torque and lighter weight will affect CG more and limit baggage weight. Leaning towards Sensenich FP prop since it has a low cost, low maintenance and weight is between Hartzell CS and Catto FP so CG might be okay. Found one used, but may pay for new one through Van's with discount for engine/prop order. Would like to go with Hartzell CS but initial cost is much greater and maintenance costs increase. It is always possible to upgrade to Hartzell later.

  Aug 20, 2022     Props and Ignition - (.8 hour) Category: Research

Researched e-mag and props more. Sent an email to another builder I know asking about his experience with both.

Subscribed to Aviation Consumer and read several articles on electronic ignition, but didn't log that time. Also spent time on VAF, but didn't log time.

  Aug 18, 2022     Magnetos and Props - (7.1 hours)       Category: Research

Started researching e-mags more carefully by reading the install and operations manual, reviewing service letters and bulletins and searching through VAF. John H talked to other builders and provided a summary and links to CAFE Foundation reports on dual mags vs dual EIS vs mag/EIS. I read the CAFE report.

John also said one of his friends had used a Catto prop so I researched Catto and researched FP vs CS on VAF. Emailed Catto with questions. PM'd several people on VAF with questions. Had a great phone discussion with someone that flys an RV-14 with a constant speed prop that flies with a friend with the same airframe and engine and FP prop. Had a great phone discussion with a RV-7 owner that recently changed from a Catto to a Hartzell due to W&B issues and to help with formation flying.

Picked up prints of 29 potential paint options created by scheme designers back in 2011 so I can compare them easily and decide what to try next. Also picked up a large format print that was supposed to match the panel. It was about an inch off, but will work for now.

The attached picture shows the two wingtips with the bare position and strobe boards in place. I have to trim them to fit and then assemble. The print of the panel is not quite to scale, but close enough for me to use to see how it works when I sit in the airplane.

  Jul 22, 2022     End of Phase 1, Day 2 of travel to Oshkosh Category: Research

Missed working and researching today. This is the first day I missed since I started on 4/15. And it is the last day of my commitment for phase 1. I was on the road from Denton to Kansas City most of the day. I am traveling to Oshkosh as my reward and to do research, make final decisions and buy parts.

Phase 1 thoughts:
It really was a good idea to include working every day in the commitment. It helped me build the habit of working on and thinking about the airplane daily. Some days I really didn't want to work. In many of the cases I was not sure how to solve a problem. If I had skipped a day, it would have been even easier to skip the next day. Also every time I went into the garage I knew what I had done the day before and usually knew what was next.

I spent a lot more time thinking about the RV that what I logged. I'd mull over problems or research them on VAF or search for tools. I also read VAF forums daily and read threads that were interesting even if they didn't apply to me right now. I also spent time planning the trip to Oshkosh. One thing I have to watch is not to let my planning and research go on so long that it turns into a way to procrastinate. Some research and planning is good, but it is best to try things and make progress even if I make some mistakes, because I will make mistakes anyway.

I worked through some of my biggest areas of concern (landing gear mounts, Rudder bar/brake pedal mounts, fuel pump selection and mount and lines, brake lines, and finishing the fuel tank service bulletins) but didn't finish most of it. I thought I would have made more progress by now. I really need to spend more hours in the garage (or assembling avionics) in phase 2 if I ever want to finish this airplane. I'm mulling over the next commitment. Continue to work every day or give myself some time off? Commit to at least x hours per week while in town? Other?

  Jul 21, 2022     Travel and Research - (.5 hour) Category: Research

Started journey to Oshkosh this morning. Added vendor booth locations to the list of vendor questions to help me find them. Reviewed presentations and added a few to the list that I want to see.

  Jul 20, 2022     Avionics, wiring and Oshkosh prep. - (0.5 hour) Category: Research

Found spreadsheet with avionics wiring, reviewed it to remember where I was and sent a copy to take to Oshkosh. Found and printed copies of the Garmin parts list to take to Oshkosh. Opened KiCAD and practiced placing parts and making connections on a schematic. Rewatched part of a tutorial on KiCAD.

Also spent additional time gathering and packing clothes and parts for the trip.

  Jun 21, 2022     Tubing, Rudder Bars and Brake Pedals - (1 hour) Category: Research

Read up more on the how to measure and fabricate tubing.
Researched rudder and brake pedal angles more on VAF.
Thought about assembly order of all the different parts going in the area under the panel.
Called Van's support and:
- found it was okay to split the F-6116 rudder bar mounting blocks for better access.
- no change in the F-69-F-04 fitting at the bottom of the tube from the brake fluid reservoir
- discussed access to the 6 rivets at the top of the F-902L and R bulkheads and potential option to use pulled rivets.
Posted and sold Adair Gascolator parts on VAF today! Will ship tomorrow assuming I receive the payment.

  Jun 19, 2022     Rudder Bars, Brake & Fuel lines and other things - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Spent a lot of time on VAF today.
Researched for any history on cutting F-6116 rudder bar mounting blocks. Couldn't find much and plan to call Van's support on Monday.
Researched brake line fittings and tubings on Van's store, Aircraft Spruce and VAF. Sent email to Bonaco and have questions for Van's and Aircraft Specialty Flightlines.
Looked at fuel pump related parts and drawings. Will discuss my questions with Aircraft Specialty Flightlines when I call tomorrow.
Spent a lot more time than 1.5 hours, but my search on VAF drifted some...

  Jun 13, 2022     KiCAD - (2 hours) Category: Research

Installed KiCAD on macBook Pro and started to read documentation. Searched for and found a great series of youtube training videos. This looks like it will work great for any electrical drawings I might want to complete.
Software and Documentation: https://www.kicad.org
Youtube Tutorial Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hcQQQxoRl0&list=PL3by7evD3F51fKkyrUbH-PCdwPCWc9F8a

  Jun 11, 2022     Wire documentation - (1 hour) Category: Research

Completed defining most of the columns and testing plan for documenting Garmin (or Dynon) wiring. Reviewed previous spreadsheet for wiring and decided one combined list would work.
Also attended FAA Wings event and talked about Avionics plan with another builder (time not counted for building or research).

  Jun 09, 2022     Documentation of Garmin Avionics Wiring - (1 hour) Category: Research

Worked on potential method of documenting Garmin avionics wiring with a spreadsheet wirelist. Decided best method was to cut and paste IO connections for each LRU from tables in the G3X Touch installation manual into Numbers. Then clean up and combine LRU, Connector and Pin into one field for vlookups. All LRUs will be listed in a left set of columns so that it is easy to see all the wires to every connector pin on each LRU. Next I need to add a right set of columns to define the connections. The right set of columns will use the combined LRU, Connector and Pin to define the connection and then vlookup to show all the other data.
This will result in two entries for every wire, but should make it easy to use with many options for sorting and filtering.
Need to consider graphical schematics. I'm thinking of using marked up examples taken from the G3X Touch installation manual. This won't be clean, but may be sufficient when used with the spreadsheet.

  Jun 07, 2022     Garmin Meeting - (1.8 hours) Category: Research

Discussed my Garmin questions and configuration options with a Garmin rep for just over an hour this morning. Learned a lot! Updated Garmin pricing spreadsheet with notes and started looking at new options. Need to pick a configuration or two, try Garmin and Dynon at Airventure and make a decision.

  Jun 06, 2022     FlyLEDs, Monkworkz, KiCAD - (1 hour) Category: Research

Completed conversation with Paul at FlyLEDs. Will pick up parts at AirVenture. Reviewed responses from Bill at Monkworkz. Very helpful and interesting things to consider. Found and downloaded KiCAD (open source software for schematics and PCB design) started experimenting with it and it looks really promising! Organized questions and spreadsheet for the Garmin meeting tomorrow.

  Jun 05, 2022     FlyLeds and Monkworkz - (.5 hour) Category: Research

Continued conversation with FlyLeds after reviewing the information provided.
Sent some questions to Monkworkz about their backup generator.

  Jun 04, 2022     External Lights - (1 hour) Category: Research

Read Kitplanes Lighting article again. Studied details on Flyleds website, selected a set of lights and sent questions to Paul. Planning on using:
Qty 1 - The Original" Flyleds Position and Strobe Lighting Kit
Qty 1 - Tail Light-kit model
Qty 2 - Quad Spotlight - Landing/Taxi light

  Jun 02, 2022     Electrical Tool Research - (3.5 hours) Category: Research

Searched for source of heat gun specified in TE Connectivity/Raychem documents for use with shield solder sleeves. Selected a heat gun kit with the necessary accessories.
Searched for positioners needed for my DMC crimp tool for the High Density D-Sub connector pins.
Looked up specifications for the Ideal wire stripper tools I bought and the ones Bill Moody gave me to make sure they were acceptable for the wire I am using. Reviewed other wiring tools and tested the D-Sub pin insertion and removal tools.
Looked at components and tools on the Stein Air and B and C Aviation websites.
Continued research on Garmin and Dynon to prepare for meeting the Garmin next week. Researched configuration of engine and airframe sensors and inputs.

  Jun 01, 2022     Garmin/Dynon - (2 hours) Category: Research

Updated pricing spreadsheet to add more configuration columns. Selected three different Garmin only configurations and one Garmin/Dynon configuration to compare pricing. Will discuss the three Garmin options with Garmin next week to answer questions and get recommendations.
Selected and ordered socket head screws for fuel tank covers from McMaster Carr.
Reviewed TCW backup battery options.
Downloaded and tried Garmin Checklist creation tool. Very cool!
Watched Garmin videos on wiring (shield attach, strip, crimp, and splices) and using G3X and a GPS Navigator and Autopilot to complete an instrument approach.
Bought a set of small files with handles at Harbor Freight.

  May 31, 2022     Garmin/Dynon - (4 hours) Category: Research

Traveled home from Camarillo by train and plane. Reviewed portions of Dynon and Garmin pilot manuals and installation manuals and updated list of feature comparisons and questions. Considered different configurations to reduce antenna count and coax cable routing and antenna location.

  May 30, 2022     Dynon/Garmin - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Reviewed portions of Dynon and Garmin pilot manuals and installation manuals and updated list of feature comparisons and questions.

  May 29, 2022     Dynon/Garmin - (1 hour) Category: Research

Completed reading of Dynon manuals and started working on comparison list.

  May 28, 2022     G3X Touch Pilot Manual, G5 Pilot Manual, Dynon install manual - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Completed reading G3X Touch Pilot Manual. Quickly scanned through the G5 Pilot Manual since much of it was similar to the G3X Touch.
Started reading the Dynon Installation manual.

  May 27, 2022     G3X Touch Pilot Manual - (1 hour) Category: Research

Continued reading G3X Touch Pilot Manual.

  May 26, 2022     G3X Touch Pilot Manual - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Continued reading G3X Touch Pilot Manual.

  May 25, 2022     G3X Touch Pilot Manual - (1 hour) Category: Research

Continued reading G3X Touch Pilot Manual.

  May 24, 2022     G3X Touch Pilot Manual - (1.2 hours) Category: Research

Started reading G3X Touch Pilot Manual

  May 23, 2022     Garmin G3X Touch Installation Manual, G5 Installation manual - (1.2 hours) Category: Research

Completed reading the G3X Touch Installation Manual. Completed reading the G5 installation Manual. Skipped over the sections that were similar to the G3X Touch installation manual.

  May 22, 2022     Garmin G3X Touch Installation Manual - (1 hour) Category: Research

Continued reading the G3X Touch Installation manual.

  May 21, 2022     Continued reading Garmin G3X Installation manual - (1.8 hours) Category: Research

Continued reading Garmin G3X Touch installation manual.
Responded to Garmin sales rep to set up a meeting the week of 6/6.
Also downloaded the Garmin G3X Touch and G5 Pilots manual.

  May 20, 2022     Garmin G3X Touch research. - (1 hour) Category: Research

Continued reading the Garmin G3X Touch installation manual.

  May 19, 2022     Garmin G3X Touch Installation Manual - (3 hours) Category: Research

Touched the RV before leaving the house to fly to Camarillo to visit family.
Started reading the G3X Touch installation manual. Read through page 317 (out of 944) as well as jumping ahead some to get more information on a topic during the flight and train ride. Learning lots about the functions and detailed connections between the components of the G3X Touch System.

  May 17, 2022     Tech Counselor, Van's and Garmin - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Organized list of questions for tech counselor visit. Discussed landing gear weldments and looked at progress. Inspected fuel cover plate SB changes. Discussed Garmin vs Dynon. Discussed other topics included NAV radios, Parking Brake need, Andair vs AFP, Lycoming vs Thunderbolt and fixed pitch vs CS.
Followed up with Van's Builder support to verify my approach on landing gear weldments is acceptable.
Reviewed several Garmin installation manuals to see installation details.

  May 12, 2022     Fuel System, Brakes - (1 hour) Category: Research

Found and reviewed drawings for the Andair fuel pump installation and the original AFP fuel pump installation. Viewed Aircraft Specialty fuel and brake hose kits to see how they worked with Andair and/or AFP. Made notes for items to discuss with Deene, Vans Aircraft Support and Aircraft Specialty.
Read Kitplanes June 2022 article on large screen EFIS panels from Garmin, Dynon and others (Not included in the logged time).

  May 11, 2022     Discussed questions and options with Dynon - (.8 hour) Category: Research

Discussed my list of questions with Dynon rep on video conference. Kyle was extremely helpful.

  May 10, 2022     More Research, Fuel Pump - (1.3 hours)       Category: Research

Finished reading chapters 14 (temperature) and 15 (pressure) of Aero Electric. Read portions of Chapter 17, reliability. Will refer to this chapter during the electrical design.
Reviewed fuel pump drawings and associated mounting and cover plates to figure out where I had stopped building and what was needed next.

  May 09, 2022     Dynon and Garmin - (1.9 hours) Category: Research

Completed review of Dynon and Garmin docs. Sent final list of questions and proposed configuration to Dynon for our 5/11 meeting. Sent Garmin a list of questions and proposed configuration and requested a meeting.
Finished chapter 13 of Aero Electric book.

  May 08, 2022     Service Bulletins, Notifications, Letters and Document Revisions - (3.3 hours) Category: Research

Downloaded and quickly reviewed all RV-7(A) related service bulletins, notifications and letters as well as new documentation revisions. Made notes for next steps on any that require research or rework.
Read chapter 12 (lighting) and 16 (EMC) of Aero Electric Revision 12 and made notes. Started chapter 13, Antennas.
Looked at spar and step that are associated with a service bulletin and service letter.

  May 07, 2022     Dynon and AeroElectric Research - (4.2 hours) Category: Research

Continued review and price estimates of Dynon components.
Studied chapters 3 through 11 of Aero Electric and made notes.

  May 06, 2022     More Research - (.8 hour) Category: Research

Called Air Flow Performance and talked to Kyle about the fuel injection prototype on the RV-8. He assured me it would work the same on my RV-7A. Also discussed my original style AFP fuel pump, Andair Fuel Pump and converting my original AFP fuel pump into the current model fuel pump. Continued review of Garmin components and system pricing.
Studied chapters 1 and 2 of Aero Electric.

  May 05, 2022     Research and more research - (8 hours) Category: Research

Searched through VAF and other web sites for information. Compiled a list of questions for Vans Support and had an extremely helpful and pleasant discussion with Eric and got most of my questions answered and suggestions for other people to contact.
Spent a lot of time reading Garmin and Dynon documentation, creating pricing spreadsheets and working to select an initial panel for discussion with Garmin and Dynon. Bought ticket to AOPA Aviator Showcase in Fort Worth on 6/16 and 6/17. Dynon, Garmin, Foreflight, Jeppesen and many other vendors will be there to answer questions about their products.

  May 04, 2022     Garmin? - (2.7 hours) Category: Research

Started careful review of Garmin products, created a pricing spreadsheet and started a list of questions for Garmin.

  May 01, 2022     Andair Fuel Pump and Filter Research - (1.3 hours)       Category: Research

Researched Andair fuel pumps and filters on VAF. There were some failures reported. Repairs and factory response time varied from shipping two days to waits of a week or two. They haven't responded to an email with questions I sent late Thursday their time. Someone on VAF is selling an Andair pump and filter and I sent a message asking why he is selling it. I'm not sure what I will do yet.

  Apr 30, 2022     Garmin vs Dynon - (1 hour) Category: Research

Watched the rest of the Dynon HDX demo video. Searched and read more Garmin vs Dynon postings and reviews.
Started parts order on AircraftSpruce.com.

  Apr 29, 2022     EFIS...Dynon? Garmin? - (2 hours) Category: Research

Provided background information on my experience and missions to Dynon representative in preparation for a video meeting. Probably meeting 5/11 or 5/13. Started watching Dynon youtube video that walks through capabilities and using the HDX. Started copying part and pricing information from the Dynon website into a spreadsheet so I can pick all the parts and see current cost totals.
Looked at the Garmin website and watched a demo of the Garmin G3X Touch system. Very impressive. I plan to have a video meeting with them and get hands on both Garmin and Dynon at AirVenture.

  Apr 27, 2022     Main Gear Weldments - (1.4 hours) Category: Research

Lubricated rudder bars per discussion with Deene with not much change. Should be okay anyway.

Test fit both main gear mounts. Deene had mentioned getting in close with a camera to check hole alignments. I remembered I have a GiraffeCam Inspection camera and it worked great to get in close and magnify the view. I found several rivets that were against the sides of clearance holes in the weldment and keeping me from moving it to align bolt holes better. Completed several cycles of view, mark, file and repeat. Fit is improving. I'll continue tomorrow and include some pictures. Once I can position the weldment and move it some I will start to work on the mounting bolt holes.

  Apr 27, 2022     Research, Emails and Organizing - (2 hours) Category: Research

Organized notes from Deene's visit into several todo lists, prioritized and started some of the follow up.
Researched Andair fuel system recommendations and sent email asking if there were any bulletins or issues with the parts I purchased at Airventure in 2010 or 2012.
Contacted Carl F on VAF with questions about the AFP FM150C that was prototyped on his RV-8(A?) and still plan to use AFP after his response.
Researched solder shrink sleeves on Stein's website and on Mouser and Digikey.
Started looking at some of the Garmin products such as the G5 backup instruments and 375 Navigator.

  Apr 26, 2022     Help Arrived! - (3.2 hours) Category: Research

Explored VAF web site for fuel injection, mags and other topics.

Discussed Airflow Performance fuel injection systems for my application with Don Rivera of AFP. I will probably use AFP instead of AVStar. I plan to talk to a few more people before final commitment.

Had a very helpful, enlightening and inspiring visit from technical counselor, Deene Ogden!!! Thanks Deene! Determined next steps on landing gear weldment installation. Also discussed many other topics such as high level assembly order, fuel pumps/filters, fuel injection, ignition, Dynon vs Garmin EFIS, roll bar handles, fuses vs circuit breakers, electrical power distribution (single battery, single alternator, strategic backup batteries), alternate oil cooler, forward fuselage access panels, rudder bar fit and play, IFR instruments (Garmin 375, Val NAV), backup flight instruments (Garmin G5, Dynon), control grips with switches (coolie trim, PTT, Flaps?, Boost pump?, flip flop, starter?) and other topics.

Decided I will probably use Lycoming EIS ignition after talking to Deene. I plan to talk to Van's and Lycoming before a final commitment.

  Apr 25, 2022     Preparing for tech counselor visit - (4.2 hours) Category: Research

Tech counselor graciously agreed to come by on Wednesday, 4/26, to help me with the landing gear mounting weldment and discuss other topics. I spent the day today trying to answer open questions and find new ones. Prepared a list of questions/topics to discuss.

Researched information on firewall forward kit components, engine order form and lycoming website and found to answer my prop governor questions.

Researched Airflow Performance and AVStar fuel injection systems and sent list of questions to both suppliers.

Requested a virtual meeting with Dynon Avionics to discuss my needs and get recommendations. Also started preparing a summary of my requirements and a list of topics. Found additional online documentation that I need to review before we meet.

I also discussed plans and options for attending AirVenture 2022 with a friend (not included in the hours logged AND I still have to miss 5 or fewer days between now and 6/15 or I don't get to go).

  Apr 24, 2022     Making lists of questions - (3.5 hours)       Category: Research

Started searching online and at VAF for information about main gear weldment installation. Sent request for help to local tech counselor. Included some other topics for discussion during visit.
Moved rudder bar to a location closest to the seats. Reviewed drawing for rudders and brakes and added more questions to the list for the tech counselor.
Temporarily installed firewall recess to check fit and added more questions.
Reviewed drawings related to firewall penetrations, battery mounting, constant speed prop and added to the list of questions.
Measured thickness of structure behind instrument panel to determine length of bolt to use instead of a rivet.

  Apr 20, 2022     A little cleaning, more research. - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Arrived home around 8PM.

Looked for information on rudder position on VAF. Found and inspected brake, tire and wheel parts. Unpacked additional boxes of parts. Studied brake system drawings. Rolled fuselage upside down and verified minimum clearance between rudder bar mounts and firewall.

  Apr 19, 2022     Research while out of town. - (1.5 hours) Category: Research

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Researched electrical and avionics design options. Ordered updated Aeroelectric aviation wiring handbook.

  Apr 18, 2022     Cleaning and Research - (1.2 hours) Category: Research

Loaded and took hazardous garage waste to the disposal facility. Continued review of electrical design documents and online research. Left Austin at 9:30 AM for trip to San Antonio. Signed up for an online builders log through EAA.

  Apr 17, 2022     Where Am I and What's Next? - (1.7 hours) Category: Research

Dug through all the electrical and fuel system parts and tools and made notes. Reviewed instruction manual to help figure out where I was when I stopped building. Found and started review of electrical design documents.