Finished wiring the GEA 24, GAD 29, and GAD 25

Made up harnesses for the TO/GA button and panel light dimmer switches. I mounted them back in the center panel and wired the corresponding connectors under the panel. I used micro molex connectors to make the connections.

 

I received the stranded thermocouple wire I ordered from McMaster Carr. SO I was able to finish wiring up the GEA 24.

 

I wired up the GAD 29.

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I wired up the GAD 27.

 

Making progress. Glad I made this wiring list.  It’s been super helpful as a reference and to keep track of my progress. The terminations highlighted in green are complete.

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Today’s Time (hours): 10.0
Finish Kit (hours): 138.0
Total Time (hours): 868.0

 

Started mounting avionics

Made some trial panels from plastic. I’ll use these to lay out the panel and make sure everything fits before I start cutting metal. I’f I do this properly and everything works out, I should be able to use these as templates to lay out the actual metal panels.

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Temporarily mounted the GAD27 (ARINC), GAD29 (electrical device controller), and GEA 24 engine indication system. I mounted the GEA 24 directly to the sub panel. I made a stand-off mount for the GAD 27 using some aluminum sheet and some aluminum tubing. This let me “stack” the two boxes fore and aft. This was the same approach that Jared took in his plane. So I can’t claim credit. I also mounted the TCW integrated backup battery system. I fit the boxes, drilled the sub panel, and attached the boxes with temporary hardware I had lying around. I’ll get the proper hardware this week.

 

I fabricate a doubler to mount the WaaS GPS antenna. I cut a piece of aluminum to sive, laid out the holes for the antenna and rivets. I match drilled the empennage top skin to the doubler. I dimpled the doubler, riveted nut plates to it, and primed with SEM rattle can. I dimpled the top skin with the pop rivet dimple dies. I riveted the doubler to the inside of the skin and screwed the antenna in place with the supplied hardware.

 

Started fitting the radio stack. I used a digital level and shimmed up the front of the radios so that the were perpendicular to the panel. Determined that I need to enlarge the center opening in the sub panel in order to accommodate the radios without blocking the canopy release. Even then, everything barely fits.

I picked up a vibratory cutter and a flush cutting blade. I’ll use this to cut the sub panel tomorrow.

 

Today’s Time (hours): 6.0
Options and Miscellanea Time (hours): 7.0
Total Time (hours): 682.5

 

Started riveting the bottom skins

The rest of my avionics order showed up this morning. I also received the GMU 22 mounting kit from Van’s. Apparently they don’t make one for the GMU 11 (which is what I bought). So I took a chance and ordered the one for the GMU 22 thinking I could cannibalize it and create something for the GMU 11. As it turns out, all I needed to do was to match drill four holes to the base of the GMU 11. So I drilled the holes, cut the top half of the mount per the plans, deburred and primed everything, riveted it together, and screwed on the GMU 11. Bayum!

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Remy helped me rivet the inboard bottom skin to the right wing. It was challenging to reach the rivets along the aft spar. Remy and I took turns bucking and shooting. Nonetheless, tomorrow will definitely be an Advil day.  I clecoed the outboard skin in place. That can be tomorrow’s challenge.

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Today’s Time (hours): 3.0
Wing Time (hours): 270.0
Total Time (hours): 422.0

 

Cut pitot and added connectors

Just got back from Oshkosh this afternoon. And couldn’t resist heading down to the shop to get something done. Amazing trip with up and back with Jared in his RV-14. Got to meet up with Wes and Joy and met Craig and his son. This was my first time at AirVenture. It was simply amazing but I’m exhausted. I think we averaged 7 or 8 miles walking each day. The airshows were amazing. Especially the night show. Best fireworks and pyrotechnics I’ve ever seen.

 

 

 

I cut the aluminum tubes from the pitot tube assembly using a tubing cutter so that they would clear the aileron push tube when installed in the wing. I added the AN hardware, flared the tubes, and screwed on the adapters. Then screwed the push-to-connect elbows on to the NPT side of the adapters with a bit of Loctite thread sealer. All ready to install.

 

 

 

Today’s Time (hours): 1.0
Wing Time (hours): 267.0
Total Time (hours): 419.0

 

Installed Autopilot Roll Servo

Drilled and tapped the aluminum tubes to accept the 1/4 threads of the rod end bearings. Assembled the AP pushrods. Fabricated the spacer for the roll servo.

 

Installed the roll servo into the right wing.

 

Today’s Time (hours): 2.0
Wing Time (hours): 266.0
Total Time (hours): 418.0

 

Received fuselage kit and avionics

Very busy inventorying all the new parts. I’ll complete the wings before I get started on the fuselage but want to get it all inventoried.

 

I also received my avionics order. Going with a Garmin G3X Touch system with a GTN 625 Navigator, a G5 for backup PFD, and a 200B com radio. I bought it from Gulf Coast Avionics.

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Today’s Time (hours): 4.0
Wing Time (hours): 260.0
Total Time (hours): 412.0