Man it's been awhile since I posted an update. Probably due to the back to school grind. Gotta educate the people of tomorrow!
I have spent quite a lot of time over the last month working on getting my SolidWorks model situated as best I can and finishing up electrical planning. I recently also started some wiring. I just ordered my radio center stack so it should be getting fun real soon!
After finalizing my design with the helpful input of many on VAF I decided to go ahead and start cutting the panel. It's going great so far, only a few holes left. I am mainly doing this when I get burnt out on something else, no rush.
20190825_202846 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
I also ran most of the wires through the wings. I still need to run the coax out to the Archer nav antenna in the right wing. No big deal, fishing wires through this conduit is a piece of cake.
20190825_170603 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
I also ran the wires to the flap motor and position sensor (that is still in the mail as of me writing this) and did up a molex connector. Them open barrel pins definitely take a little more care and patients than the rest. I did not take a picture of it but I also used the same connector for the fuel pump.
20190825_170625 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
I crimped on some sockets for a D-sub that goes to the roll servo. Making sure that the insulation is ever so slightly off from contacting the pin.
20190824_161335 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
Then assembled the dsub and made sure to double up the heat shrink where the wires exit the conduit.
Not gonna lie, this was one of the funnest tasked I have done this entire build. I'm looking forward to more of this.
20190825_170556 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
Installed these bad boys on the panel with nutplates. Panel wiring begins!
20190825_170538 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
Soldered up the mic and headset jacks per the GMA 245 installation manual. Nice to be soldering and wiring things again. Takes me back to my HVAC days.
20190825_120716 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
I also installed a little tray underneath the passenger seat pan for wing root connections. Many argue that this is not necessary and I agree. However, I also agree with many others that it keeps the ball rolling while the plane is in the garage and not the hangar. Finally, I personally have never heard of this every causing problems, especially if well crafted.
The right side has 8 screw terminals, 7 for the autopilot servo and 1 for the landing and taxi light ground. All the other lighting wires go to the FlyLEDs controller which will be mounted later in the same area. (probably the outer bay)
On a side note: I should probably replace that horrific rivet! lol
20190825_170513 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
Installed a 5 terminal version on the left side for pitot heat, fuel cap, and stall warning.
20190825_170531 by
Jereme Carne, on Flickr
Stay tuned for my 3 day weekend. haha Hoping to get a lot more done.