I haven't posted a blog post since September 2012! But I have been busy on the project. The electrical system firewall aft, is almost complete. Running dozens of wires is really mind numbing; I can't explain it any other way, except 'visual disorientation' when corralling the wiring into neat groups. I seemed to go through a process of adding and cutting off tie wraps several times over...you need to order 10 times as many tie wraps as you think you need...
Instrument Panel Details
FL-760 Transceiver
Seems to be currently the best buy in 2 1/4" hole format.
After perusing over the manual, I decided to get the help of an experienced avionics buddy to make me the harness for me - no mean feat.
PM1000II Intercom
The FL-760 does has an intercom feature, but this dedicated puppy has extra features, like independant squelch control for PAX and pilot.
Pictoral Turn & Bank
For that hairy moment...
GT-50 G-Meter
Also has a clock and flight timer.
Stewart Warner Fuel Guage
This is linked to a sender probe unit housed within the main tank.
MGL E-1 Engine Monitor
This is the primary monitor, it comes with nice features, like preset alarm thresholds for the systems being monitored.
MGL TC-1 Engine Monitor
This is a 4-channel thermocouple monitor to show EGT temps.
MGL BAT-1
Electrical power monitor.
Other Electrical Systems
Alternator AL12-EI60
This alternator is pretty light, at 6 pounds 15 ounces, and has an internal regulator.
Aerovoltz Lithium Battery (16-cell)
After a lot of deliberation, I decided to go the lithium route at only 3.5 pounds. I also bought the matching balance charger. I will be adding a 1" SCAT tube directed to the battery housing box.
EPL Nav/Strobe & Kunztleman Tail Light
While the plane is not intended for night flight, I decided to add some form of lighting for dawn/dusk flight and easier identification. These are a German deal sold by ACS. They are LED wing tip nav lights with an integral strobe, the whole unit is epoxy resin encased.
Narco 150a Transponder & AK-350 Encoder
I couldn't justify buying a 2 1/4" format, so I settled for an old dinosaur slot-in type. This will be housed in a center console along with the altitude encoder.
Smokingairplanes.com Smoke System
This is a pretty well thought out kit and the electrical components supplied, well thought out and very comprehensive.
Inertia Switch
This is an automotive (Ford, I think) inertia sensor used, for fuel tanks. I am utilising it to cut the power to the smoke and fuel boost pump during a hard impact.
Auxiliary Outlets
There is one outlet buried behind the panel. This has a double USB adapter in it to feed power to the panel GPS and to the independent bluetooth GPS. It seemed the AUX Socket/USB adapter approach was easier than trying to hard wire the wiring for these peripherals.
Bendix Magnetos
After researching like it seemed forever, I decided to stick with traditional tried and tested mags. I was very close to replacing one of them with an electronic ignition P-mag. Maybe one day... . The two pre-made P-leads for the mags are costly at $75 each, so I decided to roll my own by buying shielded cable at $1.70 per foot (21 ft total).
Instrument Panel Details
FL-760 Transceiver
Seems to be currently the best buy in 2 1/4" hole format.
After perusing over the manual, I decided to get the help of an experienced avionics buddy to make me the harness for me - no mean feat.
PM1000II Intercom
The FL-760 does has an intercom feature, but this dedicated puppy has extra features, like independant squelch control for PAX and pilot.
Pictoral Turn & Bank
For that hairy moment...
GT-50 G-Meter
Also has a clock and flight timer.
Stewart Warner Fuel Guage
This is linked to a sender probe unit housed within the main tank.
MGL E-1 Engine Monitor
This is the primary monitor, it comes with nice features, like preset alarm thresholds for the systems being monitored.
MGL TC-1 Engine Monitor
This is a 4-channel thermocouple monitor to show EGT temps.
MGL BAT-1
Electrical power monitor.
Other Electrical Systems
Alternator AL12-EI60
This alternator is pretty light, at 6 pounds 15 ounces, and has an internal regulator.
Aerovoltz Lithium Battery (16-cell)
After a lot of deliberation, I decided to go the lithium route at only 3.5 pounds. I also bought the matching balance charger. I will be adding a 1" SCAT tube directed to the battery housing box.
EPL Nav/Strobe & Kunztleman Tail Light
While the plane is not intended for night flight, I decided to add some form of lighting for dawn/dusk flight and easier identification. These are a German deal sold by ACS. They are LED wing tip nav lights with an integral strobe, the whole unit is epoxy resin encased.
Narco 150a Transponder & AK-350 Encoder
I couldn't justify buying a 2 1/4" format, so I settled for an old dinosaur slot-in type. This will be housed in a center console along with the altitude encoder.
Smokingairplanes.com Smoke System
This is a pretty well thought out kit and the electrical components supplied, well thought out and very comprehensive.
Inertia Switch
This is an automotive (Ford, I think) inertia sensor used, for fuel tanks. I am utilising it to cut the power to the smoke and fuel boost pump during a hard impact.
Auxiliary Outlets
There is one outlet buried behind the panel. This has a double USB adapter in it to feed power to the panel GPS and to the independent bluetooth GPS. It seemed the AUX Socket/USB adapter approach was easier than trying to hard wire the wiring for these peripherals.
Bendix Magnetos
After researching like it seemed forever, I decided to stick with traditional tried and tested mags. I was very close to replacing one of them with an electronic ignition P-mag. Maybe one day... . The two pre-made P-leads for the mags are costly at $75 each, so I decided to roll my own by buying shielded cable at $1.70 per foot (21 ft total).
