Finished installing the canopy release mechanism This is one of the pins that will retain the canopy when it's shut. It's actuated by the handle I installed a couple of nights ago When the canopy release handle is unlocked and rotated the pins retract Cut out parts for the canopy from the fixtures. Then deburred Wendy and Lindsey came down and helped by scuffing and cleaning the parts so that I could get everything primed tonight before it got dark.
Installed the canopy release bellcrank angles on both sides. Also installed the canopy latch torque tube and bearing blocks Assembled the canopy latch pushrod assembly to the dimensions called out in the plans
Tapped the holes in the rollbar for the rear canopy Drilled the holes in the aft and top skins to final size and then dimpled them Installed stiffener angles Installed canopy release handle
Rear window clecoed in place after match drilling to the fuselage Cut notches on the aft side of the rear window per the plans, to clear the roll bar brace
Tonight I completed wiring for now. All the wires from Van’s wiring harness have been connected. I also completed all the wiring for the avionics. I still have to wire the engine sensors and the Master/Alt relays and switches when the time comes, but I’m going to hold off until the engine is mounted and I start working the firewall fwd.
Today I went to the loading dock and picked up the finish kit. I spent the evening doing inventory on the parts. Only a few small hardware items were missing. I’ll call Van’s in the morning and get that taken care of.
Crate opened up. Let the digging begin! Starting to get all the parts unloaded Wendy trying on a wheel pant as a hat!
Tonight I remounted the pilot side instrument panel, then wired the strobe, nav light and boost pump switches. I also wired the boost pump power to the engine monitor, so that I can configure the EFIS to show a message when the boost pump is on. This should serve as a good reminder to shut it off when it’s not needed.
After a lot of experimenting, I finally labeled the instrument panel today. I wanted something that looked “professional”, but something I could also do my self. Buying a laser engraver was out of the question, with a price tag north of $7k. So a little creativity was in order. I’ve been developing a love for Vinyl lately. Since I wrapped the panels themselves in flat black vinyl (3m 1080), I figured why not try to cut the words for the panel labeling out of while vinyl.
Came in three boxes Exhaust system A lot of items to inventory A whole box dedicated to engine baffle parts Who's the conehead?!! There she is!
Wired the input from the stick grips to the GAD27 controller. Now the flap arms move up and down when you push the toggle switches! I still need to finish wiring the power outputs to the roll and pitch trim servos