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.
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
Installed TNC and BNC connectors on the various antenna leads Transponder lead with BNC connector installed Fired up the panel to do some testing. Still having trouble getting the GTN-625 to talk to the G3X screens
Connector for co-pilot PFD wired up Installed the backup battery onto the co-pilot side sub-panel Vinyl wrapped the co-pilot instrument panel and installed it back in the plane
Propellor arrived. It's going to be some time before I'm ready to mount it Wires for the high speed data bus between the GTN (IFR GPS) and the GTX(Transponder) Wiring up the harness for the GTX (Transponder) More shield wires with shield drains The backplate for the GTX all wired up and ready for install COM radio is talking to the PFD (Primary Flight Display) Drilled holes in the center panel for the TOGA (Take-Off/Go-Around) switch and the interior light switch/rheostat Soldering the wires to the TOGA push button switch All set, ready to go into the plane Transponder, GPS, COM and PFD all talking to each other.
PFD 1 up and running. Mounted ADHRS to the back of the GDU (PFD 1)
Tonight I wired the power and CANBUS connections to the GEA engine monitoring unit, the GAD29 ARINIC unit and the G5 Flight Display that I’m using as a backup.
G5 flight display CANBUS and power wires for the G5, GAD29 and GEA
Fabricated BNC connector for COM radio antenna GTR-200 COM Radio / Intercom up and running. Started wiring the GAD27 controller
Since i’m considering vinyl wrapping the plane, instead of painting it, i thought it would be a good idea to vinyl wrap the instrument panel so I could get some experience. I’m in love. I enjoy vinyl wrapping MUCH better then paint. No worrying about dust or bugs getting in your finish. No need to suit up to apply it. No waiting for it to dry before handling it. I’m hooked!
Tonight I started on wiring the avionics. It was a slow start but I managined to get all the wires run for the GMC-307 autopilot controller. I also spliced together the first node of the CANBUS from the roll servo.
The 15 pin DSUB connector for the autpilot controller all wired up and done. CANBUS wire spliced together. This connection will go to the GTR-200 radio and then over to the left PFD