Construction Blog and Builder's Resource
GPS antenna mounting plate fabrication underway.
GPS antenna mounting plate support angle fitting.
GPS antenna mounting plate ready for installation.
GPS antenna mounting plate and antennae installed. I just need to terminate & connect the RG 400 cable to the antenna, then run the VFR antenna wire through the firewall & connect it to the G3X PFD.
Preparing to install a TNC connector (for WAAS GPS) to a length of RG400 cable. This 3-bladed stripper does most of the necessary stripping in a single step.
Here we see that all three cuts have been made simultaneously.
Each piece of outer casing (along with the underlying shielding layers, as appropriate) is removed with the gentle use of pliers.
The pin is slid into place and the amount of necessary center conductor trimming is readily apparent.
I used a razor knife to trim an additional 1/16″ from the outer casing.
The center conductor is trimmed and the pin is then slid back on in preparation for crimping.
I like to leave it just shy of the insulator as shown here. If the pin is bottomed on the insulator, you can’t be sure that the wire is fully inserted in the pin. This is a closeup of a very small assembly – the gap is probably on the order of 1/32″.
Pin crimped! Don’t forget to do a pull test…
Slide the barrel onto the cable (don’t forget!) and push the connector on until the pin clicks (it’s very obvious) into place. The neck of the connector should easily slip under the braided shield.
At this point, I like to do an initial test with a meter to confirm that the center pin isn’t grounded to the connector.
Slide the barrel up to the connector and crimp.
Don’t forget to do a final test with a meter to confirm that the center pin isn’t grounded to the connector.
If it tests good, then it’s all done and ready to install.
I should point out that BNC connectors are done with the same tools in exactly the same fashion.
I connected one end to my GTN 750 and ran the other end forward through the firewall. Once I’ve fabricated the antenna mount, I’ll final-route the cable, install a TNC connector on the end, and attach it to the antenna.
Pilot-side Infinity stick grip wires have been routed and identified with a meter.
The pilot’s Infinity grip has been installed; very exciting!!
Those two look good in there! It feels as though it’s getting close now…
The horizontal stabilizer is out of the house for mounting prep!
Left elevator adjustment in progress. At some point, I really ought to hook up a battery and run the trim tab to the in-trail position.
Left elevator adjustment in progress. Here, it’s clamped (gently!) in the in-trail position to facilitate drilling of the elevator horn for the stabilizer’s central bearing.
Right elevator adjustment in progress. Naturally, the rolled leading edge is scraping the stabilizer’s rear spar. Even slightly backing out the rod end bearings doesn’t clear the interference completely. The solution is to double the number of pop rivets on the leading edge, which will flatten the pillowed skin. Unfortunately, that means I’m now awaiting another delivery. Sigh.
ELT antenna is installed and secured. It will eventually curve under (and remain in contact with) the rear window.
ELT components in work. The panel remote control requires a little 6V lithium battery of its own, so…I’m awaiting another delivery.
That’s aircraft building in a nutshell. Make a little progress, find that something needs to be ordered, send for it, look for something else to do while waiting for that component to arrive, and repeat. Over and over again until, eventually, the project is finished. Someday.
Second comm antenna installed, right wing removed, garage reconfigured, and fuselage repositioned.
Ready for the final push at home: engine & FWF, empennage & fairings, and panel installations. I’m hoping to be ready for the big move to the airport by late October or early November.
Second comm antenna installed, right wing removed, garage reconfigured, and fuselage repositioned.
Ready for the final push at home: engine & FWF, empennage & fairings, and panel installations. I’m hoping to be ready for the big move to the airport by late October or early November.
