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.
Right-side area between the panel (left) and sub-panel (right) all zip-tied and buttoned-up for inspection/flight.
The sharp-eyed amongst you will notice a ground wire hanging loose on the left. That’s for the electric Hobbs meter, which will be connected prior to the first engine start.
Left-side area between the panel (right) and sub-panel (left) all zip-tied and buttoned-up for inspection/flight.
The static line is in place, although the pitot and AOA lines will, of obvious necessity, have to wait until after the wings are mounted in the hangar toward month’s end. I’ve also yet to connect the GPS antenna to the G3X PFD.
Canopy wiring harness all zip-tied and buttoned-up for inspection/flight.
I wish I’d kept another segment of the red/white strip lights (thanks, Van’s, for the too-short length callout!!), but it’s plenty bright as-is. In fact, I’ll never have the rheostat turned up past halfway (at most!) in flight.
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…
