The first day I was at Oshkosh, I received a call from Van's and then a call from SteinAir. Was there 1 week before the show started. Both were ready to ship the avionics to me. I had to tell them to hold the kits until I got home. Last week I received both shipments but home duties prevailed and was unable to begin the avionics until this week. Started yesterday. Two days into the install.
The avionics installation has been relatively straightforward. The plans are rather good. Section 42 is 18 pages of step by step plans.
Yesterday I attempted to install the switch panel but found out 3 nutplates had to be removed as the panel would not fit. The nutplates interfered with the standoffs on the lower edge of the switch panel. A plans revision was issued, while I was on vacation, that tells you to leave the 3 nutplates out, so such should not be a problem for future builders. A nifty fuseholder was then attached to the inner door of the mapbox.
Fitted and installed the Dynon mounting tray to the left panel section. The mounting tray was far from being square. Check it, and bend it square, before installing!
Today, I installed the backup battery in the Dynon (not in the plans, but, steps are in Appendix G of the Dynon installation manual. Had to fire in up for a minute to see if all worked......it did! Then attached the wiring between the Dynon and the switch panel. Attached the static line to the Dynon.
Before I installed the transponder bracket, I noticed that 3 nutplates were not installed on the instrument panel shelf, directly below the transponder. After another quick call, I determined that the nutplates were indeed necessary and should of been installed previously. The plans will be corrected. Three AN-3 or 10-32 nutplates are required here for the throttle, choke and cabin heat cables. Install them now, otherwise the transponder will have to come out later and a pair of long forceps and a lot of bad words will be required to complete the installation.
Then installed the mounting bracket for the transponder. Slow going as the screws are hard to get to. Had to go to the hardware store to buy an offset phillips screwdriver. Then attempted to seat the transponder in the mounting bracket. It was a bear but finally got it to go in. Had to use a mirror under the unit to try to figure out what the lower cam was doing. A 3/32" allen wrench is required here. Such is not specified in the plans or in the transponder manual. Had to call Garmin.
Next was the installation of the comm radio mounting bracket. Before installing this bracket, ensure the coaxial antenna cable is bolted to the bracket as it will be impossible to install after the bracket is bolted in place. The installation of the Garmin comm radio followed. Installing it is its bracket was much easier than installing the transponder. The same 3/32" allen wrench is required.
Just finished page 42-09 of the plans. Section 42 (18 pages long) comprises the avionics installation. 50% done??
Total Time Yesterday and Today - 20 hours
