Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Snap-on Torque Wrench

Here's my new-to-me torque wrench. It was an ebay bargain. Snap-on model QD2R100 sells for $282 new was $100.99. Looks almost brand new and has a recent certification report.

 
I checked it with my digital fish scale which is very accurate. I use the fish scale for mailing packages and the Post Office says everything I ship is accurate to the ounce. I measured 12 inches from the center of the drive lug and pulled. The torque wrench was spot on with the scale.
 

Monday, November 26, 2012

Working on Panel Layout

Here's the beginning of my panel planning. Everyone seems to do it differently so it makes it more difficult to start with a blank slate. The white rectangles of paper are where the EFISs go. The radio stack in the middle will take a lot of care as the depth will impact sub panels and other structure. It might not look like it but I've put in several hours of work measuring and test fitting and double checking sizes of holes to cut and bezel overlaps and ergonomics of switchology.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Alternator

I've temporarily attached the Plane Power alternator to the engine. I had to remove the prop to get the belt over the flywheel but that only took 5 minutes or so as I don't have the prop bolts safety wired yet. I'm waiting on the bigger torque wrench I bought so I can tighten the bracket bolts. I only have in/lb torque wrenches and need ft/lb for the bigger bolts.

 
Received the torque wrench so I've started attaching the brackets and safety wiring them. I drilled tiny holes in the brackets to attach the safety wire.
 
 
Here's the method for safety wiring two bolts.
 

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Mounted Red Cube

I mounted the Red Cube fuel flow transducer. It optically measures the actual fuel flow to the engine, making it easier to determine the fuel quantity. I decided to mount it to the back of the brake bracket and it seems to be a good spot. Now, I have to get the fittings and measure for new fuel hoses.

 
Inside view of the brake bracket with the two AN3 bolts replacing the middle rivets.
 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Drilled Brake Master Cylinders

Before drilling the brake master cylinders that are on each brake pedal, I had to align the bottom of each rudder pedal. I used some scrap metal channel that's used for shelving. Worked as if it was made for the job. It fit the bottom tube of the rudder pedals perfectly. Others suggested using aluminum angle but I didn't have any small enough. After I clamped them, I clamped a straight piece of wood trim to the top of the rudder pedals to align them and tilted them forward slightly before drilling.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

VP-X Pro Unboxing

I received the Vertical Power VP-X Pro electronic circuit breaker system.

 
Here's what comes in the box. I also ordered the Pro wiring kit.
 
 
Some of the bags.

 
And some of the wire.