Panel – Page 3 – RV-14 Build

GPS Antenna

Posted on March 31, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I installed the first of two GPS antenna. This was the GA-35 and provides GPS signal to the G3X system. The second GPS antenna provides WAAS signal to the IFR navigator.

I purchased the backing plate from Stein Air, and it was great to have to mount holes pre-cut. I could then use it as a template to locate the holes on the fuselage skin.

I started by marking out the rivet holes that will hold it onto the skin, then I drilled the rivet holes into the backing plate. Then I taped the backing plate to the fuselage and carefully measured to get it square to the airflow, and at least 12 inches from the other antenna I will be installing, while also free from interference with substructure.

With the template in position I drilled all the holes into the skin. I carefully reamed all the holes to get it as accurate as possible.

After cleaning up the holes, I dimpled the skin, countersunk the backing plate, and installed the nut plates.

Then I was able to clean primer off the inside of the skin, and rivet the backplate on. With that done, I put a bead of silicone around the edge and torqued the screws to 16 inch pounds per the spec.

Countersinking and two nut plates have been installed

The inside view looking up at the bottom on the antenna

Comm Antenna

Posted on March 29, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I was able to install both comm antenna, and was surprised how easy it was. I bought the Rami bent whip antenna from Vans, and am installing two because I have two radios, the GTN-750, and a second, remote radio.

Vans ship the quick build with pre-cut holes for a smaller two-bolt antenna, but the doubled plate they install is fastened with 4 rivets that are in the exact location of the 4 mount bolts for the Remi antenna. This makes it easy, simply drill out the rivets, remove the doubler, install a new doubler, and mount the antenna.

The antenna ship with a doubler, which seems somewhat undersized, but I’ve used it anyway. If it ends up cracking, it’s easy enough to undo the nuts, take it off, and make a new one.

I had no issues drilling out rivets, drilling the center hole, and installing the antenna by myself. I used the rubber gasket, and a bead of silicon between the rubber and the aircraft skin, just in case.

I started on the passenger side, then did three pilot side. No issues on either side.

Enlarging holes to mount the passenger side comm antenna

Removing the primer is important to ensuring a good electrical connection with the airframe

The doubler with antenna installed and nuts about to be torqued

Transponder Antenna Mount

Posted on March 27, 2024March 31, 2024 by Neal

Having more-or-less finished the shelving behind the panel, I moved onto the antenna installation. I ordered the antenna I needed from Vans and Stein Air; 2 comm antenna, 2 GPS antenna, and one ADS B antenna.

I started with the ADS B transponder antenna which mounts under the tail. I had already final-sized the holes when I built the tail cone, but I had also primed in and around the holes. I spent time removing the primer to allow the antenna to connect to the ground plane.

With the primer removed I started work on a backing plate. I’m not planning to rivet the backing plate in place, I’ll secure it using just the antenna bolts. This isn’t quite as solid, but I really don’t want to rivet the backing plate in place. Since I can’t prime the parts, and this is at the bottom of the tail, there’s a chance of corrosion in this area. I’d rather be able to quickly replace the backing plate in the event corrosion occurs in this area.

With the plate made, I was able to easily install the antenna myself as access to both the inside and outside at this location is easy. I placed a bead of silicon to seal the gap.

Primer removed from around the holes. Same on the outside.

Drilling holes in what will be the backing plate

Inside view looking after, with the cable connected

Shelves etc

Posted on March 24, 2024 by Neal

After some time off building for work and other events, I was able to get some time in the garage today. I made a cover for the fuse box, as I won’t be using it. It’s also a (hopefully) convenient location to mount the CO detector. I found a template on Vans Air Force, cut it out, drill holes, and countersunk for flush screws. I match drilled holes for the CO detector mount, then primed the cover.

I also rebuilt the bottom shelf on the pilot side, making a much stronger version. I have been iterating on the design several times, but think I have it right this time. I did a test fit with the vertical power unit and the transponder, and it looks good to me.

Passenger side mounts

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Neal

The last two days I’ve been working on the passenger side shelves for the engine monitor, air data computer, and the satellite receiver.

The box that will hold the engine data and air data computers. They don’t require cooling, so no issues with encasing them in this way

The plate I’m using to stiffen the sub panel and allow the shelf to be positioned exactly where I want it, without worrying about the panel sub-structure (ribs etc).

The units installed in the box. AN-3 bolts will hold these in position. Tape stops drill shavings from getting into the d-sub connectors. I ended up re-orienting the bolts on the bottom so the heads are on top and nuts underneath

The satellite data receiver, which requires a certain orientation relative to the aircraft direction of travel. This shelf will install behind the sub-panel.

Passenger side with all the components in their final position. Tape is where I need to safety-wire the piano hinge pins

A look at passenger and pilot side shelving

Standby battery

Posted on February 21, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I decided where to install the standby battery and made the parts to mount it above the center channel about 3 inches aft of the firewall on the cover panel between the sets of rudder pedals. I made backing plates to reinforce the panel and to hold the nut plates.

It was a pain to work on this panel because the canopy release cable passes through behind the battery, and I can’t remove the panel without undoing work on the canopy release mechanism. So I drilled, deburred and riveted everything with the panel nearly in place, which was awkward.

Location of standby battery. The screws are temporarily holding this in place.

Sub Panel Mounts

Posted on February 19, 2024 by Neal

Over the last couple of days I’ve been slowly refining the design and construction for the sub panel mounts on the pilot side. The two biggest boxes going in this area are the Vertical Power and Transponder unit. Originally I was planning to orient these horizontally, but when I installed the bank of switches, there isn’t enough room. So I switched the orientation to vertical. This also meant the standby battery wouldn’t fit, so that is going to move somewhere else. Tonight I finished the construction and test fit everything.

Nut plates and piano hinges have been used extensively

Drilling holes in the various panels and hinges

The location of the two piano hinges that hold the boxes in place on the subpanel. The upper hinge has a backing plate on the forward side of the subpanel

Test fitting the frame. While not shown, I made sure the transponder unit fits inside the cage

Sub Panel Mounts

Posted on February 10, 2024February 10, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I worked on making the first mount for the sub-panel. This will house the GTR-20 remote com radio, and the GMA-245R remote audio panel.

Since my last blog post I’ve made multiple revisions to my plans for mounting the hardware. I’m reasonably happy with the final arrangement, and it’s good enough to get started building. I’m sure I’ll decide to change something else, but it’s time to get started making stuff.

Everything went according to plan, and it turned out alright. With no pre-punched or pre-formed parts the whole construction process took a lot longer.

The shelf will be connected to the panel and sub-panel via piano hinges. This allows for easy removal if needed for maintenance

Mostly complete shelf. Com radio on the bottom, and remote audio panel on the top

GEA24 mount

Posted on January 28, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I worked out how I plan to mount the GEA24 box. This will mount directly onto the sub panel, with a doubler on each side to support the nut plates and provide some additional strength. The box itself is not heavy, but with the cables attached it will be heavier. It also needs to be able to withstand repeated +6/-3 G loads without cracking, so I want the mount to be strong.

Space on the forward side of the sub-panel is tight on one side, and open on the other. I made up to backing plates, the drilled, countersunk, and primed them.

Location of the box on the sub-panel. The doubler on the near side will fit between the map-box doubler (the opening on the right), and the rib flange about 25mm to the left

The GEA24 showing the wiring harness attach points, and the doublers

The doublers. These will have nut plates attached and will be pop riveted into position behind the sub-panel

Remote boxes

Posted on January 21, 2024 by Neal

Tonight I came up with what I believe will be the right placement for the remote components behind the panel. Initially, it looks like everything will fit in with room to install all the necessary wiring harnesses and d-sub connectors. On the left side, I need to determine the orientation of the boxes. I think setting the vertical power and transponder vertically against the sub-panel, with the standby battery sitting on a tray at the bottom of the space will result in the best clearance. However I’ll keep options open and try both.

Now I need to work out the tray structure I need to build to hold these components. I’ve seen a few ideas, but need to settle on a plan.

Right side mock-up. Com radio, remote audio panel, engine monitor, air data receiver, and satellite data receiver. the white tape indicates the approximate location of the canopy frame when closed.

The actual boxes oriented as they will fit in the space. Black box is the satellite receiver, and it has a specific required orientation. It’ll be raised to allow connectors to pass underneath.

Option 1 for left side orientation. This gives the most clearance from the bottom edge of the screen recess. another unknown is how much space I need behind the switches which sit below the screen on this side. I may need to install the switches temporarily to check this out.

Option 2 for the left side. This would be my preferred orientation, but there might be a clearance issue.