1/10/2007
Canopy edge seal
Here's a shot of the canopy edge seal I installed. Purchased from McMaster-Carr. Their part number is 1120A712 and works very well in this application. In some areas you have to trim it to go around the struts and the back end. I'll just use some JB Weld in those areas to secure it.
Also put some rubber edge molding, P/N 8507K113, on the canopy skin. No more forehead cutter!
Also put some rubber edge molding, P/N 8507K113, on the canopy skin. No more forehead cutter!
1/10/2007
Static port fix
Here is a picture of the static port fix. I drilled out the SafAir1 fittings to 1/8 diameter about 1/4" deep. Then I took a Van's baffle pop rivet and took the stem out. After that I used JB Weld to attach it.
Early indications show that this fix corrects my airspeed low problem. Still have to do some speed runs to verify IAS and TAS but I can tell it's close.
Early indications show that this fix corrects my airspeed low problem. Still have to do some speed runs to verify IAS and TAS but I can tell it's close.
1/1/2007
Autopilot Checkout
After a fun formation practice flight, I decided it was time to see if this darn autopilot works... almost two years after I first installed it in the wing. Had to reverse the servo - this after I reversed it during my initial testing. BUT IT WORKS NOW! Holy cow, this thing is cool. They recommend setting it up in moderate turbulence and was today the perfect day for that. Tweaked my settings and started playing with it in various modes. Even flew the simulated approach into KLZU Rwy 25. Winds were 290 at 20 and that thing kept it right on centerline. With the highway in the sky boxes on the GRT, I don't know how you can miss the runway.
logged by Scott on 1/1/2007
12/31/2006
More glass prep
Nothing special to report. Still working on the cowl. Will try to get pics soon... (can't find my charger for my camera battery!)
logged by Scott on 12/31/2006
12/30/2006
Reinstalled wing servo
Got the servo back from the nice folks at Trutrak. They found some loose solder on the motor drive lines. They repaired the same unit I sent them. Too bad I can't check to see if it works as the weather has been bad the past few days and isn't expected to clear for a few more.
logged by Scott on 12/30/2006
12/29/2006
Getting ready for paint
Got on Bobby Potts' schedule for paint over in Tuscaloosa, AL (KTCL) on/around Feb. 1. Guess that means I better get the plane somewhat ready for paint. Bobby said he'd do all the pinholes on the glass but I wanted to get the cowl in better form before that.
So today I broke out the Evercoat Rage Gold and went to town on the wheel pants and cowl. I blended in the lower fairings on the wheel pants. Then I started the long task of getting the spinner ring on the cowl actually lined up with the spinner. The alignment is near perfect now but in the vertical plane the lower part is further away from the top. I want to build up the bottom so that it's perfectly parallel with the spinner once all is said and done.
So today I broke out the Evercoat Rage Gold and went to town on the wheel pants and cowl. I blended in the lower fairings on the wheel pants. Then I started the long task of getting the spinner ring on the cowl actually lined up with the spinner. The alignment is near perfect now but in the vertical plane the lower part is further away from the top. I want to build up the bottom so that it's perfectly parallel with the spinner once all is said and done.
logged by Scott on 12/29/2006
12/22/2006
Back to baffling
Working on baffles again! Ohhh wait, it's not my plane. Went over to Jamie's house to help him with his baffles. He's got a nice plane and I hope to see it airborne soon! After I left it was off to the mall to start the Christmas shopping
logged by Scott on 12/22/2006
12/19/2006
Removed wing servo
Today I removed the autopilot servo and sent it back to Trutrak for repair. Before I did this I checked all the wiring. I even removed the seat pans and wing root electrical connector to check there. Natta... there has to be something wrong with the servo. The torque line read 4.9V just like the instructions said and every other line is correct.
logged by Scott on 12/19/2006
12/13/2006
Love the Bosch Pocket Driver
OK the name sounds a little weird. But I recently purchased this tool at the Depot. How did I ever put in all those screws in without it? When you get ready to assemble your aircraft for the final time and put all the covers on... oh man, I wish I had this earlier.
Here's a good review.
Here's the Bosch site.
I've had to take the seat pans out a few times already. I can have them out in a matter of minutes using the Bosch driver. It's torque setting control is a nice feature too.
Here's a good review.
Here's the Bosch site.
I've had to take the seat pans out a few times already. I can have them out in a matter of minutes using the Bosch driver. It's torque setting control is a nice feature too.
12/12/2006
Autopilot Servo
Sorry for the severe lack of updates. Part of my good excuse is that we were gone for 2.5 weeks over Thanksgiving. Sailed to Hawaii aboard Princess Cruises' Island Princess. Very relaxing. The other excuse is that I've been flying.
Today I pulled up to the airport and noticed the pretty gusty winds. That gave me an excuse to look at several small things on the plane. First was to redo the Comm antenna line. I had a bad bulkhead BNC connector and had a temporary fix in place. Well I finally got around to making that more permanent.
Other issue was the autopilot. It just would not behave normally. So today I pulled the wing root covers and checked the wires at that connector. Fine. Then I checked them at the servo ... that meant pulling the servo out! That checked fine. The torque line was reading 4.9V just like the instructions said. Called Trutrak and they advised to ship the servo back.
Not wanting to give up an otherwise perfectly fine flying airplane, I decided to reinstall the bellcrank without the servo. At least I can fly while they look at the servo. Maybe I'll get my Phase I hours off soon!
Today I pulled up to the airport and noticed the pretty gusty winds. That gave me an excuse to look at several small things on the plane. First was to redo the Comm antenna line. I had a bad bulkhead BNC connector and had a temporary fix in place. Well I finally got around to making that more permanent.
Other issue was the autopilot. It just would not behave normally. So today I pulled the wing root covers and checked the wires at that connector. Fine. Then I checked them at the servo ... that meant pulling the servo out! That checked fine. The torque line was reading 4.9V just like the instructions said. Called Trutrak and they advised to ship the servo back.
Not wanting to give up an otherwise perfectly fine flying airplane, I decided to reinstall the bellcrank without the servo. At least I can fly while they look at the servo. Maybe I'll get my Phase I hours off soon!
logged by Scott on 12/12/2006
