I've started my adventure to build a Van's Aircraft RV14a. For several years, I've been planning to build an Experimental (homebuilt) airplane - once retired.
But first, I needed to get my Pilot's License. (Kinda key !) So... first things first: I retired March 2014 from Caterpillar - and started flying lessons in the Summer of 2014. Soloed a day after Christmas, and got my Private July 2015. Shop set up, tools acquisition, and practise kits during Fall launched me into my build starting Dec 31, 2015 !

I've chosen to build the RV14a since it's about 10% larger than Van's prior models - so it fits my 6'4" frame well. Van's is well known for great value & outstanding flying qualities. It's been a no brainer decision for me. A tour of their facilities and demo flight in Oct 2013 clinched the deal. My wife - also a pilot - exclaimed after her demo flight "retire NOW so you can build one of these". The RV14a fits my mission of a good compromise between cross country & aerobatics. Plus...I fit, too.

So far, one month into building, it's been rewarding. Very challenging, but certainly a learning experience. The builder community is terrific - as is Van's tech support. I'm finished with the Vert Stab and Rudder (Jan 2016). So... with a 5 month delivery lead time, I've ordered the Quick Build Wings and Fuselage.

I hope this blog assists other new builders, just like several others have been valuable to me. Plus it will serve to document my build step by step. Please drop me a line via the "contact me" form on lower RH margin.
Update: April 2020 relocated to Wickenburg, Az to escape Illinois winters.

Friday, November 9, 2018

Avionics

J243 Connector and Mag Wiring ( 4 hrs )

Connected J243 to Garmin GEA24 on RH sub-panel after splitting "Tach Sensor Mag" (connects to pin #6 on PMAG) & "Manifold Press" plus adding "Discrete #4" wire routed through RH Firewall hole (encompassed in nylon sleeve).  Then other wires from J243,  "Fuel Flow Xducer", "Oil Temp", "Oil Press", and "Fuel Press" along with "Main Amps" routed in separate nylon sleeve through LH Firewall hole (except "Main Amps" stays inside to be connected to Shunt).   Installed left Mag's "P-Lead-L" wire along with "Contactor Relay" both from LH panel area through center to LH Firewall hole.  Also from LH panel area, installed right PMag's "P-Lead-R" (connects to pin #4 on PMAG) wire along with "PMAG 3A" wire (connects to pin #5 on PMAG) and "Alt Field" wire.   Rec'd from Stein Air new P909 Alternator Power Wire with 5/16" terminal and 6" longer, so routed through RH Firewall hole.   This will fit 5/16" bolts on 60 amp ANL Fuse Limiter Block [soon will mount to inside of LH Firewall].   I believe I may now have all the wires and cables passing through the firewall.  Whew !
Garmin GEA24 J242 & J243 connectors w/sensor wires
passing through firewall.  Yellow highlights "Discrete #4"
wire added into nylon sleeve.

LH firewall exit...yellow arrow.

overall pic showing lots of wires to route and
connect on firewall side!

Reference wire routing through Firewall:

LH Firewall hole:

  • Prop Control cable
  • Alternate Air cable
  • P212  Battery Power Wire  (ref section 43-04)
  • (4) thermocouple wires for EGT 2 & 4, CHT 2 & 4. (from J242)
  • P-Lead L (to left Slick Mag)
  • Contactor Relay
  • Fuel Flow Xducer  (J243)
  • Fuel Press Sensor (J243)
  • Oil Press (J243)
  • Oil Temp (J243)
Also "Main Amps" wire routed to inside LH firewall to connect to Shunt. 


RH Firewall hole:

  • Mixture control cable
  • Throttle cable
  • P909 Alternator Power Wire  (ref section 43-12)
  • Discrete #4 (to white wire at alternator plug)
  • Alt Fld  (to red wire at alternator plug)
  • (4) thermocouple wires for EGT 1 & 3, CHT 1 & 3. (from J242)
  • P-Lead R ( to pin #4 PMAG on right)
  • PMAG 3A (to pin #5 on PMAG)
  • Tach Sensor Mag  (from J243, connects to pin #6 on PMAG)
  • Manifold Press Sensor (from J243)


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