Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Avionics

Power to Instrument Panel ( 2 hrs )

I had a 2 week delay powering up my panel when I discovered a critical wire running power from Master Relay (Battery Contactor Relay) to Main Bus was missing.  I'd connected everything per Vans instructions, and connected everything from Stein Air for my panel & related.  My mistake was not looking at overall electrical schematic.  Stein Air picked worst timing for me to move to new offices, then another week at Sun n Fun.   Eventually I connected (pun intended!) with Josh at Stein Air, and we quickly diagnosed I needed a 4.5 ft 8AWG wire from Master Relay on firewall to the Aviation Bus Bar (which connects to Main Bus at CB panel).  Josh provided the wire with appropriate ring terminals.   I told him they should provide notes on schematic identifying what Stein Air was not intending to provide.  My mistake was assuming I had "everything" needed to complete the installation.  Now it seems obvious!   I ordered from Aircraft Spruce a 2 pc Firewall Shield (#61-275 ) and Silicone Grommet size 5/16 (#11-13460 ).  I didn't want to re-do the firewall penetration, & here,  but instead add specific hole for this 8 ga wire.    So NOW I have full power with 1st time I've powered up G3X, G5, GTR 200 Radio, and GMC307 autopilot.   Lots of tuning to do, and missing connections to most lights (wings, tail, canopy), ADHRS, etc.
Powered up panel !
New firewall penetration.  Silicone gromment under shields.
  Wrapped wire with silicone tape to make tight fit in grommet,
covered in hi-temp RTV.

view showing original firewall penetration just above.
 Master Relay on lower left, with Starter Relay below it