Steevo's RV14a Build Log: 01/10/19

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.

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Avionics

Canopy Harness continued ( 1 hr )

Update 5/29/19: needed to switch Fuel Pump On to Discrete #2, so Discrete #3 could be aligned with Canopy Warning. #3 is locked in by Vans program for Canopy Warning uploaded into G3X. So I switched Purple/Grn wire and Purple/Blu wire in connector J244 at GEA24. This aligns Purple/Grn to Pin 41 and Discrete #2. And Pin 42 = Discrete #3 (now #2) for Purple/Blu wire.

Per Sect 61-03 and Van's W00125 schematic for canopy wiring, crimped on 6 Molex pins into ES00012 connector. Snapped into F01477-L. Stein provided heat shrink labels.
reference:
Pin 12 Discrete 2 [now Discrete 3 ] (Purp/Blu)
Pin 11 Gnd (Blk) from forest of tabs on firewall
Pin 10 Defrost Pwr (Red)
Pin 9 Cabin Lights Pwr (Red)
Pin 8 PWM Light 2 (Wht/Blk)
Pin 7 PWM Light 1 (Wht/Blk)
...and PWM Light 3, DC Light 1, 2 & 3 unused...

Partially done inserting pins

Connector in place, pending wire protection.
PWM 3, DC Light 1, 2 & 3 unused,
(ends covered with heat shrink labels)

extra schematic Stein Air's Josh Swensen provided....shows how
2 LED strips should be connected