Dismantled the instrument panel & cut the required octagonal hole. Installed the RV1, and couldn't resist powering it up.
Spent some time wandering around the aircraft and thinking. The voltage regulator is definitely going on the left diagonal engine strut. Contemplated the work involved in getting the strut off the aircraft and decided to start on the antenna mount instead.
Finished the antenna mount and cleaned up the lower end of the RH pod bearer.
Have found a gentleman in New Zealand (Brent Thompson, of Thompson Aeronautical) who is able to do the propeller repair. Now just have to dispatch the thing to Christchurch. Although given the latest bill from our builders, even that might have to wait a few weeks.
Small steps: Attached the Rotax-supplied plug to the voltage regulator.
Mounted the regulator. A long process which involved removing the strut in question, mandating the use of the chain hoist to take the weight of the engine off the bearers. The chosen location (a) keeps the length of wire carrying AC current as short as possible (b) puts the regulator up near the thrustline (c) mounts the device on a solid metal heatsink.
More time wandering around the aircraft, this time staring at its nether regions and thinking about batteries. Decision: The battery is going to live on two pieces of angle, oriented so as to form a U-shaped channel, running between the lower engine strut attach point on the mast, and the seat braces.
Change of mind - am going to avoid the trap of letting form dictate function. The battery (and the strobe too) are going to attach to the (remodelled) seat-belt clamp up the mast, placing the additional mass ABOVE the thrustline.
Ultimately a frustrating evening. I had the two replacement clamp halves nicely cut - only to realise I'd used 1/8" aluminium, NOT the required 3/16". Found some 3/16" and went as far as rough-cutting another two - only to give up and finally admit there's not quite enough metal on hand to do it properly. Bugger.
Ordered more 3/16" sheet.
Despite a long and complex email exchange with TrailTech - seems the individual at the other end never actioned the order for the HID light. Somewhat frustrating.
Fabricated most of the battery & strobe mount. This will get anchored to the mast by extending the seat-belt clamp rearwards. The strobe is supplied with a stainless steel mounting tang; somehow it doesn't seem adequate by itself and hence the bracket for it to sit on.
Started on reshaping the leading edges of the horizontal stabilisers. As supplied, they resemble the product of a toasted-sandwich maker - less than aerodynamically ideal. First step was to cut off the existing edge using a hacksaw, and then grind the remains far enough back for the chopped strand mat to form a natural curve when bent into place.
One stabiliser, first layer... there's going to be considerable sanding involved. I had reservations about using the mat as opposed to cloth (the mat was the only product available), but it's got just the right springiness to form the desired curve.
One 30 watt HID landing light, mounted.
Turns out the lower end of the pod bearer wasn't the ideal spot - the light would foul either the pod, the static probe, or my left foot. So it's been moved an inch inboard on <sigh!> yet another bracket. Still need to tidy up around the edges.
Completed a couple of fairing cuts, cleaned up the angle and reinstalled the pitot/static probes.
Missing from the light's anti-vibration mount are a grommet and washer. Pending.
Some more work on the battery/strobe mount. Marked up and commenced cutting the replacement seat-belt clamp which will hold the thing. I *hate* hacksawing 3/16" aluminium...
Rough cut and drilled the seat belt/battery mount clamps.
Pending the acquisition of some bolts of the correct length - the battery/strobe mount is complete.
Attempted to send the propeller to Christchurch this morning via the local PostShop. Despite the fact the package weighs less than seven kilos, they can't handle it because it's longer than 1.05 metres: OSH regulations...
This afternoon the rest of the landing light's anti-vibration post arrived. While the light was off the aircraft as I enlarged the hole to take the grommet, it experienced an unfortunate encounter with The Dog, Gemma.
Finally dispatched the propeller via Kaitaia transport... and $150... ouch.
No progress - was officiating as Best Man at my father's wedding, age 76 :)
