RV-8 First Smoke Check Complete

[wilkersk]

I did a thing today!

I finished the smoke check for the Skyview system and associated. No smoke escaped!

I have 2 Skyview 7" classic displays with dual AHARS, autopilot/autotrim, Skyview Mode S transponder, Skyview ADS-B receiver, a Skyview Com, a GNS430 and a PMA6000B audio panel. Electrical system is a VP-X panel and a PPS backbone for aft mounted AGM battery with aft contactor, and starter/alternator/VR up front.

I kept the lights, pitot heat and starter circuit disabled since the wings and engine are not yet on. But at least I can say I'm ready to rivet the forward top skin on. And, that's a major milestone befor cutting the canopy, then getting it up on its landing gear.

 

[GoFly]

Nice job. You’re gonna love flying behind that

 

[AV8R_87]

Congratulations!

Here's my opinion: find a way to attach the top skin so is removable in a few minutes. You'll thank yourself in a few years when you're trying to fix an issue or add new wires for a gadget.

 

[wilkersk]

Congratulations!

Here's my opinion: find a way to attach the top skin so is removable in a few minutes. You'll thank yourself in a few years when you're trying to fix an issue or add new wires for a gadget.

The two 7" displays come out, and the whole instrument panel can be removed with 10 screws and a 9 pin Dsub connector. Since all switches are logic lows, no current goes through any switch, makes for easy wiring and all 22ga wires for the fixed wiring on the back of the panel.

 

[CJones]

The two 7" displays come out, and the whole instrument panel can be removed with 10 screws and a 9 pin Dsub connector. Since all switches are logic lows, no current goes through any switch, makes for easy wiring and all 22ga wires for the fixed wiring on the back of the panel.

Man, these main backbone/BUSS systems really help reduce the spaghetti behind the panels these days. Very clean looking setup!

Now you're 90% done with only 90% left to go!

 

[AV8R_87]

Now you're 90% done with only 90% left to go!

Not your first rodeo, eh?

 

[wilkersk]

Man, these main backbone/BUSS systems really help reduce the spaghetti behind the panels these days. Very clean looking setup!

Now you're 90% done with only 90% left to go!

Oh, the back side of the center instrument panel just shows the wiring for the part that is easily removed so that I can access the rest of it. Here's what the avionics shelf looks like forward of the instrument panel.