Wiring Fuselage - Part 1

This builder has decided that its a now the time to rough in the cables to the rear of the aircraft. Electrical control should be seen as an integrated part of the construction, not a job to be undertaken when construction is completed and when access to the relevant area's of the aircraft is at its worst.

          Key areas identified to be installed at this stage:

• Trim Power and Indicator 
• Red Beacon 
• Whitetail light 
• Flap Power 
• Flap Controller 
• Flap position Indicator
• Hydraulic Pump power
• 
  

As part of the Flying Legend documentation for the aircraft a basic wiring diagram is supplied in the pilot's notes but like all diagrams is for only one plane - the one that it was built for, and every experimental aircraft is a real individual. 

To begin the installation of the hardware and wire, it is critical that you have a firm idea of how the aircraft is to be operated and the selection of equipment required to meet the specification and a scale drawing of the panel. The internet has made this an easier now that most manufacture now has their manuals and equipment diagrams online. From this, a detailed wiring diagram and panel layout can be developed. Refer previous articles on the panel and wiring.

Does this have to be 100% accurate - NOT at this time but it should be as precise as the available information allows, however, the panel layout should be close to final as this has the least flexibility. Cable cores can be reassigned, but hardware is a lot harder to move


Installation:

CAT. NO. HP1225

Now there is all that information there is a need to translate the idea's into construction. One of the first decision faced is where to place the cable runs. No drilling of former's should be undertaken unless authorised by the factory and that applies double if it's laminated. Examination of the structure opened up the possibility of installing the cables in the starboard longeron. To provide protection for the wire bundles they are introduced into 10 mm PVC loom tube from JayCar Electronics.

At this time this builder is examining drilling a hole through the firewall to intersect with the longeron allowing cables from the engine compartment to enter the aircraft. This will be considered in a future article after a firewall layout is undertaken with particular attention taken to battery location.

Starboard Side

Exit to Fuselage - Notch lower flange to allow smooth exit
of conduit - protect edge with rubber channel

Exit to Flap Controller and Mixer Box - Notch flange to allow cable
to exit - protect edges with rubber channel

Note: Rubber Channel U - Aircraft Spruce Part # 05-0140 - 3/8'' x 1/32''