Category: RV-7 Builders Log

July 3, 2016

For the RV-7 we purchased an ACK-04 ELT.  It transmits on 406 as well as 121.5 MHz. and connects to Garmin G3X providing  NEMA 0183 GPS position data.  The installation manual requires the ELT be mounted parallel to the aircraft forward axis; and also recommends it be near the rear of the aircraft.  Unfortunately a rear mount would make the transmitter inaccessible to CFIT survivors.

I have chosen to mount the ELT on the tunnel cover forward of the seats.  While this may increase the risk of ELT damage in a CFIT, an impact of that magnitude would likely eliminate survivors.

Another recommendation is that the mounting provide deflection stiffness so spatial movement is no more than 0.1 inch under a pressure of 100 pounds.  The pictured reinforcing channels do that.

The electric fuel boost pump is mounted on a separate section of tunnel cover.  An additional cover over the pump & filter will separate them from the ELT.

June 20, 2016

The Garmin autopilot pitch servo is furnished with a mounting plate and specific instructions for installation in a Vans RV-7.  The plate becomes riveted to the center floor rib behind the baggage bulkhead.  The servo moves the elevator push-rod via its connection to the bellcrank.

Care is given to adjusting the length of the servo to pitch bellcrank connecting rod so that no over-center lockup can occur.

Wires from the db15 socket connect the servo to both the instrument panel autopilot controller and to the pitch trim servo located in the left elevator.  Torque sensors in the pictured servo generate signals fed to the pitch trim servo.

 

 

June 5, 2016

The flap position sensor is a Ray Allen POS-12.  The long arm slides in and out of the body changing the electrical resistance of the unit.  A linkage to the motor driven flap actuating arm controls its position.  The flap position may be displayed on the G3X screens.