Dave Bennett, Electrics, Primary Power, Robin May

Tuesday 14th May 2019

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Music: Oh Wonder, Paolo Nutini

Today I focused on completing the primary power system and testing switch pitch layouts before fitting to the panel. Robin May and Dave Bennett came down for a visit and check my work out to make sure it was up to standard after which we went for a quick lunch in the Prince of Wales pub that is just across the road from the airfield. It was great to see them both.

Rob and Dave sporting cheesy grins just before departure. Estimated time to get back to Finmere, just 33mins!
I mounted the circuit breakers using a piece of 20 x 1mm aluminium to check on spacing…
and then did the same for the switches. I will have more interaction with them whilst flying so need to make sure their not too close together. 20mm spacing seems to be fine but will do a final check before drilling the holes in the panel!
This is the likely layout of the switches. I’ve tried to order them logically based on start up and scan cycle.
Each of the heavy duty wires that are used for the primary power system need to be terminated. I considered ordering the wires but thought it would be better to make them up myself just incase I changed my mind on the positioning of components. This is a handy tool for crimping terminals on heavy duty wires that can be used by either clamping in a vice or hitting with a hammer. The latter seems to work a treat!
The +ve power needs to run through the firewall to a position behind the instrument panel so an additional hole needs to be drilled and protected with a rubber grommet.
After a lot of research and scouring the internet I found this busbar. The wire is connected to the unit and protected by a rubber boot, a cover fits over the whole unit to protect against shorting.
The +ve side complete. Now to move on to the -ve side and earthing arrangements…
The -ve needs to be attached to the airframe, engine and -ve busbar so I’ve added a stud that I can connect the engine and battery connections to. Thats it for today and quite pleased with the progress made however it all takes a bit longer than you expect!

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