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Matt Dralle's RV-8 Project
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Date: 4-10-2009
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Number of Hours: 4.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Second Metal Instrument Panel - Part 1
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The second metal instrument panel, Version 1.4.3, arrived on Friday. The good news was that the cutout for the VP-200 Display was correct and the panel was shortened by the required .100". The bad news was that none of the other changes I had made were done including increasing the clearances of all the square holes by .015" to better account for power coating thicknesses, or the updates to the left/right USB ports (they were the wrong size for some reason on the first metal panel). After I settled down from being so annoyed that the second metal panel really wasn't that much different from the first one, I decided that I really didn't want to wait another two weeks for a third panel, nor did I feeling like forking over another $300.
So, I got the file out and had my way with the #2 panel. I'm happy to report that I was able to address most of the short comings fairly well. I'm still concerned that things are going to be pretty tight after the power coating, but maybe I'll luck out.
I rounded all the edges, mounted all of the supported brackets, drilled all of the mounting holes, and added all of the plate nuts to the left and right mounting brackets. I also redid all of the ribbon cables for the center GRT HX display and primary and secondary AHRS units. This time I used Amp brand cables and connectors and found them to be far better quality than the other I had originally used.
I also added a rear stiffener bracket to the back of the AHRS tray. This went a long way in making the mounting really stable. I can pull and push on the AHRS now and it doesn't impact the artificial horizon leveling whatsoever.
With everything riveted in and screwed down, the instrument panel is REALLY strong and rigid. And that's not even with the top skin on. I'm really pleased with the strength of the panel and I have no reservations about how it will hold up under high-g maneuvers. I can hardly wait to get it power coated flat black. It should look really sweet with all of the instrument lit up!
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Raw Panel #2 - Front Side
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Raw Panel #2 - Back Side
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USB Holes Different Shape
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Copyright © 2008-2024 Matt Dralle. All Rights Reserved.
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