Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 42C: Skyview Update (part 7)

Reference for this entry: pages 42C-15, 42C-16, 42C-17; 2.75 hours

Today's work is to continue with the installation of the avionics in the RV-12 airplane.

Reference: Page 42C-15

Step 4: Install the ELT Antenna Bracket into the RV-12.



This completes page 42C-15.

Reference: Page 42C-16

Step 1: Connect the red and black wires coming from the ELT Connector Adapter to the butt splices on the end of the red and black wires coming from the Buzzer.

Step 2: (No GPS Optional Module) Strip the end of the (Gry/Prp) GPS Data Out wire then crimp on a but spice. Coil and tie-wrap the wire to the wiring harness. Builder's note: Covered the shielding with shrink wrap.

Step 5: Place the two blue gel sealants provided with the ELT over the Connector Adapter. Connect the Adapter to the ELT.





Step 6: Route the ELT Coax Cable under the Velcro.



Step 7: Connect the Phone Cable to the ELT Connector Adapter.



Step 9: Strip the end of the ELT Power Wire and crimp a splice to the end. Then coil it up with the other wires in the wiring harness.


Builder's note: The ELT has yet to be tested and registered.

Reference: Page 42C-17

Step 3: Install the GPS antenna onto the Retaining Plate>

Builder's Note: The GPS antenna wires didn't cleaner the retainer plate or the GPS Antenna Shelf, so I ended up modifying it to clear the wires as you can see below.







Step 4: Attach the Retaining Plate to the Antenna Shelf using the hardware called out by Van's Aircraft.



Step 5: Install two cushioned clamps together on the Engine Mount Standoff.



Step 6: Route the GPS wires through the cushioned clamps and through the firewall penetration.



That completes page 42C-17 and this day's work on the RV-12 project.

Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 42C: Skyview Update (part 6) & Section 37 Fuel Tank

Reference for this entry: pages 37-8, 42C-15; 6.0 hours

Today is a split workday on the RV-12. I'm testing the fuel tank of the RV-12 airplane with air using the momameter as called out in the instructions that come from Van's Aircraft with the fuel tank test kit. Also, I'm continuing with the installation of the ELT.
Reference: Page 42C-15

Step 1: Attach the Fuel Neck Assembly to the fuel tank. Connect the air value and a long clear hose to the fuel return fitting and the fuel vent fitting. Cap the fuel line fitting.



Step 2: Test for leaks according to the Fuel Test Kit.



Testing for possible leaks with soap and water.

Builder's note: Be aware the monameter is very sensitive to both temperature and barometric pressure changes and can show movement of the level in the water column even without a leak. With a leak the level will drop and never come up. While temperature and barometric pressure changes will move water level in the column up and down over time). I had no leaks in my tank but to make doubly sure I like to fill fuel tanks with MOGAS and let it sit.



Reference: Page 42C-15

Step 3: Attach the ELT antenna to the ELT Bracket.



Builder's note: Step 4 deals with attaching the bracket to the airframe (which will be in the way for now, so it will be attached later.

Step 5: Attach the Coax Antenna Cable to the ELT Antenna.



Step 6: Celco the ELT Mount Tray to the ELT mount on the airframe. And match drill #30 four places.



Step 7: Rivet the ELT tray to the airframe in three places.



Step 8: Strip the ends of the wires coming from the Buzzer Crimp butt splices on the red wire. Attach the buzzer to the ELT Bracket.



Step 9: Make a 7 inch Ground wire from 22 gauge wire. Strip both ends, crimpping a ring terminal on one end and crimp the other end and the black wire from the Buzzer together in one end of a butt splice. Install the buzzer with the wire pointing forwards.





Step 10: Final Drill #19 the lower aft mounting hole on the ELT mount. Deburr the hole. Install the mounting screw and attach the ground ring terminal on the backside on the screw.



That's it for today's work on the RV-12 airplane kit. Until later.

Vans Aircraft RV-12 Airplane Build, Section 42C: Skyview Update (part 5)

Reference for this entry: pages 42C-13, 42C-14, 42C-15; 4.0 hours

If you have just found this blog, I'm building a RV-12 airplane kitted by Van's Aircraft. It falls under the E-LSA portion of the light sport aircraft catagory. It is a very complete kit with just about everything you need; but some assembly is required:)

Step 1: Strip the end of the Gound wire coming out of the ELT panel switch.

Builder's note: My ground wire was 1/2" too short to attach it. So I ended up splicing an extension on it. Hopefully your mileage will vary.

Step 2: Crimp a ring terminal on to the end of the ground wire.



Step 3: Refer to the instructions supplied with the ELT for the installation of a battery in the Self Powered Cockpit Remote switch. Builder's note: There was already a battery installed in mine so the only thing I needed to to do is put a sticker in the Airframe log that says "Change the battery every 5 years."

Step 4: Attach the remote switch to the Instrument Panel.



Step 5: Attach the Phone cord to the back of the Remote switch.



Step 6: Remove the aft right screw from the cooling fan mounted on the pilots side of the Panel Base and ground the ring terminal. This was completed on 4/28/14 and is documented in that entry. As well as the need for an extension.



Step 7: Tie-wrap the Ground Wire to the Phone Cable in two places for strain relief.



This completes page 42C-13.

Reference: Page 42C-14

Step 1: Install the Panel Mount Stereo Intercom using the Small Intercom Faceplate. DO NOT enlarge the holes in the panel!. Builder's note: I know this seems strange , but that's what the RV-12 plans say.





Step 2: Install the 25 pin Skyview Harness labeled "FC-403" the back of the Intercom. Route the wiring through the cushioned clamp near the cooling fan and install the other end labeled "INTERCOM" to the control module.

This completes page 42C-14.

Reference: Page 42C-15

Step 1: Remove the existing rivets and then final drill #19 the hole for mounting the ELT antenna bracket. Match drill each hole for a K1000-08 nutplate.







Step 2: After deburring the holes Rivet the nutplates into place.



The rest of the time was spent painting the interior of the RV-12. I didn't paint the entire thing because it already has zinc chromate and I am planning on using a carpet kit. So I only painted the areas that show. Except for the anodized center section I left that bare. So I will leave you with the areas I choose to paint.