My RV-7 G3X Installation

stevewiz · Post by **stevewiz** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 11:34 am

Set up a video cam so we can all share the excitement with you. I guess I am still excited for you without the video. Looks great

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Sat Feb 08, 2014 8:11 pm

captain_john wrote:I have the other set of switches installed now!

I might just fire this thing up tomorrow!?!

CJ

Hurry up Captn hurry up. But don't rush

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 6:23 am

No smoke!

I am really thrilled that this thing is lit up now!

It took all day yesterday scrolling through screens and confirming settings and a little bit of debugging. By and large, it is looking really good!

This is very different from the panel I envisioned ten years ago when I started this project!

It is waaaayyyyy bettah!

CJ

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:31 am

The only items that remained in the panel from my earliest plans was the whiskey compass and transponder!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 9:41 am

Frickin sweet Sparky!

aparchment · Post by **aparchment** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 3:29 pm

Nice! Congrats man.

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Mon Feb 10, 2014 7:31 pm

So you don't need any smoke? I still have the whole can of it. Time for a Panel Party Captain!

simatos · Post by **simatos** » Tue Feb 11, 2014 8:53 pm

Captain, Wow thats looking pretty Sweet!!!!!

Thermos · Post by **Thermos** » Wed Feb 12, 2014 5:18 am

B-e-a-yooteefull! Congrats bruddah, it looks great!

I gotta get down there so I can sit in your plane and make engine noises.

simatos · Post by **simatos** » Thu Jul 24, 2014 6:52 pm

CJ where did you place the magnetometer on the aircraft??

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 8:17 am

I located the GMU 22 in the Empennage Fairing using the Garmin bracket. You will have to specify that you want/need the bracket when you order your avionics. It doesn't come standard.

CJ

simatos · Post by **simatos** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:37 am

CJ thanks, got my GX3 stuff coming shortly build planning ongoing in my head at this time (which seems to go quicker than the real thing) Than is one humongus installation document for the system....Where are you at in the process?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Fri Jul 25, 2014 7:34 pm

This coming friday I am weighing my plane and hope to start the engine very soon!

Hopefully you will hear from me soon with huge news!

CJ

simatos · Post by **simatos** » Sat Jul 26, 2014 1:27 pm

wow very exciting, will look forward to that engine start, best of luck cheers G

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Thu Sep 04, 2014 7:23 pm

Hey All!

Update...

Engine has been started and the forward skin is riveted on!

The project is in the home stretch now. My GTN 650 is in shipping and should be here soon! I will update this thread with another picture when it gets plugged in.

DAR visit is coming soon!

I will keep you posted!

Mikey, how is my gallery upload problem coming along? People will want to see some pictures soon!

CJ

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:04 am

captain_john wrote:
Mikey, how is my gallery upload problem coming along? People will want to see some pictures soon!

CJ

Yes we do!!! Can't wait CJ!

simatos · Post by **simatos** » Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:48 pm

CJ congrats on engine start up, very exciting. Question re the G3X install: GSU 25 location. There is a possible mounting spot for it right on the back of the display. Since this is in turn mounted into the panel it would then be tilted but should be square to the long and lat axis of the plane. I wonder if this location would work and if you could adjust for the display tilt in the config process?? Any thoughts on that?? Thanks Gary

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 4:51 am

Gary,

There is a pitch/roll offset calibration function that you must complete post installation.

This would likely allow you to install the GSU 25 in most any angle from the "cardinal" positions.

Seeing that Garmin seemingly intended for the unit to be installed on the back of the new screens, you might be onto something.

That being said, shoot them an email and confirm.

I just calibrated my tanks yesterday.

I used the EI frequency converters for my capacitive senders. It is VERY accurate!

I calibrated for in flight and taxi configurations using 7 setpoints per tank. Seven setpoints divided by 21 gave me 3 gallon intervals.

This meant for LOTS of lifting of the tail and plenty of button pushing!

On the second tank the screens rebooted because I killed my backup battery so I had to start over again after doing the first setpoint and drain the tank back to zero. Somewhat frustrating, but I was glad it was only 3 gallons!

I am in the home stretch now!

I knew this day would come when I am running out of things to do. Soon I will have to put my money where my mouth is and fly this thing!

CJ

Vlad · Post by **Vlad** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:25 pm

captain_john wrote:

....

Soon I will have to put my money where my mouth is and fly this thing!

CJ

Will you be out of Phase One before Alaska-2016?

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Tue Sep 09, 2014 7:05 pm

2016!?!

Damn, I better be!

Hahaha

I am not making any promises but I don't think it will take me long to burn off 40 hours.

Looking at this project in hindsight, I was more lucky than good more times than not! What I lacked in experience, I made up for with an educated guess. What I found out is that you really can't screw these planes up. There truly is nothing to it but to do it, as I have always said!

Now that my punch list is dwindling down, I really cannot believe I am going to be flying it soon!

It has been a very interesting ten years! What a wild ride!

CJ

RivetBangers.com

My RV-7 G3X Installation

Good Job!

Congratulations!