Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 09:17 AM - 601XL wing tips ()
2. 02:56 PM - Towing a Trike? (Jim Frisby)
3. 04:15 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Stanley Challgren)
4. 04:52 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Mike Fothergill)
5. 05:12 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Larry McFarland)
6. 05:56 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Dave & Darlene)
7. 06:10 PM - Test Pilot (Steve Freeman)
8. 06:11 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Thomas F Marson)
9. 06:15 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Michel Therrien)
10. 06:20 PM - Fw: Towing a Trike? (Thomas F Marson)
11. 06:33 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Pwalsh4539@aol.com)
12. 06:58 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Larry McFarland)
13. 07:30 PM - Re: Cortec primer? (Robert Eli)
14. 07:32 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Bill Cardell)
15. 07:39 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Dave Austin)
16. 08:11 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Tim & Diane Shankland)
17. 08:13 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Rick)
18. 08:22 PM - Re: Towing a Trike? (Rick)
19. 08:59 PM - Antenna Connectors (wizard-24@juno.com)
20. 09:02 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Thomas F Marson)
21. 09:02 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Thomas F Marson)
22. 09:19 PM - Re: Test Pilot (Thomas F Marson)
23. 09:37 PM - Re: Antenna Connectors (Ray Montagne)
24. 10:50 PM - Re: Antenna Connectors (Ray Montagne)
Message 1
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: <tgrazian@bellsouth.net>
I just finished my RH wing with aux tanks, strobes and wing locker. I also could
not fit my fiberglass wing tips to no gap at the L.E. with the 45deg cut parallel
to the direction of flight. I have about a 3/8 inch gap at the nose between
the skin and L.E. of the glass. The gap tapers to fit after about two inches
top and bottom. Heat gun use may have had some effect in lessening the gap.
I plan to use a filler. In the nose area I cut the skin back a little more
in exposing the glass so I hopefully can fair the material at the nose area
and not have too much of a discernable step. Recently read where someone had used
"bondo" with no problems after two years of flight but I plan to investagate
other material options.
Tony Graziano
601XL Ser5342
Tail feathers/flaps/ailerons and one wing complete. Working on port wing.
Time: 09:40:04 AM PST US
From: "The Minearts" <smineart@kdsi.net>
Subject: Zenith-List: 601XL wing tips
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "The Minearts" <smineart@kdsi.net>
Has anyone else found it to be impossible to fit the fiberglass tip snug into
the
formed bend of the LE skin? No matter how hard I tried I ended up with a gap.
What would be a good material to fill this gap with?
Steve Mineart
Message 2
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight and
taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose gear
strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep from
turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that might
develop.
Any advice or observations welcome.
Jim Frisby
N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
Palmer, Alaska
Message 3
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Stanley Challgren <challgren@mac.com>
Jim:
Why not talk to your local police officer and ask for an escort as
you taxi to the airport (sans wings, of course). Should be quite a
media event. We have almost a 4 mile taxi to get to RW 35 at FTG so
this should not be much different. Upon arrival your taxi testing
should be almost done.
Checked your address just before hitting send. Roads are not that
wonderful around Palmer, are they?
Stan
CH 601 HDS/Jabiru 3300
On Apr 11, 2004, at 3:55 PM, Jim Frisby wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
>
> Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
> transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight
> and
> taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose
> gear
> strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep
> from
> turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that
> might
> develop.
>
> Any advice or observations welcome.
>
> Jim Frisby
> N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> Palmer, Alaska
>
>
> _-
> =======================================================================
> _-
> =======================================================================
> _-
> =======================================================================
> _-
> =======================================================================
> >
>
>
Message 4
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Fothergill <mfothergill@sympatico.ca>
Yes. With yhe nose fork and wheel removed the airplane was unstable
above 20 kms(12mph).
On the other hand my taildragger could be towed at 60 kms (35mph) with
no problem.
MIke
UHS Spinners
CH-601HDS
Jim Frisby wrote:
>
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
>
> Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
> transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight and
> taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose gear
> strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep from
> turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that might
> develop.
>
> Any advice or observations welcome.
>
> Jim Frisby
> N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> Palmer, Alaska
>
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" <larrymc@qconline.com>
Jim,
The issues are what kind of roads, traffic and how far.
Assuming you need to do something at 10 or more miles, I'd try to trailer it
and assemble it there, even if you made 3-4 trips.
The nose gear is close to the rear gear with a lot of overhang, that in
turning could put the tail outside your lane. During braking it could create
an overturning moment about the nose gear that could roll the plane.
The nose gear is probably capable of such a trip if it was modified to be a
rigid
extension of the tongue and the afformentioned problems could be avoided if
you're going
really slow but it seems like more trouble than borrowing, renting or buying
a trailer.
I re-did a trailer for towing if you're interested and we moved the 601 only
7.5 miles
at speeds of 35 to 40 without difficulty. Pictures of it and the load
process and tie
downs are on the site at Tools Stowage & Handling / Stowage & handling page
at
www.macsmachine.com . The 7' x 13', double axle, class I trailer pulled by
my Saturn
SL-2 sets cross wise at the rear of the hangar without incumbering anything.
There are
wing racks that were used as well. When the bird is ready for paint, or
annual, it will be
trailered home for that work in a warm garage.
Best of luck,
Larry McFarland - 601HDS
Subject: Zenith-List: Towing a Trike?
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
>
> Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels >
> Jim Frisby
> N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> Palmer, Alaska
>
Message 6
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave & Darlene" <dnimigon@telusplanet.net>
I'm a long way from doing any trailering or towing but I have trailered many
buildings etc. Although not the same I do carry insurance for any mishap.
I wouldn't for any reason or cost cutting try to tow my plane when the time
comes. Many hours of hard work and pride will be going into it and to have
some fluky thing like a passing motorist swing into it or some pot hole
cause damage to the lading gear. I would definately either buy a trailer to
trailer it or pay someone who is reputable to have it trailered to your
local airport. It's your call but think of the time you've invested in your
dream machine. Is it worth a few hundred dollars to have your pride and joy
damaged
Dave
Message 7
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Steve Freeman" <stefree@qwest.net>
Hi List,
I've been absent from the list for awhile but been plugging along on my project.
I'm still a few months off, but starting to think about the first flight pretty
seriously.
Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions, flames, etc.
about using a test pilot for the first flight? I have a wife and 2 young kids,
and whereas I am confident in my construction I almost feel it would be irresponsible
to not use a test pilot for the first flight.
My main concern is the engine. A Pre-Mykal Stratus Conversion. It just scares
(the hell out of) me that the first time I am going to really put this engine
to test is on it's maiden flight. I know I can do static tests and taxi up the
butt, but are those the same as the forces on the first flight?
Any thoughts, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
601HDS
Stratus EA-81
N902AL
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
In my younger and dumber days I towed a Luscomb with the tail wheel spring
bolted to my 88 olds trailer hitch and had the wings on a car rack on top of
the car. Towed at 60 mph from Springerville Arizona to Elpaso Texas 300
miles. It worked with no problem. We got lots of looks of the others on
the highway. Year was 1958 or so. Tom Marson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Fothergill" <mfothergill@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Towing a Trike?
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Fothergill
<mfothergill@sympatico.ca>
>
> Yes. With yhe nose fork and wheel removed the airplane was unstable
> above 20 kms(12mph).
> On the other hand my taildragger could be towed at 60 kms (35mph) with
> no problem.
> MIke
> UHS Spinners
> CH-601HDS
>
>
> Jim Frisby wrote:
> >
> > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
> >
> > Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> > airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
> > transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight
and
> > taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose
gear
> > strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep from
> > turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that
might
> > develop.
> >
> > Any advice or observations welcome.
> >
> > Jim Frisby
> > N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> > Palmer, Alaska
> >
>
>
Message 9
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
My test pilot said what we will attach the plane to
the ground, take the nose up and run the engine at
climb and cruise rpm. The plane wont go in the air
until he is satisfied that it pulls enough, engine
runs reliably, cools correctly, etc.
Michel
PS: More frightening than your engine... mine is a
Michel's rebuilt engine :-)
--- Steve Freeman <stefree@qwest.net> wrote:
.
>
> My main concern is the engine. A Pre-Mykal Stratus
> Conversion. It just scares (the hell out of) me
> that the first time I am going to really put this
> engine to test is on it's maiden flight. I know I
> can do static tests and taxi up the butt, but are
> those the same as the forces on the first flight?
=====
----------------------------
Michel Therrien CH601-HD, C-GZGQ
http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601
http://www.zenithair.com/bldrlist/profiles/mthobby
http://pages.infinit.net/mthobby
__________________________________
Message 10
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
----- Original Message -----
From: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Towing a Trike?
> In my younger and dumber days I towed a Luscomb with the tail wheel spring
> bolted to my 88 olds trailer hitch and had the wings on a car rack on top
of
> the car. Towed at 60 mph from Springerville Arizona to Elpaso Texas 300
> miles. It worked with no problem. We got lots of looks of the others on
> the highway. Year was 1958 or so. Tom Marson
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Mike Fothergill" <mfothergill@sympatico.ca>
> To: <zenith-list@matronics.com>
> Sent: Sunday, April 11, 2004 6:52 PM
> Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Towing a Trike?
>
>
> > --> Zenith-List message posted by: Mike Fothergill
> <mfothergill@sympatico.ca>
> >
> > Yes. With yhe nose fork and wheel removed the airplane was unstable
> > above 20 kms(12mph).
> > On the other hand my taildragger could be towed at 60 kms (35mph) with
> > no problem.
> > MIke
> > UHS Spinners
> > CH-601HDS
> >
> >
> > Jim Frisby wrote:
> > >
> > > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
> > >
> > > Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> > > airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
> > > transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight
> and
> > > taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose
> gear
> > > strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep
from
> > > turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that
> might
> > > develop.
> > >
> > > Any advice or observations welcome.
> > >
> > > Jim Frisby
> > > N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> > > Palmer, Alaska
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
Message 11
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: Pwalsh4539@aol.com
Steve,
That is just a personal decision. I would say to do what you are comfortable
with. If I were not 100 percent comfortable with test flying my airplane, then
I certainly would not do it.
Having said that, I had 2 kids when I test flew my 601 with a 912 back in
97. But I had a nearly 2 mile concrete runway to take off and climb to 100 feet
or so and just fly down the runway and land at the other end. If I did not
have that option, I doubt that I would have just taken her up unless I was
CERTAIN I had somewhere to land all along the way in case of an engine out.
Just my 2 cents worth...anyway have fun...boy, that was quite a thrill, the
first flight...and I am sure it would have been just as much fun even if
someone else had test flown it the first time(or few times).
Patrick Walsh
Message 12
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland" <larrymc@qconline.com>
Steve,
I'm nearly in the same boat as you. Plane's at the airport and I'm excited
about the first taxi, flight etc.
If you've not kept current, a test flight pilot would be a good idea. If
you need to fly it, rent a Cherokee
140 because it has similiar wing loading to the HDS, but a 30 ft span. Good
practice plane for initial work.
Agreed, your family and kids need you more than you need you, so take all
precautions and consider
that there are a lot of the Stratus and pre-Stratus Subarus out there
flying. Get your EAA Flight Advisors
booklet, and read the flight test program and download a copy of AC 90-89A
and read it thoroughly.
Then, get someone competent and dependable to work with you, all the way
through the process.
Then your family will have very little to worry about.
Good Luck!
Larry McFarland - 601HDS @ www.macsmachine.com
Airworthiness Inspection scheduled for May 12
Subject: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
> Hi List,
> Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions, flames,
etc. about using a test pilot for the first flight? > Any thoughts, insight
or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
> 601HDS
> Stratus EA-81
> N902AL
Message 13
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Eli" <robert.eli@adelphia.net>
My apologies to one and all for not reporting back on the Cortec 373 as
promised. I did conduct some detail discussions with Brian Wuertz at the
Cortex factory in St. Paul, with regard to the durability of the 373 product
on interior aircraft surfaces. According to the chemists at the plant, as
long as the primer is not exposed to direct weathering (exterior surfaces)
the protection lasts indefinitely as long as the coating remains intact. The
lifetime of 10 years that some have discussed only applies to external
surfaces, and is primarily a weathering failure. Given that some complex
chemistry is probably involved in the coating, I question the practice of
thinning with alcohol, without checking with Brian at Cortec. The spec sheet
says only to use water. I have not tried thinning it since I haven't needed
to (see below). I do plan to try spraying it with HVLP equipment soon, and
I will thin with water according to spec.
I worked on trying to get the supplier here in the east (All-Spec), in
particular, Arthur Rice, the proprietor to break down the Olive Green 5 gal
cans into at least gallon cans. The best I could do was to break it down
into gal cans, but he wanted a minimum purchase of 2 gal. So, given the
spread rate of the quart of clear that I purchased from Zenith, even a
gallon is much more than I need. I have just completed my rudder, on which
I used the clear Cortec. I found that the secret is to develop a method of
applying it in very thin coats. I experimented with it and discovered I
could apply it very thinly with a 1 inch sponge brush that has a plastic
central stiffener. I trimmed most of the tip of the sponge with scissors,
until I exposed the stiffener. This allowed my to put a very thin layer as a
stripe along the rivet lines were parts mate, with significant pressure to
force a thin coat. I first dab very small amounts every inch or so for 12 to
18 inches, and then I go back over this with my custom sponge brush to
spread it into a very thin coat. The spec sheet says that full protection is
achieved with 2.5 mils (that's a pretty thin layer). This is the recommended
thickness when spraying. Van primes his quick build kits with a clear wash
primer that looks very similar to Cortec after it is applied. He says that
is good enough (and he isn't using 6061T6!!). The cortec primer is designed
to be a direct substitute for standard wash primers according to cortec spec
sheets.
On bonding strength... I cannot scrape my cortec off without some serious
scuffing. It appears to be very tough and is bonded well. I only clean the
aluminum with lacquer thinner. It is my opinion that the peeling problems
that some are having is primarily due to the coating being either applied
too thick and/or on a less that very clean surface. This stuff bonds as good
as anything that I have experience with. It is certainly adequate for my
needs.
Bob Eli
CH701 (starting on the stabilizer)
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-zenith-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-zenith-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Robert
Schoenberger
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Cortec primer?
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Robert Schoenberger"
<hrs1@frontiernet.net>
Kevin , , , my instructions said to thin with water. ZAC sells small
qualtities of the clear, but I don't believe they have the green. I had my
paint store try to add some green, but the results weren't as nice as the
Zinc Chromate, so I just use the clear. After a while one gets used to and
likes the sheen of the clear. FWIW. Robert Schoenberger 701
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin W Bonds" <kbonds@worldshare.net>
Subject: Zenith-List: Cortec primer?
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Kevin W Bonds" <kbonds@worldshare.net>
>
> What is the latest on the primer debate? I have read all the archives and
have determined that I want 373 in green--thin with hardware grade denatured
alcohol. Where can I get some in small quantity (quart or 1 gallon)?.
>
> Kevin Bonds
> Nashville, Tn
>
>
Message 14
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: Bill Cardell <bill@flyinmiata.com>
What about heading back to Mexico and getting some time in their plane?
Do not archive
Subject: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
> Hi List,
> Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions,
> flames,
etc. about using a test pilot for the first flight? > Any thoughts, insight
or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
> 601HDS
> Stratus EA-81
> N902AL
advertising on the Matronics Forums.
Message 15
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Dave Austin" <daveaustin2@sprint.ca>
Jim,
I've towed my 601 from the airport to home and back, a distance of 29 Km
each way, by attaching the tail tie-down to my Jeep's hitch.
I removed the nosewheel. Also had a secondary attachment (a rope) and a
light bar as reqd in Canada. Travelled around 20 mph.
No problems at all with the a/c.
Dave Austin 601HDS - 912 Trike
Message 16
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: Tim & Diane Shankland <tshank@megsinet.net>
Steve,
The best way to get experience is to have experience. I went up to
Flypass in Breslau Canada. My plane is not finished yet but I have flown
the 601 twice, a couple of years apart. I was last there last fall and
felt quite good about being able to get in the plane taxi out take off
maneuver and land without the instructors giving any advice ( or looking
too pale). The person you need to talk to is James Martin 519 648-3649.
They are located at the Waterloo Regional Airport about 40 miles west of
Toronto. We made the stop as part of a vacation trip. I did not want to
have never flown a plane that had never flown. ( such as way with words)
At least this way half that uncertainty is gone. I feel much more
confident in my ability and more important I know what to expect.
Tim Shankland
Bill Cardell wrote:
>--> Zenith-List message posted by: Bill Cardell <bill@flyinmiata.com>
>
>What about heading back to Mexico and getting some time in their plane?
>
>Do not archive
>
>
>Subject: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
>
>
>
>
>>Hi List,
>>Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions,
>>flames,
>>
>>
>etc. about using a test pilot for the first flight? > Any thoughts, insight
>or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
>>601HDS
>>Stratus EA-81
>>N902AL
>>
>>
>
>
>advertising on the Matronics Forums.
>
>
>
>
Message 17
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: Rick <rick.pitcher@verizon.net>
Steve Freeman wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Steve Freeman" <stefree@qwest.net>
>
> Hi List,
>
> I've been absent from the list for awhile but been plugging along on my project.
I'm still a few months off, but starting to think about the first flight
pretty seriously.
>
> Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions, flames, etc.
about using a test pilot for the first flight? I have a wife and 2 young kids,
and whereas I am confident in my construction I almost feel it would be irresponsible
to not use a test pilot for the first flight.
>
> My main concern is the engine. A Pre-Mykal Stratus Conversion. It just scares
(the hell out of) me that the first time I am going to really put this engine
to test is on it's maiden flight. I know I can do static tests and taxi up
the butt, but are those the same as the forces on the first flight?
>
> Any thoughts, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
> 601HDS
> Stratus EA-81
> N902AL
I had to make the test pilot decision a couple of months ago when the
time came for first flight on my new Zodiac. It'd been 20 years since
I'd flown any "real" airplanes, but I've done quite a bit of flying in
ultralights over the last 4 or 5 years. I knew I could operate the
controls OK, but I didn't really feel good about flying a new airplane
with completely different handling characteristics than I was used to.
There were several guys at the local airport that offered to do the
first flight for me so I took one of them up on the offer. I'm glad I
did. He went up over the airport for an hour, flying the airplane and
taking down numbers. When he landed he gave me a sheet of paper with the
takeoff speed, stall speed, climb speed, climb rate, temperatures, etc.
This guy had gone through the flight test phase on several homebuilts
before and knew what needed to be done.
I'm sure I could have flown the airplane around the patch a few times
and landed her, but I don't think I would have had the presence of mind
to gather all that data at the same time.
Rick Pitcher
601HD
Message 18
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| Subject: | Re: Towing a Trike? |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Rick <rick.pitcher@verizon.net>
Jim Frisby wrote:
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Jim Frisby" <n801za@hotmail.com>
>
> Does anybody on the list have experience with towing a tricycle gear
> airplane behind a vehicle (slowly of course) on it's own wheels for
> transportation (in my case 5-6 miles) to the airport for first flight and
> taxi testing? I have misgivings about attaching a tow bar to the nose gear
> strut, I wonder if it could be over stressed. I think I could keep from
> turning too sharply, but I don't know about fore and aft forces that might
> develop.
>
> Any advice or observations welcome.
>
> Jim Frisby
> N801ZA, ready to fly, but needs to go to the airport
> Palmer, Alaska
Have you called a towing company and asked about having them take it out
there on one of their tilt-bed trucks? Mine charged about $50 and I
didn't have to worry about damaging the airplane... money well spent
IMHO. I had to put a couple of 2X6 ramps under the mains to ease the
angle so the tail wouldn't hit the pavement when the driver winched the
plane onto the tilt bed.
http://www.lightflyers.com/roadtrip1.jpg
Rick Pitcher
Message 19
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| Subject: | Antenna Connectors |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: wizard-24@juno.com
Tried to install my antennae this weekend. But after running the coax
cable, when I went to install the BNC connectors (which I've never done
before), I discovered two problems:
1. The NAV antennae (AV-532) apparently does not use the standard
BNC connection, but instead has two screw terminals, which appears to
connect to each separate aerial. How do I connect one coax cable to these
two terminals? Does the center conductor of the cable go to both
terminals? What about the shielding? Straight to ground? There's nothing
in the instructions, except for one line that reads "some models supplied
with balun cable", which apparently mine wasn't. Now for a really stupid
question....what's a balun, and do I need one?
2. On the back of the radio, the antennae connections are not BNC
either. The instructions say that I need to solder the coax directly to
the back ports "using standard avionics procedures". As you might have
guessed, I'm lost on this one too! The back ports on the radio tray are
hard to describe.....look more like lugs, with a very small opening
extending from the side of each lug. Hopefully someone will know what the
heck I'm trying to describe.
Thanks!
Mike Fortunato
601XL
Message 20
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<zenith-list@matronics.com>
--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
Yes< be sure the engine will produce enough thrust and run at full throttle
with the nose up in a strong climb attitude.
Run a test hooked to a thrust gage for a solid 2 minutes at full throttle.
Measure thrust. ( rule of thumb is 4 lbs per horsepower) There fore if you
think your engine is produceing 100 hp then you should get in the ball park
of 400 lbs of thrust.
After a 5 minute cool down from the 2 minute full power run repeat it.
If in both cases it didn't miss a beat this means that probably you could
take off and climb to pattern altitude and be on downwind for a landing if
Vapor lock, Fuel pump failure or some other thing should stop the engine and
you probably could land deadstick if needed. Dont do a touch and go. Come
back in after your first landing (wether y our flight was 3 minutes or 50
minutes). Let the engine thoroughly cool down and inspect things carefully
before any additional flights.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Michel Therrien" <mtherr@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Michel Therrien <mtherr@yahoo.com>
>
> My test pilot said what we will attach the plane to
> the ground, take the nose up and run the engine at
> climb and cruise rpm. The plane wont go in the air
> until he is satisfied that it pulls enough, engine
> runs reliably, cools correctly, etc.
>
> Michel
> PS: More frightening than your engine... mine is a
> Michel's rebuilt engine :-)
>
> --- Steve Freeman <stefree@qwest.net> wrote:
> .
> >
> > My main concern is the engine. A Pre-Mykal Stratus
> > Conversion. It just scares (the hell out of) me
> > that the first time I am going to really put this
> > engine to test is on it's maiden flight. I know I
> > can do static tests and taxi up the butt, but are
> > those the same as the forces on the first flight?
>
>
> =====
> ----------------------------
> Michel Therrien CH601-HD, C-GZGQ
> http://mthobby.pcperfect.com/ch601
> http://www.zenithair.com/bldrlist/profiles/mthobby
> http://pages.infinit.net/mthobby
>
> __________________________________
>
>
Message 21
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
If necessary pay for some hours, at least 2 but maybe a little more in at
the ZAC Mexico facility. Fly their plane until you are confident of its
handling. You can go a long way to being sure of a safe first flight if you
are able to handle the plane instinctively if the engine is not running.
Yes flight advisers and the rest are important too. But most important is
your own ability to handle the plane. It has been said before, AN
EXPERIMENTAL AIRPLANE AND AN EXPERIMENTAL ENGINE TOGETHER MAY SPELL TROUBLE.
With time and experience the plane -pilot-engine the risks go down.
Anything you can do to limit anyone of the three (Engine, Plane, Pilot) will
do a lot for your chances. Flying the plane in Mexico enough to really
familiarize yourself is a great idea.
ToM Marson
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry McFarland" <larrymc@qconline.com>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Larry McFarland"
<larrymc@qconline.com>
>
>
> Steve,
> I'm nearly in the same boat as you. Plane's at the airport and I'm
excited
> about the first taxi, flight etc.
> If you've not kept current, a test flight pilot would be a good idea. If
> you need to fly it, rent a Cherokee
> 140 because it has similiar wing loading to the HDS, but a 30 ft span.
Good
> practice plane for initial work.
> Agreed, your family and kids need you more than you need you, so take all
> precautions and consider
> that there are a lot of the Stratus and pre-Stratus Subarus out there
> flying. Get your EAA Flight Advisors
> booklet, and read the flight test program and download a copy of AC 90-89A
> and read it thoroughly.
> Then, get someone competent and dependable to work with you, all the way
> through the process.
> Then your family will have very little to worry about.
>
> Good Luck!
>
> Larry McFarland - 601HDS @ www.macsmachine.com
> Airworthiness Inspection scheduled for May 12
>
>
> Subject: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
>
>
> > Hi List,
> > Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions,
flames,
> etc. about using a test pilot for the first flight? > Any thoughts,
insight
> or advice would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
> > 601HDS
> > Stratus EA-81
> > N902AL
>
>
Message 22
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--> Zenith-List message posted by: "Thomas F Marson" <tmarson@pressenter.com>
I think you made a wise decision Ric. This didn't happen, but what if the
engine had quit on initial climb out. Your experienced and current pilot
would have had the best chance of making a controlled landing. TomM
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rick" <rick.pitcher@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Zenith-List: Test Pilot
> --> Zenith-List message posted by: Rick <rick.pitcher@verizon.net>
>
>
> Steve Freeman wrote:
>
> > --> Zenith-List message posted by: "Steve Freeman" <stefree@qwest.net>
> >
> > Hi List,
> >
> > I've been absent from the list for awhile but been plugging along on my
project. I'm still a few months off, but starting to think about the first
flight pretty seriously.
> >
> > Does anybody have any experience or advice, comments, suggestions,
flames, etc. about using a test pilot for the first flight? I have a wife
and 2 young kids, and whereas I am confident in my construction I almost
feel it would be irresponsible to not use a test pilot for the first flight.
> >
> > My main concern is the engine. A Pre-Mykal Stratus Conversion. It just
scares (the hell out of) me that the first time I am going to really put
this engine to test is on it's maiden flight. I know I can do static tests
and taxi up the butt, but are those the same as the forces on the first
flight?
> >
> > Any thoughts, insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Steve (Almost Done) Freeman
> > 601HDS
> > Stratus EA-81
> > N902AL
>
> I had to make the test pilot decision a couple of months ago when the
> time came for first flight on my new Zodiac. It'd been 20 years since
> I'd flown any "real" airplanes, but I've done quite a bit of flying in
> ultralights over the last 4 or 5 years. I knew I could operate the
> controls OK, but I didn't really feel good about flying a new airplane
> with completely different handling characteristics than I was used to.
> There were several guys at the local airport that offered to do the
> first flight for me so I took one of them up on the offer. I'm glad I
> did. He went up over the airport for an hour, flying the airplane and
> taking down numbers. When he landed he gave me a sheet of paper with the
> takeoff speed, stall speed, climb speed, climb rate, temperatures, etc.
> This guy had gone through the flight test phase on several homebuilts
> before and knew what needed to be done.
> I'm sure I could have flown the airplane around the patch a few times
> and landed her, but I don't think I would have had the presence of mind
> to gather all that data at the same time.
>
> Rick Pitcher
> 601HD
>
>
Message 23
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| Subject: | Re: Antenna Connectors |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Ray Montagne <ac6qj@earthlink.net>
On 4/11/04 8:51 PM, "wizard-24@juno.com" <wizard-24@juno.com> wrote:
> 1. The NAV antennae (AV-532) apparently does not use the standard
> BNC connection, but instead has two screw terminals, which appears to
> connect to each separate aerial. How do I connect one coax cable to these
> two terminals?
You'll definitely need the Balun. The Balun converts from an unbalanced
transmission line to a balanced transmission line. Your NAV antenna is a
dipole which requires a balanced feed to operate correctly.
Coaxial baluns can be made. Almost any Amateur Radio shop has antenna
construction books that cover coaxial balan construction. Coaxial baluns
are larger than other methods but certainly in the realm of home
construction.
Proper construction requires knowing the impedance of the receiver antenna
terminal and the antenna. Baluns are usually either 4:1 or 1:1. Best guess
is that the receiver is 50 ohms and the antenna is 200 which requires a 4:1
balun.
If a ready made balun is available for purchase or was missing from your
shipment then I'd pursue either a purchase or a claim over trying to
manufacture one. There is lots of opportunity to introduce a short in the
antenna feed line when building a balun if you're not experienced with this
sort of thing...
>
> 2. The instructions say that I need to solder the coax directly to
> the back ports "using standard avionics procedures".
>
Soldering cables directly to a VHF radio is not what I would consider normal
and may lead to a lossy connection but it does not appear that you have much
option here. A photo of the lugs would be helpful. Most likely one lug is
grounded and the other is the antenna terminal. If so, solder the coax
shield to the ground lug and the coax center conductor to the remaining lug.
Make sure you don't short the shield to the center conductor. DONT TEST
FOR A SHORT WITH A CONTINUITY TESTER OR VOLT/OHM METER!!!
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Best Regards, Ray Montagne
Cupertino, CA
===========================================================================
Zenith Aircraft Zodiac CH-601-XL
Build Status: Rudder completed
Elevator Completed
Stabilizer Completed
Flaps Completed
Ailerons Completed
Right Wing Completed
Right Wing Tip Completed
Left Wing Completed
Right Wing Tip Completed
Fuselage Under Construction
NOTE: Heavy SPAM filters in place. Replies that do not include
the word 'Zenith' or 'Zodiac' will be rejected and will not
be viewable by me.
===========================================================================
Message 24
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| Subject: | Re: Antenna Connectors |
--> Zenith-List message posted by: Ray Montagne <ac6qj@earthlink.net>
On 4/11/04 8:51 PM, "wizard-24@juno.com" <wizard-24@juno.com> wrote:
> 2. On the back of the radio
What is the manufacturer and mode of the radio?
Check this link out: <http://www.rami.com/gaa3.htm#AV-532>
If that is the antenna then it appears that the balun is included as an
integrated cable assembly on the 'L' model only. I'd recommend contacting
the manufacturer for their recommendations (see <http://www.rami.com/>) but
it sure seems that you'll need the balun to provide proper matching of the
antenna to the receiver impedance...
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Best Regards, Ray Montagne
Cupertino, CA
===========================================================================
Zenith Aircraft Zodiac CH-601-XL
Build Status: Rudder completed
Elevator Completed
Stabilizer Completed
Flaps Completed
Ailerons Completed
Right Wing Completed
Right Wing Tip Completed
Left Wing Completed
Right Wing Tip Completed
Fuselage Under Construction
NOTE: Heavy SPAM filters in place. Replies that do not include
the word 'Zenith' or 'Zodiac' will be rejected and will not
be viewable by me.
===========================================================================
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