FEATURE
Panel upgrade on an RV-4
We decided to document the changes in upgrading from a classic 6 pack analog instrument cluster to a Dynon EFIS (Electronic Flight Information System ) and a Dynon EMS (Engine Monitoring System) (see www.dynonavionics.com) at the same time we upgrade all of the electrical system to use the new Vertical Power VP-100 electrical control system. See www.verticalpower.com for info about their system. This basically means we will be gutting our panel and electrical system for a complete retrofit to a more modern glass cockpit and electrical system.
The picture below shows our current RV-4 panel before the start of upgrade. It consists of a standard 6 pack, Trio AP, various analog engine gauges, Fuel flow computer, Dayton density altitude computer and breaker switches.
A radio, transponder and intercom are located on a subpanel underneath the main panel.
[katiesrv4.com] (More)
TIPS/Q&A
Tip: Baffles modified to plenum
Thought I would share pics of my plenum. Starting out as a Vans baffle kit, it got a lid, with hopes of averting cooling issues, and strengthening the oil cooler mount. The bumps are epoxy layups incorporated into the .040 lid to clear the plugwire B nuts. This subproject took a lot of time, and credit goes entirely to my building partner Paul Salerno. Paul is a pro race car builder, and his skill, attention to detail, and incredible patience is manifest here. Rough estimate is a 1 pound weight penalty, after you subtract the heavy air seal that is not needed in this type of installation. Design lends itself to many options for installation of various air deflection vanes if needed.
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UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Authorities said a 65-year-old man was hospitalized after his small plane crashed Wednesday in Westmoreland County between two runways at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. According to authorities, the single-engine experimental plane crashed between two runways at the airport.
[MSNBC]