Odyssey panel changes
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blaswichk
Re: Odyssey panel changes
I mounted mine right behind the main spar, and as far left as I could which put it right next to the first rib to the left. I cut the 4’ hole in the ceiling, (wing bottom), first, then traced out the mounting pad holes to make sure they were close but accessible from inside the wing. After the installation, I finished up the access hole with an aluminum slide in type inspection plate cover. I chose to the left to get as much distance from the engine as I could and still be accessible from the cockpit.
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mkoxxy
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Would there be anything wrong with a "flying" BNC connection just below the
wing? The antenna side would be directly soldered to the antenna. That way,
disconnecting the antenna cable in order to remove the wing would not
require reaching into the wing. I would imagine, the antenna cable could
exit through the aileron linkage opening, or a smaller hole with a rubber
grommet.
wing? The antenna side would be directly soldered to the antenna. That way,
disconnecting the antenna cable in order to remove the wing would not
require reaching into the wing. I would imagine, the antenna cable could
exit through the aileron linkage opening, or a smaller hole with a rubber
grommet.
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mark_drz
Re: Odyssey panel changes
They make female-female BNC bulkhead fittings.
Mark Drzymkowski
Mark Drzymkowski
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blaswichk
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Mine is easy to disconnect. Just slide the aluminum cover off, reach up into the wing and twist to remove the bnc on the antenna base and slide the cable through the grommet and small hole that you have to drill also to pull the cable through. One minute, easy deal. My other electrics being landing light and wing-tip recognition lights are on a Molex connector that just quickly disconnects also for wing removal.
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wsweidemann
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Thanks guys for sharing your ideas.
I spent some time today looking into the wing through the aileron push rod hole and alternately from outside at the top of the wing. Initially I tried a Rigid inspection camera (a "eyeball camera" with self contained light on a flexible shaft showing a little video screen on the grip). It was disorienting to me and I got unwanted reflections from the nice clean aluminum insides, so I pulled out my trusty inspection mirror and Maglite. The area that looks most promising appears to be what some of you suggested (in the bay behind the spar, left side, inside the first rib). There is the issue of the actuator tube for the ailerons, so I assume the antenna mounting holes (2 of them) and a larger hole for the BNC cable should be either in front of or just back of that tube. I also think a backing plate would be prudent on the inside for reinforcement.
Am I right to conclude that a few small holes to mount the antenna on the top skin and a corresponding standard inspection hole on the inside bottom will not compromise the strength of this cantilever wing?
Skot
I spent some time today looking into the wing through the aileron push rod hole and alternately from outside at the top of the wing. Initially I tried a Rigid inspection camera (a "eyeball camera" with self contained light on a flexible shaft showing a little video screen on the grip). It was disorienting to me and I got unwanted reflections from the nice clean aluminum insides, so I pulled out my trusty inspection mirror and Maglite. The area that looks most promising appears to be what some of you suggested (in the bay behind the spar, left side, inside the first rib). There is the issue of the actuator tube for the ailerons, so I assume the antenna mounting holes (2 of them) and a larger hole for the BNC cable should be either in front of or just back of that tube. I also think a backing plate would be prudent on the inside for reinforcement.
Am I right to conclude that a few small holes to mount the antenna on the top skin and a corresponding standard inspection hole on the inside bottom will not compromise the strength of this cantilever wing?
Skot
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mark_drz
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Small holes should be ok especially on the bottom of the wing. It doesn't hurt to flange the holes to stiffen them. The majority of the load is in the spar. Steer clear of that.
Mark Beierle, any comments?
Mark Drzymkowski
Mark Beierle, any comments?
Mark Drzymkowski
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wsweidemann
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Referring to holes in wing bottom:
If structural integrity is an issue caused by cutting a "hand sized" hole in the skin (to access the cable & mounting bolts of a top-of-the-wing antenna), how about a reinforced inspection cover with a screw on cover plate? This same type of cover I am planning on installing outboard on each wing bottom right under each aileron transfer mechanism (to allow inspections and any repairs or maintenance).
If structural integrity is an issue caused by cutting a "hand sized" hole in the skin (to access the cable & mounting bolts of a top-of-the-wing antenna), how about a reinforced inspection cover with a screw on cover plate? This same type of cover I am planning on installing outboard on each wing bottom right under each aileron transfer mechanism (to allow inspections and any repairs or maintenance).
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blaswichk
Re: Odyssey panel changes
Mine does too. The original builder mounted them right where you specified, and I thought that was normal. Mine were pop-riveted on, which I thought was dumb, so I used some standard aviation tinnerman type nuts that slide in from the edge,. finished it with aviation grade stainless screws, and it’s a breeze at inspection time. Like you, I like being able to see and get my hands in the wing, plus it helped with my wing tip wiring and allowed for a mid-point cable clamp. Go for it.
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wsweidemann
Re: Odyssey panel changes
For those who may be interested in access & inspection covers, the man who makes a variety of custom covers is at mmrace.com.
(Race Consulting)
Skot
(Race Consulting)
Skot
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wsweidemann
Re: Odyssey panel changes
To follow up, I finished my panel changes and went for a trial flight yesterday. The new miniature VSI works great and is placed at the top of the panel right next to the altimeter (where I think it should be) and works great. The XCOM radio is okay but I have the volume all the way up because of the high cabin noise (even with Bose headset). The reception of the AWOS at one of the local area airports was very noisy & hard to read (I suspect very low power?) however my transmissions and reception of voice was fine.
I was having great difficulty with the idea of mounting my antenna on the aft center section of the wing (the cutting holes part), so I modified the previous antenna location (at the front of the wing just above the windshield), putting in a bolted ground wire at the base of the antenna. My decision to place the new antenna in the old spot was based on what I found by searching the Internet for photos of Earthstar versions and most of the ones I found had their antennas in the same place. IF the spot I am using now is really bad (performance-wise) I will change it.
The failed ignition I had is hopefully repaired. In order to make better access to the rear part of the fuselage I cut a rectangular inspection hole on the top part of the fiberglass shell & put on a screw on cover plate. This was a great idea since the bad wire crimp was right behind the new hole. I was also able to reach in and change one of the fuel filters. If I feel it is necessary I am open to another hole to make both hands posdible. I have another set on order to put inspection ports in the wings near the aileron controls. While inspecting the wires in the boat tail I found a bad wire crimp on one of the CDI wires & repaired it with a solder joint. On my almost two hour flight both ignitions worked fine. To make sure, in the process I also replaced the ignition switch & circuit breaker, all the spark plugs and vacuum balanced the carbs.
Skot
Odyssey HKS N159BS
I was having great difficulty with the idea of mounting my antenna on the aft center section of the wing (the cutting holes part), so I modified the previous antenna location (at the front of the wing just above the windshield), putting in a bolted ground wire at the base of the antenna. My decision to place the new antenna in the old spot was based on what I found by searching the Internet for photos of Earthstar versions and most of the ones I found had their antennas in the same place. IF the spot I am using now is really bad (performance-wise) I will change it.
The failed ignition I had is hopefully repaired. In order to make better access to the rear part of the fuselage I cut a rectangular inspection hole on the top part of the fiberglass shell & put on a screw on cover plate. This was a great idea since the bad wire crimp was right behind the new hole. I was also able to reach in and change one of the fuel filters. If I feel it is necessary I am open to another hole to make both hands posdible. I have another set on order to put inspection ports in the wings near the aileron controls. While inspecting the wires in the boat tail I found a bad wire crimp on one of the CDI wires & repaired it with a solder joint. On my almost two hour flight both ignitions worked fine. To make sure, in the process I also replaced the ignition switch & circuit breaker, all the spark plugs and vacuum balanced the carbs.
Skot
Odyssey HKS N159BS