You and the Tube
For some builders, the prospect of flaring hard-line tubing is daunting. Ishmael Fuentes demystifies the process, and shows you how to get good results every time.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir delves into the world of barrier strips, wire markers, resettable fuses, nylon connector usage, dyeing and inrush current limiters.
DIY Firewall Boots
Need to seal your firewall, reduce carbon monoxide and allow components to move freely? Chuck Dieterich shows you how to make firewall boots.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir shows you how to create and install LED lights and run them from ships power inexpensively and easily.
Aero ‘lectrics
Jim Weir continues his series on digital logic (CMOS), and makes the little logic circuits do things that their inventors never considered.
Aero ‘lectrics
So far in Jim Weirs investigation of digital logic, hes explored small scale integration. This time, its time to ramp it up a bit and use some medium scale integration devices that will remember your settings.
Aero ‘lectrics
The subject this month is Schmitt triggers and digital gates, which can be employed for a variety of purposes in homebuilt aircraft including use with switches and sensors or panel lighting.
Aero ‘lectrics
If you need a horn to sound when the airspeed drops below a certain level or when the power is cut and the landing gear is still up and locked, an electronic circuitry solution is the lightest, most reliable and most cost-effective way to go.
Aero ‘lectrics
This month, we look at how an airspeed indicator works and rig up a simple calibration tool for it;
In Case You Missed It
Experimental Audio Panels: Sophisticated, Integrated
PS Engineering and Garmin have kit-focused audio systems for under $2000. They have generous feature sets and high-end audio quality.
Ask the DAR
Is an aircraft’s empty weight required on the data plate? Does the gross weight change when an LSA is converted from conventional landing gear to floats? Should engine maintenance be entered in the builder’s logbook? Does the Minimax still qualify as an ultralight?
Designer Spotlight: John Thorp
John W. Thorp has had a profound influence on both homebuilding and on aviation in general. If you've flown Piper Cherokees or know of the all-flying tail, you're familiar with his design principles, and his T-18 is still a favorite worldwide.
Ask the DAR
As a builder gets ready for his airworthiness inspection, he wonders if he can hire a DAR who is familiar with his design but lives in another state. And what if your airplane doesn't pass inspection?