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RV-9A: Canopy - 7/15/2013
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More work on the CanopyMore work on the Canopy
I decided to drill the 3/32" pilot holes into the slider track after reading "With the canopy frame moved fully forward, re-adjust and re-clamp the tracks so that the canopy frame side bows are inset 1/16" from both fuselage sides when the rollers are centered laterally in the tracks.". These holes will be enlarged later for the screws that go into them.
More adjustments on the Canopy Frame heightMore adjustments on the Canopy Frame height
After reading the section that stated "You should try to get the frame bow to be approximately 1/8-3/16" bigger than the roll bar, all the way around. The point on the roll bar that has the most curve (10 o'clock and 2 o'clock) should be a little larger (a full 3/16") than on the top or the sides", I decided that the drawing below must be misleading somehow. After a long discussion with other on Van's Air Force, I found that most other builders said that it would be better to add washers to bring the canopy frame up into position, rather than finding out later that the frame is too high. So after "eye-balling" the fit from the front of the fuselage, I figured how much to take off each front pipe to get a consistant 1/8"+ distance all around the canopy frame curve when comparing it to the roll bar.
Time to check the canopy frame against the roll bar Time to check the canopy frame against the roll bar
This is the side check. Looks like the canopy frame is 1/8"+ farther out than the roll bar, as it should be.
Now to the check the topNow to the check the top
This is the top check. The canopy frame is 1/8"+ higher than the roll bar, as it should be. I hope this is right. I guess we''ll find out later...
Positioning the rear track assemblyPositioning the rear track assembly
I moved the rear track assembly backwards and forwards until I got the proper clearance, placing the rear canopy 1/8" below the fuselage skin. Depending on where the rear track assembly is placed determines the height of the rear top bar of the canopy frame. Moving it forward lifts the rear canopy frame, moving it back lowers the rear canopy frame. The instructions state "Be sure that the top center of the frame at the rear is 1/16-1/8" below the F-7112 aft top skin (to allow for the canopy thickness). I taped the rear track to the fuselage and checked it again.
Drilled and clecoed the rear track assembly to the fuselageDrilled and clecoed the rear track assembly to the fuselage
Here you can see the recommended placement (the long blue mark) of the rear track assembly and the actual placement (the short red mark) after measuring. There''s a big difference.
OK, now for some fun stuffOK, now for some fun stuff
Many (many) moons ago, I got this AirGizmo panel for the Garmin 695 that I was going to buy. I have been using my iPad with the ForeFlight app when flying my Cessna for quite a while and really like it. Here I'm taking the old dock out. The screws and nutplates inside mounting frame make it easy to remove. This will also make for easy access to some of the other avionics (if need be).
Here's the replacementHere's the replacement
AirGizmo now has a panel dock for the iPad Mini! Here's the cool part, THE MEASUREMENTS ARE THE SAME! No adjustments or new holes required.
Here are the installation guides for eachHere are the installation guides for each
The measurements are identical.
I'm going to sell this puppy!I'm going to sell this puppy!
I'm sure someone in my EAA Chapter will be interested.
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