Brief Description: Weight Check, Radio Repair and Aileron Cable Cover
Plans: 1. Replace the radio. Status: 50% complete. I purchased a new radio (YEASU FTA-550) to replace the faulty Icom unit. This radio, if it works, is much friendlier to operate. So having the old radio break might turn out to be a good thing. Regardless the old mount has been adapted to fit the new form factor. The fit is close but the power entry is completely different. I used shoe goo to hold the molded pieces in place. After it dries overnight I will install the unit back in place. 2. Cut a witness hold in the aileron cover and treat with Alodine. Status: Complete. The hole allows me a window to see the linkage for the control cables without removing the cover. I will be adding the EXPERIMENTAL decal and reinstalling next session. 3. Do a rough calculation of the allowable battery weight. Status: 25% complete. I checked some weights at the tail to help me assess the appropriate weight of a battery for the boost system. It would appear that the total level tail weight with16 lbs. of lead scuba weight is currently 25 lbs. (empty fuel tank). Currently I do not have the empennage attached. That’s an additional 27 lbs. So we are at 52 lbs. without fuel. Adding fuel witch is slightly forward of the C.G. should lighten things a bit. Guessing 5 lbs. less. That’s about 47 lbs. Removing the scuba weights puts it at 31 lbs. The desired tail weight is about 35 lbs. Hmmm. Looks like a battery in the tail might be the wrong spot.