Brief Description: Installing the magnetometer in the wing tip
Unfortunately after reading a few articles on Vans Air force, other builders have experienced problems with the magnetometer mounted in the tail where I had mounted it. It seems as though the rudder cable create interference for the magnetometer and swings the glass panel read out. I talked to Todd CEO of Grand Rapids Technology at Sun and Fun and he said the wing tip is a much better place to locate it. So all the work that I did to mount it in the tail was for not. The new mount in the wing tip had to adjust in two dimensions, both pitch and yaw. The reason is because of the dihedral in the wing would show up on the AFIS as a 4 degree tilt. The mount I made with slots, hinges will allow me to adjust the magnetometer to 7 degrees in pitch to match the panel and level to match the horizon. It was a complicated piece but I think it will be worth the effort to be able to adjust the magnetometer to a “gnat’s ass”. The mount is made from .050 2024 aluminum and MS hinges riveted. The adjusting screws are all brass for the obvious non magnetic reasons. The actual magnetometer is bolted down with nylon 10/32 bolts and nuts. Let’s hope for the operational best this time. I think back on how many thing I had to build 2 or even three times, and I’m convinced the next time I build a plane if the is one could be done in half the time.
