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Jims RV-8
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Date:  11-3-2019
Number of Hours:  1.00
Manual Reference:  
Brief Description:  Installed the first electrical device – pilot USB

After hemming and hawing over exactly what devices/appliances to put on the right console, I determined that regardless of anything else, the pilot USB charging port will be mounted on the console. I also decided that the best place for it will be toward the back of the console so that the charging wires can drop down into the cubby and charge my cell phone in flight. The hole is 1 and 1/8” large and I don’t have a drill bit that size so I used the unibit and eased my way up to the hole marked in the tape. That method worked well. First appliance installed!

With my new found inspiration, I went looking for the best place to put the rear “pilot” USB charging port. As I see it, the three best places for it would be :

1. In the forward part of the horizontal passenger armrest, facing up
2. In the vertical panel under the armrest facing in
3. In the vertical bulkhead, at the passengers, knees facing aft.

As Teresa is the prominent GIB (girl in back) I sought her opinion on the installation site. She would really prefer the USB port on the horizontal armrest (#2) I also like the looks of it there, but the downside is, the hole is more difficult to drill there and the future maintenance would be more difficult. Besides, if the USB ever gets obsolete and needs to be replaced, there is a permanent hole in the arm rest. The vertical bulkhead (#3) would be out of the way, but the wiring would be visible or difficult to hide as well as the hole being permanent. That leaves the vertical panel under the arm rest… since it’s a removable part, installation and maintenance are a breeze. And if I need to upgrade the USB then I could just order another part, paint it and drill another hole. The downside, which Teresa pointed out, would be that the charging wires would be sticking out into the leg area of the rear cockpit area – which is less than ideal. With all the pros and cons - #3 is what I am leaning towards based on installation and future maintenance.
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installed, but not yet wired

installed, but not yet wired

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First idea, probably not going to be installed here

First idea, probably not going to be installed here

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