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Marks Rans Courier Project
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Date: 10-19-2008
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Number of Hours: 5.00
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Manual Reference:
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Brief Description: Sub-panels part deux (plus compass installation)
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Yesterday I fabricated two sub-panels. Today I installed the panels, but ran into some complications. Prior to installing the sub-panels I installed the pedestal-mount compass at the base of the instrument panel. I am mounting the compass directly to the bottom lip of the panel. I reinforced the bottom of the panel significantly using aluminum angle material.
Next I started to install the sub-panels. I had planned on using clamps around two of the structural cross-tubes behind the panel to hold the sub-panels, along with s second brace on each unit. Unfortunately, this proved to be unfeasible. The rear of the compass interferred with one of the braces, and the padded clamp did not provide enough support without a cross-brace. Back to the drawing board.
Originally I had designed the sub-panels to be fastened to the bottom edge of the main instument panels at either side adjacent to the side-walls. I did a trial fitting of the panels in this location. They fit well, appeared to be properly supported, but did not look aesthetically pleasing. Nothing specific, they just looked clunky. I had the aesthetics advisor come out to render an opinion. She agreed that the sub-panels appeared to be funcitonal, but needed something to improve their appearance. After several mockups I designed sub-panels that have curved ends that rise up to the bottom edge of the main panel and look appropriate.
I fabricated a pair of sheet aluminum units with this design, including pre-drilling for the circuit breakers and the 12v power outlet. I primed the parts, then ran out of daylight and work time for the day.
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