Engine Update November 2008 Updates
November 26, 2008
Crossbow Magnetometer Weather Proofing.... - 4.0 hrs

I mounted the magnetometer along time ago on the empennage deck. I mounted it with brass screws and this was an area with no ferous metal around. However I noticed that others that mounted in this area were putting them in plastic bags to keep wetness away.

I wanted to use a more elegant solution. So I ran Radio Shack Aviation Dept. and picked up what they call a "project box". I removed the Crossbow and measured the connector for clearance. I was not really sure they had one that would fit but I saw them one time when I was picking up some soldering stuff.

Turned out they had one that was a perfect side. It came with a plastic and aluminum lid with aluminum screws. It was also only ounces so weight was not a factor. Since I already had the magnetometer mounted at the correct angle on the deck I just used the same washer and configuration mounting it in the box.

Next I had to make sure the box was mounted flush level with the deck to keep the same angle. Problem was the screw heads were towards the back of the box which was going to make the box fit leaning forward creating even more of an angle. So I used aluminum screws with brass nuts mounted in the deck which in effect leveled the box when it is screwed down. There shouldn't be much moisture back here under the empenage fairing but this should keep the Crossbow protected.



This website was built to document my work in compliance with the FAA requirements needed to certify my aircraft.
My experiences and comments are by no means to be considered as instructions on how to build any aircraft.