Message-ID: <19981016185111.13365.qmail@www02.netaddress.usa.net>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 18:51:00
From: Dan Schaefer <dfschaefer@usa.net>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: nut plate rivets, RST audio/MB kit, optical sensors
Mime-Version: 1.0

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>>
Pine was asking about the correct dash number for the rivets used for
attaching the nut-plates (anchor nuts). Fortunately, the rivets
holding an anchor nut in place do no structural work - they are
there basically to hold it in place. The screw you later install, in
conjunction with the nut part of the device, does the work. The rivet
dash number denotes the length in 16ths ("-2" =1/8", "-6"=3/8") and
the "dash no." you will want to use to attach your anchor nuts will
vary depending on the thickness of the material the rivet has to 
penetrate. Basically, you need enough length to create a reasonable
upset that merely has to hold the thing so it won't fall off. If you
were building a metal airplane, and riveting together such things
as wing spars and stressed skins, then rivet dash nos. and driving
techniques would be one of the most important things in your life. 
But anchor nuts are almost always (and on Lancairs, 100% always) 
used in ways that do not rely on the rivets for structural integrity
of the parts being joined. So don't sweat it - buy a bag of -6 or -7
rivets and cut them to fit the particular point of use based on
material thickness.

To Angier Ames, I have the RST audio panel in my plane and I am very
pleased with it. I also have their separate marker beacon receiver
and it also performs quite well. In fact, as noted here earlier, I'm 
using antennas for the MB, GS and VOR that I built from materials
and instructions provided by RST, and a super transponder antenna
that they supplied as a kit. Be sure to get all the latest mods for
the audio panel/intercom and you'll like it. The only thing I ever 
had to do to mine (besides adding the latest mods) was changing one
resistor value slightly to increase the AUX input gain because the 
cheapo CD player I use in the cockpit didn't put out enough signal 
for a comfortable listening level. As I remember, the main mods you
should go for, if they're not already standard, is copilot transmit
and front mounted intercom volume and squelch controls. Without these,
while reliable, the panel isn't as user friendly. Besides, it's fun
to build, too!

Cheers,

Dan Schaefer


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