After completing the development of the SimNav v1 (my own navigation device) it was time to install this device in the Libelle.

I had removed the dashboard once before to update the red box flarm system. So I was expecting a lot of cables and tubes without a lot of labelling. In my professional life I work with hardware test set-ups and I am kind of used to odd constructions but this was messy on a new level.

This is one of those moments in which you make a commitment. Once you start pulling stuff you know there is no way back until everything is connected again.

Because it was not very clear where the cables were used for (to help me, every coloured wire ended in a white cable bundle) I had to puzzle a bit. To this end, I found myself tracing the cables from device to device. It reminded me of a spaghetti labyrinth puzzle. Soon after starting with this ‘puzzle’, I decided to do most of them from scratch again. This might sound a bit extravagant, but there were a lot of ‘loose ends’. Literally, as well. I found one cable bundle that was partly used, and at the same time cut at both ends.

As my search continued (after taking out the seat as well) I found more interesting things. I found a second speaker, at the bottom of the hull. The second speaker was not connected to the radio but connected to the landing gear warning sensors.

New gauges

The plane itself is securely parked in a hangar. However, at home I have some space to work on the dashboard, so I brought it home (to which my wife reacted pleasantly surprised, of course). At home I dismounted the Zander flight computer and vario system. Next, I fitted an XCvario e-vario, SimNav navigation system, and a transponder from TQ avionics in the voids.

The dashboard needed no changes for the installation of the SimNav or other devices. It fits like a glove! That was a nice surprise! 🙂 Well, maybe it was not a surprise but a pleasant reward after meticulously measuring every part and 3Dprinting what was not fitting yet.

And now, the next step is putting everything back together and get the cables in place. This is something for part 2.