Andreatta Engineering
Avionics, Aircraft Electrical, and Custom Panel Projects
A look at some Andreatta Engineering active and recently completed aviation projects.
Andreatta Engineering
"From scratch" electrical system, VFR instrument package, avionics stack, and custom panel for a HIGHLY modified Alaska Super Cub:
(P.S. Don't forget to check out some of our other engineering projects!)
Ok, first a bit about the Cub. A marvel in it's own
right, it's a "build from parts" project with a strengthened fuselage,
leading edge slat high-lift wings, extended tail surfaces, and a performance
optimized 160 hp engine. All this leads to full controllability right down
to the stall! (That occurs, by the way, at 17 mph!)
If you've ever flown a Cub, you've probably been annoyed by all the 'stuff'
hanging from the panel and interior sidewalls. A goal for this project was to
get ALL the controls, instruments, and avionics IN THE PANEL! (Not including
throttle. That's in the conventional Cub position, for obvious reasons...)
Well, we did it! And, boy, is it nice!
We started with a fairly conventional, but highly protected, electrical system.
We used a light weight automotive alternator, with internal fan and voltage
regulator. It's inside an electrical "wrapper" of over voltage protection and
space technology current limiting for the alternator battery lead. This keeps
those darned high current wires and breakers OUT of the panel. Here's a
thumbnail of the main power distribution wiring diagram / schematic. (Click
for a B sized .pdf.)
We use IntelliCAD for panel layout and placement. This allows for creation
of a drill template which is glued to the panel for cutting. Where applicable,
we can generate a CNC compatible template, but the "glue on" was chosen for
this particular job. Have a look at the template in the CAD tool. (Click for
larger.)
Or, click here
for a B size .pdf.
And, here are some shots of the electrical system, avionics, and panel in
process. Be sure to click the thumbnails for larger images, and enjoy!
First, here's a photo series beginning with the cad template on the formed
aluminum panel. See the evolution through drilling, punching, and "fitting"
installation of the main power distribution harness.
Next, some shots of installation in the aircraft. (Sorry! Photos coming soon!)
And, finally, some shots with panel in place and various subsystems
operational. (Sorry! Photos coming soon!)
Complete electrical system, panel, instrument, and avionics
package for a Zenith CH-801.
(Sorry! Photos coming soon!)
Extensive avionics stack upgrade; including a Garmin GNS-430
IFR GPS, KNS-80 RNAV/VOR/ILS/DME, new Comm's, and a new transponder in a well
kept Cessna 172.
A "before" shot of the stack; just starting disassembly...
Bench wiring of the new avionics stack.
And, finally, installation into the aircraft. (Note: overlay panel underwent
a re-paint operation as part of an interior upgrade and was NOT available for
photography...)
Avionics stack upgrade to an autopilot coupled King IFR GPS
in a premium Beech Bonanza.
(Sorry! Photos coming soon!)
New Comm's and Nav's in a nice flight school Cessna 172.
(Sorry! Photos coming soon!)
We also employ a single point ground philosophy for all controlled currents.
It's nearly impossible to isolate the engine, so those currents return to the
single point in as "controlled" a manner as possible. We use a firewall
passthrough "sea of terminals" which provides an electrically optimum
connection on both sides of the firewall! That provides the best possible
noise immunity and keeps lighting currents out of rudder hinges, wing attach
bolts, etc. This makes nice "no flicker" lighting and helps contribute to a
noise free avionics installation.
Previous Projects:
