Recent content by Geoff_H

Use only Tefzel wiring. It is similar to Teflon but I'd less toxic when it burns. PVC wiring is much heavier as the insulation needs to be much thicker for the same wire cross section. A cables ability to carry current is a function of the temperature that the insulation can stand and still...

Don't solder connections in any vibrating machine. It will cause wire fatigue breaks at the solder/ wire interface. Use professional crimping with PROFESSIONAL crimping tools, this ensuring a galvanic connection.

Have two distinct electrical systems. One for power the other instruments and radios. Each should have an earth bar. Connect each earth bar by one only connection. Do this and you will reduce problems with earth loops that an affect instruments and radios. Shield all instrument and radio...

I read an article once where the ashes a guy distributed from his aircraft ran along the skin of the aircraft on release and damaged the aircraft paint work. Apparently they are very abrasive.

Yes all the Teflon style of wiring is hard to skin, even with a skinning tool. In the 70's we used lots of Teflon wire for control cabling in very large control installations. Packaging density very high but the gas given off is really bad. When Torrens Island power station had a fire in...

Actually aircraft wiring is not Teflon, similar in properties but with less toxicity when burning.

The downward force that the aircraft exerts on the air supporting it will increase! Then as time progresses the aircraft will get lighter! To raise the potential energy of the birds (increased height above the earth) the birds must exert a force on the floor of the aircraft. This requires a...

Ian, how do I start a blog of my aircraft build? Is that ok with you?

I am a habitual user of this site. Can I get notified on my android of new posts? I would like to see blogs of what people are doing! Be it Recreational aircraft, GA Aircraft, regular public transport, model in fact anything that is above ground and uses air to support it, even hovercraft...

I left Facebook after criticism from my left wing family of my right wing views. Total intolerance and criticism. Why be criticized. I look to this site to exchange information about mother nature and our battle with her to fly. I need to build cowlings, the thread was just what I wanted...

Now retired my time is split between Gym ( 3 days per week), grandchildren, and engineering. Retired 6 years ago now designing and building small aircraft with extensive use of 3d printing. Redesigned 3d printer to use carbon infused Nylon.

A joke told the meat by an American: What do you call a person who owns an English car with a Lucas electrical system? A pedestrian.

One feature that the Mooney has is the ability for the engine to be tipped forward to work on the rear of the engine. Nice feature.

I was lucky enough to see the Spitfire that col pay was rebuilding whilst it was hundreds of pieces of all different shapes and sizes on the ground. 250k rivets. Every rivet needed to be drilled out to an oversize and re riveted. In wartime the design life of the aircraft was 200hours. Rivet...

Yes don't go near those damed fangled flying machines, the good old horse for me 😏