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Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

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mikefapex

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 70
Location: Colorado

Posted: Sat Sep 22, 2007 11:36 am Post subject: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

Hi,



I am upgrading my tube/rag type aircraft electrical system to a Z-19. In doing this I will need to mount components inside of some kind of enclosure near the engine (vibration). There is no other room inside the aircraft for such.



Components include: main/eng battery contactors, main bat/eng bat/main power fuse block bus, ground block, power diodes, OV module, Low voltage module). The component weight comes to about 6 pounds including wire inside the enclosure.



My choices are narrowed down so far to two types:



1. Nema Fiberglass with see-through latch cover

pros: sturdy, easy to preflight, existing mounting holes, water/oil resistent

cons: heavy (4 lb)



2. Aluminum Chassis box

pros: light (40 oz), easy to preflight with clear lexan cover

cons: .050 thickness aluminum, will have to add sealant to get more waterproof-ness, mounting a little trickier. Clear lexan cover not standard and removal with screwdriver, Concern that it will not be sturdy enough.



Your opinions and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks,



Mike

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mikefapex

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 70
Location: Colorado

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 8:13 am Post subject: Re: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

bump



I am still interested in hearing from experienced voices about whether the lighter aluminum enclosure (.050) would support the weight of around 6 pounds in a flying, vibration environment. 



Or if I should use the heavier NEMA fiberglass enclosure.



Thanks much.

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ceengland(at)bellsouth.ne
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:42 am Post subject: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

mikef wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 bump

 

 I am still interested in hearing from experienced voices about whether the lighter aluminum enclosure (.050) would support the weight of around 6 pounds in a flying, vibration environment. 

 

 Or if I should use the heavier NEMA fiberglass enclosure.

 

 Thanks much.

I'd take a look at what actually needs to be in the enclosure. The 
	


contactors are designed for the 'hostile' environment under the cowl. If 

you limit the stuff to the fuse holder & the less-than-robust electronic 

circuit boards, you could go with extremely light weigh enclosures.

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mikefapex

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 70
Location: Colorado

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

In this case there is no cowel. It is a Weight Shift Control aircraft with a pusher engine. The only place left to mount additional components is below the engine, attached to the frame that supports the engine.  It is about 1' from the batteries.

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ceengland(at)bellsouth.ne
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

mikef wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 In this case there is no cowel. It is a Weight Shift Control aircraft

 with a pusher engine. The only place left to mount additional

 components is below the engine, attached to the frame that supports

 the engine.  It is about 1' from the batteries.

 


	


That implies at least 3 mount points to stabilize the box. How about AL 

angle strong enough support the weight, providing 2 of the attach points 

to the frame members. Heavy components mounted through the back wall of 

the box to the AL angle, rest distributed as convenient in the box. Then 

box strength isn't an issue.

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mikefapex

Joined: 05 Jul 2007
Posts: 70
Location: Colorado

Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject: Re: Component Enclosure Opinions Appreciated

That is a great idea combining the major mount points with the heaviest components. Thanks!

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