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Michael Wynn
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 148
Location: San Ramon, CA
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 Posted: Wed May 28, 2014 8:20 pm Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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Hi folks,
I am about to fly my RV 8 for the first time. Finished construction and am now tracking down glitches. I had a guy out to certify my pitot, static and transponder today. Pretty funny sequence. First, we couldn't get altitude data to the transponder. Turns out that you have to turn on the serial data feed in a GRT EFIS. Next, turned out the feed pin on was sub-D connector into the transponder was in the wrong spot. Finally got a read-out on the altitude. Last problem, the transponder signal was really weak.
We disconnected the antenna and plugged the transponder directly into his tester. The unit, a Garmin 327, was working fine. That leaves the antenna and leads.
I used a right angle adaptor as described in the comic book. One from the transponder and one into the antenna. Seems highly unlikely that there is a break in the cable itself. More likely, one of the connectors or the right angle adaptors is at fault.. Any good ideas about how to test this? I don't want to have the certification technician come out again until I am sure I have solved the problem. I also don't want to tear out the entire cable and start over--really inconvenient at this juncture. I didn't leave enough slack to cut off the connecters and start over so really, I just need to diagnose the location of the fault and repair it.
Two questions: how to track down the fault; how to test the line and/or antenna to make sure it is functioning properly prior to calling out the technician again.
Suggestions?
Regards,
Michael Wynn
RV 8 Finished
San Ramon, CA
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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_________________
Michael Wynn
RV 8
San Ramon, CA |
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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest
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| Posted: Thu May 29, 2014 4:46 pm Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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At 11:18 PM 5/28/2014, you wrote:
| Quote: | Hi folks,
I am about to fly my RV 8 for the first time. Finished construction and am now tracking down glitches. I had a guy out to certify my pitot, static and transponder today. Pretty funny sequence. First, we couldn't get altitude data to the transponder. Turns out that you have to turn on the serial data feed in a GRT EFIS. Next, turned out the feed pin on was sub-D connector into the transponder was in the wrong spot. Finally got a read-out on the altitude. Last problem, the transponder signal was really weak.
We disconnected the antenna and plugged the transponder directly into his tester. The unit, a Garmin 327, was working fine. That leaves the antenna and leads.
I used a right angle adaptor as described in the comic book. One from the transponder and one into the antenna. Seems highly unlikely that there is a break in the cable itself. More likely, one of the connectors or the right angle adaptors is at fault.. Any good ideas about how to test this? I don't want to have the certification technician come out again until I am sure I have solved the problem. I also don't want to tear out the entire cable and start over--really inconvenient at this juncture. I didn't leave enough slack to cut off the connecters and start over so really, I just need to diagnose the location of the fault and repair it.
Two questions: how to track down the fault; how to test the line and/or antenna to make sure it is functioning properly prior to calling out the technician again. |
Unfortunately, doing SWR checks on antennas
at this frequency is beyond the range of most
pieces of amateur radio equipment.
Do an ohmmeter check from center pin to
center pin . . . from connector body
to connector body . . . I've never experienced
any problems the po' boy's right angle
connector . . . but simply replacing the
DIY with an on-purpose connector wouldn't
hurt. Do you have a RG-400 connector crimp
tool?
I can send you a connector.
Bob . . . [quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
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Michael Wynn
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 148
Location: San Ramon, CA
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| Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 5:46 am Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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Hi Bob,
It makes sense to start with an ohm meter just to look for continuity. I guess the next thing would be a coin flip to see which end to break open. Replacing the right angles on both ends should take care of the issue. Unless I do that, I won't know that I have fixed the issue unless something comes up in the continuity check.
I do have an R400 crimp tool. I bought that and pretty much all my wiring stuff from B&C. Very good folks to do business with. They offer a right angle adaptor but not a right angle connector. Steinair offers them at $17.50 a pop. Yikes! I suppose in the overall scheme of things, that is just a drop in the proverbial bucket. It will cost more than that to get the transponder certification guy out again.
If you have a spare dedicated right angle connector or two you are willing to donate to a worthy cause, that would be great. Otherwise, unless I can find an obvious error in my crimping or connectors, I will buy them from Steinair.
As usual, thank you for your insights. The Aeroelectric Connection and this forum have been completely invaluable in planning and executing the wiring of my plane.
Regards,
Michael Wynn
RV 8 Mostly Finished
San Ramon, CA
In a message dated 5/29/2014 5:47:43 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com writes:
| Quote: | At 11:18 PM 5/28/2014, you wrote:
| Quote: | Hi folks,
I am about to fly my RV 8 for the first time. Finished construction and am now tracking down glitches. I had a guy out to certify my pitot, static and transponder today. Pretty funny sequence. First, we couldn't get altitude data to the transponder. Turns out that you have to turn on the serial data feed in a GRT EFIS. Next, turned out the feed pin on was sub-D connector into the transponder was in the wrong spot. Finally got a read-out on the altitude. Last problem, the transponder signal was really weak.
We disconnected the antenna and plugged the transponder directly into his tester. The unit, a Garmin 327, was working fine. That leaves the antenna and leads.
I used a right angle adaptor as described in the comic book. One from the transponder and one into the antenna. Seems highly unlikely that there is a break in the cable itself. More likely, one of the connectors or the right angle adaptors is at fault.. Any good ideas about how to test this? I don't want to have the certification technician come out again until I am sure I have solved the problem. I also don't want to tear out the entire cable and start over--really inconvenient at this juncture. I didn't leave enough slack to cut off the connecters and start over so really, I just need to diagnose the location of the fault and repair it.
Two questions: how to track down the fault; how to test the line and/or antenna to make sure it is functioning properly prior to calling out the technician again. |
Unfortunately, doing SWR checks on antennas
at this frequency is beyond the range of most
pieces of amateur radio equipment.
Do an ohmmeter check from center pin to
center pin . . . from connector body
to connector body . . . I've never experienced
any problems the po' boy's right angle
connector . . . but simply replacing the
DIY with an on-purpose connector wouldn't
hurt. Do you have a RG-400 connector crimp
tool?
I can send you a connector.
Bob . . . |
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
|
_________________
Michael Wynn
RV 8
San Ramon, CA |
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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest
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| Posted: Fri May 30, 2014 6:57 am Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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At 08:45 AM 5/30/2014, you wrote:
| Quote: | Hi Bob,
It makes sense to start with an ohm meter just to look for continuity. I guess the next thing would be a coin flip to see which end to break open. Replacing the right angles on both ends should take care of the issue. Unless I do that, I won't know that I have fixed the issue unless something comes up in the continuity check. |
A reasonable conclusion. Do you have DIY rt angle
connectors on both ends?
| Quote: |
I do have an R400 crimp tool. I bought that and pretty much all my wiring stuff from B&C. Very good folks to do business with. They offer a right angle adaptor but not a right angle connector. Steinair offers them at $17.50 a pop. Yikes! I suppose in the overall scheme of things, that is just a drop in the proverbial bucket. It will cost more than that to get the transponder certification guy out again. |
You're right. The short path to success
is to simply replace 'em . . .
I'll give B&C a heads-up on a
more economical alternative. Shoot me
your mailing address and I'll get some
connectors in the mail to you today.
| Quote: |
If you have a spare dedicated right angle connector or two you are willing to donate to a worthy cause, that would be great. Otherwise, unless I can find an obvious error in my crimping or connectors, I will buy them from Steinair.
As usual, thank you for your insights. The Aeroelectric Connection and this forum have been completely invaluable in planning and executing the wiring of my plane. |
It's called the exercise of spontaneous organization.
Groups of willing and able individuals gathering the
sum of their time, talents and resources together
in quest of a common goal. Took me 50+ years to
acquire an understanding of the phenomenon . . . it's
been going on for thousands of years. Works every
time its tried but really easy to derail.
I'm pleased that this List has been largely
immune to derailments . . .
Bob . . . [quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest
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| Posted: Sat May 31, 2014 6:29 am Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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Shoot me your mailing address and I'll get some
connectors in the mail to you today.
Sorry, I tought I had some rt-angle connectors
in inventory . . . I'm out.
Here's the source I've used for years
http://tinyurl.com/mfp9cfg
takes awhile to get parts but they've
been consistently good. I've just ordered
10 to refurbish my inventory.
http://tinyurl.com/m6ywj9p
Depending on how 'tight' you are for schedule, I
can offer connectors in when my order gets
here . . .will only take a few days longer
than ordering for yourself . . .
Bob . . .
Bob . . .
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
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Michael Wynn
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 148
Location: San Ramon, CA
|
| Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 7:21 am Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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Hi Bob,
Yup. DIY right angles both ends. Unfortunately, out of town this weekend so I can't get to my testing. I will report back on my findings when I get to the hanger next week.
Absolutely no sweat on the connectors. At $2 each, I think I will lay in a supply. This build is ten years in the making and I am waiting on the FAA for paperwork. Right now, I am shaking down glitches before that first flight. I think it is really important to not be in a hurry at this stage of the build. Safety is the paramount task.
Thanks again for all your help.
Michael Wynn
RV 8 (Mostly) Finished
San Ramon, CA
In a message dated 5/30/2014 3:07:18 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com writes:
| Quote: | At 08:45 AM 5/30/2014, you wrote:
| Quote: | Hi Bob,
It makes sense to start with an ohm meter just to look for continuity. I guess the next thing would be a coin flip to see which end to break open. Replacing the right angles on both ends should take care of the issue. Unless I do that, I won't know that I have fixed the issue unless something comes up in the continuity check. |
A reasonable conclusion. Do you have DIY rt angle
connectors on both ends?
| Quote: |
I do have an R400 crimp tool. I bought that and pretty much all my wiring stuff from B&C. Very good folks to do business with. They offer a right angle adaptor but not a right angle connector. Steinair offers them at $17.50 a pop. Yikes! I suppose in the overall scheme of things, that is just a drop in the proverbial bucket. It will cost more than that to get the transponder certification guy out again. |
You're right. The short path to success
is to simply replace 'em . . .
I'll give B&C a heads-up on a
more economical alternative. Shoot me
your mailing address and I'll get some
connectors in the mail to you today.
| Quote: |
If you have a spare dedicated right angle connector or two you are willing to donate to a worthy cause, that would be great. Otherwise, unless I can find an obvious error in my crimping or connectors, I will buy them from Steinair.
As usual, thank you for your insights. The Aeroelectric Connection and this forum have been completely invaluable in planning and executing the wiring of my plane. |
It's called the exercise of spontaneous organization.
Groups of willing and able individuals gathering the
sum of their time, talents and resources together
in quest of a common goal. Took me 50+ years to
acquire an understanding of the phenomenon . . . it's
been going on for thousands of years. Works every
time its tried but really easy to derail.
I'm pleased that this List has been largely
immune to derailments . . .
Bob . . . |
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
|
_________________
Michael Wynn
RV 8
San Ramon, CA |
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Michael Wynn
Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 148
Location: San Ramon, CA
|
| Posted: Tue Jun 10, 2014 12:39 pm Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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Problem solved.
So, Bob, your will be gratified to know that you DIY right angle connector record remains intact. Nothing wrong with that.
I started with continuity testing. The pin at the transponder did not have continuity with the pin at the antenna. My first thought was that I had fouled up the connector. For whatever reason, I tested the ground connector and discovered no continuity there, either.
After a short head scratch, I tested all the other antennae and discovered that I had somehow switched the labels, and hence the connection, of the transponder antenna with the marker beacon antenna. For future reference, a transponder does not develop proper output when connected to a DIY marker beacon antenna.
Fortunately, they were very close together so all I had to do was switch the antenna inputs. Not quite enough slack to reproduce the nicely glued DYI right angle, but the connection is solid enough and the transponder works per specs.
So, thanks again for your help.
Regards,
Michael Wynn
RV 8 Finished!
San Ramon, CA
In a message dated 5/31/2014 9:37:17 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com writes:
| Quote: | --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "Robert L. Nuckolls, III" <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com>
Shoot me your mailing address and I'll get some
connectors in the mail to you today.
Sorry, I tought I had some rt-angle connectors
in inventory . . . I'm out.
Here's the source I've used for years
http://tinyurl.com/mfp9cfg
takes awhile to get parts but they've
been consistently good. I've just ordered
10 to refurbish my inventory.
http://tinyurl.com/m6ywj9p
Depending on how 'tight' you are for schedule, I
can offer connectors in when my order gets
here . . .will only take a few days longer
than ordering for yourself . . .
Bob . . .
Bob . . = Use ilities ay - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - List Contribution Web Site p;
|
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
|
_________________
Michael Wynn
RV 8
San Ramon, CA |
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nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest
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| Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2014 6:54 am Post subject: testing a coax lead |
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At 03:38 PM 6/10/2014, you wrote:
Problem solved.
So, Bob, your will be gratified to know that you DIY right angle
connector record remains intact. Nothing wrong with that.
Good to know . . .
I started with continuity testing. The pin at the transponder did
not have continuity with the pin at the antenna. My first thought
was that I had fouled up the connector. For whatever reason, I
tested the ground connector and discovered no continuity there, either.
After a short head scratch, I tested all the other antennae and
discovered that I had somehow switched the labels, and hence the
connection, of the transponder antenna with the marker beacon
antenna. For future reference, a transponder does not develop proper
output when connected to a DIY marker beacon antenna.
Fortunately, they were very close together so all I had to do was
switch the antenna inputs. Not quite enough slack to reproduce the
nicely glued DYI right angle, but the connection is solid enough and
the transponder works per specs.
The Devil is in the details . . . funny and
frustrating how much $time$ can be expended
running down the wrong rabbit hole. Been
there, done that.
Pleased that order has returned to your universe . . .
Bob . . .
| | - The Matronics AeroElectric-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
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