Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

[SteveR]

I'd like to add an MGL COM radio to my L-2M, mounted in the panel. Is a 337 required even though a radio is not required equipment? It seems to me that TSO'd equipment is not necessary here. Below is what MGL says...I'm sure the Type Certificate doesn't prohibit use of non-TSO'd radios and equipment, so I don't think this would be an issue.

From MGL's website:
Note: This radio is non-TSO’d and is for use in Experimental and light-sport aircraft and aircraft not having a Type Certificate prohibiting the use of non-TSO’d radios and equipment.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

I hate to see a great antique cut up to add modern equipment (probably just me) so I use a great iCOM handheld and hang it on a clip that is attached with existing screws. Solid mount, no vision interference when placed on the A pillar and I ran the antenna coax back in the fuselage and got rid of almost all interference that the Rubber Duckie ant has.

Hank

Mine is in a 41 BC-12, but should be similar when in an L-2

I REALLY need a new photo with the wires all tucked away! They were out like that when I was setting it up.

[astjp2]

Re: Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

Yes a 337 is required, you need to do a structural load analysis, electrical load analysis and make sure it has some form of certification. Look at the 337 I posed on the microair with the 7 amp hour sealed lead acid battery. http://www.taylorcraft.org/docs/microair%20radio.pdf

I'd like to add an MGL COM radio to my L-2M, mounted in the panel. Is a 337 required even though a radio is not required equipment? It seems to me that TSO'd equipment is not necessary here. Below is what MGL says...I'm sure the Type Certificate doesn't prohibit use of non-TSO'd radios and equipment, so I don't think this would be an issue.

From MGL's website:
Note: This radio is non-TSO’d and is for use in Experimental and light-sport aircraft and aircraft not having a Type Certificate prohibiting the use of non-TSO’d radios and equipment.

[PA1195]

Re: Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

Hard to beat the simplicity of a hand held radio. I've had two ICOM"s with headset and PTT adapters and mounts (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/....html?pageno=1). Carry extra battery pack or AA cell replacement battery. Use the rubber antenna or remote its location pre the accessories listed. A 23-24" piece of insulated wire fastened externally to the BNC antenna fitting or the radio's metal case can act as a better antenna ground plane.

Gary

[SteveR]

Re: Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

I hate to see a great antique cut up to add modern equipment (probably just me) so I use a great iCOM handheld and hang it on a clip that is attached with existing screws. Solid mount, no vision interference when placed on the A pillar and I ran the antenna coax back in the fuselage and got rid of almost all interference that the Rubber Duckie ant has.

Hank

Mine is in a 41 BC-12, but should be similar when in an L-2

I REALLY need a new photo with the wires all tucked away! They were out like that when I was setting it up.

I will not cut anything on the plane to do this...my panel is made of wood, not original. If I'm able to find an original panel it will be installed in the original configuration, radio would be tucked under the panel. Like you, I'm very much opposed to cutting anything on the plane...I won't even cut a hole for an antenna. Wires will be tucked out of sight under the floor, but no permanent modifications will be made.

I had a handheld in my Pietenpol for about 13 years...it was great, but the intercom/radio combination were less reliable. I had to rebuild the headset adapter several times, and new ones were $60 (for a $2 part). I used a brass brazing rod for an antenna, nylon spacers from Home Depot for insulators, and could talk to other aircraft 125 miles away. This time I want a little more professional (but non-invasive) install. The MGL radio includes an intercom, and the whole thing weighs 8 ounces. I'll run PTT wires in the sticks.

[waltermrich]

Re: Adding a panel-mounted radio to an L-2M - what is required

I have bee using an Icom A20 an older hand held radio for quite a while, and it works great, but I have a problem with static on the top plugs and mag. I have two Bendix A21 magnetos with radio shielding and a shielded harness for top and bottom, both mags were overhauled not to long ago by someone who works from Arkansas advertising out of Trade a Plane. Im using Champion shielded 40E s on the bottom cylinders and The funny Champion short older stock single electrode plugs on the top cylinders. when I switch off the top mag the radio is as quite as a mouse, when I switch to both there is lots of static, I have been using the short plugs because others are to long for the cowl, my cowl bumps are small and 40Es will not fit on top, does anyone have experience with the single supposedly shielded single electrode older Champion plugs.