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When doing wiring, the first thing I do is create the schematic with a labeling scheme.
During actual installation, I use yellow heat shrink and a fine line sharpie. Just write directly on the heat shrink and just shrink it onto each end of the wire run. If it?s a particularly hostile spot, I sometimes shrink clear over the yellow. The writing shrinks along with the wrap but remains easy to read. It?s easy, fast and cheap. |
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I'm happy to share but I don't have an easy way to post my files right now. My files are also a work in progress and so not yet complete. However, there was another RV-10 builder who attended this same AEA class who has done an excellent job of explaining the process. Check out his posts on VAF at http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...&highlight=ppt Also Tim Spear posted a copy of Leok's ppt file on his web server for folks to download. Look at the last post on this page for a link to the ppt file: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...pt#post1195513 If after you have read his postings you still want a copy of my working file, send me your email address via private message on this board and I will email you a copy of my file. Using PowerPoint does take some practice to do efficiently. There are tools for grouping, aligning, rotating, etc. that work well. I've been using PowerPoint since about 1994, and so it has become an easy tool for me to use. If there are other tools (CADD, drawing programs, etc.) that your are comfortable using, they might be a better choice. Cheers, |
This works great
Thanks for all your input. I bought a Dymo LabelManager 160 for 20 bucks on Amazon, and 1/4? heat shrink label tubes. I was concerned that the 1/4? tubes would be too big for 20 gauge wire but it works perfectly.
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Has anyone been able to find printable tubing in something smaller than 1/4?? Most all of the wiring I plan to install is 22 gauge.
I think I?ve found one printer for nearly $300 that has something less than 1/4? tubing available, but the tubing is something like $40 for a 3 foot length. I?ve used laser printer labels with clear heatshrink in the past, but I really like the look of the printed heatshrink. Thanks in advance! |
Rod,
The 1/4" tubing will do 22 gauge wire. I'm amazed at how much it will shrink. Here's how it looks... sorry about the spelling :D ![]() |
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JK! |
I use the K-Sun with 1/8" (3mm tube).
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Thanks!
K-sun is the brand I found that seemed quite expensive. Any advice on a reasonably priced source? Or am I going to have to find the pry bar for my wallet again? :-) I’m just airline pilot cheap! UPDATE in the middle of the night... I ordered the Epson LW-PX900. It prints at 360dpi and accepts shrink tube cartridges ranging from 1/8” to 1”. I found the best price at an online place called Image Supply. I ordered 1/8, 3/16, and 3/8” black on white tubing. My thought was 22/24 gauge wire, multi-wire shielded, and RG400 in selecting the shrinktube sizes. I’ll report back with pics and a PIREP. The total for my order was right around $375. OCD costs money! Gots to have a tidy wiring harness. Pahan would be proud... right Pahan? |
Printer
You won?t be disappointed with that printer. I have had one for awhile and love it. I went with black type on yellow tubing for visibility...
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Switch recommendations?
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I'll look into the AMP PIDG terminals |
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Mark |
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Mark |
check out...
Check out Hawklabeling.com...
They have been wonderful to work with... |
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The $100 kit comes with an overpriced hard case, a rechargeable battery and an AC adapter. I?m pretty sure I?ve got a compatible AC adapter in one of my junk drawers and I can buy a pluck-the-foam case for <$20. Now that I?ve gathered a bunch of electrical tools, I need to start drawing my wiring diagrams. I?ve done a fair bit of wiring in the past, but I gotta admit, the G3x system has me plenty intimidated. One wire at a time, I guess! Challenge accepted. |
Talk to Stien before you throw away your switches. He may have a different opinion and has probably installed and serviced more switches than much of VAF combined. He isn't known for selling junk.
If you want to compare specs, certifications, operating environment, etc.... probably need to start a new post. |
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but not everyone wants to pay for quality so he offers an alternative and lets the buyer choose, thats ok. |
Fair enough Walt. You where asked for your opinion. Nothing wrong with that.
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Walt is 100% spot on here with his note about those specific switches. We'll gladly sell you whatever you like, but if we only offered the Mil Spec hardware we'd be out of business. Some folks like them and will pay for them, most will not - that's just a fact of life for us (good or bad). As others noted, that discussion is for another thread (and indeed has been beat to death and beyond in the archives).
Regarding labeling, we prefer machine printed shrink tubing..but that isn't an affordable option for many folks. That is why we sell clear heatshrink tubing, as many folks like the "label under the clear tubing" method. Others will use white shrink tubing and just handwrite on it with a fine tip sharpie (which is what one of the "big box stores" does on it's own harnesses). I've seen people use things as simple as tape up to printed labels and even laser engraved options. The happy medium and most popular from our customer base seems to be clear shrink tubing with labels under, or white tubing with handwritten labels. Then from that point on almost anything goes! Just my 2 cents as usual. Cheers, Stein |
I started this thread because I was seeking input on people's experience with various methods of labeling wires (thank you all), and then I updated it in post #44 with what I found to work very well for a very economical cost ($20). I'll reiterate the Dymo Label Manager 160 has been working magnificently using 1/4" heat shrink tubing ($22 for 3 x 5' of tube) on wire gauges ranging from #8 to #22. I couldn't be more pleased with the results.
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I decided to expand on this idea. So I already had this particular Dymo label maker so I thought I would see if the ?" shrink tube labels would really work in this label maker. They do :D While I was rooting around on Amazon looking for the heat shrink tube labels, I had the idea of buying some colored heat shrink tubes as well. Here's the system I'm going with: Positioned but not shrunk yet. ![]() All shrunk up.... Labeled and color coded in one easy step. ![]() Here's a link to the colored heat shrink tubes. Here's a link to the heat shrink tube labels that work in the above label maker. |
The 1/4" tube may be fine for one or just a few wires, but it's way too narrow for a Dynon network cable. I have 12 mm and 9 mm on order and one of those should work ok.
Dave |
Tom, Michael,
Any idea what the largest diameter heat shrink that model 160 printer will take? Dymo's data says '1/2" labels', but obviously, a 1/2" heat shrink tube will be wider than that, when collapsed. BTW, thanks for the info on using pre-cut tubes. My old tape label-er wastes more tape than the label occupies, if you only print one label at a time. Charlie |
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