Fixing the Transponder with Duct Tape and Aluminum Foil

On Tue, 9 Mar 2004 19:52:22 -0600, "Joe" wrote:

Why can't you just continue to use what worked? Namely the aluminum foil.

Durability and maintainability are the main issues. This isn't tucked
behind an instrument panel... the radios are mounted in an open-ended box
on the floorboards, and the area is brushed by my right foot when I get
into and out of the airplane. So it has to be something that doesn't tear
easily.

The current foil is basically just crumpled-on and duct-taped in place. If
I have to remove it, it'll just come apart and I'll have to start from
scratch. Plus, I think it was already starting to loosen, etc during the
single flight...interference seemed to be coming back by the end of the
test ride.

I'd rather have something a bit more durable held on with tie-wraps and/or
clamps. My thought is to bend up a hose clamp so it'll snug the new
shielding tight around the square cross-section of the back of the radio,
and tie-wrap it around the existing shielding on the wiring harness. Then,
to remove the radio, all I'll have to do is loosen the clamp and slide back
the shielding to get at the connectors, and slide it back into place and
tighten the clamp when I'm done. If it were aluminum foil, I'd probably
have to completely take it away and fit a new piece, every time.

Finally... since I didn't build this airplane, I have to have an A&P do the
annual inspection every year. He's eventually, essentially, going to have
to sign off my installation as part of the annual. I'd just as soon
present him with a professional-looking job.

But you're right, I'm weird. :-)

Ron "Pay no attention to Marvel Mystery Oil in the Crankcase" Wanttaja