|
|
Posted for "Robert R Pastusek" <rpastusek@htii.com>:
John Schroder wrote:
Am trying to find a way to put a switch on one of the main door latches to
indicate that the door is not locked.
John, assuming that the ES uses the same latches as the IV/IV-P, the
following may help.
Each latch uses part of a 3/8" hex bolt as the operating pin. I drilled a
small hole in the "top" of the hex, as close to the edge as possible, and
inserted a small roll pin that extends out the top. When the hex bolt
rotates, the roll pin moves in a circle, and can be set to operate a
microswitch. I mounted the microswitch on a small piece of aluminum angle
that attaches over the latch mounting bolts. Slot the holes so it can be
adjusted to the right on/off position.
I used three of these in my IV-P; one each on the front, bottom, and back
side of the door. When wired in parallel, if the "last" latch in the three
elements of the door latching mechanism fails to go over-center, the warning
light stays on. For an unpressurized door, one switch is probably all you'd
need?
By the way, consider making a "special tool" out of an old box end wrench to
use as an emergency door opening device, and keeping it in the cockpit. If
any part of your latch mechanism fails, remove the latch cover, apply the
wrench to the hex and open the latch. Probably more likely needed on the
IV-P, but easy, cheap insurance if you're ever caught in the cockpit.
I've not tried to send pictures via the LML before, so let me know if they
don't come through and I'll send them off-line. (Three pix attached)
Bob Pastusek
|
|