It's been awhile since an update, but right now Sling Central is just checking and re-checking the wiring before installing the dash/panel and powering up.  Should be done this week along with the windshield install.

Just a few pictures.

Couple of pictures from the paint shop!

After Alumiprep, Alodine and priming!

The white base looking nice and shiny! 😁😎

Sling Central update:

I have installed the parachute deployment cable, the parachute itself is in its compartment and connected to the airframe cables. The rocket is still not in and I am going to just install the container until paint is finished.

Wiring is getting close. I still have to connect some of the airframe wiring to the middle connector which I'm calling C234 because it's really a combination of everything left that wont fit in C1 or C5. C1 is mostly engine instrumentation and C5 is mostly airframe wiring. I also have to finish wiring up the DB15 connectors for the autopilot servos. And there are a handful of sensors/wires on the engine left to connect to C1. Pretty hopeful that early next week the panel will be sitting on the airplane again plugged in this time and ready for a functional test. Pinning connectors always seems to take longer than it should but we don't have much left. Also tidying up things in the cabin. Zip tying wires and cables and adding grommets so things don't rub. Spoke with the DAR and he needs me to fill out the 51% spreadsheet which is easy but I may have some questions to make sure I get your contribution right. Supposed to have an update from paint on Monday so hoping to get you pics of that soon.

Took me a few days to get to this since I've been sick with bronchitis.  Still sick actually, but on the mend now.

As part of their update they complained a bit about the tedious nature of using connectors to do the wiring.  Yes, it's tedious for sure because you have to do at least twice as many crimps/connections for each wire.  But, the alternative of hard wiring each wire after the panel is in, I think, is much more difficult.  That's because trying to get under that panel to do all that wiring is darn near impossible.  I tried.  Extremely painful to even try - and I'm a pretty compact guy....

So, yes, it's extra tedious now (most of which is comfortably on a bench), but when they go to put in the dash/panel, it's going to be really nice to just plug those connectors together.

Now, I suppose if you've bought completely pre-made harnesses for all your wiring, this all doesn't apply.  I didn't, though I probably should have...

On a different note, no doubt you've heard about the devastating fires in Australia.  If you'd like to donate to help out, here's an article where you can find out all the places you can.

Sling Central update:

All fuselage wires are routed to where they go and some of them have been secured to the structure completely but most have been secured into bundles. Some have been cut to their final length but a lot still have extra. Antenna wires are routed but I had to order some TNC connectors for the Garmin radio connections. For some reason Garmin uses some threaded and some bayonet. Anyway, I ordered what I needed and it shows up Monday. On the panel I am working on populating the DB connectors completely and then I can finish the XRC connectors and be ready to drop it all in. I worked on the parachute but forgot to take pictures so I'll do that Monday. I have to route the cable from the rocket to the handle and attach the shackle that will carry the aircraft weight. Then rivet on the cover. The wings are being prepped for paint. They received the colors and the white was mixed improperly so it was sent back and is being redone. I'm going to fly over to the paint shop next week to get a look and take pictures. He said they are being alodined, primed, then painted white, then the stencils will be applied for color. I'm super excited to see the paint. I believe we will have the fuselage ready to paint by the time he is finished with the wings so the timing will be perfect.

It dawned on me the other day that given how many hours Sling Central has put in so far, and how much they likely have to go... That I probably would not have finished the plane this year...  A disturbing thought to me.

Best decision EVER to have them finish it.

Their update:

Waiting on more wire to show up and a crimping tool for the DB connectors, so working on mounting connectors in the sub panel and cleaning up wiring, fuel lines, and rudder cables in center console. Sorted wires between left panel, right panel, and center panel and began marking all of the airframe wires with their connector and pin. Will start populating connectors in the airframe tomorrow.