Schematics and Wiring

I have done a fair bit of wiring in my time.  I don't consider myself an expert, but it almost always works. Where I struggle is on making it look 'right'.  I want this one to be 'right'.

You need a wiring diagram - that is a must.  However, I am also building a wire run list in Microsoft Excel.  The two go hand in hand.

The wire run list show you extreme detail on each wire.  Where is it from, where does it go, what does it connect to, wire size, color, etc.  The schematic gives you most of those details.  The nice thing about excel is you can filter and search.

Below is an example of the autopilot servo wiring.

And here is the drawing from Advanced.

Note:  I do not have a yaw servo, but the ACM supports it.

Where the Advanced drawing is correct, I am simply using that.  No point reinventing the wheel.  However where it needs modification, I am drawing from scratch.

I looked around for quite awhile for a good schematic software.  The basic requirements:

• Multi platform.  If I ever sell the plane, someone will need to be able to edit the drawings.
• PDF output compatible (this is pretty universal)
• Decent parts library
• Easy to use.
• Preferably free (or low cost)
• Supported.  Did not want to find a piece of free software that goes away or is not supported in 5 years (as an example).

After lots of hunting and frustration, a fellow builder put me onto QElectroTech.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it about a 7.  It is by no means perfect - but its free, and does most things that you need.  It has a pretty good parts library, and you can make your own parts (what the software calls elements).  Its multi platform as well.  It does take a bit of getting used to.

Below is my main power distribution (not yet finished).

And my control stick wiring (this one is pretty much finished).

Bottom line:  The documentation is going to be a lot of work - especially making the 'elements' where needed.  But it is necessary and worthwhile.