I determined the ideal position for the batteries during
August 2003 when I had the aircraft assembled in my backyard. After
a series of Weight and Balance scenarios, I established that the batteries
should be right behind the first L stiffener in the fuselage. That's
what I expected from the start.
So, I removed the stiffener and replaced it by a
3/4"X3/4"X1/8" extrusion. I installed another
extrusion so both make a solid support for the batteries. Noticing
how the extrusions can flex under heavy weight, I decided to reinforce
them so they have a shape similar to the Z stiffener ahead. Now, it
is very rigid.
I mounted the batteries on a .040" thick sheet of aluminum on
which I made a rack with stiffeners and a strap of .025"
aluminum. I made the fuselage opening so that the battery tray will
come flush with the skin (there is a .025" spacer on top of the
.016" skin and then, the .040" inside mounting plate.
The battery tray attaches to the inside support with four 3/16"
AN525 screws (that I may replace with AN3 bolts).
To protect the connectors from accidental shorts (that would happen
when I take the battery in or out, I installed pieces of bicycle tire
tubes over the wires and connectors.
