I need to change the wire that goes between the audio panel and the rear seat headset jacks, as the current wire isn't long enough (I screwed up). I was thinking about doing the job myself, but the wires are soldered to the connector that attaches to the back of the audio panel, and I don't trust my soldering. So, I thought I would replace the whole connector with one that uses crimp-on pins, as I have the right tool to do that.

Last night I took a closer look at how much work would be required to rewire that whole connector, and I decided to ask my local avionics shop how much it would cost to have them solder the longer wire to the existing connector. It shouldn't be too difficult a job for someone who is comfortable soldering small connectors.

I decided I should do a complete functional check of the harness as it is now, so I know if there are any other issues that need sorting out when I go to the avionics shop.

Last week I had the local avionics shop install 90° connectors on one end of the four coax cables that attach to the GNS-430. This morning I ran the coax cable from the GNS-430, under the floor to the area of the antenna for Com 1. Tonight I put the coax connector on the antenna end, and plugged it in. Then I temporarily installed the audio panel wiring harness, plugged in my headset, and powered up the avionics. Hmm - the intercom works, but I can't hear anything on the radio. Oh oh.

Much scratching of head. Suddenly I realized that I hadn't attached the Molex connector that goes between the audio panel wiring harness and the GNS-430 wiring harness. I turned off the power, plugged in that Molex connector, and powered everything back up. Bingo - I could hear the ATIS from the Ottawa International Airport. Wow!

Tomorrow I'll install the Microair 760 (Com 2), and hook it up to the same antenna to be sure that function works. Then I'll track down a hand-held VHF radio so I can try transmitting from each Com to be sure that works.