I Refused to Pay $100 Per LEMO Plug… So I Wired My Own | RV-8 Build Ep.178

In this episode of the RV-8 Build Series, I tackle wiring up the LEMO headset plugs and standard GA headphone/mic jacks that will eventually be installed in the airplane. Instead of buying expensive prewired aviation LEMO connectors that can cost close to $100 each from places like Aircraft Spruce & Specialty Co., I decided to source the connectors myself from DigiKey for around $30 each and wire the leads manually. This turned into a longer narrated workbench episode where I walk through the soldering process, jumper wiring, headset jack prep, and some of the challenges that come with building custom aircraft audio wiring from scratch. It may not be the flashiest part of the build, but it’s another important step toward getting the RV-8 fully wired and ready for final assembly. If you’re building an experimental aircraft, wiring your own LEMO plugs can save a surprising amount of money while still giving you a clean professional install. As always, thanks for following along with the build! Digikey Lemo Plug https://www.digikey.com/short/0drr7bzc Newest Podcast:    • Episode 019: The Productive Procrastinatio...   👉 Builder tools & accessories I use: TFlight77.com Below are my Amazon affiliate links to several of the tools and items youve seen me use on the channel. Cerakote Kit https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Filters https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint Shaker https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Paint gun regulator https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG acetone bottle https://amzn.to/4tnbDTG Brother P Touch Cube Plus Label Maker https://amzn.to/45q5WK4 Wire Labels https://amzn.to/4jdp8Rf Zip Tie Install Tool https://amzn.to/3LJz2gE Electric Screwdriver (deburr) https://amzn.to/48vEkWq Milwaukee Right Angle Drill https://amzn.to/3KzTFeE Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet https://amzn.to/4ploPFV Machine Square https://amzn.to/42nHzeM File Set https://amzn.to/3VNnJ8Z Debur Tools https://amzn.to/48NJzRj Articulating Borescope https://amzn.to/4hdYAyb Dual Lens Endoscope https://amzn.to/48ovZDY Digital Micrometer https://amzn.to/3Kr1iUR Copper Clecos https://amzn.to/3IyLwqj Heat gun https://amzn.to/3LwycDQ Rivet Nut Install tool https://amzn.to/4qVU0cu Tube bender https://amzn.to/47NhabU Steel ruler set https://amzn.to/49b4C0A Zip Tie tool https://amzn.to/483vePT Fly Cutter https://amzn.to/3XltdbI Laser level https://amzn.to/3JqcHEf 20-100 ft lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nI54ah 10-150 in lbs torque wrench https://amzn.to/4nKcD00 #experimentalaviation #homebuiltaircraft #rv8 #vansaircraft #aircraftbuilding #aviation #experimentalaircraft #pilotlife #airplanebuilder #diyaviation