Gent's
Those at OSH are fully aware of my plight for the first few days after arrival. But for those that weren't there, I spent 3 days working on my alternator and transponder that decided to go T$%'s up upon arrival. I resigned to replace my brick of a DeSoto generator (or maybe it was a model T) with an aviation B&C L40 alternator and voltage regulator, the package cost me six Benjamin's and a Grant. The set up came with all the hardware and bolted right into place. Many comments were made by the Thorp congregation that my old alternator had only one attach point and wasn't safe. This one has horseshoe bracket attach points fore and aft, then to the block and weighs in at 6.1 lbs. (I'd attach a photo but for some reason this program won't upload it).
http://www.bandc.biz/ProductImages/BossMount.jpgOh the transponder:I can't say enough about the "FREE" EAA repair station at OSH. After a day of me upside down with my legs sticking out of the canopy tracing wires (Fraser wanted to help but I didn't think it was a good idea wearing a kilt)(Bernie has the incriminating photos), I gave up and called the repair station. They supplied a gentlemen with the knowledge and equipment (easy Fraser) to sleuth the problem. After several hours in the hot sun and being provided with water and an occasional sweaty brow wipe from nurse Brazell.....problem solved, an intermittent thirty year old circuit breaker, 12 volts in 5.5 out. (The repair station does accept donations, however, for purchase of new equipment for next years event, and they definitely got one from me!) Wow, what a relief to get that figured out so I could now enjoy a little more of OSH, imbibing and not go around class B airspace!
In summary, if you're going to broke down, you couldn't ask for a better place.