Removing the stack

[DBBRanger]

I need to take down the radar and support in order to get my R25 into storage (not just yet mind you - I'm just planning!). Kenny says I need to disconnect the wires that are underneath the stack, but I don't understand how to get the stack off. I see the stack is integral with the channel that runs forward that the radar support, horns and searchlight are attached to and I see screws/bolts that hold the channel down. But do I need to take off the radar support, horns and searchlight first before I remove those channel holding screws? I can't believe those things are mounted only to the channel and they will move with the channel and stack assembly if I remove the screws - the channel doesn't seem sturdy enough for that. What am I missing? I know some of you have taken off the stack (I'm eager to see if I have a radar deflector) - what's the secret??

Thanks

Doug

 

[knotflying]

Doug,
I am not at my boat (R-27) to see the exact configuration, but can't you just disconnect the hinge at the mast and support it so it is lower than the roof of the boat? I would think that there is enough play in the wires to do this without having to do a complete stack removal to disconnect the wires. Additionally, I would think it would be easier to remove the dome and disconnect the wires from the mast rather than go through a stack removal.

Just a thought,

Mike Rizzo

 

[Crewdog]

One of the tricks we used in the Navy when loading an RH-53d into a C5 was to install a very small diameter nose wheel assembly, as well as to deflate the landing gear struts, which would lower the fuselage of the helo enough to enable the helicopter to clear the overhead in the C5 by a mere 2 inches.

any possibility of getting small diameter wheels for your trailer?

just an idea,

Bill

 

[DBBRanger]

Mike,

I might be able to move it aft if everything else is too difficult. The wire coming out of the stack may just be long enough to put the radar and support aft of the stack where the cabin is a bit lower. I'll have to try that if all else fails.

Bill,

I do have an adjustable hitch ball that will give me some extra room, but not enough. The other option is to remove dirt at the entrance of the building to lower the boat. The owner has offered to do that. That may be easier than finding and changing wheels. If I need an inch or two, lowering the air in the tires trick might do it.

What is the procedure for removing the stack?

 

[knotflying]

I partially removed mine to get at the TV cable coming through. Basically, just start unscrewing.

 

[Jeff Macfarlane]

I too have to remove my stack to have some fiber glass repair done on the base. Are the GPS wires and radar wires connected under the stack so that it can be removed.
Jeff

 

[Metric Rider]

I have a 2008 R25 and have a few pictures in my album of a wiring project where I have the stack laying on its side. you do not have to take the horn off, not sure about the spotlight as I have mine mounted on the mast.

 

[Capt. Wanabe]

I had to replace the entire stack after a foolish mistake and so gained the opportunity of seeing how it is put together and what is underneath. Knotflying is correct in that most of the wires have connectors at the stack that can be simply unscrewed. However, this may also mean replacing the connector if it is cracked/broken, replacing gaskets and some wires will have to be re-sealed. The wire to the radar dome had its connector at the dome itself. To get that wire free I had to loosen the dome from the mast mount to get enough room to pull the wire connector through the mast. The horn wires had to be cut and re-crimped. In short, it is a lot of work to take the stack off so if you can avoid it you will be happier.

Frank

 

[captstu]

I removed and stored the mast on my R25, reinstalling the radar directly on the stack base and storing the spot light until I can figure out where to put it. I left the original anchor light on the removed mast and purchased a new LED anchor light for the stack top. Sort of makes it look less like a stack, but since no smoke ever came out of the original stack, it looks OK now.

The stack and forward assembly that is under the mast are one piece and are held on with about a half a dozen self tapping screws about 1" long. The shape of the stack and forward assembly (one piece) make it nearly impossible to accidently move and very easy to place back where it "belongs."

The radar and spot light each have their own plug that unscrews from the stack and forward assembly. The sockets remain attached to the stack and forward assembly.

Removal of the mast and forward assembly is easy for about 3" or so. Beyond that, the new anchor light, GPS antenna, Radar, spot light wires are all attached to their respective devices or to the sockets - it is not easy to remove them, but cutting and installing a socket/plug under the mast is an option for all but the GPS. Use caution with the GPS since a splice may reduce the performance in the spring time.