Panel Layout
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- Veteran Member
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Panel Layout
Hi Again...I'm in the "Planning the Instrument Panel" phase. It includes a Dynon Skyview, Ipad mini for a backup and a home made Angle Of Attack system. You guys have learned a lot about what is good and what to avoid in planning the "panel". What are your thoughts? Also any thoughts you have on the electrical system would be great....Thanks!
Plan not to be the first at the scene of the accident!
- gkremers
- Veteran Member
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- Location: Michigan
Re: Panel Layout
My starting point for wiring was Bob Nuckolls Figure Z-16.
I didn't install his low voltage monitor because the GRT EIS has that built in.
I also didn't install the E-Bus feed or endurance bus, just don't need that type of redundancy for my mission
Instead of the typical key start I installed bat switches for left, right ignition and a push button start.
http://www.aeroelectric.com/PPS/Adobe_A ... s/Z16M.pdf
Gary
N325AB
I didn't install his low voltage monitor because the GRT EIS has that built in.
I also didn't install the E-Bus feed or endurance bus, just don't need that type of redundancy for my mission
Instead of the typical key start I installed bat switches for left, right ignition and a push button start.
http://www.aeroelectric.com/PPS/Adobe_A ... s/Z16M.pdf
Gary
N325AB
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- Tralika
- Veteran Member
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- Location: Wasilla Alaska
Re: Panel Layout
Here's an interesting article on panel design from the Vans AF folks.
http://www.vansairforce.net/articles/th ... esign1.htm
I plan to use fuses rather than circuit breakers. Fuses are lighter, cheaper and more reliable than circuit breakers. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses can not fail in the closed position. I don't reset circuit breakers in flight anymore so changing out a fuse on the ground is just as easy as re-setting a CB. I will have a much simpler panel than you so the fuses may not be an attractive option in your case. This is what I'm installing. It mounts flush on the panel with all wires on the back.
http://www.cooperindustries.com/content ... panel.html
http://www.vansairforce.net/articles/th ... esign1.htm
I plan to use fuses rather than circuit breakers. Fuses are lighter, cheaper and more reliable than circuit breakers. Unlike circuit breakers, fuses can not fail in the closed position. I don't reset circuit breakers in flight anymore so changing out a fuse on the ground is just as easy as re-setting a CB. I will have a much simpler panel than you so the fuses may not be an attractive option in your case. This is what I'm installing. It mounts flush on the panel with all wires on the back.
http://www.cooperindustries.com/content ... panel.html
John Nealon
Wasilla, Alaska
Highlander Extreme #191
mykitlog.com/jnealon
Wasilla, Alaska
Highlander Extreme #191
mykitlog.com/jnealon
- RV6
- Forum Regular
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- Location: Gallatin,Tn
Re: Panel Layout
Try to keep it light,like the old Champ was....
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Re: Panel Layout
Great! ...Thanks All and Tralika I agree with you about fuses versus circuit breakers. I'm going old school and sticking with 3AG type cartridge fuses. In the air I'll replace them just once because, over time, a fuse may blown due to "sag fatigue" (the in rush of current every time the equipment is turned on causes the fuse to sag a little). Thanks Again.
Plan not to be the first at the scene of the accident!
- danerazz
- Veteran Member
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- Location: Bangor
Re: Panel Layout
My thoughts for an airplane like this are: nothing electrical will be important enough to replace a fuse in flight.
I have rethought my entire panel, axed the efis and am going for as far from glass as I can to oppose what I do at work. All steam gauges and maybe a turn coordinator (planning on night flying, the TC is just a good idea).
I have rethought my entire panel, axed the efis and am going for as far from glass as I can to oppose what I do at work. All steam gauges and maybe a turn coordinator (planning on night flying, the TC is just a good idea).
Dane
Paralysis by analysis
#242
Paralysis by analysis
#242
- SuperFly
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Re: Panel Layout
Hopefully we can get some more panel pics in this thread as it is fun to see others ideas on the panel.
Sorry the pic is so dark, I have had a heck of a time getting a good picture of my panel for some reason...
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Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
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Re: Panel Layout
Ben: what did you use for the separation of your switches?
Wayne
Wayne
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Re: Panel Layout
Hey, Ben,
I see you made it back from Oshkosh. It was great talking to some of the "forum" people while there.
When I was planning my panel, I worked around the Dynon Skyview 10". Just love it. Since the Skyview is only about 2 1/2 inches deep, it could go on the left side, whereas the D180s are about 6" deep and had to go in the middle. Since the transponder is remotely mounted, and controlled through the screen, it doesn't take up any panel space.
I'm not sure why my panel looks so crowded, compared to others', except that it looks like everyone just made theirs much bigger. Anyway, I agree, it is fun to see every panel is so different.
Dennis
I see you made it back from Oshkosh. It was great talking to some of the "forum" people while there.
When I was planning my panel, I worked around the Dynon Skyview 10". Just love it. Since the Skyview is only about 2 1/2 inches deep, it could go on the left side, whereas the D180s are about 6" deep and had to go in the middle. Since the transponder is remotely mounted, and controlled through the screen, it doesn't take up any panel space.
I'm not sure why my panel looks so crowded, compared to others', except that it looks like everyone just made theirs much bigger. Anyway, I agree, it is fun to see every panel is so different.
Dennis
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- SuperFly
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Re: Panel Layout
Agreed Dennis, was great meeting you too. I think I met about 6 new faces at OSH that had previously been just "handles" on this forum. Seeing your picture just made me chuckle a bit as I remember your incredibly clever throttle handle.
I like the D180, and I am sure it will work just fine for me, but it was not my first choice. I really wanted the GRT mini-X EFIS, but at the time, it was not yet available. I also stumbled upon the used D180 for a great price and just couldn't pass it up. I also knew the guy selling it, and know how he takes care of things. But yes, as you mentioned, it is deep, and was not ideal to mount. Im happy with how it ended up, but it would have been nice to have the shallower EFIS, as you mentioned, it would have opened up different panel layout options. I just decided the Skyview and similar products was sort of information overload for me. I think they are super cool, but honest assessment, Im a fair weather flyer, and a very light XC traveller.
Wayne, the switch guards are from Eric Jones at Perihelion Design. http://www.periheliondesign.com/
Great guy, and great products.
I have used several of his products in my airplane, including the over voltage relay, spike diodes, and his lightweight copper clad wire.
I like the D180, and I am sure it will work just fine for me, but it was not my first choice. I really wanted the GRT mini-X EFIS, but at the time, it was not yet available. I also stumbled upon the used D180 for a great price and just couldn't pass it up. I also knew the guy selling it, and know how he takes care of things. But yes, as you mentioned, it is deep, and was not ideal to mount. Im happy with how it ended up, but it would have been nice to have the shallower EFIS, as you mentioned, it would have opened up different panel layout options. I just decided the Skyview and similar products was sort of information overload for me. I think they are super cool, but honest assessment, Im a fair weather flyer, and a very light XC traveller.
Wayne, the switch guards are from Eric Jones at Perihelion Design. http://www.periheliondesign.com/
Great guy, and great products.
I have used several of his products in my airplane, including the over voltage relay, spike diodes, and his lightweight copper clad wire.
Best,
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
Ben Schneider
Highlander #263 converted to SuperSTOL
N45FT Now Flying!
http://www.stolairplane.com
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Re: Panel Layout
Ben,
Boy, did I get christened going cross country. I always thought I was just a local flyer, and of course, the Oshkosh thing was a once in a lifetime. NO plans to fly that far again. That said, yeah, the Dynon does way more than I need, or can understand. With my iPad and Foreflight (and a friend's Stratus) I had all I could handle and fly too. Navigation I had in spades, but what I found to be really nice was the "info" button. I could find any upcoming airport and find out all I needed before I got there. Very helpful.
Out west, the airports are alot farther apart and so you pretty much know where you are going before leaving. I know, to just head out isn't the best plan, but I really didn't know for how long or how far I was able to go before I had to cry uncle.
Anyway, hope we can all get together someday a little further west. Billy and Vic Payne are great guys and their "Fun Days" I'd love to go to, but It'd be a long trailering.
Dennis
Boy, did I get christened going cross country. I always thought I was just a local flyer, and of course, the Oshkosh thing was a once in a lifetime. NO plans to fly that far again. That said, yeah, the Dynon does way more than I need, or can understand. With my iPad and Foreflight (and a friend's Stratus) I had all I could handle and fly too. Navigation I had in spades, but what I found to be really nice was the "info" button. I could find any upcoming airport and find out all I needed before I got there. Very helpful.
Out west, the airports are alot farther apart and so you pretty much know where you are going before leaving. I know, to just head out isn't the best plan, but I really didn't know for how long or how far I was able to go before I had to cry uncle.
Anyway, hope we can all get together someday a little further west. Billy and Vic Payne are great guys and their "Fun Days" I'd love to go to, but It'd be a long trailering.
Dennis
- danerazz
- Veteran Member
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- Location: Bangor
Re: Panel Layout
I'm not Ben, but how about these: http://www.periheliondesign.com/switchguards.htmWmilbauer wrote:Ben: what did you use for the separation of your switches?
Wayne
Dane
Paralysis by analysis
#242
Paralysis by analysis
#242
- alan
- Veteran Member
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- Joined: Fri Feb 04, 2005 1:39 am
- Location: Baytown, TX
Re: Panel Layout
Greetings all.
Here is my panel. I added the small black piece partially hidden below the throttle knob several years ago. This mounts a 12v "cigarette lighter" socket to provide inflight power to my cell phone or MP3 player. It was easy and works better than most things I have tried to do. The most recent update is the iFly 720 you see at the top of the panel. Wonderful moving map! It makes those cross country trips, long or short, worry free. I made a very sturdy mount which attaches to the two panel braces located in the middle to the panel under the glare shield. It is very light and vibration free. This panel was designed and built in the early days of glass panels, 2005/6, so I just went with steam gauges. It has gotten me back and forth from Texas to Sun&Fun three times so far.
Keep 'em flying!
Alan
Here is my panel. I added the small black piece partially hidden below the throttle knob several years ago. This mounts a 12v "cigarette lighter" socket to provide inflight power to my cell phone or MP3 player. It was easy and works better than most things I have tried to do. The most recent update is the iFly 720 you see at the top of the panel. Wonderful moving map! It makes those cross country trips, long or short, worry free. I made a very sturdy mount which attaches to the two panel braces located in the middle to the panel under the glare shield. It is very light and vibration free. This panel was designed and built in the early days of glass panels, 2005/6, so I just went with steam gauges. It has gotten me back and forth from Texas to Sun&Fun three times so far.
Keep 'em flying!
Alan
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If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself.
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Re: Panel Layout
Make sure you plan around the airframe tubing. There is a brace on the far left side that will interfere with the installation of some items, especially a deep box like the Dynon D180.
Fuses are great, low $, simple and reliable. MIne are on the back of the firewall, inaccessible during flight. I like the kind that light up when they blow.
I don't like wires hanging off of the panel, so I installed a 12V receptacle (cigarette lighter) beside each seat. They are in that aluminum strip between the seats and the doorframe. They are wired to the battery and are protected by in-line fuses. The headset jacks are in that location also.
Fuses are great, low $, simple and reliable. MIne are on the back of the firewall, inaccessible during flight. I like the kind that light up when they blow.
I don't like wires hanging off of the panel, so I installed a 12V receptacle (cigarette lighter) beside each seat. They are in that aluminum strip between the seats and the doorframe. They are wired to the battery and are protected by in-line fuses. The headset jacks are in that location also.
GDS
So Cal
Highlander #232
Rotax 912ULS, Dynon Skyview
So Cal
Highlander #232
Rotax 912ULS, Dynon Skyview
- Tralika
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- Location: Wasilla Alaska
Re: Panel Layout
GDS,
Do you have any problem snagging the headset wires mounted beside the seats while getting in and out of the plane?
Do you have any problem snagging the headset wires mounted beside the seats while getting in and out of the plane?
John Nealon
Wasilla, Alaska
Highlander Extreme #191
mykitlog.com/jnealon
Wasilla, Alaska
Highlander Extreme #191
mykitlog.com/jnealon