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Currently working on a panel w SteinAir. The TO/GA on the stick goes directly to the GMC 507 AP now and doesn't use a discrete. I need to check/ensure it also triggers G3X and GTN, but I think it may. Aparrently w the GMC 307, it had to use discretes.
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GMC/G3X
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All things are inteconnected, grasshopper
I'm so glad this thread popped up. I'm very early in the build process, but I started to think about my avionics, switchology and stick buttons. These things are all intertwined and need to be considered in relation to each other. I've got a couple of posts on my construction log dealing with these things. These are just the beginning of my thoughts and there is more to come. I use MyKitLog for a construction log and it doesn't give you a lot of space to capture your thoughts. That's not necessarily a bad thing because it forces you to be brief and to the point.
Basically, I wanted to write down the criteria for joystick buttons and the logic for choosing to include or exclude them. Having things in writing forces one to think through the reasons why you should or should not put a function in a particular place. This gives you time to realize that what seems to be a good idea initially really isn't when you think about it for a bit. For the record, I feel that a starter button on the joystick is a really, really bad idea. Panel design Joystick switch philosophy There's a saying at work. "Make functions earn their place on the panel or control." I'm a detail oriented person, so an exercise like this just makes sense. This same procedure is necessary for switches as well. For example, is it really a good idea to put the avionics master switch right next to the fuel pump switch? (hint: no!) That'll be my next avionics post when I get time. Once I'm reasonably satisfied with the logic for the entire system, I'll go to Kinko's and get a full scale print of the panel, paste it to some cardboard and go through operational flows to help build checklists and to see if there's any further room for improvement. I wanted to get an early start on this process so I can lay the initial groundwork and let it marinate in the back on my brain for a while. I'll revisit it from time to time throughout the build and tweak it as required. When it comes time to commit to the avionics I'll have a solid plan in place when I discuss with whoever I choose to build my panel (probably Steinair). Unnecessary P.S.: My 100th post! |
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Another point about what to (not) put on the switch is don't put anything "dangerous" on the stick where inadvertent activation or de-activation would be an issue.
Flaps on the stick? Only if you need to activate them promptly, like dumping flaps after landing. If I had that on my RV-8, I'd use it. I would not have it on the RV-9A. Boost pump on the stick? Nope. Not needed in a hurry nor frequently, the two major criteria for what goes on the stick. And you'd need a light somewhere to tell if it was on, most likely. Quiet dark cockpit philosophy says normal operation is lights off. I would not put boost pump on the stick. Human factors is, in a way, like edge distance specifications on rivets. Things aren't guaranteed to cause trouble immediately if you make up your own rules... Ed Ed |
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To each their own, that's why we do these things. |
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Not to hijack this thread (ok maybe for a couple of posts) what did you do at Boeing? I'm in Fleet Support doing structural repairs on the 777X. |
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The original cockpit layout (by the original builder) had the boost pump switch on the right-hand side switch panel, so I had to switch hands on the stick to turn it on and off....not the best layout by any means. It needed to be moved and putting it on the stick supports my HOTAS philosophy. |
OK, I'll weigh in here...
PTT Trim (pitch and roll) AP disconnect/CWS (Dynon uses the same button for both...hold 2s to engage CWS, momentary for AP D/D) Smoke NOT on the stick: Starter - much too dangerous IMO Boost pump - turned on or off so far before or after landing or take-off that it's not necessary on the stick COMM functions - used infrequently and better to tune and swap at the same time; switching between Com1 and Com2 is even more infrequent Flaps - avoid inadvertent triggering; flaps toggle is conveniently located by the throttle quadrant This has worked very well for me...KISS. Panel switchology is a separate discussion :) |
My plan right now is Infinity grips, as follows:
Trigger = Com 1 PTT Hat = Pitch/roll trim RH thumb = flaps LH thumb = Com 1 flip/flop (very useful in formation flight) Lower thumb = AP disconnect/CWS Pinkie = Smoke (with a separate "Chemtrail dispenser arm" switch on the panel :D) I may swap the flip/flop and smoke buttons. I'm also planning for Com 2 PTT on the throttle. For a long time I saw no point in anything beyond PTT, and trim if you had it. Then Dad put in smoke and a flip-flop button, and I flew someone's -7 with flaps on the stick. Now I appreciate having all that on the stick a lot more. |
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