VAF Forums

VAF Forums (https://vansairforce.net/community/index.php)
-   RV-7/7A (https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=7)
-   -   Instrument Panel Review (another one!) (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=29561)

lostpilot28 05-01-2008 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuckWynd (Post 219434)
Sonny,

In addition to the excellent suggests above, I'd suggest moving your "EFIS backup battery" switch over to the right side of the panel somewhere -- for the same reason that Bill R. suggested moving the ELT over there: it's a rarely used item.

Buck,
Actually it'll be used every time the electrical system is turned on or off. The reason is that the MGL wiring is setup so that the EFIS runs off the backup battery when no other power is applied.

If you kept the switch on all the time then it would drain the battery between flights and would take a long time to charge back up. If you kept the switch off, it never trickle charges the backup battery. So, on when the power comes on, off when it goes off. I figured a switch next to the Ebuss would be appropriate.

lostpilot28 05-01-2008 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan (Post 219468)

Another useful indicator light is a "starter" light. I have one wired to the starter side of the starter solenoid so it will indicate a stuck solenoid if it is still lit after I release the starter switch.

Speaking of Indicator lights...the MGL EFIS has a(nother) cool feature if you connect the I/O extender module (~ $150). If I understand it correctly, it can detect analog signals (like trim and flap position sensors) and hi/lo signals...I would use the "hi" signal to flash a warning on the EFIS for a stuck starter, or lo for a dead alternator, etc.

Of course, you can also have it give you an aural warning - which I plan to use. I love betty. :D

N941WR 05-01-2008 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostpilot28 (Post 219474)
I'm going with Fuses. The 3 fuse blocks (batt, main, essential) are mounted up under the panel where I can't get to them in flight (I like it that way, so no offense to those that don't!).

Sonny,

Even though you don't plan on getting to the fuses in flight, design and install your fuse panel so it flips down. This will just make future maintenance easier. There is nothing worse than pulling out a seat and sliding under the panel, head first, to work on something.

From this point on, plan everything with future maintenance in mind.

To this end I used lots of plate nuts and Adel clamps secured with cap screws. The cap screws were used because they are much easier to install and remove than Phillips head screws. You can see some of the plate nuts and Adel clamps I used in this picture:

lostpilot28 05-01-2008 07:23 PM

OK, newest Revision
 
OK, I've used some of your suggestions. Bill R., I sat in my plane and found that with my hand on the throttle I was more comfortable with the flaps on the left and the carb heat on the right...not sure why, but chalk it up to personal preference.

I've also added the emergency brake, a 12V DC plug and rearranged the switches. I feel good about everything at this point. Thanks for everyone's help!


N941WR 05-01-2008 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostpilot28 (Post 219562)
Bill R., I sat in my plane and found that with my hand on the throttle I was more comfortable with the flaps on the left and the carb heat on the right...not sure why, but chalk it up to personal preference.

No problem at all. Remember, this is your plane, build it the way you want it and don't let anyone tell you you must do it their way.

I put the flaps to the right of the TQ because that is where it was on the plane I learned to fly in. There is nothing wrong with your location, as long as you are happy with it.

In my panel layout, I arranged the switches by what I call "phase of flight" rather than function. Thus all the lights are not grouped together.

One thing I did was to put together a full size panel moc up and looked at every day for two months. In that time I kept moving things around until I was happy with it.

sjhurlbut 05-02-2008 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by az_gila (Post 219341)
Sonny, minor point, but you might want to separate the Strobe/Nav Light switch into two switches.

There may be occasions where the strobe will reflect back and be annoying, but the nav lights should remain on....

On my Tiger the following is a required placard...

On instrument panel:
"CAUTION: FLASHING BEACON IN CLOUDS MAY CAUSE VISUAL DISORIENTATION."
"TURN OFF STROBE IN CLOUD, FOG, OR HAZE. TAXI WITH STROBE OFF."


gil A

Or you can do as I did and use a switch where down is OFF, center is NAV, and up is NAV and STROBE. That way still only 1 switch.

Steve
RV7A

lostpilot28 05-02-2008 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjhurlbut (Post 219634)
Or you can do as I did and use a switch where down is OFF, center is NAV, and up is NAV and STROBE. That way still only 1 switch.

Steve
RV7A

Yep, that's what I'm doing. I like off to be "down". :D

Canadian_JOY 05-02-2008 07:59 AM

The concept of going with a cardboard mockup panel is an excellent one. I made a mockup with colour pictures of all the bits and pieces taped to the cardboard. That sat where I could see it from my office for over a month. Then I had a pilot friend over for a visit and as we sat in the living room I could see him eyeing up my panel mockup. He's a great guy and so didn't want to bruise my ego, but couldn't help himself and had to make a suggestion. That suggestion entailed large-scale change in the panel layout.

After another month or so of staring at the mockup I made a couple of minor tweaks and then cut the metal. Now, with about 40 hours on the new panel, I can honestly say that my investment in cardboard and scaled pictures was worth every second of time I put into it. And my friend's suggestions are what transformed this panel from a "good" panel to a "great" panel. After flying behind this panel I wouldn't change a thing, except I might consider using an electric primer instead of the Essex primer mounted in the panel. "Might" - I'm still not sure this luddite wants to depend on an electric primer. ;-)

Canadian_JOY 05-02-2008 08:02 AM

One quick point to add... Others here have suggested moving the ELT switch to the far side of the panel because it is infrequently used. I would caution against this approach. When you need to use an ELT switch the situation is grave and you likely won't have a whole lot of spare time on your hands. For that reason I would suggest mounting the ELT switch where it can quickly and easily be reached by your non-flying hand. Mine's installed under the EFIS do so I can hit it with either hand if necessary.

Sam Buchanan 05-02-2008 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canadian_JOY (Post 219669)
One quick point to add... Others here have suggested moving the ELT switch to the far side of the panel because it is infrequently used. I would caution against this approach. When you need to use an ELT switch the situation is grave and you likely won't have a whole lot of spare time on your hands. For that reason I would suggest mounting the ELT switch where it can quickly and easily be reached by your non-flying hand. Mine's installed under the EFIS do so I can hit it with either hand if necessary.


You are also more apt to see the little LED flashing due to a false trigger if the ELT panel is in front of you.

Did I miss the aux fuel pump switch on the panel layout?

My panel has toggles, starting from the left, for master, fuel pump, left mag, right mag, strobes, etc, (the starter is off by itself so I can't hit it accidentally). That way the prestart flow is to start from the left and work to the right across the switches. Makes it harder to leave something out...... :)


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:06 AM.