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01-16-2017, 08:05 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 299
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Building a Budget for RV 10 Panel
Just getting started on a RV10 build. I have created my budget for panel components, but wanted some experienced insight on cost to do a "Plug and Play" panel. Frequently fly IFR and plan to go with full Garmin G3X touch suite of products. (Dual 10" screens, auto pilot, GTN650, etc...) Retail cost of avionics list is about $35k.
I would like to do much of the wiring myself (because I think that will be a part of the fun of the build). I can build most anything, but am very weak in electronics.
It's way too early for me to get a actual bid, so was hoping someone could give me their "back of the napkin" advice for budgeting the $'s for a plug and play panel.
I have no ideal if the cost would be $1k or $30k for getting an expert to do it for me. Any insight would be appreciated!
Also any general advice related to trying to tackle this part of the build myself would be appreciated. (pay someone else, or it's doable on your own)
__________________
Randy Vanstory
Flying RV10 - N783V
1st Flight 08/20/2020
Donation Happily Made 2020
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01-16-2017, 08:11 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Europe
Posts: 601
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Welcome!
Welcome aboard! Official welcome will follow. This forum is awesome.
Interesting question. Can't give you an answer (still busy building my tail)... But I too look forward to do some wiring. I think it will be fun.
__________________
VAF dues paid for 2020 
RV7-A (N137MX Reserved) - Wings Started...
RV7-A - Rebuild Done - Flying!
Cessna Rocket 210HP - Best dang 172 Ever made! (sold)
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01-16-2017, 08:47 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Dogwood Airpark (VA42)
Posts: 2,597
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rvanstory
Just getting started on a RV10 build. I have created my budget for panel components, but wanted some experienced insight on cost to do a "Plug and Play" panel. Frequently fly IFR and plan to go with full Garmin G3X touch suite of products. (Dual 10" screens, auto pilot, GTN650, etc...) Retail cost of avionics list is about $35k.
I would like to do much of the wiring myself (because I think that will be a part of the fun of the build). I can build most anything, but am very weak in electronics.
It's way too early for me to get a actual bid, so was hoping someone could give me their "back of the napkin" advice for budgeting the $'s for a plug and play panel.
I have no ideal if the cost would be $1k or $30k for getting an expert to do it for me. Any insight would be appreciated!
Also any general advice related to trying to tackle this part of the build myself would be appreciated. (pay someone else, or it's doable on your own)
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Do it on your own. The only issue will be having your avionics vendor of choice provide a harness for the GTN-650 (I did my own harness, but I think most vendors will not sell you the GTN-650 without one - make sure they provide a lead for all serial connections). Products like the Dynon SkyView and the G3X require no electronic skills. You just need to learn how to make crimp connectors. Once you have the proper tool this too is easy: http://www.steinair.com/product/4-way-indent-crimper/
I can tell you I helped an RV-14 builder with a "plug and play" panel. The rework I had to do was twice that if I just started with a piece of blank aluminum.
Once you start to get prices for a nice shiny panel, you might have a different view. Send me your email in a PM and I'll send a detailed RV-10 cost spreadsheet you can use for reference.
I've done several panels and panel updates. Doing the panel yourself will provide a wealth of knowledge for how stuff works, and a firm foundation when you do your panel updates (typically after the first 18 months or so you find something that is not in the right position, a new switch layout, etc.).
Carl
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01-16-2017, 09:03 AM
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Senior Curmudgeon
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Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
Posts: 15,420
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Welcome to VAF!
Randy, welcome aboard the good ship VAF
You are going to have a lot of questions when wiring the panel, so make notes and start off by reading Bob Nuckols book, Aeroelectric Connection. http://aeroelectric.com/
I will second Stein as a resource that you will be glad you dealt with. They can do as much or as little as you want toward your panel------built the entire thing, provide a wiring loom, or simply a schematic drawing.
I like having Stein make a schematic for complicated stuff, I get 3 copies and use one to make notes/changes/ideas etc on as I am building, one for the final "as built" drawing with any changer or additions, and just keep one as a spare.
Good luck, it is not that hard to do if you plan things out, and take your time.
__________________
Mike Starkey
VAF 909
Rv-10, N210LM.
Flying as of 12/4/2010
Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011 
Sold after 240+ wonderful hours of flight.
"Flying the airplane is more important than radioing your plight to a person on the ground incapable of understanding or doing anything about it."
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01-16-2017, 09:36 AM
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Watertown, NY
Posts: 38
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Wiring
The actual wiring is not difficult. The hardest part is getting everything drawn out. Components talk to each other and you have to figure out where each pin on each connector goes for all your components. You can do this by reviewing the manual for each component and trying to draw it out, but even if you went with all Garmin stuff, sometimes the naming conventions for pins change between manuals so it can be a giant mess.
If you really want to do it yourself, I would recommend at least getting a good wiring diagram from SteinAir. Then all you have to worry about is making sure everything is mechanically wired up correctly. This is where you get the most bang for your buck in terms of time/frustration savings.
You can always have them do more if you want. Laser cut panel, wire harnesses, etc.
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01-16-2017, 09:43 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 913
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Stein can give you a quick and dirty panel quote. Then you can spend some time going through it and figuring out what everything is and if you actually need or want each certain pieces of equipment. I used his quote as a basis to a few of my electrical panel drawings, really helped out.
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01-16-2017, 09:59 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Livermore, CA
Posts: 6,797
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As you said, it's too early to spend money. But it's fun to think about. I second Carl's advice: it's just one wire at a time.
Something to think about: almost everything is connected these days via digital lines following one of many RS-232 standards. Most avionics will have pairs of ports (input/output). Usually the input and output can go to different devices but only if they both run at the same speed. You need to match up the requirements of all interconnected boxes, and then make sure you have enough input/output ports on your selected avionics. Draw up an interconnection schematic.
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01-16-2017, 11:05 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New Braunfels
Posts: 299
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Perfect advice! I didn't even think about hiring the schematic part out, then doing the wiring myself. This option should fit me nicely. It really was the schematic part that was giving me the most heartburn. If an expert can do this part for me, it would seem that crimping wires won't be that technically challenging for an electronics newbie.
Thanks for all the feedback and "welcome aboards". I'm looking forward to delivery of my tail kit on Wednesday. Today is finish up day for tool organization and shop set up. Can't wait to get started!!

__________________
Randy Vanstory
Flying RV10 - N783V
1st Flight 08/20/2020
Donation Happily Made 2020
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01-16-2017, 11:42 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: NH
Posts: 226
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Enjoy the ride, Randy!
It's a lot of fun.
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01-16-2017, 11:51 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Oklahoma City
Posts: 913
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You will be amazed at how much you learn in building your own plane vs just being an owner.
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