Please critique my panel.

[RV8R999]

The xpdr generates more heat than any of the other "boxes". I put mine on top for this very reason. I have audio, NAV/COMM, Xpdr bottom to top based on heat generated by each. Just a thought.

[Neal@F14]

Originally Posted by RV8R999

The xpdr generates more heat than any of the other "boxes". I put mine on top for this very reason. I have audio, NAV/COMM, Xpdr bottom to top based on heat generated by each. Just a thought.

The Garmin 327 transponder in the RV-8 I fly hardly generates any heat at all... always stays cool to the touch. The 430 gets a little warm however, even with it's internal cooling fan.

Originally Posted by tadsargent

Java, How would you ID the VOR without the audio panel. I guess you could wire it in but the audio panel makes it a snap, also adding a switchable panel after the fact is quite a bit of work when you want the second radio. I did this last year and I was quite a feat for me.
Regards

I didn't use an audio panel when I wired up the RV-8, only a PM-3000 stereo intercom. I used one of the two unswitched aux audio inputs on the intercom for the 430's VOR audio, and the other for the Dynon's audio alert.

[java]

Originally Posted by tadsargent

Java, How would you ID the VOR without the audio panel. I guess you could wire it in but the audio panel makes it a snap, also adding a switchable panel after the fact is quite a bit of work when you want the second radio. I did this last year and I was quite a feat for me.
Regards

Another reason I hadn't thought of, but to be honest, I don't think I've used VOR's for navigation since my checkride.

Local navigation I do by looking out the window... longer by GPS and charts.

[John Courte]

Originally Posted by dhall_polo

Yeah, This layout would not allow you install the canopy eject handle. If you want that, you'll need to lower the middle radio stack. a few inches. I think if you can line up the top of the center stack with the mgl, it'll look a little better anyway and allow the canopy eject. I think 1 row of switches looks better even if it extends right of the middle stack. You can drop the headset inputs down closer to the bottom flange.

I deleted the canopy eject handle during that point in the build. The pins are secured by bolts and bars adel-clamped to the hinge block brackets, so behind the subpanel is wide open space. You make a good point about lining up the top of the stack with the EFIS. Maybe I'll put the switches on the top row and the xpdr on the bottom, but I'll have to check out interference and obstruction of the buttons from view or reach.

The clearance to the angle behind the panel is good, that's one of the first things I checked, and the panel outline is modified from Van's in that I measured from top to bottom on my actual panel and put the bottom line at that distance. If van's drawing is a pre-bent part that would totally make sense as to why it seemed a lot taller than my panel.

Thanks for all your suggestions and comments, this is a big help.

[fmarino1976]

Another reason to put the tranponder below the GNS430 is to separate it from the audio panel. We have found that if you put the audio panel too close to the transponder you are more likely to pick up transponder noise on the audio system. This becomes especially bothersome if you have noise cancelling headsets since you can hear electrical noise above the normal cabin noise. But as with all things electrical, YMMV.

[Mike S]

I like it

As to the audio panel, the MGL EFIS is designed to run a remote radio, so there is another possibility.

[RV7Guy]

Hi John,

A couple of things come to mind

1) I'd move the headset jacks off the panel. On my tip up, I have them mounted on the support beam from the roll bar to the baggage bulkhead. Keeps the wires out of our way during flight, entry and egress.

2) I can't tell what the audio panel is but give some consideration to the PSE 8000 with MP3 and blue tooth. It is a drop in replacement for the 340. Excellent piece of equipment.

3) Also consider another comm like and SL40. Very helpful when flying in busy airspace.

4) As Rosie noted, put the transponder on the bottom.

5) I don't know if the MGL incorporates the auto pilot but either way, take a look at the Trutrak Gemini auto pilot. This gives you an auto pilot, altimeter, airspeed and artificial horizon all in one instrument. An all in one back up for IFR.

6) Don't know if you are locked into the MGL but take a look at the Advanced Flight 5600. It is a big screen TV as well. It is the next evolution in the proven AFS line.

7) Consider another screen on the right side to balance things out and give you some back up.

You don't mention what your time frame is for completion but be flexible. Things change monthly and you might have a complete do over

[DHeal]

I like to have the top of the audio panel stand proud of the instrument panel surface -- that gives you a little "ledge" to rest your fingers on to stabilize your hand when pushing avionics buttons in turbulence. -- DHeal

[Mike D]

Just my thoughts, but I would not put the master (or any toggles) under the audio/xponder stack. I have more than once been reaching for the audio stack only to hit turbulence. If the toggles were under your hand it could shut them off. Even with guards I would not put them there.

Look at Doug?s toggle placement (top of the panel). Or others have put them on the left of the EFIS. I would not put them below the EFIS or when you climb out you might knock the master on with your knee.

Yep, xponder on the bottom.

[Jekyll]

My, what a big MFD you have...

My comment is about comm jack location. I'm not a fan of having them on the panel. My soultion was to make a small jack housing behind my elbow on the arm rest. it doesn't get in the way, adds some strength to the arm rest and the wires can be tucked under your harness out or the way.



Jekyll
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