RAM Holder for iPad

Pat Hatch · #1 09-07-2010, 05:42 PM

I finally got the iPad holder today that I've had on order since May. RAM Mounts kept pushing back the availability date, supposedly because of mold problems in its development.

Anyway, I'm posting a mini review in the event anyone might be interested in going this route for their iPad. I had been using the knee-board holder that I suspect a lot of folks have been using, an aluminum box with a hinged top containing a spring clamp. It works well but I thought there was a better solution for my particular setup.

So I went out to the hangar this afternoon to try it out in the hangar and take a few pictures. Here are a couple of the holder:

And this is what it looks like from the baggage compartment with a wide-angle lens:

I'll post a couple of more pictures in the next post.

Pat Hatch · #2 09-07-2010, 05:52 PM

So far, I'm quite satisfied with this setup. The quality of the holder is typical of RAM mounts--very good. It's plenty sturdy and looks like it will hold up well. The iPad is inserted into the bottom of the holder and then the top finger that has a small roller is pulled over the top and latches into position. I'll list the parts I used in case anyone is interested:

2 ea. Bases: p/n RAM-B-202U
1 ea. Arm: p/n RAM-B-201U-C (about 5.2" long)
1 ea. Holder: p/n RAM-HOL-AP8U

Here are a couple of panel pictures. The first picture shows the rear of the holder where it attaches to the panel:

And here a picture of the iPad stowed against the right side of the interior:

I'll post a couple of more pictures in the next post.

Pat Hatch · #3 09-07-2010, 05:59 PM

The holder arm provides for an unlimited number of adjustments/positions for the iPad. I haven't flown it yet and will probably update this review when I do, but I expect that it will work just fine. It's pretty locked in when the arm is tightened down. Also, I used an anti-glare film on my iPad which really helps in direct sunlight. I have found, however, that with the Koger shade, the iPad is entirely readable.

Here are a couple of pics taken from the pilot seat:

The holder runs about $35 and is a good value in my opinion. Highly recommended!

Snowflake · #4 09-07-2010, 06:20 PM

Hmm... That requires that your iPad be out of it's carrying case, unfortunately. I'm going to keep looking for a solution that lets me use the case I have, or at the very least has a case of its own that mates to some kind of stand. Looks nice there in the cockpit, though I would be worried about brightness out in the daylight.

Brantel · #5 09-07-2010, 06:47 PM

Are the screens better on the ipad in sun than the iphone? If not I can't imagine trying to use one in an RV...

I have never seen one in real life so I have no idea.

Vlad · #6 09-07-2010, 06:56 PM

Nice set up Pat. I am ordering the mount thanks for report.

Pat Hatch · #7 09-07-2010, 07:24 PM

Brantel,

There have been a few threads that cover in depth the screen brightness/glare and suitability of the iPad as an EFB. I'm not really trying to cover that aspect here. Just trying to give some insight for those who already have an iPad and are trying to figure out how to mount it, etc.

But since you asked: don't have an iPhone, so can't say how it compares.

But I would describe the screen in direct sunlight, under the Koger shade, as adequate. I use the iPad as an imperfect EFB, if you will. I'm trying to eliminate the necessity of carrying paper charts when filing IFR, for a reasonable cost. So far, the iPad is the best compromise for me for the money. Is it perfect? Not yet, but it's a big step forward. When in IMC conditions, the glare is not an issue, and in direct sunlight, with the non-glare screen and Koger shade, as I said, adequate, not bad. That's just my opinion and obviously may not be for everyone, especially if you're looking for perfection.

Having said that, I still print out paper copies of the destination approaches as backup. I'm still hedging a bit I guess, we'll see as I gain experience with it. I wouldn't get the iPad if I were going to use it solely for VFR flying.

Hope this helps!

Pat Hatch · #8 09-09-2010, 08:44 PM

Went up flying today late in the day to try to get some glare on the iPad for some photos and also to try out the new iPad holder and mount. Here are some representative examples, some with glare and others as the sun was going down to simulate IMC conditions. Anyway, hope others will get some idea of the suitability of the iPad as an EFB.

Also here is a comparison of the iPad brightness next to the excellent screen on the MX-20 MFD.

Here is the worst of the glare I saw today:

Typical view in the shade from the Koger blind:

This was on final as the sun was setting behind me:

By the way, the RAM mount performed flawlessly. I am very happy with it!

And the standard disclaimer: I have no connection with RAM or iPad, just a happy customer.

tkatc · #9 09-09-2010, 09:01 PM

Yeah...you DEFINATELY needed more things to look at on that panel. Looked so bare without it.

erich weaver · #10 09-09-2010, 09:39 PM

Gonna get me one of those.
Thinking that I may attach it onto the panel with the suction cup mount instead of the screw-in hard mount though. Will test that out to make sure that it is reliable first.

Thanks for the tip!

Erich