G3X Equipment mounting

[JDA_BTR]

I'm looking ahead to where I'll mount things in my -8.

The question I have is how much can go under the seats instead of behind the panel and how is that best done?

In the panel:
GNX-375 (GPS/Xpdr)
GNC-255 (Comm/Nav/Intercom)
G3X touch screen (prob 10", maybe 7"), for engine/charts/EFIS
G5
Autopilot panel (maybe skip haven't decided)
The usual switches

Remote:
GEA-24 (instrument sub-panel)
GAD-27 (??? under the seats)
GSU-25 (??? under the seats, next to battery?, still have to run tubing to G5)
GMU-11 (probably on the right wing tip)
GAD-29 (why do we need this these days for one GPS input)
If wanted: second remote radio and audio panel (??? under the seats)
B&C backup alternator controller (instrument sub-panel)

Considerations:
Only one radio, and use headset bluetooth for radio/phone/etc
Maybe skip autopilot panel as no yaw director needed
Keeps number of remote items low
If second radio will get GTR-20 but then need audio panel

[sjhurlbut]

Some answers in bold below - I encourage to mount everything relatively close to each other since they wire up easier via CAN BUS

The question I have is how much can go under the seats instead of behind the panel and how is that best done?

In the panel:
GNX-375 (GPS/Xpdr)
GNC-255 (Comm/Nav/Intercom)
G3X touch screen (prob 10", maybe 7"), for engine/charts/EFIS
G5
Autopilot panel (maybe skip haven't decided)
The usual switches

Remote:
GEA-24 (instrument sub-panel)

Yup on sub panel behind G3X is good idea. There are 4 cables coming out of it however (the most of any of the boxes) so plan on wiring run

GAD-27 (??? under the seats)
I'd sub panel everything - all these units will communicate via CAN BUS and closer they are together the easier it will be

GSU-25 (??? under the seats, next to battery?, still have to run tubing to G5)
Bolts right onto back of GDU screen if you wish - easy

GMU-11 (probably on the right wing tip)
Yup - opposite wing of pitot heat smart

GAD-29 (why do we need this these days for one GPS input)
Believe you need this if you have 2 nav sources - 375+255 - maybe ask Xteam guys

If wanted: second remote radio and audio panel (??? under the seats)
Sub panel as well for me - I use G20A remote radio - you'll need audio panel now however

B&C backup alternator controller (instrument sub-panel)

Considerations:
Only one radio, and use headset bluetooth for radio/phone/etc
Maybe skip autopilot panel as no yaw director needed
Keeps number of remote items low
If second radio will get GTR-20 but then need audio panel[/quote]

[ShortSnorter]

Originally Posted by sjhurlbut

GAD-29 (why do we need this these days for one GPS input)
Believe you need this if you have 2 nav sources - 375+255 - maybe ask Xteam guys

I'm sure my wording is flawed, but I think this is why: Since the GAD 29 converts A429 to CANBUS you need the GAD29 so that all data from GNX375 is shared to CAN.

[laserman]

Take a look at my build log..

Have everything on the removable panel except for the -11 which is in the tunnel..

Try and spend the extra bucks for the -750.. its worth it...


Enjoy.. Be safe...


Al

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by ShortSnorter

I'm sure my wording is flawed, but I think this is why: Since the GAD 29 converts A429 to CANBUS you need the GAD29 so that all data from GNX375 is shared to CAN.

There are no ARINC 429 inputs on either the G5 or the G3X Touch, the GAD 29 is required for this purpose. A single connection from each navigator to the GAD 29 will facilitate the distribution of that particular navigation info to all equipment on the CAN bus. It acts as a hub in a sense, negating the need to wire the navigator to each piece of equipment in the system that consumes the 429 navigation data.

Thanks,

Justin

[g3xpert]

Originally Posted by JDA_BTR

I'm looking ahead to where I'll mount things in my -8.

The question I have is how much can go under the seats instead of behind the panel and how is that best done?

In the panel:
GNX-375 (GPS/Xpdr)
GNC-255 (Comm/Nav/Intercom)
G3X touch screen (prob 10", maybe 7"), for engine/charts/EFIS
G5
Autopilot panel (maybe skip haven't decided)
The usual switches

Remote:
GEA-24 (instrument sub-panel)
GAD-27 (??? under the seats)
GSU-25 (??? under the seats, next to battery?, still have to run tubing to G5)
GMU-11 (probably on the right wing tip)
GAD-29 (why do we need this these days for one GPS input)
If wanted: second remote radio and audio panel (??? under the seats)
B&C backup alternator controller (instrument sub-panel)

Considerations:
Only one radio, and use headset bluetooth for radio/phone/etc
Maybe skip autopilot panel as no yaw director needed
Keeps number of remote items low
If second radio will get GTR-20 but then need audio panel

As long as you are able to secure the GSU 25 to primary aircraft structure under the seat, it may serve as a good location for it. There is a chance however that this location may cause some issues. Exhaust pulse on the bottom of the aircraft has proven troublesome for this location in the past. Worst case scenario, you will end up having to relocate the GSU 25 at that point, requiring re-routing of the pitot/static/AOA lines.

Mounting the GSU 25 directly to the display significantly complicates maintenance access. Without the GSU 25 mounted to the display, you can remove the 4 fasteners that are holding the display in place, and you quickly have access to the forward side of the instrument panel. Instrument panel flex may also present a problem. We see the most success with shelf or bulkhead mounting. There are some good examples in some of the older forum posts on this topic.

Section 19.4.2 is the section of the Installation Manual that provides the general considerations that should be addressed when choosing an installation location for the GSU 25.

Thanks,

Justin

[Lt Dan]

Originally Posted by JDA_BTR

I'm looking ahead to where I'll mount things in my -8.

Autopilot panel (maybe skip haven't decided)

...

If second radio will get GTR-20 but then need audio panel

I’m definitely not an expert but I have yet to find an answer as to why anyone in a light GA airplane has an autopilot control head on the panel with a G3X. My RV-4 had a G3X with a Garmin two axis autopilot and I never once wished I had a control head for any function that I could (or could not) accomplish through the G3X screen. Just valuable real estate completely wasted, unless someone can enlighten me...

As for the audio panel, I want to say I just watched a Garmin demo video where the top inch or so of the G3X served as a “virtual” audio panel. Isn’t that a function of the G3X now? Can the G3xpert chime in here?

[Walt]

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

I’m definitely not an expert but I have yet to find an answer as to why anyone in a light GA airplane has an autopilot control head on the panel with a G3X. My RV-4 had a G3X with a Garmin two axis autopilot and I never once wished I had a control head for any function that I could (or could not) accomplish through the G3X screen. Just valuable real estate completely wasted, unless someone can enlighten me...

As for the audio panel, I want to say I just watched a Garmin demo video where the top inch or so of the G3X served as a “virtual” audio panel. Isn’t that a function of the G3X now? Can the G3xpert chime in here?

All I can say is once you fly with an AP control panel you will wonder how you lived without it (at least for IFR it's invaluable).
I won't install a panel without one.

[JDA_BTR]

I have the autopilot panel in my 14. I use it all the time for the buttons but not the knobs.

[Rick_A]

Originally Posted by JDA_BTR

I have the autopilot panel in my 14. I use it all the time for the buttons but not the knobs.

I use my AP panel all the time but I use the knobs a lot. My goal is to keep my HDG sync'd with my course at all times. Easy with a push of the HDG knob on the AP panel. This way, if I switch from NAV mode to HDG I remain on course.

If I'm getting headings from ATC, a simple twist of the HDG knob makes it easy to comply. If I'm doing my own navigation, I use the HGD knob to dial in the new heading. I like to use the extended course line that pops up on the G3X map to determine the course I want to fly.

I also try to keep the ALT sync'd so I get an alert if I deviate more than 200 feet. I also use the ALT to give my self a warning even when fly by hand.