iPad Mount
I’ve seen older posts, but looking for good ideas for mounting iPads in the cockpit and dealing with overheating issues. I currently own an RV10. Thanks
I also have an RV-10, and btw live in southern Arizona, so there is plenty of heat and sun. My iPad has a 9.7" screen--what I describe below may not work as well for a larger iPad, e.g. 12" Pro.
Basically, I use a RAM mounting system, attached to the Center Cabin Brace (p/n WD-1043).
RAM components include:
0.75-1.0" Handlebar Mount (from RAM's motorcycle aisle)
Double Socket Arm
X-Grip Universal Holder (ball on back--I don't recall if that was included with the X-Grip or ordered separately)
Between choosing how far up on the brace to affix the handlebar mount, and adjustability on each end of the arm, you should be able to find a position that works best for you. I use my iPad in portrait orientation. I use it for my EFB, including Wx, moving map/traffic (WiFi from a stratux box), as well as approach plates. For me at least, I prefer that to the PFD (too much real estate lost on an older EFIS with a 7" screen) or GPS Navigator screen (tiny display in the center stack).
I like the positioning because it's not a big transition from looking outside for traffic, or from an instrument scan to cross check an approach plate. Very easy to tap, scroll, etc... without going "head down". As positioned, my view of the upper left corner of the co-pilot side MFD is blocked. Basically for me (GRT Sport SX), I can't see fuel flow on the screen most often used without leaning to my right. Not a big deal as fuel flow is also shown on the PFD.
If I were to completely lose the electrical system (incl. B/U batteries), split screen mode would let me have a pseudo PFD, with GPS altitude and groundspeed instead of airspeed with this arrangement, and a chart or plate below it, again without a lot of head movement. I've shot a practice approach with that configuration, using the PFD/GPS info on top and the geo-referenced plate below (or left/right if rotated to landscape view). Not how I'd like to regularly fly, and of course not "legal", but in what would clearly be an emergency situation...
This has been my setup since 2018. Bottom line, I've never had an overheat situation while the iPad has been in the mount. I assume that the back of the X-Grip blocks some of the heat transfer. Taking it out of the mount and setting it on the seat before or after the flight is a different matter.