What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Show us your panel!

Here's a video of making that carbon fiber panel blank via infusion. It's a lot of work, but it results in very nice parts (mostly) without pinholes, once you figure out the gotchas. The biggest of those is making sure the vacuum seal is perfect. It's not OK to just rely on continual vacuum pumping, because with a leaky vacuum bag that pulls air through the part. And it's not OK to just let the vacuum dissipate after the epoxy infusion is complete, because then it will migrate away from the part.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJvKp5INuLM

Really neat, I didn't know there was that much involved with the carbon lay up. Thanks for sharing.
 
RV8 show planes canopy system32

You might want to investigate switch guards for those rockers based on location. When confronted with similar set up I found myself constantly knocking the switches on and off as I moved my hands around the panel. Especially when changing hands on the stick and going up to touch the GDU 460. I guess I flail around like Van Morison when I fly. Bar style or similar type from PerihelionDesign.com may want to be investigated.
 
After many hour of work I was finally able to power up my new panel this weekend and start the post install checklists. I want to thank everyone on this great site for posting their panels, I used many of the ideas and builds of others in my design.
 

Attachments

  • 8892EC83-13B8-4CEF-A71B-4FB7D8B86CA1.jpg
    8892EC83-13B8-4CEF-A71B-4FB7D8B86CA1.jpg
    257.2 KB · Views: 679
Looking good!

Eric,
Your panel looks great. It is exactly the configuration I have anticipated for my 8-A. Could you tell me the source for your switches? Also, what is your ignition configuration and why do you have only one switch for ignition?
Thanks!
Steve
 
I purchased all the switches from digikey with the exception of the warning light. Found that on eBay. The switches are AML34FBA4AC01 which are pricy but I wanted to future proof my design. The caution/warning light is a AML41DBA2. I made a spacer which goes between the red and yellow bulbs so only the caut or warn letters light up when activated. The smart glide button is a AML21CBA2AC.

The IGN switch activates the power to the keyed starter switch. If I did it again I’d probably omit the switch and just run the power straight to the keyed start switch.

The lights on the switches are controlled through the dimmer and are on an independent circuit from the switch function.

Eventually I want to install a GTX375 once the bank account recovers.
 
Rocker Switches

I purchased all the switches from digikey with the exception of the warning light. Found that on eBay. The switches are AML34FBA4AC01 which are pricy but I wanted to future proof my design. The caution/warning light is a AML41DBA2. I made a spacer which goes between the red and yellow bulbs so only the caut or warn letters light up when activated. The smart glide button is a AML21CBA2AC…..

ntspdy, I looked on their webpage and didn’t see rocker caps with labeling. Did you find them on there?

LJ
 
Last edited:
After many hour of work I was finally able to power up my new panel this weekend and start the post install checklists. I want to thank everyone on this great site for posting their panels, I used many of the ideas and builds of others in my design.

Nice. That's about the layout I'm going toward, with a few different details. Using a portrait G3X in the center and enough space on the right for an iPad mini. I think I'll have enough space on the left above the radios for the G5 (which I haven't bought - so maybe instead a mechanical airspeed?)
 
Just did my panel few months ago.
 

Attachments

  • E563783B-744E-4D52-9B97-D910F89D0ED8.jpg
    E563783B-744E-4D52-9B97-D910F89D0ED8.jpg
    361.1 KB · Views: 715
GRT Panel getting there.

New panel with dual GRT Sport EX’s, GRT Mini X coming together. GRT’s flush mounted using 3D printed mounts.
 

Attachments

  • 9DB82408-D1DD-4F9A-BFF7-81FBF93C2EE7.jpg
    9DB82408-D1DD-4F9A-BFF7-81FBF93C2EE7.jpg
    697.5 KB · Views: 170
  • 25286E11-ADA5-4DBE-80EC-B699862DEF77.jpg
    25286E11-ADA5-4DBE-80EC-B699862DEF77.jpg
    846.2 KB · Views: 179
  • 0D3E0D2E-2970-4BC8-AE56-16AD99CB4CC3.jpg
    0D3E0D2E-2970-4BC8-AE56-16AD99CB4CC3.jpg
    416.9 KB · Views: 188
  • CF2D71D7-D535-4A25-B110-C70226108C25.jpg
    CF2D71D7-D535-4A25-B110-C70226108C25.jpg
    438.2 KB · Views: 264
  • EFA5534E-7C37-4B60-AA32-EBBEBEB2C3E4.jpg
    EFA5534E-7C37-4B60-AA32-EBBEBEB2C3E4.jpg
    316.2 KB · Views: 193
Sorry about the missed thread posting. I do agree with foghorn.
Thanks for the comments!
 
Panel in Progress

Dual G3x, G5, GTN 650, GMA245, GTX45R, GTR200. Harness built by SteinAir.

Don Broussard
RV9 Rebuild in Progress
57 Pacer
 

Attachments

  • 61890659-948B-4317-BADF-8834DDF28775.jpg
    61890659-948B-4317-BADF-8834DDF28775.jpg
    564.4 KB · Views: 564
  • 211E2C95-E927-420B-9EE3-38BDD6067727.jpg
    211E2C95-E927-420B-9EE3-38BDD6067727.jpg
    514.2 KB · Views: 442
  • 75A0F9F1-DD10-4A3C-BC4C-30848E9EB2EF.jpg
    75A0F9F1-DD10-4A3C-BC4C-30848E9EB2EF.jpg
    411.7 KB · Views: 393
Interesting

Dual G3x, G5, GTN 650, GMA245, GTX45R, GTR200. Harness built by SteinAir.

Don Broussard
RV9 Rebuild in Progress
57 Pacer

Your harness looks very clean and nice. Impressive.
It is interesting to see where you placed the boxes as compared to where I had to go with them.

We all seem to be cutting down the top ribs to get the screen up high. Maybe Vans should make new top ribs with this cut out; I don't think anybody is building steam anymore.
 
Last edited:
Been flying my recently finished panel for a few weeks now. Steve at Aero Performance Specialties in Chino did a fantastic job.
 

Attachments

  • 6D930D4E-3309-49C3-976C-82CDB162A771.jpeg
    6D930D4E-3309-49C3-976C-82CDB162A771.jpeg
    387.8 KB · Views: 631
Carbon fiber panel blank

I did a couple of posts in this thread on page 80 of the carbon fiber RV8 instrument panel blank with the bump in the bottom to allow a longer stick.

I made five such parts, one I gave to a neighbor, and I’ll keep the last one. A couple other parts are usable, with some minor blemishes that could be easily fixed.

There are materials left enough to do another part or two if there is interest. One of the neighbor kids is helping me on the -8, and he would like some experience doing an infusion.

Bottom line, if anyone is interested in one of these, let me know.
 
I did a couple of posts in this thread on page 80 of the carbon fiber RV8 instrument panel blank with the bump in the bottom to allow a longer stick.

I made five such parts, one I gave to a neighbor, and I’ll keep the last one. A couple other parts are usable, with some minor blemishes that could be easily fixed.

There are materials left enough to do another part or two if there is interest. One of the neighbor kids is helping me on the -8, and he would like some experience doing an infusion.

Bottom line, if anyone is interested in one of these, let me know.


Do you have any pics of a finished CF panel?
 
Do you have any pics of a finished CF panel?

Yeah, on page 80 of this thread (I don’t know how to do a link here yet) there is a still shot, and in another post is a link to a video of how I did the infusion.

What I don’t have in the video is building the tool. It’s fairly simple, just a flat plate with a curved bend on the bottom, but I spent a great deal of time doing the curved fillet, polishing the surface, etc. Then doing four tries until I had a part I was happy with.

My excuse for all this was learning how to do it. I am tempted to start some sort of retirement company doing CF parts, but I’m not pulling the trigger on that yet. If I do, I will advertise here. I don’t have anything official set up for this, so for these parts I would have to do some sort of other arrangement. Maybe a trade or something.

I’m now working on a CF fuse panel tool for the right side of the cockpit. This time I’ll do video of the tool building.

Also working on CF rails to mount avionics behind the panel. I’d like to epoxy them in place. I’ve done work on a Lancair and they use a Hysol epoxy to glue the wings together. Like a great big plastic model airplane. But I can’t find an easy source for that epoxy. I did a test using hardware store JB Weld. I’m not sure if I like it (I tested till it broke, but I didn’t have a way to quantify strength - so I’m going to look further).
 
New GRT Panel

Just about done!
 

Attachments

  • 5967B7BA-9F77-41C1-B6EE-19085DFB5066.jpg
    5967B7BA-9F77-41C1-B6EE-19085DFB5066.jpg
    435.4 KB · Views: 461
  • A8CBC54F-315C-4FA0-AAB8-FAA5C9E2DF03.jpg
    A8CBC54F-315C-4FA0-AAB8-FAA5C9E2DF03.jpg
    518.2 KB · Views: 318
  • 434525A5-1F81-4F8D-A6D7-149614BE7E37.jpg
    434525A5-1F81-4F8D-A6D7-149614BE7E37.jpg
    322.8 KB · Views: 405
Garmin 175 added to 11 year old panel


https://photos.app.goo.gl/9geVK8UdfgPbSb816

Moved the GRT EIS to lower left panel to make room. It took a few minutes to install :D and a few calls to GRT and help from Steve Formhals to help me navigate the configurations of each.
 
Last edited:
RV-8 Fastback Panel

Here is my panel built by Aerotronics.
 

Attachments

  • D9D07C29-4283-46C6-BB44-45F9FC3B3D50.jpeg
    D9D07C29-4283-46C6-BB44-45F9FC3B3D50.jpeg
    825.4 KB · Views: 687
N801MC's new panel

Here's a photo of the new panel in my RV-8, completed in December 2022 by Midwest Avionics.
If anyone is interested, I'll be happy to answer questions or respond to comments.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_E4901.jpg
    IMG_E4901.jpg
    303.9 KB · Views: 628
Here's a photo of the new panel in my RV-8, completed in December 2022 by Midwest Avionics.
If anyone is interested, I'll be happy to answer questions or respond to comments.

Did they build the circuit breaker panel on the right as well?
 
Did they build the circuit breaker panel on the right as well?

The breaker console was original, built using the stock Van's part for that location. We redesigned the layout, replaced a bunch of the breakers, and sent the console to Aircraft Engravers: they made a new Lexan overlay to our design.
 
N542RT Panel

Finish Panel.jpgHere's my panel. Tried to keep it simple VFR. Super happy with the great help and service from Aerotronics!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_5582.JPG
    IMG_5582.JPG
    2.3 MB · Views: 584
Last edited:
Just finished updating mine. I thought I was going full G3x when I bought the plane, but the warbird feel of the round dials grew on me. Plus, my wallet is happier. Splurged and had Stein make me a harness, THAT was worth every penny.

New, modern, and digital:

omsYL1Bl.jpg


This was the 20 year old, analog, barely IFR I started with:

OrliMevm.jpg
 
Updated RV8 Panel

Last year I finally updated my 16 year old RV8 panel to an IFR panel. Dynon Skyview stayed the same but updated my COMM, TRXPDR, Intercom, and added G400, ADS-B IN/OUT, & Autopilot buttons.
 

Attachments

  • RV8 Panel.jpg
    RV8 Panel.jpg
    256.4 KB · Views: 259
  • RV8 Panel ON.jpg
    RV8 Panel ON.jpg
    359.8 KB · Views: 342
Just finished updating mine. I thought I was going full G3x when I bought the plane, but the warbird feel of the round dials grew on me. Plus, my wallet is happier. Splurged and had Stein make me a harness, THAT was worth every penny.

New, modern, and digital:

omsYL1Bl.jpg


This was the 20 year old, analog, barely IFR I started with:

OrliMevm.jpg

You only running 1 comm?
 
Backside finished and need a transponder to plug in to. Supposed to be here in March so I’m ready when it arrives.

Will attach the canon plugs next. My goal was to have an easily removable center section.
 

Attachments

  • C4D61729-5F35-46A5-8F2B-ED9131A43678.jpg
    C4D61729-5F35-46A5-8F2B-ED9131A43678.jpg
    501.8 KB · Views: 242
  • 4C48ADB8-9D40-4B86-A1A1-4FAB90D6CE2E.jpg
    4C48ADB8-9D40-4B86-A1A1-4FAB90D6CE2E.jpg
    440.3 KB · Views: 201
Last edited:
Mission accomplished. My wife gets the breakfast room table back.

As soon as the proper power supply comes in, I can start testing. Note that the GEA24’s sensor connectors will not be going thru a CPC.
 

Attachments

  • 7345696C-EF6D-4F33-B9FB-95285E63445C.jpg
    7345696C-EF6D-4F33-B9FB-95285E63445C.jpg
    412.1 KB · Views: 343
Last edited:
Mission accomplished. My wife gets the breakfast room table back.

As soon as the proper power supply comes in, I can start testing. Note that the GEA24’s sensor connectors will not be going thru a CPC.

Looks beautiful!
 
I held my breath as I started testing. No magic smoke escaped. The power connector worked like a dream.

Since the canbus terminates on each wing and is open on each end right now, the units aren’t talking to each other yet. Tomorrow, I’ll put resistors across the hi/lo on the signal CPC for the magnetometer and roll servo and get the conversation started.

What a pleasure it is to do this on a bench instead of working on it upside down and in the hangar. I was reminded of this from a picture I found when I was working on my 7.
 

Attachments

  • 733DA993-986B-4685-93FD-7B8309BA15E6.jpg
    733DA993-986B-4685-93FD-7B8309BA15E6.jpg
    386.8 KB · Views: 312
  • 7548BF01-BFC1-4385-BCCC-3021504DED47.jpeg
    7548BF01-BFC1-4385-BCCC-3021504DED47.jpeg
    1 MB · Views: 140
I purchased this 8a flying, I believe I put the 3rd panel upgrade. When I purchased it, it had two 650’s in it. I added the 750 and a remote com. Perfect setup for me love it.
 

Attachments

  • 40F71DE6-1EFF-4376-9F8D-1CAB4F93BABE.jpg
    40F71DE6-1EFF-4376-9F8D-1CAB4F93BABE.jpg
    479.9 KB · Views: 304
Last edited:
The transponder finally arrived. With the connectors, it was too long to install as planned. So a bit of thought to relocate a few pieces and not have to re-wire the connectors, it turned out as hoped.

With the help of some others, I located the bad solder sleeve and every unit is talking! It’s soooo much easier to be working things out on the bench.

Here is the finished product in demo mode. Everything is on the removable center section. Due to the weight, I’m going to add braces to the side panels.

All switches will be on the left panel. I wanted no switches on the center panel. All annunciators on the right panel. Breakers will be on the Stein “wave”. Also an access door the back of the forward baggage hold. Now I can access the avionics bay 3 ways - remove the G3X, remove the plug and play panel, or thru the baggage hold door.

Since it will be about a month before I put in the fuselage, I’m learning how everything works.
 

Attachments

  • E4838B55-7504-4138-A882-449E720EC95A.jpg
    E4838B55-7504-4138-A882-449E720EC95A.jpg
    499.7 KB · Views: 162
  • D5FAEE5C-D7C5-4D50-BFED-997C1D1FFEBA.jpg
    D5FAEE5C-D7C5-4D50-BFED-997C1D1FFEBA.jpg
    469.4 KB · Views: 155
  • F29BD583-BD99-4D99-B423-2A3F29D87EEC.jpg
    F29BD583-BD99-4D99-B423-2A3F29D87EEC.jpg
    398.3 KB · Views: 234
Basic simple VFR glass on my newest RV6 for this senior citizen. Upgradable, but not intending to do that. Just coming out of the paint shop this week, hopefully.

3319DE9E-15F5-4FD6-8B91-11F09B7B65E0.jpg

921DFCBD-853C-4E8F-84CE-CD2561A1992F.jpg
 
Lift Reserve Indicator

Thanks to the VAF front page and Scott, now I know where I am going to locate my, non electric, Lift Reserve Indicator.

Right in the line of sight, but out of the way.
See it on every approach, and every landing.
Build the muscle memory.

It will be right there when everything else fails.

Right now it is over by the Mag/starter key switch.
I almost never look at it, I'm looking down the runway...

Chuck
 
Thanks to the VAF front page and Scott, now I know where I am going to locate my, non electric, Lift Reserve Indicator.

Right in the line of sight, but out of the way.
See it on every approach, and every landing.
Build the muscle memory.

It will be right there when everything else fails.

Right now it is over by the Mag/starter key switch.
I almost never look at it, I'm looking down the runway...

Chuck

One other thing that’s cool about that LRI is the lighting. I have the under the glareshield strip led I bought from Stein. It was too long, so I cut it to fit. You can make a cut on these every 3 led’s. I cut a 3 light section and soldered a red and black wire to it and taped it to the glass on the face of the LRI under the glareshield where you can’t see it. When I turn it on I get a soft red glow up into the instrument. It puts a big smile on my face every time I turn it on.
It’s right in my line of sight when landing.
 
Back
Top