GPS "Panel Mount"

txaviator · #1 02-02-2005, 02:20 PM

Somewhere I recently saw a prototype for a panel insert, which would take one of the normal handheld GPS units (Garmin, etc.) and make it a dash/panel mount. It looked as if you could almost flush mount it into the panel, rather than having it protruding out. I am thinking this may be a nice option to get the semi 'in panel' look, but save a ton of money versus a regular moving map, panel mount.

Does anyone recall seeing this device, or info about it? Thanks!

painless · #2 02-02-2005, 05:27 PM

Not sure about a device, but my Lowrance Airmap 1000 mounts right in the panel and protrudes no more than 3/4 inch. They have the case engineered for us homebuilders, me thinks....

Regards,

N916K · #3 02-02-2005, 05:29 PM

With just a small amount of work you can install a handheld in the panel and have it look really nice. I made a bracket that holds a 196 in my panel and it came out great. If you want I can post some pics.

I see that you just ordered your kit. By the time you get to the panel you will have more than enough skill and spare material to make any type of special bracket you need. No need buying some part you can make in a few minutes.

txaviator · #4 02-02-2005, 06:52 PM

I appreciate the tips. My thought process is that I have yet to buy a GPS, and while building, I sure would like to take the plunge and buy one for my current flying. Then, I wanted something I could panel mount in a flush type manner, later in the -7.

Speaking of the Lowrance 1000, I really like that one. And for a few hundred more, the 2000c looks awesome!

Someone also sent me a PM with the website for that mounting bracketry I was searching for. It is located on http://www.experimentalaero.com.

However, like you guys said, I am certain I could just fabricate something to work just as well.

Thanks!

painless · #5 02-02-2005, 08:14 PM

Hi Gary:

If you take as long as I have to build your RV (going on 7 years), by the time you are ready for a GPS for your RV there will be some new, next generation out there. For example a unit with GPS and weather or some sort of thing, along the lines of the anywheremap products. What I am saying is don't commit to anything in your panel until you are ready for it. Otherwise you might miss out on the latest, coolest, and hopefully most useful new gadget. If you need a GPS for flying now, get a good handheld, such as a Lowarance Airmap 500. Then when you get the new fangled model of the future, you can still have your handheld as a backup.

As to the Lowarance 1000.....Great unit. I got mine last summer at OSH for a steal....$599.00. Could not pass it up. Fits really nice in my panel and has a nice big screen that lends itself well to panel mounting.

Good luck with that empenage! Enjoy the journey.

Regards,

txaviator · #6 02-04-2005, 05:26 PM

I understand what you mean, since I am in the manufacturing business (work for Honeywell, in the security and fire business). We own about a 73% marketshare on all products manufactured, pertaining to security and fire devices. Just as soon as we introduce a new product, a newer version is already being developed!

I know I am a long way from really worrying about something to mount in my -7 panel, but if I can get something really useful now, and still upgrade it to use in the future, I have won both ways...used it in the interim, and then use it in the -7. As you mention though, it may not work out that way based on new technology.

However, seeing the 2000C yesterday in person, I think I just "have to have it". The color is really nice, regarding airspace..since I live in the DFW area, this is very critical. Granted, you know your boundaries via the maps and visual landmarks, but seeing it in moving color is nice too. I think I just may have to make the plunge! Note: Working for Honeywell, I looked into getting the Honeywell Skyforce (color) Skymap, but they weren't as liberal as I had hoped with the good old employee discount.

Thanks!

vlittle · #7 02-05-2005, 09:48 AM

About half way down on this web page

http://www3.telus.net/aviation/flyin...al_photos.html

Are photos of my GPSMap 296 mount, and a full-size template for panel cutting.
The hole on the left if for a special extraction tool that I made that 'ejects' the GPS from the modified yoke mount.

Vern Little RV-9A

Supereri · #8 02-05-2005, 11:40 AM

This Cozy builder just went through an install. He used a piece of AL cut so that it *just* fit over the rubberized outside and snapped into the indent where the two halves meet. He has pictures and a description at: http://www.canardaviation.com/cozy/chap29d.htm

PS. it's almost at the bottom of the page.

txaviator · #9 02-05-2005, 07:52 PM

Great info fellas, thank you!

664781 · #10 02-07-2005, 10:24 AM

Gary,
I panel mounted my AirMap 2000 with the mounts that come with it. Fits like a glove and looks great in my 6A flip up. It sticks out about 1/2 inch and I turned it slightly to the left for better visibility. With the factory ram type mounts, it can be flush or stick out as much as you want.