GPS @ FWF

[Bob Hoffman]

For those who have mounted their gps fwf under the cowl.How has it worked out for you ? Any problems that you know of like heat or vibration that may interfere with prorer operation ?? What about type of paint being a problem ?
I'd like to mount mine this way but checking those that have gone before me first.
Thanks
Bob

[walter]

Have my GNS430 and XM Weather antennas under the cowling. Cowl is painted with metallic paint. I have no reception issues, everything is working fine.

[Ironflight]

430 antenna under the cowling, JetGlo paint, zero difficulties in four years and 1,000 hours....

Paul

[Toobuilder]

The -8 in my hangar has two GPS and the XM antenna on a shelf on the firewall. Works fine, but sure makes it a pain to get your hands under there to get the cowl off or do any work. I'd much rather see them on the glareshield or aft fuselage under the bubble.

[hecilopter]

No problems in 750 hours. Jetglo paint. I do lose the XM radio signal when I bank > 60 degrees away from south, but comes right back after leveling. Don't think this is because it is under the cowl though.

[Bob Hoffman]

Thanks all for the reply.
Made my mount over the weekend worked out fine. HINT If you are planning to do the same and are thinking of mounting it on the Right side firewall top
remember that there is a cowling access door AND oil dip stick that may get in the way.Ask me how I know (and I didn't spot it one of my neighbors did).It is now mounted on the left side.
Bob

[Craig]

On the left side is an oil filter. If you have the 90 degree model, that would certainly preclude the gps shelf being on that side.

[Rick6a]

Originally Posted by Bob Hoffman

.....I'd like to mount mine this way but checking those that have gone before me first......

Bob,

It seems to me many of the responses are assuming you plan to install Garmin and in that case the antenna should work just fine mounted under the cowl. My firewall mounted 430 antenna has performed perfectly for several years but I contacted Garmin tech before I did do so just to be sure. I expect the same performance with the 496 antenna mounted similarly in the -8.

It is important to note that other GPS manufacturer's antennas may not be designed to tolerate the heat and vibration that exists under the cowl. If you are going to install a GPS other than Garmin, it may be prudent to contact the GPS manufacturer first.

[flickroll]

Rather than attach my antennas to the firewall, I made a 'shelf' out of .090" 2024T3 with aluminum angle added for rigidity. Attached to engine mount using adel clamps and spacers. Works great and think there's less vibration than mounting on the firewall. If anyone wants a picture I can post, but it might be a few days before I can.

[Bob Hoffman]

Yes , a picture (or two) would be appreciated.
Bob