What's wrong with this panel?

Lionclaw · #1 01-11-2010, 09:15 PM

I've been tinkering with this panel model for quite a while now. I just can't seem to make it look "right". Original plan was to leave the right side empty for a second screen, but now I'm considering a map box. Hole on the left is for pushbutton starter, two holes above are for mag/ei toggles, two holes on right are for 12v plugs and single hole on right is for cabin heat.

My first instinct is to move the skyview up a tad and put the second row of switches there. But then I have extra space below the transponder.

I've scavenged the "Show us your panel" threads several times for ideas, but I can't come up with anything that will give me the warm fuzzy feeling for my panel.

Anyone have any ideas?

OceanBob · #2 01-11-2010, 09:45 PM

Put a set of Steam gages on the co-pilots side for back up.

John Courte · #3 01-11-2010, 10:09 PM

I thought you were going to do a MGL Odyssey. What made you change your mind?

frazitl · #4 01-11-2010, 11:11 PM

moving the EFIS up and placing all the switches along the bottom of the panel. easier to find and you can put the power distribution switches to the left and the device switches to the right as I have done below...

erich weaver · #5 01-11-2010, 11:23 PM

The panel is where we have a lot of choices, and its what customizes the plane for us, so to each his own.... but since you asked:

1 Are you really sold on that radio? An SL40 would match up nicely with the transponder and give a more traditional stack look

2 Consider losing the RPM steam gauge - assuming you have engine monitoring capabilities on the EFIS/PFD. I Dont really see that as a critical backup instrument. Should be able to get engine time on the EFIS as well, no?

3 Consider a Garmin X96 GPS in an AirGizmo mount, maybe at the top of the stack - I like having some GPS backup, especially if it can run off batteries as well as ships power. Can also display a multitude of flight parameters that can come in handy. GPS will track engine time as well provided you turn it on for every flight

But thats just me : )

erich

penguin · #6 01-12-2010, 12:05 AM

Are you looking for comments on what is in the panel or the layout? I guessing your mission is purely day VFR.

The issues that seem to provide most furstration to day VFR pilots are getting lost and not being able to talk to someone. I would install a back-up GPS in the centre of the panel (so the passenger can use it), a tried and trusted radio, such as an SL-40, and an audio panel. The MGL radio may be fantastic, but until its got some history behind it I wouldn't install one as my sole radio. I also don't see the need for a tacho.

As for layout, I would put the EFIS as high in the panel as possible and separate out the switches - 14 together is too many to reliably get the right switch every time - 5 in one line is probably a good maximum. Think about the operations you will use several times a flight - fuel pump, flaps - and put them close to the throttle. Put the others further away so you can knock them when you don't mean to. If you're going to be pushing buttons on the EFIS a lot then don't put switches close to EFIS buttons.

I think your layout is pretty good as it stands. Standbys next to the EFIS is a good idea if you need to cross-compare. Above all its is your panel, so do what you want.

Pete

akschu · #7 01-12-2010, 01:20 AM

Here are my thoughts:

1. Some sort of music. Ipod mount, xm radio, cd player, something.
2. Are you going to use fuses or breakers, if breakers then you need a spot for them.
3. Are you using the radio for an intercom? If not, you will need to add one of those.
4. This is obviously not an IFR panel, so there really isn't a need for the steam guages unless you find them easier to use, but at that point it might make more sense to use a basic steam guage panel and a portable gps.
5. Have you used the dynon skyview and find the navigation to work well? Most efis systems have poor maps compared to a garmin which is why most people add a garmin portable. I've never used a skyview so I don't know.

Overall I agree with Erich, using a Airgizmos 495 mount on top of a garmin radio and the transponder will give you a more traditional radio stack which would 'look' much nicer, but what you have is pretty good bang for the buck.

RudiGreyling · #8 01-12-2010, 03:06 AM

Andy You've got mail.

Rudi

N941WR · #9 01-12-2010, 04:31 AM

Get rid of the tach. If your EMS goes out, you will be able to get home.

Move the ELT control out of the way. Like way over on the right side. You will still be able to reach if, if needed. However, since you don't need it in regular flight, get it out of the main panel. Maybe put it where the Tach is.

Switch placement is very important. Spend some time figuring out where you want them and in what sequence they should be in.

David Paule · #10 01-12-2010, 07:52 AM

Move the 12 V outlets down to the bottom, or the cord that you plug in those sockets will hang down over the panel. Unless you're upside down at the time.

Also, the comment about the intercom is good. Nice to have. How about the panel connections for the ANR headset power, which are often these days not 12 V outlets, but standard connections:
http://www.lightspeedaviation.com/co.../Products/Zulu

See the section on "connections," especially the LEMO connector.

David Paule