Please critique my panel.

John Courte · #1 01-09-2011, 08:28 PM

This is my first crack at the panel layout for 313TD.

This link opens it full-size.

I'm missing the aux power and audio input, but this is the current layout. Apologies for the half-***** throttle quadrant drawing, that's just in there to give me a rough guide for obstruction of switches by the real thing.

To do the layout, I used a CAD program called DraftSight, which is free, and uses dwg files as its native format, so I was easily able to copy and paste switches from the Aeroelectric Connection into the panel drawings available from Van's.

Rosie · #2 01-09-2011, 08:31 PM

I'd put the transponder underneath the Garmin, above the switches

Rosie

Graham S · #3 01-09-2011, 08:39 PM

Hi John,

Looks like a nice clean layout. Are you planning on flying IFR? or just VFR Day/Night? Either way I would suggest a backup instrument to your EFIS such as an analog ASI and altimeter and possibly A.I. if you plan on taking it IFR. That's the biggest thing for me, even though I love all the electronics available to experimentals, it never hurts to be ready for when the screens go blank.

Graham

hydroguy2 · #4 01-09-2011, 08:47 PM

make sure you check the clearances for your tip up canopy

John Courte · #5 01-09-2011, 08:52 PM

Eventually I'll take it IFR, but not before I put in a backup EFIS like a Dynon D10 or more likely, MGL Xtreme. With the EFISes each having their own backup battery, that would give me redundant flight instruments and 3 levels of power redundancy. I'd also get a second comm radio like the MGL V10.

java · #6 01-09-2011, 08:56 PM

Unless I'm missing something, you have one com and one nav source (the 430)... so why the need for the very nice, but also a bit pricey audio panel?

This from a VFR only pilot who has only ever used audio panel to switch between two com's...

Edit: just saw your comment about adding future equip, which makes more sense.

pierre smith · #7 01-10-2011, 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosie

I'd put the transponder underneath the Garmin, above the switches

Rosie

...is a more usual installation....looks good.

Best,

rzbill · #8 01-10-2011, 06:13 AM

As stated above, make sure to account for the 3/4 by 3/4 aluminum angle on the upper perimeter of the panel.

Second and more important. The drawing file I obtained from Van's some years ago was the turret punch drawing PRIOR TO BENDING. I think this is still what is supplied on the website. Make sure to account for the ACTUAL height of the panel and the bend radii at the bottom flange.

tadsargent · #9 01-10-2011, 06:53 AM

Java, How would you ID the VOR without the audio panel. I guess you could wire it in but the audio panel makes it a snap, also adding a switchable panel after the fact is quite a bit of work when you want the second radio. I did this last year and I was quite a feat for me.
Regards

dhall_polo · #10 01-10-2011, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hydroguy2

make sure you check the clearances for your tip up canopy

Yeah, This layout would not allow you install the canopy eject handle. If you want that, you'll need to lower the middle radio stack. a few inches. I think if you can line up the top of the center stack with the mgl, it'll look a little better anyway and allow the canopy eject. I think 1 row of switches looks better even if it extends right of the middle stack. You can drop the headset inputs down closer to the bottom flange.