How to build the rack for the back of the panel?

[JDA_BTR]

I'm building an RV8. I'll have a panel made for me with a cutout for a GDU470, and that screws in no problem. What I'm puzzling with is how to build and attach a rack for the GNX375, GNC215/205, GMC507. I think the brackets for the first two are the same width, and for the GMC507 it would just screw to the panel.

Let's not devolve into what boxes to pick for radios and GPS; I might change my mind anyway. It is the construction I'm after.

Would I want to specify having an angle on the back of the panel on either side of the cutout at the width of the boxes?

What is the best way?

 

[Ben Ellis]

Would I want to specify having an angle on the back of the panel on either side of the cutout at the width of the boxes?

What is the best way?

This is the way to do it. The cutout width of the stack depends on how you want it to look and whether you can slide the rack in from the front. The installation manuals have cutout specs (see attached for a sample). I went with the narrowest width I could make work (I think 6.22”) so the device bezels would cover the gap between the panel and devices in the stack.

Also I’d recommend you get the rack for the GMC507 so it will be the same width as the other devices and fit well in the stack. I’m not sure how you would mount it in the stack without a rack. I think it needs a narrower cutout width for a rackless mount, in which case the other devices wouldn’t fit.

 

[dmattmul]

Maybe this helps, autopilot head is rack mounted at the bottom. Pictures center and right is from the 14 and cut by Stein. Note the slight dimension change at the bottom where the autopilot went and held in the panel by the side clamps.

 

[Ben Ellis]

I don't have a pic handy of the back of my panel, but this is what it looks like in SolidWorks. Given the limited space in the panel, you have to be careful to give enough clearance between the GDU460 mounting ring and the angle you use for the right side of the stack.

 

[esco]

"...Would I want to specify having an angle on the back of the panel on either side of the cutout at the width of the boxes?"

Yes.

Ben provided an RV -8 example, but the concept is not airframe specific.

"Panel Center Stack Structure - Tip-Up" has a variety, includes input from many.