Center radio stack & modifications

[kirkbauer]

I'm installing the Aerosport Symmetrical panel with push-pull/vernier controls (https://www.aerosportproducts.com/product/rv-10-symmetrical-instrument-panel/) on my RV-10. For the center panel, I'm planning on (top to bottom): GMA 245, GTR 205, GTN 750 Xi, and GMC 507. It looks like that will just barely fit within the space I have in the center section of that panel.

My question is about depth. Per the plans, there will be the F-1044A bulkhead that appears it might get in the way of some of these items. I just can't find any threads or videos where somebody has modified this, but I would love to get some ideas before I dive into Section 30.

 

[Kyle Boatright]

Stack the items shallowest to deepest with the shallowest at the top. The shallowest will be the A/P controller. With it on top, you won’t need to chop up structure.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Assuming you want the GTN-750 as high as possible, you have two choices:
- Bias the panel to the left so that the GTN-750 (or in my case the GTN-650) right hand side just fits to the left of the F1044A. I did this on my first RV-10 build and it was very workable.
- Notch then reenforce the F1044A center rib. The attached photos show how I did this, the template to cut the 1/8” reeforcement plate and the mockup of the GTN-650 fit. The height of the GTN-650/750 is limited by the reinforcement angle supporting the cabin top support bracket. Do not cut that. This puts the top of my GTN-650 4.75” below the top skin.

Carl

 

[kirkbauer]

Carl, as always very helpful. Thank you! I'm trying to delay avionics purchase as long as possible since it only has a 2yr warranty from purchase date. But it's starting to be frustrating. It looks like you made some wooden placeholders perhaps I need to go that route.

 

[Carl Froehlich]

Carl, as always very helpful. Thank you! I'm trying to delay avionics purchase as long as possible since it only has a 2yr warranty from purchase date. But it's starting to be frustrating. It looks like you made some wooden placeholders perhaps I need to go that route.

No worries. Mock-ups for the big boxes are always helpful. The RV-10 panel is a challenge to get symmetry with dual EFIS displays and keeping the center stack in the center unless you go with short stuff like the GPS-175. I stay with the stock panel and apron, the apron gets all the switches and most breakers. The apron stays in the plane when the panel comes out for work/update/mods on the bench.

One note, the GTN-750 takes up a lot of panel space and is very pricey. Shoot fire the $12K GTN-650 is painful enough.

Carl

 

[rocketman1988]

No worries. Mock-ups for the big boxes are always helpful. The RV-10 panel is a challenge to get symmetry with dual EFIS displays and keeping the center stack in the center unless you go with short stuff like the GPS-175. I stay with the stock panel and apron, the apron gets all the switches and most breakers. The apron stays in the plane when the panel comes out for work/update/mods on the bench.

One note, the GTN-750 takes up a lot of panel space and is very pricey. Shoot fire the $12K GTN-650 is painful enough.

Carl

I have a symmetrical panel in my -10…no problems.