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Looking for solutions for mounting the Garmin AP head top center

chris1seto

chris1seto

Active Member
I've seen a few flat (CNC cut sheet metal) panels with the Garmin AP head in the center of the panel. I really want to do this on my plane, but it's complicated by the rib right behind the center of the panel.

I've seen this done on a few RVs, I'm wondering if there is anyone lurking here who has done this who might be able to share a few details on how exactly they pulled it off?

Probably the finest example I've seen of this is Joe Walz's RV10 ( @Traash ?). here: https://vansairforce.net/threads/show-us-your-rv-10-panel.18921/page-10#post-1554477

I have a feeling that in 4JN's install above, the top eyebrow is probably just a bit over an inch raised from the panel surface and the offending front rib is probably completely unmodified and there is solid panel right behind the center of the autopilot head. I can't find a build log for this project, but I did DM Joe on FB to see if he'd be kind enough to share some details.

Has anyone seen anything like this or have reference material?

Thanks!
 
chris1seto said:
That's with the Aerosport panel. I'm doing a CNC cut flat panel, so I have the structure right behind the panel surface to deal with. The center of the Aerosport panel is actually raised by more than an inch.
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Yes you will have an issue if you use the stock panel.
 
I also cut the rib and added and additional stiffener angle to replace the flange that was cut.
 

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gkochers said:
I also cut the rib and added and additional stiffener angle to replace the flange that was cut.
Click to expand...
Found a better angle to show the stiffener. Just .032” angle to stiffen that free edge.
 

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Hi Chris
My eyebrow (I called it a balcony) is just a little less deep than the GMC. So yes it sits flat on the underlying instrument panel.
The connector is offset on the back so if you mounted it flat on the panel in the center there would be no obstruction from the center rib.
I have a truckload of photos. Pm me with yr email. Cheers

IMG_3757.jpeg66002723393__F6FF9374-96BE-4434-90B3-B68EC08DF7AB.jpegIMG_3764.jpeg
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chris1seto said:
I've seen a few flat (CNC cut sheet metal) panels with the Garmin AP head in the center of the panel. I really want to do this on my plane, but it's complicated by the rib right behind the center of the panel.

I've seen this done on a few RVs, I'm wondering if there is anyone lurking here who has done this who might be able to share a few details on how exactly they pulled it off?

Probably the finest example I've seen of this is Joe Walz's RV10 ( @Traash ?). here: https://vansairforce.net/threads/show-us-your-rv-10-panel.18921/page-10#post-1554477

I have a feeling that in 4JN's install above, the top eyebrow is probably just a bit over an inch raised from the panel surface and the offending front rib is probably completely unmodified and there is solid panel right behind the center of the autopilot head. I can't find a build log for this project, but I did DM Joe on FB to see if he'd be kind enough to share some details.

Has anyone seen anything like this or have reference material?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Chris,
Your analysis is correct. Eyebrow is deep enough to contain the GMC. Rib and panel were NOT modified other than to provide a hole for the small wire bundle to the GMC (it's offset from center). The GMC is mounted on two small angles attached to the panel, the eyebrow is held inplace by the GMC on the front and velcro on the back.
In addition, the eyebrow positions the GMC controls so that you can brace your hand on the glareshield (outer three fingers) and manipulate the controls with a thumb (pushbutton) or thumb and index (knob).

The eyebrow also provides good shading for the lower panel. The handholds in the glareshield were covered. They aren't all that useful as you use the center mounted support bar to grab something up front. That bar was painted black to make it visually disappear. That proved to be a bit warm to the touch so good quality bicycle handlebar tape was applied. Nice comfy grip.
 

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Traash said:
Chris,
Your analysis is correct. Eyebrow is deep enough to contain the GMC. Rib and panel were NOT modified other than to provide a hole for the small wire bundle to the GMC (it's offset from center). The GMC is mounted on two small angles attached to the panel, the eyebrow is held inplace by the GMC on the front and velcro on the back.
In addition, the eyebrow positions the GMC controls so that you can brace your hand on the glareshield (outer three fingers) and manipulate the controls with a thumb (pushbutton) or thumb and index (knob).

The eyebrow also provides good shading for the lower panel. The handholds in the glareshield were covered. They aren't all that useful as you use the center mounted support bar to grab something up front. That bar was painted black to make it visually disappear. That proved to be a bit warm to the touch so good quality bicycle handlebar tape was applied. Nice comfy grip.
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Hey Joe,

Thanks so much for the reply! The Velcro bit was a surprise but that makes a lot of sense. Your panel really looks great, one of the best non-aerosport panels I've seen in a 10!

I'm doing my panel with aerotronics, and we're going to try to replicate what you've done here. Will post pics as it evolves.
 
chris1seto said:
Hey Joe,

Thanks so much for the reply! The Velcro bit was a surprise but that makes a lot of sense. Your panel really looks great, one of the best non-aerosport panels I've seen in a 10!

I'm doing my panel with aerotronics, and we're going to try to replicate what you've done here. Will post pics as it evolves.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the shout-out Chris. I spent a lot of years staring at professionally designed panels. I took all those ideas and tried to incorporate them into my panel. Things such as, grouping controls by system rather than a long row of switches, using graphics to help that, clean font, etc. Paid a lot of attention to ergonomics and flow of movement during high load IFR procedures. Couldn't be happier.
 
I know the airline guys like em high. I took the low road. Level with center console and where my arm rests. Right at my fingertips.
 

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Wes H said:
I just moved it to the left. It's still easily accessible from the right seat.View attachment 98382
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@Wes H Hey it turns out I am actually probably going to try to directly duplicate your center console setup. Would you happen to have any other pics/details you might be able to share?

I've spent a lot of time looking at this image, and I *think* that the front face of your center console is totally flat. Is that correct? Do you have any pics in side view? If you had cad files, that'd be highly appreciated too.

This is a very nice setup you've made here. I tried for months to try come up with something like this and couldn't work out how to make it look good like this. I'm also going to try to recreate the vent mounts.
 
chris1seto said:
@Wes H Hey it turns out I am actually probably going to try to directly duplicate your center console setup. Would you happen to have any other pics/details you might be able to share?

I've spent a lot of time looking at this image, and I *think* that the front face of your center console is totally flat. Is that correct? Do you have any pics in side view? If you had cad files, that'd be highly appreciated too.

This is a very nice setup you've made here. I tried for months to try come up with something like this and couldn't work out how to make it look good like this. I'm also going to try to recreate the vent mounts.
Click to expand...
I'll send you a PM
 
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