Van's Air Force
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My completed RV-9A panel!
- Thread starter Camillo
- Start date
terrykohler
Well Known Member
Really Nice!
You've pretty much nailed what I'd like to do when I can upgrade the panel on my 9A. I like the conventional backup and the easy sight line to either array. Only thing I'd do different is replace the ADF head with a Val429. Here in the U.S., we can use GPS to identify pretty much any NDB fix. The Val would give a second, independent VOR receiver and could also be used to display both GPS or VOR output from the GNS430, should your EFIS go blank. Good job.
You're really going to appreciate the 9A as an instrument platform. Very stable in both roll and pitch.
Regards,
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP
You've pretty much nailed what I'd like to do when I can upgrade the panel on my 9A. I like the conventional backup and the easy sight line to either array. Only thing I'd do different is replace the ADF head with a Val429. Here in the U.S., we can use GPS to identify pretty much any NDB fix. The Val would give a second, independent VOR receiver and could also be used to display both GPS or VOR output from the GNS430, should your EFIS go blank. Good job.
You're really going to appreciate the 9A as an instrument platform. Very stable in both roll and pitch.
Regards,
Terry, CFI
RV-9A N323TP
Michael Burbidge
Well Known Member
It looks very nice...
Did you do the metalwork yourself? I noticed it is much nicer that the standard blank that comes with the kit. Rounded edges, switch panel inset, etc. What kind of finish is on the metal?
Did you do the metalwork yourself? I noticed it is much nicer that the standard blank that comes with the kit. Rounded edges, switch panel inset, etc. What kind of finish is on the metal?
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IowaRV9Dreamer
Well Known Member
Very nice work! You should be proud. Can you describe the flap switch?
Thank-you very much!
I made all by myself. I used Van's non prepunched panel as a chassis for the 3 subpanels (which I made from 0.063'' 2024 aluminium sheet from Spruce). I removed 95% of Van's panel and left only the outer edge and 2 vertical strips. Basically, I made something similar to what Affordable Panels does.
The flap handle is made from an aluminium bar. I then made a hole along its lenght, rounded the switch lever and made a 90° hole on handle and lever to accept a small screw. Then, I made a U-shaped bracket to stop the handle from moving. Both handle and bracket are chromed.
The switch breakers bar is made from the U-channel which came with the QB. It is fixed on the lower edge of the chassis with screws and on its outer edges with the air vent plates.
The painting was made from a professional besides my hangar (matt finish, don't know the brand...sorry). Letters are from Decal-Pro (not really satisfied with the result).
I also dimmed all avionics light. Still have to configure radios to accept dimming from external 12V input.
I made all by myself. I used Van's non prepunched panel as a chassis for the 3 subpanels (which I made from 0.063'' 2024 aluminium sheet from Spruce). I removed 95% of Van's panel and left only the outer edge and 2 vertical strips. Basically, I made something similar to what Affordable Panels does.
The flap handle is made from an aluminium bar. I then made a hole along its lenght, rounded the switch lever and made a 90° hole on handle and lever to accept a small screw. Then, I made a U-shaped bracket to stop the handle from moving. Both handle and bracket are chromed.
The switch breakers bar is made from the U-channel which came with the QB. It is fixed on the lower edge of the chassis with screws and on its outer edges with the air vent plates.
The painting was made from a professional besides my hangar (matt finish, don't know the brand...sorry). Letters are from Decal-Pro (not really satisfied with the result).
I also dimmed all avionics light. Still have to configure radios to accept dimming from external 12V input.
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dhall_polo
Well Known Member
ADF?
Just curious if ADF is somehow more important or perhaps required in Europe.
Just curious if ADF is somehow more important or perhaps required in Europe.
Yes, air vents are 2'' vents from Stein.
Ehi, Stein. A couple of days ago I was sure to have lost my vents (had my third hangar movement) and went to your website to order new ones... Fortunately, hangar hides, but doesn't steal...
ADF is mandatory in Italy for IFR. An Alitalia pilot came yesterday and told me it is not necessary, since I have a 430. I don't know. My engineer didn't ask for it, but here 50% procedures require an ADF, at least as IF. GNS430W, since WAAS in Italy is not active, is good only for enroute and not for terminal approaches. I got it used from a Van's forum member. I preferred saving time and spend some more money instead of trying to determine if it is really necessary or not. I already spent 1770 hours on airplane and maybe 2000 on the web and on the books to have this plane nearly finished...
Edit: I would like to add that I hate flying with GA airplanes and have to jump here and there to find the right switch (battery on the left, avionics master on the right, strobes again on the left, etc...). I placed my switch breakers from left to right in order of (typical) use: battery, alternator, lights, pump, pitot, etc... To make this, I had to make a few jumper on the back of the breaker panel to let breakers share the same bus bar. I hope time spent will be paid...
Ehi, Stein. A couple of days ago I was sure to have lost my vents (had my third hangar movement) and went to your website to order new ones... Fortunately, hangar hides, but doesn't steal...
ADF is mandatory in Italy for IFR. An Alitalia pilot came yesterday and told me it is not necessary, since I have a 430. I don't know. My engineer didn't ask for it, but here 50% procedures require an ADF, at least as IF. GNS430W, since WAAS in Italy is not active, is good only for enroute and not for terminal approaches. I got it used from a Van's forum member. I preferred saving time and spend some more money instead of trying to determine if it is really necessary or not. I already spent 1770 hours on airplane and maybe 2000 on the web and on the books to have this plane nearly finished...
Edit: I would like to add that I hate flying with GA airplanes and have to jump here and there to find the right switch (battery on the left, avionics master on the right, strobes again on the left, etc...). I placed my switch breakers from left to right in order of (typical) use: battery, alternator, lights, pump, pitot, etc... To make this, I had to make a few jumper on the back of the breaker panel to let breakers share the same bus bar. I hope time spent will be paid...
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