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RV-12 Avionics Package outside of Vans?

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We're building an RV-12iS and going the EAB route to be able to fly IMC. SteinAir informed me that they have ended their subcontracting relationship with Vans and they do not offer any direct customer services for the RV-12iS. We're wanting a Garmin panel similarly to what Vans offers however simply trying to cut out the middle man (Vans).

Has anyone received a complete panel for an RV-12 outside of Vans? I've put in some quote requests for Pacific Coast and Baker avionics but have yet to hear back. Just curious, and appreciate any leads.
 
Sorry, this is answering the question different than what you asked which can be annoying, but since it's the opening sentence I think it's appropriate to support one of your stated goals. You do not need to go EAB in order to be able to fly IMC. If that is your sole reason for going EAB this would be worth re-thinking.

As for the other stated goal of cutting out the middle man, I think you'll have a significant challenge in doing this with a panel-builder and finding any savings. It's a complex and integrated harness that by now has some economies of scale involved, it will be costly to duplicate that work.

That said, it would make sense to reach out to Midwest Panel Builders. Aside from Stein that's going to be conflicted out, they are probably closest to having the experience to do this efficiently.

Let us know how it goes!

 
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Sorry, this is answering the question different than what you asked which can be annoying, but since it's the opening sentence I think it's appropriate to support one of your stated goals. You do not need to go EAB in order to be able to fly IMC. If that is your sole reason for going EAB this would be worth re-thinking.

As for the other stated goal of cutting out the middle man, I think you'll have a significant challenge in doing this with a panel-builder and finding any savings. It's a complex and integrated harness that by now has some economies of scale involved, it will be costly to duplicate that work.

That said, it would make sense to reach out to Midwest Panel Builders. Aside from Stein that's going to be conflicted out, they are probably closest to having the experience to do this efficiently.

Let us know how it goes!

For the EAB thing, we're adding a heated pitot tube to the wing. I was under the impression as soon as you deviate from the plans, and not getting the parts from Vans directly then you can no longer go the ELSA route. Now if they come out with the 2026 retrofit kit where the pitot tube gets added to the wing maybe it'll be a different story. I will not pretend to be an expert on the whole ELSA, EAB thing.

I'll reach out to Midwest, I've also inquired with Vans who they're using now that it's no longer SteinAir. Maybe there's some delays in the future...
 
A while back, Van's had a business update where they said they were bringing avionics in-house. Having installed a Stein-built wiring harness in my 12iS a year ago, I think it would be a major chore to create the harness on your own. Van's must be sourcing them somewhere else if not building them. Might be possible to purchase the harness separately, and buy the boxes elsewhere if that's what you're looking to do.
 
For the EAB thing, we're adding a heated pitot tube to the wing. I was under the impression as soon as you deviate from the plans, and not getting the parts from Vans directly then you can no longer go the ELSA route. Now if they come out with the 2026 retrofit kit where the pitot tube gets added to the wing maybe it'll be a different story. I will not pretend to be an expert on the whole ELSA, EAB thing.

With this expanded explanation you have things correct. There are other ways to get there depending on timeline and where you are in the build, but your plan is good.

I'll reach out to Midwest, I've also inquired with Vans who they're using now that it's no longer SteinAir. Maybe there's some delays in the future...

Van's is doing the avionics in-house now. If they were using a third party, they would probably also be conflicted out of doing side work just like Stein was. There were no public statements, but it's generally understood that the reason for Stein not doing work for RV-12s (new installs as well as upgrades) is that they are contractually prohibited from doing so as part of the deal to be the supplier. Van's owns the IP and they aren't letting partners copy it. Someone like Midwest would roll their own. It may very well be a better setup and avoid some of the issues with proprietary Van's hardware and design.
 
Are you and Stein on the same page? I understand Stein not supporting RV12s any longer (ELSA/SLSA), supplied through VANS as VANS has taken that up in-house now. However for a typical EAB panel (even if its an RV12, and not using the VANS magic boxes they have in there), I'm surprised they declined.
 
Are you and Stein on the same page? I understand Stein not supporting RV12s any longer (ELSA/SLSA), supplied through VANS as VANS has taken that up in-house now. However for a typical EAB panel (even if its an RV12, and not using the VANS magic boxes they have in there), I'm surprised they declined.
They said "SteinAir decided to end our subcontractor relationship with Vans Aircraft on 12/31/25, we no longer provide the avionics kits for the RV-12iS. We also do not offer any direct customer services for the RV-12iS. I suggest checking with Vans directly to see what your options are currently.

Thanks / sorry we can't help with this one. "

I'm sure it's a conflict of interest or there was some language in a contract somewhere, they don't want to undermine Vans is my guess.
 
This would also explain why the lead time for RV-12iS avionics kits has increased from 6-8 weeks (Stein) to the current 30 weeks (Van’s)……
 
I don't understand why so many want to spend the $$$ to have someone like Stein (nothing against Stein other than they aren't happy until you're broke) build them a panel. Design it in any of the cad programs, have sendcutsend laser cut it for you and wire it yourself. It's not that hard. I bought all my components from Spruce. I bet I saved $20K over having one of the high end shops do the work, and it sure as heck didn't take 30 weeks, more like maybe 6 weeks to finish, install and test the whole panel.
 
I bet Stein will build you all the EAB Rv-12 panels you want. They most likely won’t provide any of the integration required to make the IS run but that can be done in a much simpler manner than Vans did with all their black boxes.
 
The electrical wiring drawings for the RV-12 iS Garmin IFR configuration are available in the Downloads section of Van's web site. They give you all the interconnect information you need to start with and then add modifications. Any competent avionics shop should be able to build the panel harness if they know the locations of the components being wired. Van's only provides PDF versions of the drawings, however I have managed to convert them to dwg files in order to make modifications that reflect my specific installation (EAB RV-12 with Dynon/Avidyne IFR/IMC capability and 100% custom wiring and panel). Make sure you do a power budget, especially with the heated pitot.
 
The electrical wiring drawings for the RV-12 iS Garmin IFR configuration are available in the Downloads section of Van's web site. They give you all the interconnect information you need to start with and then add modifications. Any competent avionics shop should be able to build the panel harness if they know the locations of the components being wired. Van's only provides PDF versions of the drawings, however I have managed to convert them to dwg files in order to make modifications that reflect my specific installation (EAB RV-12 with Dynon/Avidyne IFR/IMC capability and 100% custom wiring and panel). Make sure you do a power budget, especially with the heated pitot.

Shops can do what shops do but you won’t get all of Vans proprietary modules like the power module, HIC module, and ignition/start modules.
 
A while back, Van's had a business update where they said they were bringing avionics in-house. Having installed a Stein-built wiring harness in my 12iS a year ago, I think it would be a major chore to create the harness on your own. Van's must be sourcing them somewhere else if not building them. Might be possible to purchase the harness separately, and buy the boxes elsewhere if that's what you're looking to do.
As I said to a SteinAir friend this week, "Van's is about to learn some hard lessons about making harnesses."
 
Shops can do what shops do but you won’t get all of Vans proprietary modules like the power module, HIC module, and ignition/start modules.
All are available in the Van's store. The wiring diagrams are complete down to the gauge, color and length of the wire. Are they accurate and up to date? Only Van's or SteinAir can answer that question.
 
All are available in the Van's store. The wiring diagrams are complete down to the gauge, color and length of the wire. Are they accurate and up to date? Only Van's or SteinAir can answer that question.

Have you tried to order them without ever purchasing their avionics kit? My guess is if one tried that, they would encounter a road block.

Heck most of the time, all of those that are on their website are classified as unavailable/out of or limited stock even for people that have purchased a prior avionics kit.

Not saying it’s impossible but knowing the current state of Van’s and their leadership, my bet is that this will not be a reasonable option for the masses.
 
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As I said to a SteinAir friend this week, "Van's is about to learn some hard lessons about making harnesses."
You got that right. We have already seen Vans struggle with building even simple power cables and harnesses for years. Some of the examples posted here are just flabbergasting that anyone would think those were acceptable.

Imagine attempting to get troubleshooting tech support from Vans on a complex harness.
 
You got that right. We have already seen Vans struggle with building even simple power cables and harnesses for years. Some of the examples posted here are just flabbergasting that anyone would think those were acceptable.

Imagine attempting to get troubleshooting tech support from Vans on a complex harness.

I'm not shy about criticism of Van's and I try to be constructive about it, but this is one area where I'm inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt that they'll do a better job. That's mostly because it was evident last year that they were standing up a whole new function and are taking it seriously. I think this, along with other expansion of SLSA production, is where the focus has been and plays into the kit struggles. I also think it's a lot easier for them to hire and or train up wiring expertise than it is to manufacture, inventory, and ship things like spars and flap tracks.

I am among those who are going to find out one way or another, so maybe it's just wishful thinking.
 
Nate and Brian; How about 3 or 4 avionics and wiring harnesses that are common to multiple plane models? Must admit the 12is has a great panel to start with for a 15.
 
Wow, just happened upon this thread. Is it true 30 weeks lead-time for Avionics? I am building ELSA and am currently in the Fuselage Section. Going with Dynon. Do I order now? Not sure at which time do I need the Avionics.

I also agree with a couple of posters about Van's taking on this endeavor and when we have an electrical problem trying to troubleshoot a cable. I have seen post where even SteinAir made mistakes in wiring and connections and they were the professionals who have been doing it for quite sometime. I know I have no choice, so I will be hoping for the best.
 
Wow, just happened upon this thread. Is it true 30 weeks lead-time for Avionics? I am building ELSA and am currently in the Fuselage Section. Going with Dynon. Do I order now? Not sure at which time do I need the Avionics.

I also agree with a couple of posters about Van's taking on this endeavor and when we have an electrical problem trying to troubleshoot a cable. I have seen post where even SteinAir made mistakes in wiring and connections and they were the professionals who have been doing it for quite sometime. I know I have no choice, so I will be hoping for the best.
A good rule of thumb is figure about 6-8 weeks per harness so only the first person on the list gets them in 6-8 weeks.

In terms of quality, etc, humans are going to make mistakes so the odds are you'll have a pin in the wrong spot. So it's vital that you read and understand the Van's wiring schematics and know how to trace the wire for the unit in question.

It's probably not a bad idea that when people get their harnesses, they go through each pinout to make sure it's built properly. Yes, that's an investment of time, but probably a very good investment of time.

I've had a bit of a luxury in the last year that if I had a balky unit, Josh at SteinAir would come by the hangar and check it out.
 
A good rule of thumb is figure about 6-8 weeks per harness so only the first person on the list gets them in 6-8 weeks.

In terms of quality, etc, humans are going to make mistakes so the odds are you'll have a pin in the wrong spot. So it's vital that you read and understand the Van's wiring schematics and know how to trace the wire for the unit in question.

It's probably not a bad idea that when people get their harnesses, they go through each pinout to make sure it's built properly. Yes, that's an investment of time, but probably a very good investment of time.

I've had a bit of a luxury in the last year that if I had a balky unit, Josh at SteinAir would come by the hangar and check it out.
Bob, thanks for that info. I know how electronics/avionics can update quickly, so I was waiting till I was further along in the build to order. with this lead time seems I better get on the list. With that it mind when do you normally install the avionics.
 
Bob, thanks for that info. I know how electronics/avionics can update quickly, so I was waiting till I was further along in the build to order. with this lead time seems I better get on the list. With that it mind when do you normally install the avionics.
I'm not much of an expert. I waited too long to order mine and then got stuck in the Covid supply crunch and there was an entire year when nothing was being done on the project. I guess I probably should've ordered same time I ordered the powerplant.
 
As I said to a SteinAir friend this week, "Van's is about to learn some hard lessons about making harnesses."
Van's aircraft sells Wiring kits for the RV 6/7/9 and RV-10 but does not the wiring harness for the RV-12iS
part number WH00133-1. They only sell the Avionics kit that includes the wiring Harness! The wiring harness
that I beg Van's aircraft to sell me; I believe was manufactured by SteinAir and had plenty of shorts that
was repaired by phone support and Dynon. I have asked Van's Aircraft for a report of electrical bench test of the
harness they sold me and was ignored? RV-12iS no grin!
 
The Stien Air is a very extensive and complex harness. After installing mine I had a fault in recognition of the auto pilot. Luckily, I shared hangar space for final finish assembly with an electrical engineer. He was able to decipher the wiring diagram, (which looked like a plate of spaghetti to me), to a pin that was not fully seated on a 32-pin plug.

Not sure the point of this post but I would probably still be grounded if left to my own capabilities.
 
Van's aircraft sells Wiring kits for the RV 6/7/9 and RV-10 but does not the wiring harness for the RV-12iS
part number WH00133-1. They only sell the Avionics kit that includes the wiring Harness! The wiring harness
that I beg Van's aircraft to sell me; I believe was manufactured by SteinAir and had plenty of shorts that
was repaired by phone support and Dynon. I have asked Van's Aircraft for a report of electrical bench test of the
harness they sold me and was ignored? RV-12iS no grin!
When was your kit shipped?
 
When was your kit shipped?
Some additional context here:

Charle's was a unique situation. he demanded vans / stein supply the harness only without any of the avionics or vans parts integrated into the system as he had percured his own. large sections of the harness were left incomplete as the customer was using a different avionics package and needed to change the wiring for his modified system. we made clear without the avionics or vans parts to integrate into the harness and in an incomplete state, we would not be fully able to test it, and he continued to demand we make a harness only for him. We were eventually told my Mitch Lock (president of Van's at the time) he signed a document confirming he understood this and would receive no support for vans/stein on the harness and mitch asked us to make the harness under those conditions. Despite his apparent dissatisfaction, he is currently demanding we do the same again, despite no longer being a Vans subcontractor .
 
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Some additional context here:

Charle's was a unique situation. he demanded vans / stein supply the harness only without any of the avionics or vans parts integrated into the system as he had percured his own. large sections of the harness were left incomplete as the customer was using a different avionics package and needed to change the wiring for his modified system. we made clear without the avionics or vans parts to integrate into the harness and in an incomplete state, we would not be fully able to test it, and he continued to demand we make a harness only for him. We were eventually told my Mitch Lock (president of Van's at the time) he signed a document confirming he understood this and would receive no support for vans/stein on the harness and mitch asked us to make the harness under those conditions. Despite his apparent dissatisfaction, he is currently demanding we do the same again, despite no longer being a Vans subcontractor .
Thank you, Josh.
 
Howdy there;

I have requested and installed a RV-12iS Waring Harness part number WH00133-1 for an Dynon wiring harness. I know that they offers two
Avionics kits and there wiring harness are included in there overpriced configurations, Dynon and Garmin for 26,000.00 or more?
The Wiring Harness diagram for the Dynon configuration is part number WH000133-1. Check you parts list it should be different.
Request from van's the part number for the Garmin avionics kit, they should provide it? At the present time I have requested that Van's president
sell me another WH00133-1 Waring Harness because I am entitled to purchase any and all RV-12is parts because I am a license owner!
Van's Aircraft now manufactures the Wiring Harness and SteinAir is not a subcontractor of the famous Wiring Harness? Was this
wiring harness reported too many times for wiring errors? Is there any bench test data of the wiring harness from Van's Aircraft?
 

Attachments

Sorry, this is answering the question different than what you asked which can be annoying, but since it's the opening sentence I think it's appropriate to support one of your stated goals. You do not need to go EAB in order to be able to fly IMC. If that is your sole reason for going EAB this would be worth re-thinking.

As for the other stated goal of cutting out the middle man, I think you'll have a significant challenge in doing this with a panel-builder and finding any savings. It's a complex and integrated harness that by now has some economies of scale involved, it will be costly to duplicate that work.

That said, it would make sense to reach out to Midwest Panel Builders. Aside from Stein that's going to be conflicted out, they are probably closest to having the experience to do this efficiently.

Let us know how it goes!

Middle man... It is assumed that this license builder is installing a Rotax 912iS engine and needs to figure out the part number to the Garmin wiring harness
that is included in the overpriced Garmin kit. Then request that part number to purchase it from van's Aircraft. Monopoly or profit?
 
Van's Business has always offered two different Avionics kits, Dynon and Garmin.
Van's Business does not like to or refuses to sell the harness separately!
But they sold me one years ago, refused to sell me one now and waiting for the Van's President to approve another sell to me!
All that I want is a standard manufacture WH00133-1 wiring harness that has been bench tested. RV12iS Grin.
The last one they sold me had shorts in it and never bench tested? Yep...
Yes, buying the boxes elsewhere saved me 4000.00 plus I learned there configuration.
 
Thank you, Josh.
Thank you, Josh.
Thank you, Josh.
My name is Charles Not Charle's and there was never a unique situation. I requested vans / stein supply the harness only without any of the avionics or vans parts integrated into the system as I precured my own. There was no large sections of the harness were left incomplete as the customer was using the same avionics package and did not needed to change the wiring for any modified system. They made clear of nothing and did not bench test it like other harness. I did tell everyone that I am entitled to purchase this part. The part was ordered by Mitch Lock (president of Van's at the time) he signed a document confirming but I still requested support for vans/stein on the harness and mitch made no request for a standard bench test of the harness under any conditions. I am still dissatisfied with the harness and currently requesting that van's president sell me another harness without there expensive Dynon devices.
 
My name is Charles Not Charle's and there was never a unique situation. I requested vans / stein supply the harness only without any of the avionics or vans parts integrated into the system as I precured my own. There was no large sections of the harness were left incomplete as the customer was using the same avionics package and did not needed to change the wiring for any modified system. They made clear of nothing and did not bench test it like other harness. I did tell everyone that I am entitled to purchase this part. The part was ordered by Mitch Lock (president of Van's at the time) he signed a document confirming but I still requested support for vans/stein on the harness and mitch made no request for a standard bench test of the harness under any conditions. I am still dissatisfied with the harness and currently requesting that van's president sell me another harness without there expensive Dynon devices.
Josh did a pretty good job of explaining the risk you were taking and the consequences of taking it so it's unclear, at least to me, what your exact problem is. You chose a path that is non standard for that particular kit and after you were informed of the problems with this choice, you made it anyway and now you want Van's/Stein to fix the problem that you created.

As far as the license agreement goes, it conveys no "right to purchase". What the license does is
* Makes you agree to build only one plane
* Makes you agree not to give the plans to someone else
* Absolves Van's of any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the quality or safety of the aircraft
* Extends the license to anyone you sell the aircraft to.

That's it. That's all the license does. It doesn't extend any rights (entitlement, as you say) to you at all. You're building an EAB. You're on your own.

At this point, your best bet is to use the electrical diagrams and build your own harness or modify the one you have. If it has shorts in it, it should be relatively easy to identify each one and fix it. You could have done it 10 times in the time you've wasted.
 
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Josh did a pretty good job of explaining the risk you were taking and the consequences of taking it so it's unclear, at least to me, what your exact problem is. You chose a path that is non standard for that particular kit and after you were informed of the problems with this choice, you made it anyway and now you want Van's/Stein to fix the problem that you created.

As far as the license agreement goes, it conveys no "right to purchase". What the license does is
* Makes you agree to build only one plane
* Makes you agree not to give the plans to someone else
* Absolves Van's of any warranty, expressed or implied, as to the quality or safety of the aircraft
* Extends the license to anyone you sell the aircraft to.

That's it. That's all the license does. It doesn't extend any rights (entitlement, as you say) to you at all. You're building an EAB. You're on your own.

At this point, your best bet is to use the electrical diagrams and build your own harness or modify the one you have. If it has shorts in it, it should be relatively easy to identify each one and fix it. You could have done it 10 times in the time you've wasted.
I was not taking any risks that josh was creating to support why van's is not selling the wiring harness to me.
I requested only to purchase one standard Wiring harness. I was only saving money purchasing my equipment elsewhere and not Van's Aircraft.
I am building an RV-12iS airplane. Its not an EAB until I register it. Again. I should be allowed to purchase any listed parts for an RV-12iS.
Van's makes this policy up only to protect its monopoly and profit?
 
I was not taking any risks that josh was creating to support why van's is not selling the wiring harness to me.
I requested only to purchase one standard Wiring harness. I was only saving money purchasing my equipment elsewhere and not Van's Aircraft.
I am building an RV-12iS airplane. Its not an EAB until I register it. Again. I should be allowed to purchase any listed parts for an RV-12iS.
Van's makes this policy up only to protect its monopoly and profit?
You were taking risks as soon as you decided to try to save money elsewhere. And you became the builder as soon as you deviated from Van's construction plans and decided to proceed on your own. Van's, which issues the 8130-15, isn't going to issue you one listing Van's as the builder as they won't be able to verify the equipment you purchased. Instead, you'll have to use an 8130-12. I would be interested in seeing the document you signed to see if that was made clear to you. You're building an EAB. You're in the same position as thousands of others who have built EABs - you get to learn how to make a harness. Why don't you just get on with it?
 
Is there any bench test data of the wiring harness from Van's Aircraft?
I know nothing about how Stein builds and tests these specific harnesses, but I do have a decent amount of electronics manufacturing experience. I would imagine that the bench test procedure is an integration test - the normal process might be that they wire up the harness, then connect it with the various LRUs that it is being sold with, and power everything up to make sure that it works. Not "a different LRU of the same type", but the actual Dynon or Garmin avionics parts that they would normally be selling you at the same time. As Josh said:
we made clear without the avionics or vans parts to integrate into the harness and in an incomplete state, we would not be fully able to test it
You might be planning to connect it to equivalent parts, but without the actual specific components you're using, it's not possible to do a complete test.

Time for you to buy some crimpers.
 
I know nothing about how Stein builds and tests these specific harnesses, but I do have a decent amount of electronics manufacturing experience. I would imagine that the bench test procedure is an integration test - the normal process might be that they wire up the harness, then connect it with the various LRUs that it is being sold with, and power everything up to make sure that it works. Not "a different LRU of the same type", but the actual Dynon or Garmin avionics parts that they would normally be selling you at the same time. As Josh said:

You might be planning to connect it to equivalent parts, but without the actual specific components you're using, it's not possible to do a complete test.

Time for you to buy some crimpers.
That is exactly what they do. Or did. Van's sends the LRUs to Stein expressly for this reason. And they properly configure the equipment. Or did.

I'm pretty sure at this point this guy is pretty much just trolling and his time on VAF will be mercifully brief.
 
As far as the license agreement goes, it conveys no "right to purchase". What the license does is.

Sir you are not an Attorney and should not be making such claims!
I know nothing about how Stein builds and tests these specific harnesses, but I do have a decent amount of electronics manufacturing experience. I would imagine that the bench test procedure is an integration test - the normal process might be that they wire up the harness, then connect it with the various LRUs that it is being sold with, and power everything up to make sure that it works. Not "a different LRU of the same type", but the actual Dynon or Garmin avionics parts that they would normally be selling you at the same time. As Josh said:

You might be planning to connect it to equivalent parts, but without the actual specific components you're using, it's not possible to do a complete test.

Time for you to buy some crimpers.
Howdy there; Yep there is a set standard of bench test for wiring harness and a report generated without your instruments being plug it!
Read your heading on the WH00133-1. Josh is very creative.
 
After reading this entire thread. A couple of things come to mind.

When you are in a hole and come to realise that you are in trouble, quit digging.
When deciding how to get avionics into their aircraft. Typically there are 3 paths.
DIY, hand the keys over, LMK when its done full custom install, or paying to have one of a couple places premake a plug and play harness that needs careful measurements and a lot of installation.

Given the OP has invested avionics outside of the supported channel and purchased what he thought was a supported wire harness with the thought that it works with his avionics.

Depending on his skill set, he can turn it into a DIY project, (not my cup of tea). Or pay someone to fix his handful of crap.

I know a couple people who can swim with the sharks it those waters. At least one who have been paid to unf*ck an entire avionics installation, one wire at a time.

At this point he painted himself into a corner and none of his choices are going to be cheap.
 
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