Panel Talk

[jaredyates]

I started with a 12v jack on the panel and one in the cabin, and I used adapters to charge the tablets. I installed one USB power supply that was supposed to be able to work, but over time I found that it didn't really deliver the advertised power. Most recently I installed a 5v power supply with plenty of current to power several devices, but found when I tried to use it that the Apple devices look for more than just 5v at the USB, they also look for voltage on the other pins that will tell the device how much power to take. There was a discussion on the aeroelectric list about it. My plan is to add a resistor network to try and get the iPad to take the higher current. Reading the commitlift.com website makes me want to just go back to SAE jacks, being how it sounds like Apple is changing their protocols as time goes on. 5 years is forever in the tablet world, but not in the airplane world.

[Flygirl1]

Your welcome! I didn't see him at OSH, and I didn't realize there was so much to learn about USB ports until I looked at his web site. A bit pricey but was convinced it was the way to go. Good choice on putting one in the back seat. Your passengers will appreciate it. Wished I would have put one back there! The cig lighter seemed almost a necessity, many, many uses. Donna

[JimParker256]

Good tip on CommitLift.com. I had forgotten about the presentation he made at OSH. Meant to follow up and order from him. Your post prompted that. Going to see if my IA will approve putting one of these in my '65 Champion 7ECA, which was certified before any TSO requirements... May not work out, but sure worth a try, and if not, I'll have a second set of ports for the back seat.

And, like you, I also will have a cigar-lighter port installed for those "other" needs.

Thanks again for the reminder!

[whee]

I'm installing standard 12v "cigarette" plugs because I believe they are more versatile and I don't believe the footprint is effectively bigger when compared to dual usb ports. I'll mostly be using them with flush usb adapters plugged in but plugging in a 12v tire pump, my kids dvd player, my old hiking gps, my kids bottle warmer, etc will be possible.

[Flygirl1]

Eric, I installed a dual panel mount USB I got from Commitlift.com. They are located in Sisters OR and take up just about as small an area on a panel as possible. The web site is very informative and worth a visit. Lots of informative info on USB's and how they work. Nothing wrong with a cig lighter, have one of those too. I also installed a Ram mount on the panel for my iPad mini. The Patrol panel is smaller than yours and I didn't want to take up the room. There is a photo of my panel in tips/technics section under the window lift struts post. It's on the left side, under the ram mount if you look close. D.

[parish]

Eric, rather than the 12v cigarette plugs, any thought to simply installing a few USB ports. The main purpose as you state is for cell phones and tablet charging so the actual cigarette plug is not really needed if you provide the USB port. The footprint on the dash would be much smaller with the USB.

[EricP]

Whee, no problem. I am coming from flying glass on airliners so a completely different background and expectations. I think everyone just wants to put up suggestions and see what is appealing. You don't need to "defend" your choices. We are all having fun coming up with what we think is best for us. That is what homebuilding is all about. I doubt there are many (if any!) that would pick the panel we are doing or would arrange it the way we are. But that's OK, it just has to work for Brent and me. And yours just has to work for you.

Anyway, good thing I put up this thread so you could remind me I had to get the EIS for our plane!

[whee]

The D2 and the GRT Mini are great solutions and make a lot of since. I should have mentioned that the T&B won't be installed unless I decide to get my instrument rating. Some people are comfortable flying IMC in a all electric airplane, I'm not one of those people. I want a backup that doesn't rely on electrons. But I've been through this discussion several times before so I don't think we need to have it here.

[EricP]

The neat thing about the GRT Mini-X is that is has the AHRS built in so it is a self contained unit for no need for gyros or AHRS to be added to it. That is why I thought it was a great backup for the main PFD display. Of course the Mini can share the magnetometer data with the Sport EX so it will be full functioning and able to do everything the Sport EX does, just in a smaller format. I had considered the Dynon D2 but since we are using the GRT solution we can use the Mini-X and not only get the backup attitude and basic flight instruments but also NAV built in as well.

[kestrel]

I know I've posted a pic of my panel a couple times but here is my current version.

Whee, consider ditching the mechanical gyro in the turn coordinator for something solid state. A Dynon D2 would do the job. There are other options. I know the curmudgeons really like the old ball and needle, but the truth is that solid state is more reliable and when comparing apples to apples (new to new), cheaper. Devices like the D2 also have their own built in battery, so they keep running when everything else has failed.

[EricP]

We may still make changes. But since we will have three nav diplays (Sport EX, Mini X and tablet) we aren't as worried about placement. We both like the big display of the Sport EX to be up high where it is easily accessed from both front seats. I think that makes it easier to fly it from either pilot seat. Also, we think it just looks better that way!

I think the panel mount comm and transponder are fine but Brent liked the small size of the remote mount head for the TRIG. He kinda surprised me with that. I was expecting the opposite.

Hey, at least you are using color for your "mock ups"! I'm too cheap for that.

[whee]

Looks like you are getting it laid out the way you like it. I look forward to the day I can start cutting holes in my panel.

I know I've posted a pic of my panel a couple times but here is my current version. It will change. Going to ditch the GTN650 and install a GTR200. Sport EX will be used primarily to display engine instruments. Tablet for navigation. Backup nav is the paper chart on my lap. I like my flight instruments and navigation source in front of me with with the engine gauges off to the side but still close. Key/mag switch will be upper left with the master switch. Bottom left will be a row of breaker switches.

[EricP]

Here is the current "state of the art" for our panel. We have moved the largest display to the middle of the panel to be easily used by either side of the cockpit. Brent liked the Trig TT22 and TY91 and was not bothered by the remote mount aspect so for now it looks like we will go with Trig for the COMM and Transponder.

Notice the cigarette lighter plugs on either side of the panel for powering the tablets/smartphones. We did not put power receptacles in the back seat as we plan on having a battery backup jump starter like the Anti-Gravity (gotta like that name for something in the airplane!) in back anyway. So the "backseaters" can just plug into the battery jump starter.

The GRT EIS display on the left is so big we decided we will inset it into the dash so that it will be flush so we can velcro the tablet over it if we decide we want to.

The one circuit breaker is for the Alternator and we just have a 25 amp for now. It is just to "place hold" until we can get the proper rated circuit breaker to install.

Note: the "white space" around the display printouts is to show the actual size of the display as the print out does not always come out actual size.

[EricP]

Thanks Whee! I think I knew that from prior research but forgot ....OK, update here...

I spoke with GRT and the EIS 4000 is required for the engine data for either the Sport EX or the Mini X which they can share. This will include the LCD display. GRT says this display can be put in the panel or mounted remotely. So basically we will have an ultimate "back up display" for the EIS if we lose both screens or if we just want to de-clutter the two displays.

So here is the current wish list:

GRT Advanced Sport EX $2400
optional WAAS GPS $500 (for ADSB OUT, not yet available)
optional magnetometer $260
GRT Mini X (mini can share magnetometer) $1395
optional moving map for Mini $150
GRT EIS 4000 engine monitoring $1450 (advanced life version)
TRIG TT22 / TT31 transponder $2000
TRIG TY91 / ICOM IC A220 comm $1300
Undecided on ADSB IN solution $300 to $700? Call it $500
Backup Flight Planning tablet, using Garmin Pilot $75 per year (includes second subscription for my phone!), tablet already bought but was about $250
Backup handheld comm $300?

Total using these figures (not including the Garmin Pilot or tablet or smartphone or handheld radio) is $9955. Of course I hope to improve on these prices but I think they are reasonable.

[whee]

You are right, the Mini or the Sport will display all the engine information but you still need the EIS to collect and send that data to the Mini or the Sport. For engine instruments the EIS is the brain and the Mini or the Sport can be used as a display.