Garmin G3X mounting flange

[arborite]

I’ve cut the big hole in the panel for the G3X display and am now thinking about the best way to mount the supplied flange. For those of you who have done this, did you rivet/bond the flange to the back side of the panel (improved stiffness, eliminate potential rattle) or did you make it more easily removable (easier replacement of anchor nuts, future flexibility). I’m leaning toward a more permanent attachment. also will be adding stiffeners to the back side of the panel to reduce flex since i’m mounting the ADAHRS unit on the back of the display.

Any words of wisdom from those who have done this?

Thanks

Wayne
IMG_0972.jpg

[jaredyates]

For the Dynon units I riveted the reinforcements. Figuring if I needed to resize for a different screen later, I'd be willing to cut a whole new panel if necessary.

[gregc]

I had vibration issues with the Garmin ADAHRS so I would go with the stiffer solution. Also anchor the ADAHRS wiring and pitot static lines well.

[arborite]

Thanks gents. I’m making the reinforcements today and will rivet/bond the whole thing to the panel for stiffness. trying to keep it as light as possible but needs to be stiff as you say for ADAHRS performance.

[rodsmith]

Thanks gents. I’m making the reinforcements today and will rivet/bond the whole thing to the panel for stiffness. trying to keep it as light as possible but needs to be stiff as you say for ADAHRS performance.

I think that is the way to go. I riveted the corners to the panel using the pre-punched holes. Did not secure it otherwise, but my ADHRS is mounted to the frame not the back of the screen.

[Lee]

Current plan is to anodize my panel black. Mcmaster Carr has black flat head screew that I will use to mount all the trays. They should largely disappear.

Lee

[arborite]

Current plan is to anodize my panel black. Mcmaster Carr has black flat head screew that I will use to mount all the trays. They should largely disappear.

Lee

That will be really nice. will you etch the lettering in the anodization?

[500AGL]

I’d like to pass along a few tidbits related to this.

- Garmin actually specifies a .090” panel for installation. This is largely unheard of in the experimental world, but the standard in the certified world. So just understand that they are looking for some rigidity for their instruments.

- When using a panel of 080-090 you can tap the panel for mounting screws, although using single leg nut plates is the common install method. I never use the Garmin backing plate for install. While it may have some small value on thin panels (030-050) I’d rather see one use a thicker overlay if desired.

- While Garmin created a mounting location for the GSU25 on the back of the G3, it’s not a great location unless it’s the only space available. In addition to vibration potential, the biggest issue to access to behind the panel.
The G3 when mounted by itself allows great access via 4 screws, two plugs and a coax disconnect.
If the GSU is mounted there you have pitot static and aoa lines attached as well as the two GSU connectors.
you can either disconnect the lines from the GSU, and then retest the system after reinstall, or unbolt the GSU from the G3. Neither are convenient.
I urge everyone to mount the GSU25 like an external component elsewhere, and leave the pitot static lines fixed.

Peter