We
decided to use the "standard" layout for a panel (flight instruments
on left, engine instruments and avionics in the middle, remaining instruments -
including CD/Stereo - on the right). The two white circles in the center
are manifold pressure and tach. We wanted to put the compass in the panel
but do not think we will have space for it. The white cardboard around the
primary flight instruments will be a removable sub-panel. Yes, a Garmin
GNS430 is planned.
To
make room for a map box in the lower right, we rotated the fuel/oil/volt/amp
layout. This gives us enough room for the Vans map box. After
Oshkosh 2001, we decided we couldn't live without the Dynon
Flight Display (just above the nav head in this shot). It will likely
swap places with the attitude indicator and nav head. This setup (using
the Dynon as primary) means we have redundant attitude indicators (Dynon is
electric, Sigmatek is vacuum) and redundant turn coordinators (both electric -
Dynon and Navaid Wing Leveler) - plus it looks really neat.
To
practice, we built a sub-panel for the fuel/oil/volt/amp gauges. It was
good practice for the real thing. The first trouble that we ran into was
our drill press. It didn't have a deep enough throat to reach the two
holes on the lower left. The map box, however, provided a solution.
The map box
from Vans is a very simple and economical unit. The only tough thing about
it is ensuring the ribs behind the panel are cut back to allow enough room as
the map box is fairly deep.
After
fitting, the map box comes with a template. Simply drill to the panel and
countersink the holes. We opted for screws to attach it to the panel so we
had to install nutplates on the rear of the box flanges.
After
reaching the top holes from the top of the panel, we were able to disassemble
the drill press and re-assemble it with the shaft inside the map box hole.
The
primary flight instruments are on a sub panel. Notice the layout of the
Dynon and attitude indicator on the cardboard above - Dynon and AI along the
top, Nav Head bottom right. Still debating this but we left enough room to
align then anywhere we need to.
Most of
the holes are now cut in the panel. We are planning on sending out the
panel to have the avionics rack built and filled (meaning spend a bunch of money
to have someone else do the wiring and put in the radios).
This
is about all of the instruments that we have so far. Still one more big
hole to cut for avionics.
Panel fully
cut out. There were a number of things that we had to "fix".
After
cutting the holes for the engine and fuel monitors, we realized that the EI
UBG-16 Engine monitor was too deep to put in the top hole. Thanks to
countersunk rivets, we were able to hide the holes quite easily.
To ensure
we had enough strength in the panel, a 1" x 5/16" strip (bar stock) was riveted
along the bottom where the avionics rack is located. Normally this isn't
needed but we ended up cutting the panel down to almost the bend.
We also
put some of this bar stock on the bottom of the primary instrument holes.
A picture
of the rear of the panel shows both reinforcements.
Click here to email Brian or Ken.
Last updated:
April 03, 2004.
Most of
the holes are now cut in the panel. We are planning on sending out the
panel to have the avionics rack built and filled (meaning spend a bunch of money
to have someone else do the wiring and put in the radios).
We
decided to use the "standard" layout for a panel (flight instruments
on left, engine instruments and avionics in the middle, remaining instruments -
including CD/Stereo - on the right). The two white circles in the center
are manifold pressure and tach. We wanted to put the compass in the panel
but do not think we will have space for it. The white cardboard around the
primary flight instruments will be a removable sub-panel. Yes, a Garmin
GNS430 is planned.
To
make room for a map box in the lower right, we rotated the fuel/oil/volt/amp
layout. This gives us enough room for the Vans map box. After
Oshkosh 2001, we decided we couldn't live without the 
To
practice, we built a sub-panel for the fuel/oil/volt/amp gauges. It was
good practice for the real thing. The first trouble that we ran into was
our drill press. It didn't have a deep enough throat to reach the two
holes on the lower left. The map box, however, provided a solution.
The map box
from Vans is a very simple and economical unit. The only tough thing about
it is ensuring the ribs behind the panel are cut back to allow enough room as
the map box is fairly deep.
After
fitting, the map box comes with a template. Simply drill to the panel and
countersink the holes. We opted for screws to attach it to the panel so we
had to install nutplates on the rear of the box flanges.
After
reaching the top holes from the top of the panel, we were able to disassemble
the drill press and re-assemble it with the shaft inside the map box hole.
The
primary flight instruments are on a sub panel. Notice the layout of the
Dynon and attitude indicator on the cardboard above - Dynon and AI along the
top, Nav Head bottom right. Still debating this but we left enough room to
align then anywhere we need to.
This
is about all of the instruments that we have so far. Still one more big
hole to cut for avionics.
This
hole waited until the 
Panel fully
cut out. There were a number of things that we had to "fix".
After
cutting the holes for the engine and fuel monitors, we realized that the EI
UBG-16 Engine monitor was too deep to put in the top hole. Thanks to
countersunk rivets, we were able to hide the holes quite easily.
To ensure
we had enough strength in the panel, a 1" x 5/16" strip (bar stock) was riveted
along the bottom where the avionics rack is located. Normally this isn't
needed but we ended up cutting the panel down to almost the bend.
We also
put some of this bar stock on the bottom of the primary instrument holes.
A picture
of the rear of the panel shows both reinforcements.