Porposed RV7 Panel

[timotb]

I would like to share my proposed panel...but I cant seem to add an image either in JPG or PDF

[bullojm1]

To post a pic on these forums, you first have to upload it to a third party picture hosting site. One of the easier ones is ImageShack (http://www.imageshack.us). Once you upload a pic to it, it will post a number of links. Copy the link posted next to "Thumbnail for forums (1)" into the clipboard (highlight it, select menu from the browser menu, then copy).

Come back to the forums and paste (Select Menu from the browser menu, then paste) where you want the picture to be. An example would be:

[ URL=http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?imag ... vepvi1.jpg ][ IMG ]http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/6938 ... vi1.th.jpg[ /IMG ][ /URL ][ URL=http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php ][ IMG ]http://img341.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif[ /IMG ][ /URL ]

Which when posted in the forums looks like this:

[timotb]

pretty complicated for being 2008...but Ill try it

[svanarts]

It's still easier than wiring up your panel. Give it a try and show us what you got.

[Spike]

If you need a place to store your photos for posting we can give you your own gallery.

John

[timotb]

Error

[timotb]

This is an RV7a My philosophy is not to have a lot of redundancy if not necessary. Both the AFS EFIS and Garmin 430 are TSO’d for IFR. The 430 is certified as a single means of navigation. I plan to have a second battery back up. The AFS already is battery backed up so I just need to back up the radio stack. Something I will add that isn’t shown, an indicator light warning when on back up power. What more do I need for light IFR? I’m definitely open to constructive comments. Thanks, Tim

[bullojm1]

Tim-

Congratulations on getting the pic posted!

Now for the critiquing! The AFS unit is REALLY nice. If I was going with a single EFIS, that would be it! I would put it centered in front of the pilot. It looks like it is offset to the right now. Is that to avoid conflicting with the rib there? Its pretty easy to move that rib over (to the left or right).

Also, I would put the autopilot below the EFIS, or off to the right of the EFIS so it is in a easy arms reach.

Why are you going with the Garmin 430? Your panel doesn't seem like it is IFR equipped. If you are going for a VFR bird, I would look into using a Garmin 396, 495/6 or 695/6 and a seperate comm (like a SL40 or ICOM A210). The garmin handhelds have a lot more features than the 430....however they aren't certified for IFR navigation use.

[RV7Factory]

For once I agree with pretty much everything Mike said.

[timotb]

Yeah, this is a full IFR airplane (be it minimal) I’ve haven’t given those other Garmins much thought….but I think I will take a look. The AFS ( http://www.advanced-flight-systems.com/index.html )EFIS is full IFR approved has everything you need including Flight director, I’m told, even though I cant finding anything in the manual on the flight director.

Regarding the auto pilot, and centering the EFIS….good ideas. I didn’t consider moving that F-745 rib.

Thanks for your thoughts.....

[bullojm1]

Tim,

You will have to put in some backup instruments (at least something that handles ASI, Altitude and turn and bank) for the DAR to sign off on it meeting IFR requirements. You could put in a second AFS unit, but what happens if there is a software bug that both units hit concurrently? I would put in either a Dynon D10A or some steam gauges.

[timotb]

Originally I was going to put in back up steam gages, Airspeed, Altitude and maybe an ADI.....before your last comment, I wondered if they were really necessary. Your point is good.

[svanarts]

Try to think worse case scenario. You are in the clouds at night and have a total electrical failure that takes out your EFIS. What do you need to get on the ground safely? Will it ever happen? Probably not, but it's insurance.

It also depends on the kind of IFR you are going to do. Most folks around my area have an IFR ticket so they can punch through the marine layer we get in the summer months. Maybe 2 minutes in the clouds total. Examine the type of IFR work you are anticipating and design for that.

Overall I like your design. If it were me I'd center the EFIS, move the switches off the main panel down to the subpanel and place the backup instruments (2 1/4" sized) in a row directly below the EFIS.

Disclaimer: I am not an IFR pilot, I don't play one on TV, and I didn't sleep in a fancy hotel last night.

[TomC]

You will have to put in some backup instruments (at least something that handles ASI, Altitude and turn and bank) for the DAR to sign off on it meeting IFR requirements.

Mike, I don't think this is what the DAR does. They issue an airworthiness certificate that states something like "certified for daytime VFR flight unless otherwise equipped." Other than this, the DAR will make no claim that the aircraft is suitable for IFR flight or night flight either. You, as manufacturer, make that determination. The decision as to what is prudent is left to the builder and in the end, to the pilot. That being said, I would also want a couple of backup instruments if I was to fly IFR.

Just my $.02

[Wicked Stick]

The AFS ( http://www.advanced-flight-systems.com/index.html )EFIS is full IFR approved has everything you need including Flight director, I’m told, even though I cant finding anything in the manual on the flight director.

The Flight Director feature for the AFS is brand new. It just came out recenlty and they just put up a newly revised Manual for it. (v5.5)

I think the software for it will be released shortly. (currently finisihing up beta testing)