Panel cutting - the radio stack

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RVNewsletter
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Panel cutting - the radio stack

Post by RVNewsletter »

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I'm cutting out my instrument panel by hand and I'm on the radio stack now. Question. Underneath the hole for the A210, which I've got, I want to cut one for a Garmin 327 transponder. What is the recommended gap (for cooling) between two instruments such as this? [/img]
Bob Collins
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bullojm1
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Post by bullojm1 »

Hey Bob-

The 327's installation manual (http://aviation.vortex.is/install/Garmi ... TX-327.pdf) states in section 2.5 (Cooling Air) that the transponder doesn't require any special spacing.
Mike Bullock
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hydroguy2
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Post by hydroguy2 »

1/16" is the gap I have on my Icom 200 and Garmin320. not sure what is best. I mounted mine together and plan on only cutting one common hole.

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Brian
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Post by RVNewsletter »

Sweet. I wish I'd gotten an installation manual (Stein?) when I bought this thing.
Bob Collins
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bullojm1
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Post by bullojm1 »

RVNewsletter wrote:Sweet. I wish I'd gotten an installation manual (Stein?) when I bought this thing.
From what I have heard, only authorized dealers are supposed to have installation manuals for Garmin avionics. That is why you can't find them on Garmins site and why you don't get them when you buy the equipment. If you need any of them, let me know....I have a stash of them.
Mike Bullock
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Garmin GTN650 | GRT Dual Sport SX EFIS
Status: FLYING!

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Post by RVNewsletter »

I found a 2005 version online and noticed it said the rear of the 327 should be supported. I'm not at the hangar so I can't check this but I don't believe the 327 comes close to the subpanel. How are folks supporting the rear of the transponder?
Bob Collins
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TomNativeNewYorker
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Post by TomNativeNewYorker »

Are you using the masking tape for laying out your cut lines? I never had any luck doing it that way, the tape has a tendency to move along with the lines.

I do much better using layout ink. http://www.mini-lathe.com/Mini_mill/Acc ... layout.htm
http://www.dymon.com/ProductFamily.cfm? ... pe=product
How are you cutting the openings, and how think is the panel skin?[/url]

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Post by RVNewsletter »

No, I mark the cutlines and measure them out with ruler and Sharpie. Then I put the painters tape along it to guide me. But I file to the Sharpie mark. And I use the tape to protect around the cut.

I mark out the openings, add the tape along the lines, drill four holes well off each corner, enlarge them with a unibit that allows me to slip a jigsaw with metal-cutting blade in and I cut to each hole, probably 1/4"-1/2" off the lines.

Then I sit in the hangar doorway and watch planes take off while I file them down by hand, stopping to fit the component every now and again as I get "close."

A lot of planes land while I'm doing this.
Bob Collins
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Bob Barrett
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Support of Large Instruments

Post by Bob Barrett »

Bob, I supported the back of both my radio and transponder for my RV-6A panel. In the 6A either the transponder or ICOM radio had to be out of the instrument sub-panel. I cut a large relatively crude hole in the sub-panel. Then I rienforced the hole in the sub panel with alum angle to support both the radio tray and transponder tray. The hole in the sup-panel is high enough that I could get a second radio, a panel mount GPS and another instrument that size in it. I also made an enlarged opening in the instrument panel so that all I have to do is cut off or shorten the cover to stick in another instrument tray. I am hoping to be able to post URL to MN Wing site tomorrow or the next day with my panel in it. I sent you an e-mail today with some pictures of my airplane.

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cjensen
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Post by cjensen »

Mine is in a convenient location for a support, so this may not work for you, but this is what I did...

Image

That bracket alone makes the tray REALLY rigid...
Chad Jensen
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Post by RVNewsletter »

By golly, I hadn't thought of that, Chad. I think I'm pretty much located in the panel as you have it, so that rib should work fine. Many thanks.
Bob Collins
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