Panel layout help--RV-8

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 11:40 pm

I am trying to figure out a panel layout for my RV-8, and was wondering how some of you guys come up with the computer generated layouts. Is there a site where you can print out the pictures actual size?

I am having vfr panel, with the following:

Dynon Flight deck D180
Dynon AP 74 autopilot control
Garmin 496 dock
Steam AS, ALT, and indicator for nav
sigtronics intercom
KX 155 nav-comm
KT-76A transponder

Anybody got any good ideas? I have looked at the panels on the other site, but can't quite find just what I want.

Thanks, Lance

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:28 pm

I used Autocad for the layout. You can download some free cad programs as well.

As far as printing, almost all of the manufacturers allow you to download high res pics of the items. Just use an image editor program that allows you to print stuff to a certain size. Set the size to the items true size and print away.

Another option is to ask the vendors for full size to scale cards of their products. Most of them hand this out for free.

Just a note on the King radio... I see you are going to have a stand alone CDI/GS but be aware that the King will not work with the Dynon if you ever want to use the built in EHSI with the nav/com.

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:55 pm

After building two panels and getting ready to build a third, I'm convinced that printing out the instruments full-sized and then just moving them around on the panel is THE BEST way to lay out your panel. Many times things will look good on paper but when you go to cut holes, you spot problems. More often than not you don't spot the problems until you are actually putting the instruments in those holes.

Also, tape your instrument mounting trays (if any)) or make 3D cardboard templates and tape them to the back of your panel. Then test fit your panel. This can also save you some headaches as you will see where things bump or rub together.

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:20 pm

Cad Drawsing work great! However I would make a full size plywood cut out of the instrument panel and then carefully lightly tape the instrument panel print outs to the wood. Then sit in your airplane and see how you like it. You probably will end up making some changes. Have friends sit in the airplane also and get their suggestions. I moved my Dynon 10A as a direct result and I am very glad my friend suggested the change. Once I had what I throught was a final lay out I actually cut the holes for the various instruments and fasten the instruments in the holes in the plywood panel. I found that I needed to make some subtle changes to my panel from that process. When are you coming to Sartell or 8Y6. I got the "Special Airworthiness Certificate" on 12/18/08. I am waiting for warmer weather and less snow before having the it test flown. Also the test pilot I have listed on my insurace is in Cape Coral until early may!

Wicked Stick · Post by **Wicked Stick** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:35 pm

Lance,

Here's a link to the software I used for my 8's panel.
http://www.xpanelsoftware.com/

On the 8, there's a cross-brace that can interfer with long radio's if the location is at a certain height. Using the software to check it was very helpful. (you can view the panel in 3D)

Worth a looksie in my opinion.

cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 11:02 pm

Bob Barrett wrote:Cad Drawsing work great! However I would make a full size plywood cut out of the instrument panel and then carefully lightly tape the instrument panel print outs to the wood.<snip>

Why? Not arguing, just curious why you suggest using this over the panel itself???

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:30 am

Thanks for all the replies, sorry it took so long to get back--I was at a wedding this weekend. I thought i saw some of the cutouts at osh this summer, but can't seem to find them.

Brantel--I am only using the Kx 155 because I have one laying around, and I can't quite commit to buy a 430 when I already have the 496 and a comm radio.

The Panel for an 8 is only $26 from vans, so I think I will order a spare next time I order parts.

I like the idea of the 3d cutouts --I can see that brace causing problems.

Bob--I will get to you this spring--I don't know where the summer/fall went.

I will try to get something layed out and post it, then get some free advice from you guys!!

Thanks--Lance

By the way, I sikaflexed the canopy this week--talk about a lot of worry for what turned out to be a simple job!!!

Brantel · Post by **Brantel** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 3:22 pm

lancef53 wrote:Brantel--I am only using the Kx 155 because I have one laying around, and I can't quite commit to buy a 430 when I already have the 496 and a comm radio. !!!

These are great, easy to use radio's... It is a shame King does some wierd stuff with their outputs.. Some people have been shocked to find out they won't work with the Dynon. Didn't want you to be surprised.

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:41 pm

I recomend using plywood over the actual panel because most of us have a lot of it around from crating we get from Vans and I have a enough paneling laying around from other projects which is thinner yet. RV-6 Panel blanks are or were $60 a piece versus the cheaper RV-8 panels at $26. My old paneling material can just be so much scrap wood and it cost me nothing at the present time anyhow! Aluminum is good but it gets expensive especailly when you add shipping and handling fees. Cardboard could possibly be used but it is not as rigid as paneling or plywood.

lancef53 · Post by **lancef53** » Sun Jan 25, 2009 9:21 pm

I layed out a couple of rough ideas, not sure where to go with them???

http://www.rivetbangers.com/forumsGalle ... temId=4941

http://www.rivetbangers.com/forumsGalle ... temId=4944

I am a little LD when it comes to computer stuff, so I didn't try any of the fancy programs.

The Xpanel that CS used looks pretty slick, I just haven't tried it yet.

Thanks, Lance

What do you guys think about the steam backups? Are they needed, or a waste of time?

Post by **Spike** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:50 pm

Hmm, thats really up to you. Assuming you are not going into clouds then you should ask if you would want to land the airplane with no direct instrumentation regarding airspeed and altitude. I think I would like to have them as some sort of backup. Either way though I would not consider them to be a waste of time.

Bob Barrett · Post by **Bob Barrett** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 6:12 pm

Yes, back up Altimeter and Airspeed should be available. I have a Dynon 10A in my panel but also have an Altimeter, Airspeed, and Whiskey Compass in case something goes South!

RivetBangers.com

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