Dual AF3400s in RV-8 panel

[AntiGravity]

Okay, so I copied the post from the 'other' place and I'm hoping it will appear ok (it did, with a little editing). Here's a link to the, ahem, original thread if you need the history.

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/s ... hp?t=26609

Basically, I'd like two AF3400s in my RV-8 panel and was wondering whether someone had done it already and/or whether they would fit. On ePanel it says yes, on my panel test it suggests no. Hmmm...
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Ok, now this is confusing! I am starting to think more about the panel so I grabbed the metal and the pictures and put them together. See my kitlog entry [linked] below for the full skinny, but I'm not sure what I'm missing here?

The ePanelBuilder shows that I should be able to fit two AF units, but they sure don't on my metal. I checked the drawings and don't see that there is any 'extra' metal that I'm not taking into account. I also have to be aware of where the panel parts meet and the crossbrace goes.





Link to kitlog entries:-
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 1399&row=2
http://www.mykitlog.com/users/display_l ... 1406&row=1

Did some more playing; new panel photos; might get the dual AFS in there after all. Comments? (on the AF3400 panel, mostly, but comments on either is ok)

[captain_john]

Hey Jeff!

My two, go with the single 3500 instead. Wicked Stick is doing just that and it really fits well.

Why do you want the dual screens?

There really isn't much that you can do with 2 screens that you can't do with 1.

I am installing the 3500 in my -7 with a Dynon D10A as a backup.

The 3500 is large enough to display map data and vitals simultaneously.

CJ

[weezbad]

looks good either way. i would remove the aoa as it will be in screen with either set-up. but you may have it for back up reasons unknown to me.
that AFS is some reeeealy nice stuff but the dynons are pretty nice as well.

[bullojm1]

Jeff-

I don't see why you need a full blown audio panel - the only audio inputs I see on your panel is the SL-40, Garmin Handheld alerts and the AFS alerts. I don't know if the SL-40 has an intercom build in, but the ICOM-A210 does. That would make it so you can move your 3400's down about 1"

[captain_john]

I was just looking for a picture of WS's panel. No joy. He is down in sunny Florida right now, but when he returns, I am sure that he will find this thread and post up.

Wicked Stick has laid out probably what I would say is the BEST -8 panel I have ever seen!

You really need to see it, it has many of the same instruments you do.

He will be back here midweek.

CJ

[AntiGravity]

I can't really say for sure, but I just prefer the two screen setup. I've also considered using the dual EFIS/EMS with second EFIS. This would allow me to run EFIS either way if one of the screens goes kaput and I could theoretically lose the guages. I also like the idea of me mechanical guage backups rather than having everything electrical. I plan to put the AoA display up on the glareshield where it is right in view. Yes, this will be more expensive that simply tying into the AFS EFIS but I think it may get 'lost' on the screen there. Unsurprisingly the 9000EX was recommended by PS themselves; I like that it has the bluetooth cellphone and builtin MP3; it really is a luxury item though so if I need to drop it and/or downgrade I will do so.
Perhaps WS will post his panel when he gets back.

[captain_john]

Jeff, I can really dig the 2 screen setup too! I was hooked on it when I first laid out my panel.

Personally, if you want it... go for it! I *think* the 2 AFS3400's WILL fit into the standard -8 panel.

The total space required is not much larger than the footprint of the face.

When I see WS next, we will tinker with the layout and see how things fit.

CJ

[weezbad]

keep the audio panel!! i found it a bit difficult getting all of my audio hooked up to it and dont know if it is all going to work as planed . ps engineering said the intercom was not intended for a audio alerts from the dynons and wouldnt say that it would in fact work. i hear it will so we'll see. i did have to send back the 6 place intercom for the 4 as the 6 didnt havce two unswitched audio inputs.
so i got audio from 2 dynons, 1 gps, and an ipod.

[ptrotter]

Be careful with epanelbuilder. I found that the RV-8 panel it uses is not correct. It seems to be taller than the real panel and things that fit in epanelbuilder will not fit in reality.

[AntiGravity]

Be careful with epanelbuilder. I found that the RV-8 panel it uses is not correct. It seems to be taller than the real panel and things that fit in epanelbuilder will not fit in reality.

That's what I thought! I thought I was going nuts! I keep moving the cutouts around and trying different layouts. I reckon I might get the AFS's in there side-by-side but vertically isn't going to happen. I still don't know how much room I need for switches, circuit breakers, annunciators, etc. Then again, I still have no idea what switches, circuit breakers & annunciators I might need anyway! I guess there's always the side panels/consoles. I got one of SteinAirs safety trim controllers, so at least that is one switch I know about

[Wicked Stick]

Be careful with epanelbuilder. I found that the RV-8 panel it uses is not correct. It seems to be taller than the real panel and things that fit in epanelbuilder will not fit in reality.

Back from FL vacation... didn't have access to Wi-Fi at the relatives house we were visiting, otherwise would have posted sooner.

Anyway, I "think" the panel drawing is close to acccurate, but it depicts the folded part as flat. So I think the drawing (even vans' dwg file) shows it FLAT before it got bent and sent.


Keep in mind that this is a VFR Day/Night panel, with maybe Lite IFR pop-thru's. I probably won't even install the vertical card compass either.
I'm keeping it simple as 95% of my flying is looking out the window while formation flying, or doing some Acro or a trip with the wifey or my son VFR. The panel layout was done using "X-panel" software.

[AntiGravity]

Hey Dave,

Hope you had a great vacation.
What are those on the left of your panel? Pic is a little small and I'm not familiar with the equipment to know. Looks like PMA9000EX at top and GTX-327 down below, but what is in between? (nav and/or comms, obviously, but which?)

[Wicked Stick]

You are correct about the intercom and transponder.
The other two are the Garmin SL30 and the iCOM A210.

I'm installing the tray and wiring for the SL30, but have yet to purchase the radio itself. I figure the A210 will be fine for the first few flights.
Things get real expensive at the panel and FWF stages, so I needed to save a little dough on the panel right now.