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Panel Replacement

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michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 3:34 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Hi all,



I thought I’d share the upgrade project I completed last weekend. My Kitfox Series 7 was in need of a panel upgrade. The new panel was built in the shop and assembled on the living room table. A few months ago I pulled the old panel out of the plane and started working on installing the new one.



Original panel (2005-2019)



New panel (in the dining room)



New panel (installed). I moved the engine controls down to the console while retaining the mechanical pitch trim handle there. It’s a tight squeeze underneath but we got everything to fit.



Here’s what’s what. There are no autopilot servos installed at this time, but the Dynon AP-74 has a knob that makes things like altitude/heading bugs and altimeter settings much easier than poking buttons on the main unit.



She also has a new Ivo in-flight adjustable prop with constant speed controller. The previous prop was a very nice Whirlwind but it was ground-adjustable only. Of course, the new prop required the Rotax hollow prop shaft and she had the solid one, so that added $$$ to the project!



I finished the last of the ground testing on Saturday, so I think she’s ready to return to the skies.



Mike G.

Phoenix, AZ

Kitfox Series 7

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rexinator

Joined: 31 Jan 2009
Posts: 33

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 4:36 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Looks great!

     Rex Hefferan

     M2/582

     

     On 6/8/2020 5:30 PM, Michael Gibbs       wrote:

     

      	  Quote: 	
		          	  Quote: 	
		  Hi all,



I thought I’d share the upgrade project I completed last weekend. My Kitfox Series 7 was in need of a panel upgrade. The new panel was built in the shop and assembled on the living room table. A few months ago I pulled the old panel out of the plane and started working on installing the new one.



Original panel (2005-2019)

	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  



New panel (in the dining room)

	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  



New panel (installed). I moved the engine controls down to the console while retaining the mechanical pitch trim handle there. It’s a tight squeeze underneath but we got everything to fit.

	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  



Here’s what’s what. There are no autopilot servos installed at this time, but the Dynon AP-74 has a knob that makes things like altitude/heading bugs and altimeter settings much easier than poking buttons on the main unit.

	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  



She also has a new Ivo in-flight adjustable prop with constant speed controller. The previous prop was a very nice Whirlwind but it was ground-adjustable only. Of course, the new prop required the Rotax hollow prop shaft and she had the solid one, so that added $$$ to the project!

	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  



I finished the last of the ground testing on Saturday, so I think she’s ready to return to the skies.



Mike G.

Phoenix, AZ

Kitfox Series 7

temco(at)telusplanet.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 4:47 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Great job on the panel and also in moving all the controls that you made changes to. Good to see that a few posts are being made to this site.



Ted Palamarek IV/912ul

kitfox(at)mcn.org
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 5:16 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Nice job Mike!  I especially like your Ipad mount.  Looks factory.

I have a Ram Roller mount in my Kitfox that works well too.



I have found my 2.5 amp USB charger can't keep up with the Ipad on long flights.  What are you using for power?

(the home Ipad charger is 5 amps I think)?



Cheers,

Kirby Cramer   Kitfox 4 N45KC



--

michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 7:39 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.



Actually, the iPad mount is home-grown. It’s just a sheet of aluminum with three edges folded over to grip the edges of the iPad. The top is open and it pivots on a piano hinge, so I can pull the small latch up, tilt it forward, and slide the iPad out, if needed. There’s also a small computer fan behind it that comes on with the master switch to help keep the iPad cool.



I used a small USB plug behind the panel for power. It provides 2.1 amps to each of two USB sockets (only one is used). This is an iPad Air, so 2 amps is enough to power and charge it. You have to be careful with power plugs, a lot of plugs that are labeled “2 amps” also have two plugs, and each plug only provides 1 amp, which is not enough to power the tablet. This one is rated at 4.2 amps, so 2.1 is available for each plug.



It’s not a good picture, but this is the USB plug before it was mounted behind the panel. There is a second one on the front side of the panel for pilot and passenger use.



Mike



[quote] On Jun 8, 2020, at 6:17 PM, Kirby Cramer <kitfox(at)mcn.org> wrote:

 

 

 

 Nice job Mike!  I especially like your Ipad mount.  Looks factory.

 I have a Ram Roller mount in my Kitfox that works well too.

 

 I have found my 2.5 amp USB charger can't keep up with the Ipad on long flights.  What are you using for power?

 (the home Ipad charger is 5 amps I think)?

 

 Cheers,

 Kirby Cramer   Kitfox 4 N45KC

 

 --

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kitfox(at)mcn.org
Guest

Posted: Mon Jun 08, 2020 9:28 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

The fan is even more impressive.  My Ipad does get hot especially in the sun..



Any info on your charging source and output?



Thanks again

-Kirby



--

genie(at)swissmail.org
Guest

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:05 am Post subject: Panel Replacement

Hi Mike,

     

     

     I love the pictures which you sent. You       really have done an excellent job. I really appreciated the       passenger warning, in which is written in the last line "In my       opinion it exceeds them". Well said!

     

     

     Good luck with this project. I hope       that you will fly soon.

     

     

     George Nielsen

     Avid Flyer project

     

     

     

     On 09-Jun-20 5:35, Michael Gibbs wrote:

     

     [quote]        	  Quote: 	
		  Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.



Actually, the iPad mount is home-grown. It’s just a sheet of aluminum with three edges folded over to grip the edges of the iPad. The top is open and it pivots on a piano hinge, so I can pull the small latch up, tilt it forward, and slide the iPad out, if needed. There’s also a small computer fan behind it that comes on with the master switch to help keep the iPad cool.



	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  

I used a small USB plug behind the panel for power. It provides 2.1 amps to each of two USB sockets (only one is used). This is an iPad Air, so 2 amps is enough to power and charge it. You have to be careful with power plugs, a lot of plugs that are labeled “2 amps” also have two plugs, and each plug only provides 1 amp, which is not enough to power the tablet. This one is rated at 4.2 amps, so 2.1 is available for each plug.



It’s not a good picture, but this is the USB plug before it was mounted behind the panel. There is a second one on the front side of the panel for pilot and passenger use.



	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  

	
       

              [quote]

Mike



         [quote]On Jun 8, 2020, at 6:17 PM, Kirby Cramer <kitfox(at)mcn.org> (kitfox(at)mcn.org) wrote:  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kirby Cramer" <kitfox(at)mcn.org> (kitfox(at)mcn.org)  Nice job Mike!  I especially like your Ipad mount.  Looks factory. I have a Ram Roller mount in my Kitfox that works well too.  I have found my 2.5 amp USB charger can't keep up with the Ipad on long flights.  What are you using for power? (the home Ipad charger is 5 amps I think)?  Cheers, Kirby Cramer   Kitfox 4 N45KC  --

davestapa

Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 30
Location: Woodstock, GA

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:10 am Post subject: Panel Replacement

Are you selling the whirl wind?



Sent from my iPhone



 	  Quote: 	
		   On Jun 8, 2020, at 7:41 PM, Michael Gibbs <michaelgibbs(at)cox.net> wrote:

 

 Hi all,

 

 I thought I’d share the upgrade project I completed last weekend. My Kitfox Series 7 was in need of a panel upgrade. The new panel was built in the shop and assembled on the living room table. A few months ago I pulled the old panel out of the plane and started working on installing the new one.

 

 Original panel (2005-2019)

 <image.jpg>

 

 

 New panel (in the dining room)

 <image.jpg>

 

 

 New panel (installed). I moved the engine controls down to the console while retaining the mechanical pitch trim handle there. It’s a tight squeeze underneath but we got everything to fit.

 <IMG_3090.jpeg>

 

 

 Here’s what’s what. There are no autopilot servos installed at this time, but the Dynon AP-74 has a knob that makes things like altitude/heading bugs and altimeter settings much easier than poking buttons on the main unit.

 <image.jpg>

 

 

 She also has a new Ivo in-flight adjustable prop with constant speed controller. The previous prop was a very nice Whirlwind but it was ground-adjustable only. Of course, the new prop required the Rotax hollow prop shaft and she had the solid one, so that added $$$ to the project!

 <image.jpg>

 

 

 I finished the last of the ground testing on Saturday, so I think she’s ready to return to the skies.

 

 Mike G.

 Phoenix, AZ

 Kitfox Series 7

_________________
C. David Estapa
Woodstock, GA
S5TD N97DE

michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:33 am Post subject: Panel Replacement

Hi Kirby,



The fan is just a generic computer fan I picked up at Fry’s electronics. It seemed like a good idea.    It’s very quiet (not really important in a noisy airplane!) and moves a lot of air.



I don’t have the original packaging but it turns out I used two different devices. Both are meant to be panel-mounted but one of them is hidden behind the panel.



This is the one that is available for cockpit use, it’s from Powerwerx. Note that it is a 4.2A model, with 2.1A available on both ports.



There are no additional markings on the back of the unit.



The one that is behind the panel powers the panel-mounted iPad. It is a 3.1A unit that provides 1A to one port and 2.1A on the other. The 1A port is not used.



I hope this is helpful.



Mike

Phoenix, AZ

Kitfox Series 7

[quote] On Jun 8, 2020, at 10:48 PM, Kirby Cramer <kitfox(at)mcn.org> wrote:

 

 

 

 The fan is even more impressive.  My Ipad does get hot especially in the sun..

 

 Any info on your charging source and output?

 

 Thanks again

 -Kirby

 

 --

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michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:37 am Post subject: Panel Replacement

Hi Dave,



Yes, but someone local snagged it the very next day.  



Mike

Phoenix, AZ

Kitfox Series 7



 	  Quote: 	
		   On Jun 9, 2020, at 9:21 AM, Home <davestapa(at)juno.com> wrote:

 

 

 

 Are you selling the whirl wind?

 

 Sent from my iPhone

 

> On Jun 8, 2020, at 7:41 PM, Michael Gibbs <michaelgibbs(at)cox.net> wrote:

> 

> Hi all,

> 

> I thought I’d share the upgrade project I completed last weekend. My Kitfox Series 7 was in need of a panel upgrade. The new panel was built in the shop and assembled on the living room table. A few months ago I pulled the old panel out of the plane and started working on installing the new one.

> 

> Original panel (2005-2019)

> <image.jpg>

> 

> 

> New panel (in the dining room)

> <image.jpg>

> 

> 

> New panel (installed). I moved the engine controls down to the console while retaining the mechanical pitch trim handle there. It’s a tight squeeze underneath but we got everything to fit.

> <IMG_3090.jpeg>

> 

> 

> Here’s what’s what. There are no autopilot servos installed at this time, but the Dynon AP-74 has a knob that makes things like altitude/heading bugs and altimeter settings much easier than poking buttons on the main unit.

> <image.jpg>

> 

> 

> She also has a new Ivo in-flight adjustable prop with constant speed controller. The previous prop was a very nice Whirlwind but it was ground-adjustable only. Of course, the new prop required the Rotax hollow prop shaft and she had the solid one, so that added $$$ to the project!

> <image.jpg>

> 

> 

> I finished the last of the ground testing on Saturday, so I think she’s ready to return to the skies.

> 

> Mike G.

> Phoenix, AZ

> Kitfox Series 7

>

michaelgibbs(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 8:57 am Post subject: Panel Replacement

Thanks George. I found that warning placard on-line many years ago and just had to have it. Hey, Mr. FAA guy, it has all the required wording!  

In case any of you are interested, here are a few pictures from the build process on the panel. 

Fitting the fiberglass frame. Yup, that should work.[img]cid:9D8B5960-286A-42FC-9457-A3CB92BCAB84[/img] 

Hmmm...where will all this stuff fit?

[img]cid:42CF93A1-B952-46B9-B8A4-B56699CC326C[/img]

Cutting out the aluminum panels. It’s in three pieces and the two outer ones each have a piano hinge along the bottom so they can fold down to make it easier to work on the back side if that’s ever necessary in the future. The radios and PFD in the center section make it too deep to hinge down so it is built to slide right out the front when you remove the screws.

[img]cid:40581577-4434-4E00-AC62-022727A4DE3B[/img]

Center panel section with Dynon, radio and transponder installed. The supports needed for the back end of the longer components are all self-contained so the entire assembly can be removed as one unit.

[img]cid:1497F303-21C5-4BBB-A484-DFFF15B3ECF6[/img]

Cutting out the pilot-side panel.

[img]cid:8AD51611-027E-4C90-ACAB-EBEF440F1E26[/img]

Looks like she’s ready to fly!

[img]cid:C0C45BCF-CBD6-4EBD-B0B3-7AA1FC7A75B7[/img]

Mike

Phoenix, AZ

Kitfox Series 7



[quote]On Jun 9, 2020, at 5:08 AM, George Nielsen <genie(at)swissmail.org> wrote:



                   Hi Mike,

     

     

     I love the pictures which you sent. You       really have done an excellent job. I really appreciated the       passenger warning, in which is written in the last line "In my       opinion it exceeds them". Well said!

     

     

     Good luck with this project. I hope       that you will fly soon.

     

     

     George Nielsen

     Avid Flyer project

     

     

     

     On 09-Jun-20 5:35, Michael Gibbs wrote:

     

     [quote]        	  Quote: 	
		  Thanks for the kind comments, everyone.



Actually, the iPad mount is home-grown. It’s just a sheet of aluminum with three edges folded over to grip the edges of the iPad. The top is open and it pivots on a piano hinge, so I can pull the small latch up, tilt it forward, and slide the iPad out, if needed. There’s also a small computer fan behind it that comes on with the master switch to help keep the iPad cool.



	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  

I used a small USB plug behind the panel for power. It provides 2.1 amps to each of two USB sockets (only one is used). This is an iPad Air, so 2 amps is enough to power and charge it. You have to be careful with power plugs, a lot of plugs that are labeled “2 amps” also have two plugs, and each plug only provides 1 amp, which is not enough to power the tablet. This one is rated at 4.2 amps, so 2.1 is available for each plug.



It’s not a good picture, but this is the USB plug before it was mounted behind the panel. There is a second one on the front side of the panel for pilot and passenger use.



	
       

               	  Quote: 	
		  

	
       

              [quote]

Mike



         [quote]On Jun 8, 2020, at 6:17 PM, Kirby Cramer <kitfox(at)mcn.org> (kitfox(at)mcn.org) wrote:  --> Kitfox-List message posted by: "Kirby Cramer" <kitfox(at)mcn.org> (kitfox(at)mcn.org)  Nice job Mike!  I especially like your Ipad mount.  Looks factory. I have a Ram Roller mount in my Kitfox that works well too.  I have found my 2.5 amp USB charger can't keep up with the Ipad on long flights.  What are you using for power? (the home Ipad charger is 5 amps I think)?  Cheers, Kirby Cramer   Kitfox 4 N45KC  --

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Guy Buchanan

Joined: 16 Jul 2006
Posts: 1204
Location: Ramona, CA

Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:37 pm Post subject: Panel Replacement

Nice, Mike! I loved having the pad in my Fox. Would have been nice to 

have it on the panel.



Guy Buchanan

Ramona, CA

ex - Kitfox IV-1200 / 912-S / Warp 3cs / 600 hrs

Glider pilot, too

_________________
Guy Buchanan
Deceased K-IV 1200
A glider pilot too.

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