My panel pieces from MGL Avionics arrived last week, plus a couple of other things that I’ve decided to install up front. One of the things now is to work out how they fit together and also how exactly does one physically connect wires together, to ground, to power etc. Lots of internet searches to do but here’s one interesting resource I already found Aircraft wiring guide. Here’s what I have so far.
Power Panel
The EXPBUS 2V provides an easy (I hope) way to connect battery, alternator and all the switches to their appropriate items.
I like how it is made by ControlVision – my very first portable flight software was made by them, always have a soft spot for Anywhere Map.
EFIS
The face of the panel, the 8.5″ Explorer Lite from MGL Avionics. It will show me everything I want, and a whole lot I don’t.
and here is the back. As you can see there is very little to connect because most of it is already inside.
COM Radio
I hadn’t realised when I placed my order that they ordered me a headed radio unit rather than a headless remote one – the EFIS will control the radio, I don’t need a display. Money wise there isn’t much saving to be had so its fine with me, and it puts something else in the panel: the V6 COM from MGL Avionics.
This is quite the beast, does away with the need for an audio panel as well as many advanced features that you can read on the provided link.
Magnetometer/Compass
The EFIS needs a magnetometer for headings and other physical flight data so here’s the SP-6 from MGL Avionics. If it isn’t obvious I’m not entirely sure what this does but I needed one and will work out where to put it and how, in due course.
One thing I like from a quick read of the installation guide is that it can be attached using strong velcro. Velcro I understand!
Engine Monitoring
The EFIS displays vital engine data via MGL’s RDAC XF monitoring module.
The Rotax has all the main sensors on it, just needs some wires from it to the module.
Fuel Flow Transducer
I wanted to add fuel flow rate measurement to my setup so that required buying a fuel flow module, the FT-60 fuel flow transducer
For reasons I didn’t understand (something about a return line on the Rotax) the displayed value will be half of the actual fuel flow rate. One of the cool things about the MGL panel is that it all completely customisable. I’ll be able to duplicate their existing fuel flow widget and change it to double the displayed value. Can’t do that with the competition.
Transponder
In order to fly in some controlled air spaces I need a Mode-C transponder and the Sandia STX165R seems to be the homebuilt standard.
It is a remote box and will be mounted somewhere in the cockpit, don’t know where though at this point!
Wiring Harnesses
To help with all the wiring, MGL sold these harnesses that have almost everything wired together.
This is a huge (and expensive!) time saver, all that is left to wire are the power and return lines for each component, and the two RS232 connections from the EFIS to the transponder and to the radio.
The harnesses are made by Approach Fast Stack – you can tell them which equipment you have, how you wish to hook them up and they will make a harness that is completely connected except for the power and return.
They say that as your equipment changes you can send your harness back for new additions, so I’m wondering if I can send mine back and get the RS232 connectors put on, although I’m guessing that soldering a couple of wires together, or via a connector, isn’t that hard.
USB Power Charger
I had been toying with the idea of a cigarette-lighter type charger but since everything these days is USB I went straight for that.
This USB Charger from CommitLift has two USB ports, both with smart charging for any device, including stupid Apple ones. I plan to put this on the centre console.
Fuel Selector Valve
Something else I plan to put on the centre console is a fuel tank selector valve, this SPRL V1-4P from SPRL.
I bought the FAR 23 compatible version.
The kit comes with a simple on/off fuel valve but there are lots of tales of high wing planes parking on slopes etc that have convinced me I needed a four way selector.
Panel Cutting
I’m going to get my panel cut by the guy at who made the nice looking fuel filler rings that I used on the wings. I need to get him a rough guide to the position of everything so he can get started on some designs.
And I think that’s it!! Except I need a push to talk switch for the radio. I had been thinking of mounting it on the panel but my brother in law made a good argument for putting it on the yoke. Everything else I think I already have: throttle, choke, flaps switch, trim switch, ignition.
Oh, and some wire, a few feet of wire.