D3 Flush Mount

[sjrossi]

Had a full Skyview system in an RV6. Am considering a D3 for my current plane (Commander 112) but would like to flush mount it in the panel if that would work. I know the D3 needs a GPS signal for airspeed and altitude and was wondering if anyone has tried mounting the D3 where the front of the D3 is flush with the face of the panel, and if so, if there was any problem with it pulling in a GPS signal. I know it would be somewhat unique to the installation and the particular airplane. Just wondering if someone has tried it. Thanks.

 

[Rhino]

You realize the D3 is not approved for permanent mount in certified aircraft, right?

As for reception, there's no way to know without trying it. Every aircraft is different. And since this technically isn't legal for a Commander, I doubt anyone has done it before. You could try just sticking it up behind the panel temporarily, and see if that works.

And for yet another question, you know it can use an external GPS antenna, right?

 

[sjrossi]

Good point about the permanent mount, but if you're just using it as an emergency backup does that still matter? Maybe I'll just use the snap in surface mount that it comes with. I did call Dynon and they said that it came with an external antenna.

 

[Rhino]

....but if you're just using it as an emergency backup does that still matter?...

To the FAA, apparently yes. To anyone with common sense? No.

You can shorten the clip mount so it fits more flush with the panel. There's a thread about that here somewhere, because I helped someone design such a thing. Pretty sure that was to make it fit in a circular opening though.

 

[Rhino]

Found it.

D3 fit to panel with 2-1/4" (57mm dia.) hole, not 80mm ?

Is this possible ? It does not have to be concentric with existing hole. Has anyone done this, perhaps by modifying the 3-1/8" pinch mount or the cradle ?

forum.flydynon.com

That was to make it fit a round hole, not to shorten the mount. But if you look at the picture of the cradle, you'll see it can be mounted directly to the panel. Unfortunately, at least some of the cable connections come out the sides. I'm guessing that's why you wanted to flush mount it, other than simple aesthetics.

 

[sjrossi]

I was considering it for aesthetics. Wasn't even aware that some of the cables came out the sides. I was thinking of ordering it tonight as their Airventure sale ends today. I did look at the thread that you attached. I'm sure the concept that you had drawn up will work. I may try to design a flush mount where the D3 can still be removed from the front (aft side of the panel) without the use of tools. I could make a good argument that it was not permanent. Thanks for your guidance>

 

[Rhino]

The sale goes on until August 31.

Dynon Avionics | Pocket Panel | Portable EFIS

Dynon Avionics' Dynon Pocket Panels are true artificial horizon instruments based on the same technology that drives Dynon's Electronic Flight Instrument Systems (EFIS).

dynonavionics.com

 

[sjrossi]

Saw your reply last night before I placed the order. Thanks for pointing that out. I have another month to sort things out.

 

[benapilot]

For your consideration, there is a policy statement that allows for the permanent installation of PED (portable electronic device) mounting hardware in certificated aircraft as a minor alteration requiring only a logbook entry.

PS-ACE-23-01; Installation of Mounting Devices and Wiring Integration for Attachment of Portable Displays and Electronic Devices in Normal, Utility, and Acrobatic Category Airplanes.

 

[Rhino]

Cool. Thanks.

 

[sjrossi]

Yeah, thanks. Good to know.

 

[Rhino]

Upon review, you still have to use a 'mount' as opposed to 'permanently' affixing it. But that still makes things much easier.

 

[airguy]

So that's for the iPad crowd, I suppose.