Dynon Skyview ADSB Upgrade from GPS250 to GPS2020

[dforney]

I have an approximately 4 year old RV12 that I built. At the time of build, I had purchased and installed the Dynon ADSB-out option. The Dynon ADSB 2020 upgrade per Van's instructions call for removal of the electronics bay top skin. My problem is that my RV12 has been custom painted. I would prefer not to have to remove the screws that hold that skin in place due to possible paint damage, as the screws were painted in place. The purpose of that skin removal appears to be just for GPS wiring harness removal and routing.

If the wiring within the harness does not require different connection points within the electronics bay and on the Dynon PDF, is there a way that I can complete the upgrade by severing the GPS harness cable on the engine side of the firewall and reconnect the new GPS 2020 antenna by using connectors reconnecting the cable pin-for-pin (color-for-color) on the engine side compartment side of the firewall?

Would that work? If so, any suggestion for kind connectors?

 

[dougnlina]

They make a cutter designed to cut the paint and allow you to remove the screws without damaging the paint

http://www.panamericantool.com/paint-cutters.html

 

[swatson999]

I have an approximately 4 year old RV12 that I built.  At the time of build, I had purchased and installed the Dynon ADSB-out option.  The Dynon ADSB 2020 upgrade per Van's instructions call for removal of the electronics bay top skin.  My problem is that my RV12 has been custom painted.  I would prefer not to have to remove the screws that hold that skin in place due to possible paint damage, as the screws were painted in place.  The purpose of that skin removal appears to be just for GPS wiring harness removal and routing.

If the wiring within the harness does not require different connection points within the electronics bay and on the Dynon PDF, is there a way that I can complete the upgrade by severing the GPS harness cable on the engine side of the firewall and reconnect the new GPS 2020 antenna by using connectors reconnecting the cable pin-for-pin (color-for-color) on the engine side compartment side of the firewall?

Would that work?  If so, any suggestion for kind connectors?

Not familiar with the 12, I built a 7, but why on earth would they have you remove the skin? The GPS is a drop-in, pin for pin compatible replacement. Easiest upgrade I've ever done .

Where is the GPS currently located? Can you access the wiring harness under the panel, etc.?

 

[Raymo]

Steve,

Both antennas use the same wiring so you can so what you want and cut, splice, configure, test and go fly.

You might also consider keeping the GPS-250 as a backup to the 2020 antenna. The wiring is a little more complicated, depending on the number of screens you have. If you have one screen, you simply splice the 2020 antenna into the existing wires with exception to the serial connection, which goes to a separate input.

 

[kalewis]

The "skin" over the avionics bay is made to to be removed on an RV-12. Actually, it is to be removed for the condition inspection as engine mount brackets are also in there. Check your SB's as there is a specific one for these engine mounts. Get the paint cutters and remove the cover.

 

[jakej]

I have an approximately 4 year old RV12 that I built.  At the time of build, I had purchased and installed the Dynon ADSB-out option.  The Dynon ADSB 2020 upgrade per Van's instructions call for removal of the electronics bay top skin.  My problem is that my RV12 has been custom painted.  I would prefer not to have to remove the screws that hold that skin in place due to possible paint damage, as the screws were painted in place.  The purpose of that skin removal appears to be just for GPS wiring harness removal and routing.

If the wiring within the harness does not require different connection points within the electronics bay and on the Dynon PDF, is there a way that I can complete the upgrade by severing the GPS harness cable on the engine side of the firewall and reconnect the new GPS 2020 antenna by using connectors reconnecting the cable pin-for-pin (color-for-color) on the engine side compartment side of the firewall?

Would that work?  If so, any suggestion for kind connectors?

DanF - if you can remove the antenna without 'disturbing' the paint then I'd do that & cut the 4 x wires, reconnect with male/female 9pin dsub connectors (sans backshells) to the 2020 antenna. You may have enlarge the hole but it will be covered by the antenna anyway & no obvious affect on the paint - hope this helps as I've not done installs on an RV12 so not familiar with the type.

 

[kalewis]

I have an approximately 4 year old RV12 that I built.  At the time of build, I had purchased and installed the Dynon ADSB-out option.  The Dynon ADSB 2020 upgrade per Van's instructions call for removal of the electronics bay top skin.  My problem is that my RV12 has been custom painted.  I would prefer not to have to remove the screws that hold that skin in place due to possible paint damage, as the screws were painted in place.  The purpose of that skin removal appears to be just for GPS wiring harness removal and routing.

If the wiring within the harness does not require different connection points within the electronics bay and on the Dynon PDF, is there a way that I can complete the upgrade by severing the GPS harness cable on the engine side of the firewall and reconnect the new GPS 2020 antenna by using connectors reconnecting the cable pin-for-pin (color-for-color) on the engine side compartment side of the firewall?

Would that work?  If so, any suggestion for kind connectors?

DanF - if you can remove the antenna without 'disturbing' the paint then I'd do that & cut the 4 x wires, reconnect with male/female 9pin dsub connectors (sans backshells) to the 2020 antenna.  You may have enlarge the hole but it will be covered by the antenna anyway & no obvious affect on the paint - hope this helps as I've not done installs on an RV12 so not familiar with the type.

Open up the bay cover ! Yes, you can access the gps antenna under the top cowling but you need to check the engine mount brackets for a service bulletin for loose rivets !!! :-?