SonexBuilders.net

I'm currently in the middle of assembling my instrument panel and have thorough several versions before I finally "got it right" (imho). My thought process is to keep things simple, light and cheap as well as stick as close to the model Sonex wiring diagram as possible as found on the plans.

I wanted to center my panel around the MGL Stratomaster Ultra XL panel, simply becuase I liked the way it looks and it's very light weight. I also wanted to try and keep things fairly symmetrical just so it looks good. I also wanted to try to add the Vans air vents into the panel even though I know it takes away a lot of the room.

Here was my first thought:


After some readjusting, I think I have it all planned out:



I already have the panel cut out and painted, so hopefully tonight I can start assembly!

More pictures to follow...

Mike, unless your panel is modified you will have issues with clearance at the bottom. Switches can fit but the deep stuff (radios) need to be about two inches up to clear the bottom cross tie.

Hi Kip,

Actually, I had that in mind. The only radio I have is a FL-760 and I mounted that high up on the panel. If I add a transponder it may be an issue, but otherwise I think (hope) I should be good.

Great thought though!

The fresh air vents will be a welcome addition I'm sure.Looks good.
Mike

Another thing to consider is if the brake and flap handles are on the left, they leave little room to make air ducts if the builder made the NACA cutout as drawn on the plans...:)

Great point Kip...I'll have to check that. I'll go ahead and admit my ignorance and tell you that I don't even remember where the plans call for the air vents! I'm hoping my location will be okay (pretty high).

Thanks again sir...your advice is golden! Please keep sending any suggestions you may have my way!

Mike, there are no callouts on the plans. That's the trap. My plans just "showed" a NACA shape and I cut the shape out while the fuselage skin was flat on the table. Later, I found that it's abeam the handles and I had to make a really low profile vent system that hugs the inner walls of the fusealge sides. A ducting system was out of the question by that time as the holes were already made. That said, I my vent system works well without blowing out from the panel area. Next time I'm at the airport I will get some pics...