lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> On the subject of panels, the real issue is to design a panel system that provides reasonable access, not whether to put in a single-piece panel before or after the top. The whole idea of a single-piece panel is pretty silly, and means that only a very small contortionist will ever be able to change or fix anything, short of removing the whole damn thing. I think it's another example of "We've always done it that way . . . " Imagine a television studio built all in one piece. When something breaks you have to remove a whole wall to get at the back of it. Silly, right? On my ES I have the panel in sections: the main instrument section ("basic six" plus) is hinged at the bottom. By removing a few screws, you can fold it down and work on anything in that section while sitting in the left seat. This also exposes all the other stuff mounted behind. The radio stack is built into a separate rack on roller guides. These guides are standard stuff for rack-mounted electronics hardware, and will hold about 200 pounds. They're a bit difficult to find, but I have a source if anyone's interested. Again, a few screws out and the radio rack rolls out to expose the back side and the various harnesses. The harnesses have enough slack in them to allow the rack to roll out. The right-hand side doesn't have too much in it, but it also is easily removed with a few screws. In the process of building and de-bugging this panel, I have yet to get upside down, squished up under the panel, with a seat slide handle jammed hard in my kidney. Jim Cameron N143ES >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>