tankertoad

I use Air Manager (Sim Innovations) to build my panel and run it on separate screens. You can upload instruments and build a panel that is the same as the panel in your plane. It interfaces with XPlane, so I use XPlane for the airplane model (haven't found a good Mooney model, so I use the Columbia 400 in XPlane) and all the simulation in the background. The Instrument panel hardware (Realsimgear, Flightsimbuilder, propwashsimulation, etc) use plug-ins to interface with Xplane also. My setup is a little complex, utilizing two PCs (a gaming PC for the top screens running Xplane, and a mini-PC for Sim Innovations. Absent from this pic is a gear switch I added later. The The two PCs and Foreflight network through the Wifi, plus I'm linked to the internet for real-time weather, although my biggest enemy is Microsoft forced updates either kicking my plug-ins offline due to version compatibilities, or blue-screening my flight sim altogether (happens about once a year), so I'm considering just loading a stable version and keeping it on a closed network after I saw how FlightSafety manages their BTDs.

I have flown in Cs, Es, 67 Fs, 75 Fs, Ks, Js and Rs. I don't know all the breakdown of when/which models have the cabin width of 41" vs 43.5", but it is a noticeable difference if you haven't had a chance to sit in both. Also, and this is just my personal observation, the J-style windshield nets a lower cabin noise level than the older style, less sloped windshield.

I am also having trouble sourcing this screen. In the past, the part # was 10543-1 and the inner diameter was larger. Now Spruce has it listed as 10543-2 (mfr#) and 10543-1 (Spruce Part#) that has a .50" inner diameter, which I think is the 10543-2. The real McCoy (10543-1) can't be found anywhere. I think the supplier made the change/mistake. I called Spruce: they have no clue. I called Lasar and it sounds like they are able to source it by modifying the screen with the smaller inner diameter to a larger diameter that correctly fits the Dukes 3331 gascolator. @Alan Fox they are backordered, but they have my request to get a couple sent out as soon as they get them.

Sorry I didn’t update the post, but it was sold.

Good help is hard to find ;-)

Hello - Just put my 75 F away in a hangar at SFB - looking for recommendations for local Mooney-savvy mechanics: First thing I need is a prop balance. Looking forward to getting to know some local Mooniacs! - TT

The one piece exposes the center tube thats part of the steel cage, though doesn't it? I guess it would depend on how much clearance you have between the glass and the tube... the more sloped windshields give enough space to be able to reach up and grab the tube when sliding your seat forward...I'm not sure about the shorter windshields.

Depends on what type of windscreen you have: It’s made to clamp to the steel tube that runs down the middle of the windscreen on the J-style sloped windshields.

I fab’d this from Ram Mount parts while waiting on a set of used Rosens to pop up. Clamps right to the round center post on later-model Mooneys. Includes visors (a little crazed), but any visor with a 90-degree top corner should fit. $100 shipped to the lower 48.

I have a Reliefband Premier I use to ride rollercoasters and intense simulator rides with the kids at the house of mouse. I can't speak for the other types of electronic bands available on Amazon, but the one I have is very effective at blocking the nausea response I would normally get from these rides.

Seems like it has been a while since we heard any updates on the MX155. Nothing has changed their website. Does anyone have any insider info on the progress of this radio?

I assume it sold, but I'm looking for one if you still have it.

I second Nate Jaros' book! Just finished it.

I use D-sized medical bottles with oxygen conserver regulators and standard cannulas. It's an affordable way to get O2 in the plane, 1 system per person. The challenge with any oxygen these days, is finding FBOs that have O2 (if you go with an "aviation" system), or a medical supply house that will fill (if you go with a medical system) w/o a script. I've had some luck with welding shops (it's the same oxygen, they just don't pull a vacuum on the bottle before filling). I ended up buying a trans-fill adapter and renting an oxygen tank from the welding shop and filling my own bottles. You'll get what ever pressure is in the fill tank (usually 1500-1800 psi), but with larger bottles and conserver regulators, they will last the duration of most trips (I do carry a couple MH AL-180 aviation tanks on some trips in case I get stuck needing a little extra from the FBO). There are charts online that will help you estimate your usage, but I suggest you do some shorter flights to see how much you will actually use. Also, keep one of those portable pulse/Ox monitors in the plane - it will help take any guesswork out of knowing your saturation levels at altitude.