Fellow iPad users,
Attached you'll find my "perfect" solution to the iPad mounting problem: See Photos below.
I didn't like the options presented by the various vendors. I wanted a mount within my immediate scan and reach that did not block my view of the G500 AI/PFD-MFD. I wanted it as low as possible and never obstructing full control range of motion. I also wanted a mount that I could place and remove the iPad quickly. The the black plastic t-screws at the bottom of the mount, I simply use one of my daughter's black elastic hair bands to hold it on top. Though, I've found in regular flight that gravity still works fine to hold it in place.
As many of you know, the Ovation has thick leather covered yoke handles. This works well as it give little play to the potential sid-to-side movement of the iPad. (I actually have the iPad2 but I beleive the critical dimensions are the same for the original iPad). Notheless, I simply flip the cover over to the back of the iPad and it serves as a friction and cushion to the device.
Instructions for fabrication:
I went to Lowe's hardware and purchased the following:
3 sheets of Lexan polycarbonate
6 aluminum fastners (as shown)
I had the Autel IFR chart plate bracket that originally had a thin aluminum plate that could be removed and attached by the t-screws that I reused as gravity stops.
1) Clamp, cut and shape the Lexan sheets together using a band saw and a mounted belt sander. Don't worry about a finished edge until after final assembly.
2) Attach the clamp the the yoke control rod and move it as close to the yoke as it can get.
3) Pivot the top brackett so that you can sit the first Lexan sheet flush with the bracket face while the sheet also makes contact with the center of the yoke--that'll be important to keep it from bobbing around when you tighten everything down later.
4) Center the sheet where you want it to sit. Mark the two screw holes with a Sharpie. (It is helpful to have your iPad availabe during this mock-up to be sure it's as you want it before marking the holes).
5) I found the machine screws to mount the first sheet in my screw replacement kit I use during annuals--I think they're a common machine thread used on the M20's inspection panels. Drill the holes to clear the outside thread diameter of the machine screws and attach the first plate.
6) Place the second sheet of Lexan directly over the assembly and mark the center of the screws from step 5 above. Drill relief holes slightly larger in diameter than the screw heads.
7) Remove the bracket and set it asside for now.
8) Place the third Lexan sheet over the other two and clamp the three sheets together firmly. Mark the holes for the corners and the middle of the long sides. (Make sure these holes will not be below the iPad to minimalize the potential for scratches--though, the aluminum fastners seem to be soft enough to avoid this, as well.) Drill the holes to make the fastners a snug fit.
9) Drill the holes on the bottom of the top two sheets, sheets 2 and 3, to accomodate the t-head screws at the bottom. Drill a couple of larger relief holes in sheet 1 to accomodate a nut for the bottom of the t-head screws
9) Remove the protective paper if you've managed to resist up to now. Attach the first sheet to the bracket snugly.
10)Place the top two sheets on the assembly and loosely fasten the six aluminum screws down around the three sheets until everything lines up then snug them down.
11) Place the t-head screw at the bottom and attach with matching self-tightening nuts.
12) Belt sand or file the edges to make all the sheet the same exact size and finish.
...let me know if you have questions...
If you'd like me to make them for you I'd consider taking a large order. It makes it easier if you have the right tools...
Dan'l
P.S. I just found the bracket supplier: Autel Corporation, www.autelcorp.com ph: 408-738-8204
