E Model Panel Mods

[Pictreed]

Does anyone have a link to panel mods or can they share a picture of how they modified their panel.

I'm curious about an E model I'm looking at.  The gauge locations drive me nuts.  It has a non WAAS 430 that can be upgraded and the steam gauges seem fairly new but I'd like to upgrade the airspeed indicator, engine gauges, and relocate the VORS.  Probably upgrade the NAV/Com radio for the second VOR (maybe an additional G430 or G530?).  

Thanks,

Tim

[gsxrpilot]

Here is my C, but the panel is the same size/shape as the E.  Of course, it's in the Avionics shop right now... so stay tuned for new pictures.

[TWinter]

Mines a E w/ GTN750, JPI 830, GDL-88 with remote transponder. Hope to be replacing the JPI830 with a JPI primary soon. It will require the panel to be redone, but this is how it is now. The picture was a few years ago. The Garmin 696 has been changed to a Garmin 796 and a AccuTrak AP was installed under the dash below the JPI 830.

[Bob_Belville]

'66E.

[mikerocosm]

Before:

After:

Space on right for Ram mount, used for iPad, GoPro, whatever.

Good luck!

 

[flight2000]

 

My 67E:

Before:

After all of the upgrades were done (still a few more I still want to accomplish):

:

Cheers,

Brian

[carusoam]

Pick the one you like.

Go here (Mooney Guy) to get it made...

http://www.hendricksmfg.com/panels.html

Best regards,

-a-

 

 

[Pictreed]

Those look much better.  I really like the engine monitor with all the engine gauges on one screen. 

I want a new xponder too. It has a G430 so what should I look for to be ADS-B compliant?

[Pictreed]

Thanks -a-.  That looks straight forward.  I could design one based on the equipment I want too since they have that option. 

 

Tim

[Bob_Belville]

Just now, Pictreed said:

Those look much better.  I really like the engine monitor with all the engine gauges on one screen. 

I want a new xponder too. It has a G430 so what should I look for to be ADS-B compliant?

You'll need a WAAS GPS. And something like a GDL 88 (which is not visible in the panel.) 

[Pictreed]

Thanks Bob. I really like your panel. I was thinking that engine monitor is a good way to get rid of the gauges all over the place. My wife was concerned with an electrical failure, which I experienced last week, and I told her the other ones would go out too. I assume. 

[carl]

Note the wing leveler PC hold down has been upgraded since this picture.

[Hank]

Or you can keep the classic Mooney look. It's a standard six-pack layout, but slanted slightly to get additional,instruments in front of the pilot. This is how my plane is now, the only thing I've added it several (more) Nulites. One more and I'm finished.

P.S.--J drivers, note the position of the small Vacuum gage.

[Ron McBride]

I have attached 2 pictures of my 69F.  In 69 the standard 6 pack layout was introduced.

Ron

[3914N]

I have my G model in the avionics shop right now, installing a 430 WAAS and GMA-340 audio panel.  I'm keeping the instrument layout and wood grain panel cover because I love the classic look.  I'll post pictures in a few weeks when it's done.

[Pictreed]

16 hours ago, TWinter said:

Mines a E w/ GTN750, JPI 830, GDL-88 with remote transponder. Hope to be replacing the JPI830 with a JPI primary soon. It will require the panel to be redone, but this is how it is now. The picture was a few years ago. The Garmin 696 has been changed to a Garmin 796 and a AccuTrak AP was installed under the dash below the JPI 830.

 

T, I think you guys sold me on the GTN750, that thing is awesome.   The AccuTrak would be nice too especially when you are going into a Class B to land and after take off from another airport outside the area you get the dreaded, '7741M, advise when you're ready to copy' request just after departure...ugh, STARs!  I'm new to IFR but there's times I wish I had autopilot such as setting up an ILS approach when you requested RNAV and such.

Where did you guys get that throttle control.  I'm a little concerned with grabbing the prop control and start turning it only to realize it's the mixture control because it's backwards from what I'm use to.  Because of the way we adjust the prop, I don't think we'd get too far twisting the mixture before we realize the RPMs aren't changing, or maybe we would make the engine cough a bit if we are LOP.  It would be embarrassing to pull up somewhere and instead of shutting your engine down you're cycling the prop...ask me how I know, LOL.

Ron, the pre 6 pack is the whole reason for the upgrade.  I hate messing up a vintage cockpit but I feel it is inadequate for what I feel is safe IFR.  I like the styling of your dash too...looks good.  I can see some J model influences. 

Hank, YES, I never could figure out why some Cessnas have the vacuum gauge on the right.  In a narrow Mooney it's not too bad but on a Cessna they might as well put it in the mirror on the wing.

Dave, what is that square screen on the right?  If it's a AI that would be perfect to use till I get the equipment upgraded to what I want.

Brian, thanks for the pics.  I have an E I'm looking at but I like what you've done to yours with the pics you sent.  I'd like to hear more when you get a chance. PM sent.

 

Storm scope.  What is it, how good does it work, and how much do you rely on it now that we have stuff like XM weather and such?

 

Thanks to everyone,

Tim

[Hank]

The StormScope runs on spherics, a word coined by the inventor to use instead of "magic." StormScopes don't show precipitation, they show convection. XM weather, ADSB, etc., show precip and lightning; spherics detects and shows convection even without lightning being present. XM is good for strategic weather avoidance, SS works for tactical maneuvering when strategic evasion didn't work. Because, you know, weather forecasts are always correct.  

[MyNameIsNobody]

42 minutes ago, 3914N said:

I have my G model in the avionics shop right now, installing a 430 WAAS and GMA-340 audio panel.  I'm keeping the instrument layout and wood grain panel cover because I love the classic look.  I'll post pictures in a few weeks when it's done.

My dad would say "all your taste is in your mouth", but like all art. if you like it. then it is good.  I am not a fan of genuine simulated authentic replicas of wood...

[Guest]

 

My 65 E panel has Aspens that have XM weather on them.  It's a great feature for being able to see the entire country or down to a particular region and very nice to have on the panel, right next to your primary flight display.  I had thought I wanted a storm scope but I have found that I much prefer the XM weather over it.  The Aspens also have synthetic vision and an Avidyne TAS 605 traffic interfaced with them showing other aircraft.  They include a digital HSI linked to the autopilot which is also linked to the G430W.  The g496 is a backup but primarily used for XM stereo piped through the panel.  There are more expensive audio panels, but I really like the PMA8000b and its features that allow for a sterile cockpit or isolation to the front seats.  This panel was done by Aerotronics in Billings Montana.  They also customized the yoke to allow for PTT, ALT Hold and AP OFF.  The panel has LED ring lighting but I am thinking of adding an LED lighting strip just above the electrical switches that will be hidden away but will allow for the illumination of those toggle switches.

[Hank]

1 hour ago, 3914N said:

I have my G model in the avionics shop right now, installing a 430 WAAS and GMA-340 audio panel.  I'm keeping the instrument layout and wood grain panel cover because I love the classic look.  I'll post pictures in a few weeks when it's done.

As long as you are redoing the panel, replace the plastic wood grain with real wood! It will look much better!

[Marauder]

16 hours ago, TWinter said: Mines a E w/ GTN750, JPI 830, GDL-88 with remote transponder. Hope to be replacing the JPI830 with a JPI primary soon. It will require the panel to be redone, but this is how it is now. The picture was a few years ago. The Garmin 696 has been changed to a Garmin 796 and a AccuTrak AP was installed under the dash below the JPI 830.

 

Storm scope.  What is it, how good does it work, and how much do you rely on it now that we have stuff like XM weather and such?

 

Thanks to everyone,

Tim

If you elect to go with the GTN 750, you may want to consider a WX-500 if you are running out of panel space. The WX-500 has no display head of its own but does have the ability to display on a GTN or other device like a G500 or Aspen. The main advantage of the StormScope is to augment what you might see from NEXRAD or FIS-B. They will show the precipitation, although delayed but the StormScope is an active display of lightning activity.

Here is a picture of a GTN 650 showing weather on its dedicated StormScope page:

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[gsxrpilot]

3 hours ago, Pictreed said:

Hank, YES, I never could figure out why some Cessnas have the vacuum gauge on the right.  In a narrow Mooney it's not too bad but on a Cessna they might as well put it in the mirror on the wing.

 

Which Cessna are you talking about?  All Mooney cockpits are the same width. They are half an inch wider than a 206/210, 1.5 inches wider than a 182, and a full 3 inches wider than a 172/152.

I know, it's a common misconception... but it won't fly around here.

[Pictreed]

I would say mis-perception because the Mooneys sure seem smaller. I think it may because the E has to have the center open whereas in the Cessnas have the seats really close.  

[Guitarmaster]

Dang.... there I go with panel envy again

 

[TWinter]

6 hours ago, Pictreed said:

T, I think you guys sold me on the GTN750, that thing is awesome.   The AccuTrak would be nice too especially when you are going into a Class B to land and after take off from another airport outside the area you get the dreaded, '7741M, advise when you're ready to copy' request just after departure...ugh, STARs!  I'm new to IFR but there's times I wish I had autopilot such as setting up an ILS approach when you requested RNAV and such.

Where did you guys get that throttle control.  I'm a little concerned with grabbing the prop control and start turning it only to realize it's the mixture control because it's backwards from what I'm use to.  Because of the way we adjust the prop, I don't think we'd get too far twisting the mixture before we realize the RPMs aren't changing, or maybe we would make the engine cough a bit if we are LOP.  It would be embarrassing to pull up somewhere and instead of shutting your engine down you're cycling the prop...ask me how I know, LOL.

Ron, the pre 6 pack is the whole reason for the upgrade.  I hate messing up a vintage cockpit but I feel it is inadequate for what I feel is safe IFR.  I like the styling of your dash too...looks good.  I can see some J model influences. 

Hank, YES, I never could figure out why some Cessnas have the vacuum gauge on the right.  In a narrow Mooney it's not too bad but on a Cessna they might as well put it in the mirror on the wing.

Dave, what is that square screen on the right?  If it's a AI that would be perfect to use till I get the equipment upgraded to what I want.

Brian, thanks for the pics.  I have an E I'm looking at but I like what you've done to yours with the pics you sent.  I'd like to hear more when you get a chance. PM sent.

 

Storm scope.  What is it, how good does it work, and how much do you rely on it now that we have stuff like XM weather and such?

 

Thanks to everyone,

Tim

The GTN750 is a very nice GPS and very useful and capable, but the cost is reflective of it's versatile utility. I literally did some refinancing on my plane when I did the GTN750, GDL88 and Flightstream 210 updates. The cost was pretty hefty.

As far as the AccuTrack A/P goes. This system will hold a heading assuming you have a properly working PC Leveler. You will also need some sort of alt hold to work with the Accu system. It does not hold altitude. You will need a STec 30 Altitude Hold or similar..more $. Even after you have done that you still can't do approaches etc with it. It will fly you straight and level on a GPS heading and hold altitude.  Sounds like you might want to look at a more advanced A/P system that will let you do approaches etc.

The quadrant controls are on select years and models. Some guys like them (like me) while others prefer the venier (sp?) controls-push/pull. I'm probably in the minority.

From the sounds of what you are liking it appears you will have a very envious panel. We look forward to seeing what you come up with. Good luck and keep us updated.

 

-Tom