Tablet mounts

[Raptor05121]

My girlfriend is getting me a 10" Samsung tablet for when we fly (planning on Avare + Raspbery Pi ADS-B In). Getting into the mounts, what do you guys prefer? I'm on the AOPA Facebook page and a lot of people like the yoke mount or kneeboard mount, but with my Mooney, I'm thinking the suction cup might be the best bet, I can't imagine having a 10" tablet swinging around when on final. Anyone running the RAM mount care to chime in?

[KSMooniac]

Checkout mygoflight.com as they have several top-shelf options for many kinds of tablets.  

I used to use a 10" android tablet only for sectionals & charts and just put it on my knee board, and referred to it as-needed.  At the time I had a 496 on a RAM glareshield mount for WX and a battery backup nav source.  My 530W/430W combo is primary nav and I didn't need to refer to either device for actually flying the plane where it is supposed to go.  Now I'm using an iPad Mini Retina on a mygoflight yoke mount and no 496 (for now).  I personally think a 10" tablet is much too large to mount in a Mooney, but YMMV.  I'm not crazy about yoke mounts, but this rig works pretty well.  I may eventually switch to a hard-mounted mygoflight arm on the interior side wall, but that will require removing the panel and reinforcing from the back side.  I opted for the yoke mount arm + a universal tablet holder that is adjustable for small or large tablets, and works with a Lifeproof case on my Mini.

I think the Mini is the perfect size in a Mooney.  I'm toying around with the idea of getting a black Friday special on a 7" Android tablet (~$100) for additional backup too.  As always, these sorts of toys are like underwear...everyone likes something different and you just have to try them on!

[Marauder]

I have tried a number of Ram mounts and have a yoke mount for my iPad Mini. I tried the X mount but I don't like the way it allows the iPad to swivel a bit. I also have used a window suction mount but I couldn't find a spot on the left side that didn't block too many instruments.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Raptor05121]

I don't have and goodies such as a 430 or anything, so I'm still in the days of using a sectional. As soon as we're up and running I plan on doing many >300 mile cross countries. I think I'm going to run with the RAM suction cup mount for now and try it out. It's only $40 if I want to do the yoke mount later.

[Bob - S50]

I use both.  I put my tablet on the yoke mount but mount it to the frame tubing above the mag compass.  Sometimes I adjust the mount up from there to be near the ceiling and sometimes I adjust it to be down in front of the compass and annunciator.

With the suction mount, I attached a small piece of aluminum to a ball mount which allows me to use my suction mount.  I use a small alligator clip to hold an ATIS card on the aluminum and hook a pen over the top of the aluminum.  I then mount the suction cup to the side window in front of the opening window.

[flight2000]

I think I've finally settle on the windshield suction mount for the mini.  I had it in front of me on the yoke, but I couldn't see all of the switches and heading bug for the autopilot.  The left side was right in my face, so that didn't work out to well either.  Only disadvantage is during any kind of turbulence, it's a bear to hit the right buttons while bouncing around.  In those cases, I just take it off and remount it on the yoke.  I would ditch the 496, but it's proven to be useful and I like to have two weather sources: ADSB-In via the Stratus/FlyQ app and XM Weather via the 496.  Can never have to much information on weather, even if it's slightly delayed. 

Cheers,

Brian

 

[Danb]

It seems like we've all tried many , hit and miss until one is found to our liking. I just changed my setup again today and flew for an hour or so to try it out. I have an iPhone 6s+ on the yoke, moved the mini to the copilot yoke and have my iPad Air on a knee strap. 

I like the yoke for maps but it seemed to small for the approach plates, I did a couple approaches at your airport today Chris , and like the iPad Air for approaches. It seems as though I will use the mini the least just the opposite of most.

i assume the poll will show varied results.

 

[Marauder]

It seems like we've all tried many , hit and miss until one is found to our liking. I just changed my setup again today and flew for an hour or so to try it out. I have an iPhone 6s+ on the yoke, moved the mini to the copilot yoke and have my iPad Air on a knee strap. 

I like the yoke for maps but it seemed to small for the approach plates, I did a couple approaches at your airport today Chris , and like the iPad Air for approaches. It seems as though I will use the mini the least just the opposite of most.

i assume the poll will show varied results.

 

Surprised we didn't cross paths. I was shooting approaches this afternoon at Chester County and did the VOR back into my airport. Sent you a PM on another topic.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[midlifeflyer]

After some 4 years of trying different solutions, I'm pretty much a yoke guy. For VFR local flights, I'll sometimes just toss my iPad on my lap or use an MyClip but for IFR, I want my charts, especially my approach charts right in front of me on the yoke, just as I did when I flew with paper.

I still use a full-size iPad 3rd Gen. Although I see some advantage to being in portrait mode, I've come to like mount the iPad in landscape mode I have a rotating mount that allows me to change the orientation without disconnecting anything). I've stuck with full size because I've had the sense that a minim would feel too small but the fact that I've started to brief approaches with only a half screen is beginning to lead me to consider a mini for the next purchase.

Here's a photo of what my setup looks like in flight,

[Marauder]

After some 4 years of trying different solutions, I'm pretty much a yoke guy. For VFR local flights, I'll sometimes just toss my iPad on my lap or use an MyClip but for IFR, I want my charts, especially my approach charts right in front of me on the yoke, just as I did when I flew with paper.

I still use a full-size iPad 3rd Gen. Although I see some advantage to being in portrait mode, I've come to like mount the iPad in landscape mode I have a rotating mount that allows me to change the orientation without disconnecting anything). I've stuck with full size because I've had the sense that a minim would feel too small but the fact that I've started to brief approaches with only a half screen is beginning to lead me to consider a mini for the next purchase.

Here's a photo of what my setup looks like in flight,

Is it just me or deciding how to mount an iPad is in the same category as finding "the perfect flight bag". Thanks to the Brightline folks I have ended the latter search.

One thing for certain, I think I have spend enough on Ram mounts and flight bags to fund a college semester for my kid.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[rbridges]

On 11/26/2015, 12:58:02, Marauder said:

I have tried a number of Ram mounts and have a yoke mount for my iPad Mini. I tried the X mount but I don't like the way it allows the iPad to swivel a bit. I also have used a window suction mount but I couldn't find a spot on the left side that didn't block too many instruments.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I'm the opposite.  I love my X mount.  Easy to remove/replace the ipad mini with an otterbox case.  It slightly obscures my switches at the bottom of my panel, but it's not a problem.

[Danb]

Also did one at Chester co. Late A.M.

[cnoe]

2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

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[Ned Gravel]

2 hours ago, cnoe said:

2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

+1 on the RAM yoke mount with cradle.  Also 2 years.  Best setup ever.  I had 3 GPS in my aircraft at one time.  Trimble TNL 2000A Approach (although not certified in my aircraft for IFR) had one job - fly the airplane.  I had a BK AV8TOR for situational awareness. My iPad was on a kneeboard for the EFB, looking ahead, checking freqs etc.

Geo-referenced approach plates changed all that and today, I no longer need the AV8TOR, although the Trimble's mission remains unchanged. The iPad graduated from kneed board to yoke mount because of the geo referencing of the plates.  Situational awareness and EFB are all in the iPad with Foreflight and my Stratus 2 provides my backup EFB (iPhone) with a pretend EFIS.  

Working partial panel is easier and having the geo-referenced plates allow me to make sure my primary nav instruments are working correctly during approaches.  

[MooneyBob]

[ArtVandelay]

That would bother me, blocking the line of sight.

[Marauder]

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That would bother me, blocking the line of sight.

I had mine there for a bit as well. Found it difficult using it for charts.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[FlyDave]

16 hours ago, cnoe said:

2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

CNoe,

I have had an iPad Mini since they came out - still using a 1st generation. It is a nice size but I would like something bigger and faster (the original mini can't keep up with the apps I use and I find myself waiting for it to catch up). I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on an upgrade and would like to go with the Air but have had concerns on the fit on the yoke. Your picture shows the fit - exactly what I was looking for.

A few questions:

• Does your hand feel confined or a sense of limited yoke accessibility? Can you hold onto the yoke adequately/no interference of yoke control?
• Does the iPad hit you in the stomach on full elevator deflection? I'm short and have my seat in the 2nd from front position.
• Is there much flexibility in adjusting the position/angle of the iPad using the ram arms?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[aviatoreb]

17 hours ago, cnoe said:

2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Since you have a mini AND an air in your cockpit - if you ever get a chance, can you take a picture of holding the mini on top of the air so we can see visually the size difference and relative to the yoke?

[cnoe]

16 hours ago, cnoe said: 2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

CNoe,

I have had an iPad Mini since they came out - still using a 1st generation. It is a nice size but I would like something bigger and faster (the original mini can't keep up with the apps I use and I find myself waiting for it to catch up). I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on an upgrade and would like to go with the Air but have had concerns on the fit on the yoke. Your picture shows the fit - exactly what I was looking for.

A few questions:

• Does your hand feel confined or a sense of limited yoke accessibility? Can you hold onto the yoke adequately/no interference of yoke control?
• Does the iPad hit you in the stomach on full elevator deflection? I'm short and have my seat in the 2nd from front position.
• Is there much flexibility in adjusting the position/angle of the iPad using the ram arms?

Thanks,

Dave

 

I previously used an iPad 2 on the yoke which was a bit tight; that's why I upgraded to the Air. If you ham-fist the yoke your fingers may contact the iPad but I wouldn't call it interference. I'm only 5'6" and have rudder extensions but I still scoot fairly close on takeoff/landing, particularly if it's windy, but I have no issue with the device contacting my gut. YMMV.

Being short my issue was not obscuring the bottom instruments; that's why I attach underneath the yoke. There's quite a bit of adjustment and I keep it tilted back. No glare issues either.

I attached the mini (on the right) above the yoke which makes it easier to get in and out of the plane.

The mini's screen is too small for details with my eyes unless wearing readers but I can see most things on the larger device. Still I have to use the reading glasses some.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[cnoe]

17 hours ago, cnoe said: 2 years in I'm sold on the Ram cradle on the yoke. iPad Air on left (skinnier than previous iPads) and a mini on the right for wife (and her Kindle books). Instruments are all visible; just run the med. length arm under the yoke. See...

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Since you have a mini AND an air in your cockpit - if you ever get a chance, can you take a picture of holding the mini on top of the air so we can see visually the size difference and relative to the yoke?

Will do, likely in the next few days. I'll also take a pic of the mounts as set up.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[FlyDave]

5 hours ago, cnoe said:

I previously used an iPad 2 on the yoke which was a bit tight; that's why I upgraded to the Air. If you ham-fist the yoke your fingers may contact the iPad but I wouldn't call it interference. I'm only 5'6" and have rudder extensions but I still scoot fairly close on takeoff/landing, particularly if it's windy, but I have no issue with the device contacting my gut. YMMV.

Being short my issue was not obscuring the bottom instruments; that's why I attach underneath the yoke. There's quite a bit of adjustment and I keep it tilted back. No glare issues either.

I attached the mini (on the right) above the yoke which makes it easier to get in and out of the plane.

The mini's screen is too small for details with my eyes unless wearing readers but I can see most things on the larger device. Still I have to use the reading glasses some.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

We're in the same boat height wise. Thanks for the input.....now, it's off the the Apple Store!

[midlifeflyer]

On 11/27/2015, 11:58:19, Marauder said:

Is it just me or deciding how to mount an iPad is in the same category as finding "the perfect flight bag".

It is.

[midlifeflyer]

Oops. That's "it is in the same category," not "it is just you!"

[bradp]

On November 28, 2015 at 4:01:48 PM, cnoe said:

I previously used an iPad 2 on the yoke which was a bit tight; that's why I upgraded to the Air. If you ham-fist the yoke your fingers may contact the iPad but I wouldn't call it interference. I'm only 5'6" and have rudder extensions but I still scoot fairly close on takeoff/landing, particularly if it's windy, but I have no issue with the device contacting my gut. YMMV.

Being short my issue was not obscuring the bottom instruments; that's why I attach underneath the yoke. There's quite a bit of adjustment and I keep it tilted back. No glare issues either.

I attached the mini (on the right) above the yoke which makes it easier to get in and out of the plane.

The mini's screen is too small for details with my eyes unless wearing readers but I can see most things on the larger device. Still I have to use the reading glasses some.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I had a full sized iPad on the yoke in either portrait or landscape mode.  Ended up liking portrait mode better because I could fit it in between the yoke horns better.   I kept the top edge aligned so I could see my cowl flap handle and the lighting switches (early J).  However, coming home a couple of weeks ago I had a 15-19 kt crosswind for which I usually use half flaps.  I  ended up having  the edge of the iPad touch my belly during flare (probably a combination of trim position, my seat position and more control inputs in gusty winds). I didn't like that, went around and chucked the iPad in the copilot seat.  Weird part is that pre takeoff control check I pull the yoke through the oh my my arms aren't that strong full aft deflection stop and had no issues with the iPad in the same position.  Must have been my seat position.   I still prefer the yoke but would recommend being very careful about how far back you could possibly get the edge of the full sized iPads (mine was like CNoe's is currently). 

 

The orher thing I've noticed is that a smaller screen with better resolution is better than a larger screen with poor resolution.   The iPad that was sitting on the yoke is a non - retina iPad 2   I also have a 6+ iPhone that is my daily driver.   I mount that to the front lower corner of the pilots window where my awesome telex hand mic sits and use a ram suction cup with a x-grip.   This thing is perfect for the Mooney in that it stays up and out of the way of the panel and is just peripheral to my scan.   I'll post a picture when I can.   Highly recommended, though.  

 

So... ordered a mini 2 with Retina display to go in the yoke and will keep the iPhone on the Window.  The old iPad will be my in flight entertainment system which means that the Elmo play ball episode will be on a continuous loop.  

 

Hope this is helpful. 

-B

Edited December 2, 2015 by bradp