iPad Mounting Solution Found?

[N1026F]

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

[TonyPynes]

My problem with this and other yoke mounted solutions is when I place the IPAD on my yoke to dry run what it might look like I cant see most of my gauges. I am about 6 foot so it isnt like I am sitting low. Most of the pics from the pilot angle seems to be higher than my line of sight. There is no way my IPAD can sit between the grips of my yoke and I would still be able to fly using gauges.

 

Love the panel though behind your pics though.

[N1026F]

At 5'7", no one ever accused me of being too tall for anything...

[TonyPynes]

Just flew back from North Myrtle Beach to Greensboro this morning. Along the way I tried again to see where the iPad would fit for me and the only possible place might be the copilot yoke at an able facing me. I think I could position it so that nothing would be blocked.

Maybe I will check out the iPhone on my yoke. Course one day it will be a MFD/ bigger GPS or the like in the panel but that is much later.

[ELT]

The best solution I could come up with for the iPad is on the co-pilot yoke using a Ram mount.  That position and use of a Bad Elf gps and Foreflight have thus far (1year) equaled the 496 for accuracy and reliability.  My pilot wife operates the iPad and gets >75% of the time 3g coverage in flight.  Attached is an older panel picture.   Some avionics was changed but the iPad is still used on the yoke.  

[TonyPynes]

Sounds like my end solution is the same. I guess I just need to consult with you and see what you are doing first.

 

[aviatoreb]

Quote: AustinPynes

Sounds like my end solution is the same. I guess I just need to consult with you and see what you are doing first.

 

[rob]

The article you linked is from August, 2010...The rumor of a smaller iPad has been alive since the original iPad was introduced and it seems to crop up every now and again, but there's nothing to indicate that Apple is actually considering producing one.

 

[aviatoreb]

Quote: rob

The article you linked is from August, 2010...The rumor of a smaller iPad has been alive since the original iPad was introduced and it seems to crop up every now and again, but there's nothing to indicate that Apple is actually considering producing one.

 

[rob]

The iPad 2 is indeed smaller than the original iPad. Buy it, you'll like it

[aviatoreb]

Quote: rob

The iPad 2 is indeed smaller than the original iPad. Buy it, you'll like it

[DaV8or]

Quote: rob

The iPad 2 is indeed smaller than the original iPad. Buy it, you'll like it

[HopePilot]

Why not just get one so small it fits in the yoke hub?  Heck, maybe you could just mount an ipod Nano there. I use an iPad 2, but would love a 7" if they ever make one.

[rob]

Quote: DaV8or

Seriously? We're talking fractions of an inch here.

[TonyPynes]

Maybe it is time to check out the ACER A100 since it is 7 inches and may mount better.

I have the IPAD 1 and an IPhone 4s. I plan on mounting the Iphone and use it for Wingx or Foreflight there. For me the IPAD is just too much real estate. But a 7 inch screen might be doable.

Anyone using an ACER 100 with the 3.2 Android OS?

[231flyer]

I have a iPad 1 with foreflight and find the app to be great.  It has truly replaced all paper in the cockpit (backup atlas and app plates only).  I have a Garmin Aera on the pilot yoke and tried all sorts of mounts and positions for the iPad.  I have settled on a modified suction mount that is now affixed to the handle on the co-pilot "A" pillar.  The location is great and keeps clear of all the engine intruments/breakers etc in my 231. Additionally it is part of my normal instrument  scan and barely affects outside visibility. After paying $75 for a RAM yoke mount I ended up modifying a cheap ebay suction mount....$12 incl. shipping.   I will attach a pic asap.

[jwilkins]

Does anyone know of a mount similar to a folding armrest that can be retro fit to the pilot's seat which could be used to hold an iPad / other display and then folded back when not required?

I've tried putting the iPad on the yoke but it's just too big for me. The Aviation Safety Flight Cheetah display (viliv) was about as big as I can handle on the yoke. Fortunately the iPad wireless so it's not hard to pass back and forth or just put away temporarily but I think a folding armrest that could be used as a display mount would work well enroute.

Jim