head phone / micro phone location on panel

[jamesm]

I have run out room on the left side panel for  any more switches and was thinking of relocating the headphone& microphone jacks to recoup room for two more switches.

In past had experimented having extend panel maybe a 1.5" from the bottom row of switches. It  worked ok until one day  I move left knee really quickly and it bend the head phone/micro phone plug. The plugs were only slightly bent and still worked but decided that wasn't the best location for the headphone& microphone jacks. so I moved the jacks back to panel with all the row switches just above tubular structure.

I am curious to know if others tried different headphone/microphone locations other than just above standard bottom row switches in Mid 60's C model Mooney.

Since I very rarely unplug my headset and microphone jacks other annual or to work on the panel. I was thinking of relocating headset and microphone jacks further down the foot well maybe near the pilot;s left knee behind the air vent. I think this location would be within reach should I need to switch out headset inflight.

I have already filled the area below the cowl flap knob  near the pilot's right knee with USB ports  charging and EI engine monitor data ports and landing light flasher and alternate static port pneumatic switch. there is no more room at this location. 

I was trying for natural flow location  for the switches and trying  to avoid the random  switch location that may have been an after thought where you see a switch in the middle of no where on the panel look.

 

Curious to know your thoughts ?

Thanks

James '67C

 

[RLCarter]

Have picture showing your current layout along with what your wanting to add?

[PT20J]

In my M20J, the jacks are located on brackets beneath the left and right panels and recessed toward the firewall so that the cord end of the jacks is just slightly aft of the instrument panel. This location is easily accessible, but clears the knees in both seats. 
 

[Fly Boomer]

@PT20J are these jacks(?) just an alternate location for some M20Js?

 

 

[Hank]

1 hour ago, PT20J said:

In my M20J, the jacks are located on brackets beneath the left and right panels and recessed toward the firewall so that the cord end of the jacks is just slightly aft of the instrument panel. This location is easily accessible, but clears the knees in both seats. 
 

That's where they are in my C, too. Look on the right side, they are #31 and #32, and in the same place below the panel on the left.

[PT20J]

26 minutes ago, Fly Boomer said:

@PT20J are these jacks(?) just an alternate location for some M20Js?

 

 

There are a few alternate locations shown in the POH.

[Marauder]

I have run out room on the left side panel for  any more switches and was thinking of relocating the headphone& microphone jacks to recoup room for two more switches.
In past had experimented having extend panel maybe a 1.5" from the bottom row of switches. It  worked ok until one day  I move left knee really quickly and it bend the head phone/micro phone plug. The plugs were only slightly bent and still worked but decided that wasn't the best location for the headphone& microphone jacks. so I moved the jacks back to panel with all the row switches just above tubular structure.
I am curious to know if others tried different headphone/microphone locations other than just above standard bottom row switches in Mid 60's C model Mooney.
Since I very rarely unplug my headset and microphone jacks other annual or to work on the panel. I was thinking of relocating headset and microphone jacks further down the foot well maybe near the pilot;s left knee behind the air vent. I think this location would be within reach should I need to switch out headset inflight.
I have already filled the area below the cowl flap knob  near the pilot's right knee with USB ports  charging and EI engine monitor data ports and landing light flasher and alternate static port pneumatic switch. there is no more room at this location. 
I was trying for natural flow location  for the switches and trying  to avoid the random  switch location that may have been an after thought where you see a switch in the middle of no where on the panel look.
 
Curious to know your thoughts ?
Thanks
James '67C
 

Unfortunately I don’t know what your plane’s panel looks like. My F originally had the jacks for the pilot side in the arm rest area. It was okay but my thigh was always rubbing against the wires.

Eventually, an avionics shop made a small extension bracket below the panel. It houses the jacks on the left side and a set of breakers.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[KB4]

3 hours ago, jamesm said:

further down the foot well maybe near the pilot;s left knee behind the air ven

Make sure the headset plug is long enough.  Why not install inverted under the arm rests or old ashtray spot. 

[jamesm]

Hi,

I am attaching photo  which I hope explains better on what I am thinking. the proposed right side photo is just tape on for a proximity location.

Note: I had temporarily taped up the "previous location"   head/micro phone  to give position as a reference only.  as mentioned before  the "previous location" work ok until one flight I move knee suddenly  and slightly bent  head/micro phone plugs. so I  moved the jack up to the "current location".

I think the head/micro phone cord should be plenty long enough. I have upgraded my upholstery with Jaeger interior  several years  back no more ash tray.  I could side mount  head/micro phone housing but if it is over by the pilot's elbow  I would have to extend or remake head/micro phone audio cables  going to the  audio panel.  The other thing is the side panel by the pilot's elbow comes frequently  during annual and cable routing so I would have to  disconnect and reconnect head/micro phone cabling which could  potentially cause maintenance induced maintenance problem.

 

Thanks for the photos and illustrations

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by jamesm

[Marauder]

Hi,
I am attaching photo  which I hope explains better on what I am thinking. the proposed right side photo is just tape on for a proximity location.
Note: I had temporarily taped up the "previous location"   head/micro phone  to give position as a reference only.  as mentioned before  the "previous location" work ok until one flight I move knee suddenly  and slightly bent  head/micro phone plugs. so I  moved the jack up to the "current location".
I think the head/micro phone cord should be plenty long enough. I have upgraded my upholstery with Jaeger interior  several years  back no more ash tray.  I could side mount  head/micro phone housing but if it is over by the pilot's elbow  I would have to extend or remake head/micro phone audio cables  going to the  audio panel.  The other thing is the side panel by the pilot's elbow comes frequently  during annual and cable routing so I would have to  disconnect and reconnect head/micro phone cabling which could  potentially cause maintenance induced maintenance problem.
 
Thanks for the photos and illustrations
 

I think using a raised jack would work fine. I would just use painter’s tape and put it in different locations to see what works best for you.

Over the years I have flown, I have had a couple of headset failures that required me to switch to a backup set. I’m not sure I would like the jacks in a location that make it difficult to do the swap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Marauder]

Oh yeah. A question. How do you like the push button start switch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[RLCarter]

Make the location you choose won’t be in a place where your leg/knee won’t interfere with the jacks

[jamesm]

19 hours ago, Marauder said:

Oh yeah. A question. How do you like the push button start switch?
 

I makes me a little nervous being that the starter button is exposed there is no switch guard for it. It takes a little of pressure before the switch will engage the stater but I pull the circuit breaker while the plane is in the hangar as a safety measure.

Edited January 27, 2022 by jamesm