IPad/tablet size and placement experiences?

[IvanP]

I have a Garmin Aera 760 and use MyGoFlight Flex Mount (https://mygoflight.com/collections/mount-to-panels/products/flex-bolted-quick-release ) that is attached to the co-pilot's side of the panel. This mount allows to position the unit pretty much anywhere you might need it and it is rock solid. I did not like the yoke mount that came with the unit. 

[TheAv8r]

I do an iPad Mini 5 on the yoke using a Ram mount. I like it because it keeps everything in my scan and I don’t have to reach across to access anything or block any visibility. I think if I put it on the bar it would block easy access to the audio panel but might have to experiment with that. 
 

[midlifeflyer]

17 hours ago, dkkim73 said:

Now *that* spider-grip looks like something out of the Matrix...

I think the RAM X-Grip cradle is one of the best there, particularly from an overheating standpoint. Open design, more airflow. 

[midlifeflyer]

3 hours ago, TheAv8r said:

I do an iPad Mini 5 on the yoke using a Ram mount. I like it because it keeps everything in my scan and I don’t have to reach across to access anything or block any visibility. I think if I put it on the bar it would block easy access to the audio panel but might have to experiment with that. 
 

That's pretty much what my setup has been since my 1st iPad - the original Gen 1.   Check out the huge bezel! Only real change since then has been a more open cradle that I don't have to throw away with every iPad upgrade  (and a suction mount for airplane that don't work with a yoke mount).  I originally chose the yoke location for a simple reason - that's where I clipped my paper approach charts. 
 

[M20F]

I carry an iPad Pro but 99.9% it is my iPhone and GTN650.  I don’t need the clutter and the iPad doesn’t tell me much that in 650 doesn’t. 

[EricJ]

I'm a weirdo and fly with two (android) tablets, a smaller one on the yoke, in portrait mode just because the screen polarization matches my prescription sunglasses that way, and a larger one that I keep on an app-strap on my left knee.   That works for me, and I like being able to display different things on them and having both available all the time, e.g., I put approach plates on the yoke and keep the map/traffic/weather on the big one.   It's also nice redundancy, which I've had to use once or twice.

[shawnd]

To add the iPad setup: In the 6-pack arrangement, I use a RAM mount on the yoke rod with extensions to position the iPad mount just above and aft of the Mooney logo on the yoke. I mount the iPad mini 6 there. It fits nicely between the control wheel without obstructing the view of the lower indicators. However, you do need to move your head slightly to see the switches.

Previously, I used a RAM suction mount at the lower front corner of the pilot windshield, placing the iPad in my left peripheral view. This was more convenient since I didn't have to look down and could glance left for the needed information. However, it blocked part of the outside view, which I deemed too risky for VFR flight. Hence, the move to the yoke.

For backup, I carry an iPad Pro, which I use for planning, viewing service manuals, and various other tasks.

I am planning to upgrade to the G500TXi. I will need to evaluate if the G500TXi provides all the valuable data that Foreflight does, with the same ease.

[shawnd]

One thing to note, the suction mount seems to come off the windows at altitude (ex 16,000+), likely due to pressure differences. Or also could be that I pressed them on wrong. 

[N201MKTurbo]

A suction cup is held on by atmospheric pressure. The best technique can only achieve a perfect vacuum. Which would give you 15 PSI of holding power at sea level. At 16000 feet the pressure is only 8 PSI, so you have lost almost half of your holding power.

So your technique has little to do with it.

[dkkim73]

Thanks again for all the great thoughts. I now have the iPad mini Gen 6 in a Pivot case. It will fit on a leg strap (old-school kneeboard on one thigh, this strap on the other). It won't interfere with the yoke even at the extremes, though it all feels fairly close together. Flew a couple of flights and it is easier to handle, smaller screen is workable. 

I sat in the cockpit and looked for other places to put it. There might be a place all the way on the right, in front of and just below the passenger-side handle. It would obscure the upper breakers in a resting position, but might work.  Also could put it on the ceiling just to the left of the switches and vents. Might be awkard for anything beyond a glance. 

Or try the passenger-side yoke as a "resting" place (and of course if there is a passenger, they can use it attached or detached). 

Have been pushing myself to do as much as possible with the G1000 (eg. flip to WPT and check destination METAR via FIS-B (?) instead of looking at one of the portables). Plus that has the Sirius XM weather which is so nice. So where the iPad sits might not be as important... Though I still like looking at a portable for approach plate refreshers vs. the G1000, so having a good resting place is nice. 

David

[M20F-1968]

On 7/24/2024 at 5:09 PM, KSMooniac said:

Mini using MyGoFlight yoke mount for me... it is the perfect size for a Mooney.  I used to hate yoke mounts, but have grown to like this setup.  I keep my old 496 on the copilot yoke for weather and battery backup.

I too use an Ipad Mini, MyGoFlight yoke mount, but I do not use their flexible arm.  The best arm I found was from a camera supplier.  It is an Italian manufacturer whose name I do not recall just now (however I can get if for you if needed).  The take-home message is that the Chinese made flexible arms are cheap and less reliable.  The Ipad case is a plastic back-plate that has the receiver to accept the MyGoFlight mount.  The yoke mount is a RAM c-clamp.  I plan on making a ring mount that clamps onto the yoke shaft (Aluminum split ring machined to fit the Mooney yoke shaft) which will be smaller than the RAM mount.

John Breda

[M20F-1968]

UPDATE:

The Italian manufacturer of the adjustable, articulating Magic Arm camera mount is made by Manfrotto.  An Amazon listing of their arm is:

https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-244MICRO-Micro-Friction-Black/dp/B00WFPN640/ref=sr_1_9?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.JtxSZCyWa5440gGH35H8m-LKF9EX2Mlu7ZSAmCjqLpiUb12mu5lyrcmp91gXAx8HaeHD7RKKg3MLGlITj_ce8HbQNgmXJYE2HjitQF0TgKSlFcPBMfOHmJudgq2Xl8jE0osDquZNvx5C5VCIVRgYSHLYsGDsvvBJtpjskOsXwUqLHx9bJ4XgRvJRuYF_z-gt0YHAK3dSPwWzx4IDwz4ERwJ-Gd9q9fEW6tAJhZq3tes.nqE7ja9frKItUNSZ_27opSTxsi3PdBCLYFEQc7MFt6U&dib_tag=se&hvadid=570508130857&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9002082&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=17877925420494585967&hvtargid=kwd-1181182096&hydadcr=19109_13374998&keywords=manfrotto+magic+arm&qid=1723206593&sr=8-9

The yoke clamp that I use is also made by Manfrotto:

https://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-Super-Clamp-without-Stud/dp/B000JLM4XG/ref=pd_bxgy_thbs_d_sccl_1/130-5164836-2314820?pd_rd_w=K5ZMi&content-id=amzn1.sym.c51e3ad7-b551-4b1a-b43c-3cf69addb649&pf_rd_p=c51e3ad7-b551-4b1a-b43c-3cf69addb649&pf_rd_r=Z3RN1PCCD5ZX9PBXR4J0&pd_rd_wg=rZOXq&pd_rd_r=58e22bcb-a8e2-4257-ae5f-761d62b03d45&pd_rd_i=B000JLM4XG&psc=1

There are different models of each that are different sizes and lengths, but the quality is much better than the Chinese imitations.

John Breda

[natdm]

I've got my mini 6 mounted on the yoke with a FlyBoys mount, so it's quick to attach and detach. I've been trying to use it for departure and approach, but keep it tucked away for cruise. I noticed myself looking down at the iPad instead of enjoying the view a lot and didn't like that. 

[dkkim73]

2 hours ago, M20F-1968 said:

UPDATE:

The Italian manufacturer of the adjustable, articulating Magic Arm camera mount is made by Manfrotto.  

John, 

I had thought of them reading your first post! They make outstanding gear. We used them in a series of startup machine vision experiments; very configurable and solid. Their regular tripods are also great. I wonder if that yoke/rod clamp might be too big for the Acclaim, where the gear lever sits very close to the yoke on the right. Do you happen to know the size vs. the RAM mount? I can do some digging as well. 
My RAM mount clears the lever but could cause problems if it drifts. 

I *really* like your idea of a custom split-ring; it could be installed tight and with a friction pad, could tap it for 1/4-20 threads, etc. I bet some 90% solutions are out there that would only need tapping. 

You are the 2nd person to suggest the MyGoFlight. Is that the one you happen to have, or do you favor it over the Pivot products?

Thanks,
David

[varlajo]

+1 for MyGoFlight. iPad 6 mini.

 

 

[Gone]

My setup since October 2018.  Well minus the NARCO radio, the JPI 700, and NARCO transponder (replaced by an SL30, a GTX 330-DES, and a JPI 830 of course).

But the iPad Mini 6 sits on the yoke.

 

[M20F-1968]

On 8/9/2024 at 10:55 AM, dkkim73 said:

John, 

I had thought of them reading your first post! They make outstanding gear. We used them in a series of startup machine vision experiments; very configurable and solid. Their regular tripods are also great. I wonder if that yoke/rod clamp might be too big for the Acclaim, where the gear lever sits very close to the yoke on the right. Do you happen to know the size vs. the RAM mount? I can do some digging as well. 
My RAM mount clears the lever but could cause problems if it drifts. 

I *really* like your idea of a custom split-ring; it could be installed tight and with a friction pad, could tap it for 1/4-20 threads, etc. I bet some 90% solutions are out there that would only need tapping. 

You are the 2nd person to suggest the MyGoFlight. Is that the one you happen to have, or do you favor it over the Pivot products?

Thanks,
David

I'll take a picture when I am next at the hangar.   MyGoFlight does not make a split ring for the Mooney.  Do you think there is enough interest for me to make a few?

John Breda

 

[201Steve]

On 7/28/2024 at 12:02 PM, N201MKTurbo said:

A suction cup is held on by atmospheric pressure.

Ever feel like you have a good grasp on concepts and then something really obvious catches you by surprise? Well, I was today years old when I made this correlation. 

[Pinecone]

On 8/10/2024 at 3:20 PM, M20F-1968 said:

I'll take a picture when I am next at the hangar.   MyGoFlight does not make a split ring for the Mooney.  Do you think there is enough interest for me to make a few?

John Breda

 

I would be interested in a split ring with a ball, like the RAM C-clamp.

[dkkim73]

3 hours ago, Pinecone said:

I would be interested in a split ring with a ball, like the RAM C-clamp.

Same here, or with a 1/4"-20 mount, or anything standard to be usable! I'll bet you can get a ball that fits that thread, too...

[M20F-1968]

On 8/11/2024 at 6:59 PM, Pinecone said:

I would be interested in a split ring with a ball, like the RAM C-clamp.

The split ring would be threaded to accept the end of the Manfrotto articulating Magic Arm and it would have the MyGoFlight attachment for the Ipad back plate.

I'll get pictures.

John Breda

[M Terry]

I have an 8 inch android tablet with Avare for charts and plates, mounted on a suction cup ram mount on the left side window just in front of my left shoulder.

 

[midlifeflyer]

On 7/24/2024 at 4:56 PM, dkkim73 said:

For those that use iPads, what size do you use and in what locations?

Having used an EFB for over 13 years, I started with what was then a full-size 9.7" Original iPad.  A few generations later, I moved to the Mini. I haven't tries but I don't envision a problem with a tablet in the 10-11" range (I should probably try my spare Android 11" tablet to see). My preferred location has always been a yoke mount, although I also use a suction mount from time to time - mostly in airplanes without a yoke. 

[Danb]

On 7/27/2024 at 12:10 PM, M20F said:

I carry an iPad Pro but 99.9% it is my iPhone and GTN650.  I don’t need the clutter and the iPad doesn’t tell me much that in 650 doesn’t. 

Same here just in case..the mini is on my yoke and the Pro hidden away..