From Frustration to Flight: A Renewed Avionics Upgrade Journey for my 252

[shawnd]

Thanks folks, looks like this will be a fun exercise. Will report back findings.

[shawnd]

In parallel, trying to see if we have the annunciator be fully functional despite the changes to EIS. After reviewing the schematics, looks like only the fuel quantity might need some work. Analog output from fuel senders sends 0.1 to 4.7 V. Maybe the GEA-110 or GI-275 discrete outputs can provide this functionality to indicate low fuel. 

Color coded the annunciator lines for the schematics if anyone is interested.

 

ElectricalSchematics-AnnunciatorPanel.pdfFetching info...

Update: persisted the example lines from the left fuel qty gauge to transmitter.

[Aerodon]

Nicely done with the color coding.  The annunciator is calibrated to trigger an alarm when the fuel reaches a low level.  A JPI EDM900 can be programmed to provide a low level alarm (to the red/yellow annunciator or a separate low fuel alarm).  I'm not sure if this is on the calculated low level or measured low level.

It look like the GI-275 can have a discrete out on reaching a measured low fuel level.  But the annunciator is not looking for a discrete in, its looking for a voltage or resistance below a certain level.

I'm going a different direction, replacing the annunciator panel with a series of Eaton annunciators.  Personally I think the Mooney low fuel at 2.5G is useless, I prefer an overall low level of 8-12G.  

Aerodon

 

 

 

 

 

[shawnd]

There might be methods such as using pull up / down resistors to do the trick as well. Not an electronics expert :-) The only output I really want to send the annunciator is that fuel qty is

1. state 1: empty or near empty (LOW)
2. state 2: not empty indicating enough fuel so we can send it HIGH of 5 V

The EIS will of course warn me correctly of approaching empty etc so I am not worried. But want to utilize the annunciator panel to the fullest.

 

[shawnd]

After a few iterations with the design, the test panel has arrived. The CB panel markings still need a revision (it will be rounded and separate sections instead of the solid lines and one big blob). You can also see the new switches fitted on the test panel. It might be a bit big if you are comparing to the ETA rockers, but looks nice after looking at a M20V panel at the factory.  The avionics shop is also making quicker progress than I expected. Firewall front is done and looks great - luckily they also believe in functionality and clean looking result when it comes to their work.  My turn to pick up the pace and finish the seat and wall panels that AirTex shipped and then on to interior panel repair. Enjoy the pictures:

 

 

 

[shawnd]

Another update: avionics work is in full swing, got slightly delayed by panel design/proof/finalize work but here it is:

and a test fit of switches - love the attention to wiring:
 

 

[shawnd]

It’s been a while without an update on this thread! After a lot of minute adjustments, thanks to yours truly, the panel fabrication was finished mid-December and we are now nearing the completion of the project. To be honest, EA Panels was amazing to work with and boy their work is beautiful. And can’t thank Crown at KPAE enough for their attention to detail and working through issues with me. They spotted some issues that resulted in new wiring for a lot of the systems. I am quite glad with what I am going to have at the end. Here’s a teaser:

[PeterRus]

Silly question: I understand the large rectangle is for a 10" G500Txi display. Is it an issue it's not centered on the yoke? 

[Ragsf15e]

  On 1/20/2025 at 10:08 PM, PeterRus said:

Silly question: I understand the large rectangle is for a 10" G500Txi display. Is it an issue it's not centered on the yoke? 

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Not sure exactly why the OP did it, but I can tell you it won’t be noticeable in your scan or flying.  My F had dual G5s that were offset similarly because there isn’t quite as much space directly above the yoke and that space pushes everything to the left.  Anyway, it seems weird, but you don’t see it at all when you’re flying, and I’m pretty anal about that stuff.

[shawnd]

Not a silly question. Actually @CCAS asked the same thing! When it’s in split mode, the HSI will be almost aligned to the yoke and maybe slightly left of it. When switching to the full screen mode, the HSI will move over to be on top and slightly right of yoke (centered on screen). Given the panel design, this is a compromise I am okay to go with. In flight, I am told it doesn’t matter much and you adjust to it quickly. And like @Ragsf15e, I am pretty anal about the design too… 
 

Hoping for power on soon - will get some pictures. 

[ArtVandelay]

  On 1/20/2025 at 10:08 PM, PeterRus said:

Silly question: I understand the large rectangle is for a 10" G500Txi display. Is it an issue it's not centered on the yoke? 

Mine isn’t, but it does result in the HSI being centered when in dual screen mode, which I always use. This was by choice, it also allows me to push it up higher.

[jamesm]

 I wasn't a fan of Cannon who did my L3 NGT9000 ADS-B install in 2016. From being way overcharged for the install to shoddy workmanship to avoiding me for warranty work.  I believe they had sold business previously a couple of times. I heard they were good,  apparently  before 2016 they had gone downhill.  Your new panel looks nice glad came out the way it did. Enjoy it.

James '67C

[Marc_B]

Coming together!  Can't wait for this to all be done and get back in the air!!  Do they have a more finite ETA or are you still keeping it loose?

[shawnd]

  On 1/21/2025 at 4:43 AM, jamesm said:

 I wasn't a fan of Cannon who did my L3 NGT9000 ADS-B install in 2016. From being way overcharged for the install to shoddy workmanship to avoiding me for warranty work.  I believe they had sold business previously a couple of times. I heard they were good,  apparently  before 2016 they had gone downhill.  Your new panel looks nice glad came out the way it did. Enjoy it.

James '67C

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Yeah Cannon was the shop where I took it first to install 2 GI-275s. Needless to say, it's in much better hands now. If you ever want to swap stories, PM me.

 

[shawnd]

  On 1/21/2025 at 4:46 AM, Marc_B said:

Coming together!  Can't wait for this to all be done and get back in the air!!  Do they have a more finite ETA or are you still keeping it loose?

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They powered on a few things and is going through some initial setup. I promised to drive over with beer to motivate him some more  Hopefully will have it back soon - then time for IFR and get ready for the trip in Sept.

 

 

[shawnd]

Fresh from the shop - 

[Pinecone]

  On 1/20/2025 at 10:08 PM, PeterRus said:

Silly question: I understand the large rectangle is for a 10" G500Txi display. Is it an issue it's not centered on the yoke? 

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I set up mine so that the PFD is centered on ME when in multi screen mode (G3X with EIS strip on left).  I am not centered on the yoke when flying.

I need to take a picture in split screen, as the PFD moves to the left when you go to split screen

 

[PeterRus]

Thank you -- I think my late J has same panel dimensions. Is it possible to center the 10" screen? Looking into my options and I don't like the non-centered screen.

  On 1/21/2025 at 8:40 PM, Pinecone said:

I set up mine so that the PFD is centered on ME when in multi screen mode (G3X with EIS strip on left).  I am not centered on the yoke when flying.

I need to take a picture in split screen, as the PFD moves to the left when you go to split screen

 

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[ArtVandelay]

  On 1/21/2025 at 10:18 PM, PeterRus said:

Thank you -- I think my late J has same panel dimensions. Is it possible to center the 10" screen? Looking into my options and I don't like the non-centered screen.
 

Yes, but you’ll need it lowered because of the left side of the panel turns down, probably to the yoke shaft cutout. Cut a piece of cardboard of the same dimensions and verify for yourself, or there’s a pdf you can print life size copies.
Also having it shifted to the right makes it easier to work with, my left hand flies, my right hand does all the avionics controls. I didn’t want to have to the yoke interfere with my right arm.

[shawnd]

Another update from the shop. Brings tears to my eyes … 

This was what it looked like before:

Apologies in advance if I upload my panel pic in every post like @Pinecone 

[Marc_B]

  On 1/29/2025 at 1:22 AM, shawnd said:

Brings tears to my eyes … 

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Was that before or after the invoice?   kidding.

Looks AMAZING and can't wait to see it in person!  Always a proud day to see the Mooney fleet staying cutting edge and at the top of their game, especially when it's all of us that keep the Mooney one of the best friggin single engines in the sky!

[Pinecone]

All that wasted space on the right panel.  You need a 7" display or a dock and an AERA 7760.

Nice panel.

[CCAS]

Beautiful panel! Very well thought-out and future proofed.