Tmarsha Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 Folks, I noticed there is no cigarette lighter plug on the panel or anywhere else I can find. This is a must have with a Garmin handheld and Ipad mini. Any suggestions on simple low cost options available. I am planning to meet with an avionics guy in a couple weeks that has done lots of Mooney panel work to get suggestions/ideas from him. I currently have 2 KX155s, one with GS plus an old Apollo GPS. Would like to replace the GPS with something more current that will slide in the same tray if possible, fix the Brittain AP, install the 12V plug, maybe low cost TCAS. Tks. Tom Quote
Lood Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 I just had my AME fit a plug to my F during the annual, 3 weeks ago. There are such fantastic aviation apps available, but I agree that a power source for the iPhone, iPad, or whatever is a necessity. Quote
Marauder Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 What year is your F model? My 75 has one factory installed from what I can tell. Quote
1964-M20E Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 I have one that was added just under the dash using an adel clamp to the tube structure and it works fine. In the dash would work too just a little more work. Quote
Tmarsha Posted June 3, 2013 Author Report Posted June 3, 2013 Hi John, can you send me a picture of your installation. Also, what specific plug did he use and where did you purchase it ? My 67F shows a factory plug on the panel behind the right seat yoke so they must have removed it. I am in contact with the owner that did the panel work. I will send him an email asking him about the plug. I'm hoping it is there, I just haven't found it :-) Quote
Steve65E-NC Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 My 65E had none installed. We used the owner manual wiring diagram to install an individually fused three port socket in the tubes to the right of the pilot's knees. Firmly attached with wire ties, but easily removable. Out of the way but easy for the pilot to access. Quote
KSMooniac Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 Should be an easy addition, just make sure you connect it through a circuit breaker or fuse using standard practices. Â There are many aftermarket 12V sockets available in a variety of configurations, so just pick one that will suit your installation and have your mechanic do it with a logbook entry. Â This is a very minor item, so no need to get a field approval, file a 337, etc. Â Â Another idea is to install a couple of USB power ports in the panel or a sub-panel somewhere so you can plug those charging cables directly without a bigger cig lighter adapter. Â I plan to do this whenever I get around to a panel makeover. Quote
Marauder Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 Hi John, can you send me a picture of your installation. Also, what specific plug did he use and where did you purchase it ? My 67F shows a factory plug on the panel behind the right seat yoke so they must have removed it. I am in contact with the owner that did the panel work. I will send him an email asking him about the plug. I'm hoping it is there, I just haven't found it :-) If you have the factory panel markings for the cigarette lighter, all you may need to do is replace it. I seem to remember some issue with the lighter. It may be why it was removed. Quote
N601RX Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 Lone Star aviation actually makes a TSO'd version of a cigarette lighter plug and a panel mount USB Plug. $$$ Quote
scottfromiowa Posted June 3, 2013 Report Posted June 3, 2013 86 bucks for certified adapter with cover from Spruce. It is TSO'd. Install no biggie Quote
carusoam Posted June 4, 2013 Report Posted June 4, 2013 I have one for the 65C. But then they were not as standard as they are today. Says "liter" on it as well... Standard 12V plugs may not make contact with the old Mooney socket... Best regards, -a- Quote
Tmarsha Posted June 4, 2013 Author Report Posted June 4, 2013 Thanks for all your suggestions. I think I will price a combo USB/standard plug option to accomodate the iPad and older Garmin portable. Tom Quote
KSMooniac Posted June 4, 2013 Report Posted June 4, 2013 One more thought...you can get a hard-wire cable from Garmin and connect directly to electrical system thru a circuit breaker. If you have a panel-mount GPS it can also connect and push the flight plan data down to the portable. Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2 Quote
Lood Posted June 4, 2013 Report Posted June 4, 2013 My '67F also shows a lighter plug on the original panel, but I guess it was removed somewhere along the way during panel upgrades. Come to think of it, I should have gone for a plug that already has a USB socket as well. I have my G296 hardwired and fused to the airplanes power and it works really well. When the avionics master is switched on, the GPS turns on and when the master is switched off, the GPS turns off. No fuss about keeping batteries charged. Quote
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