Downloaded and tested a copy of XPanel to see whether that is the right answer for design the panel layout. Both impressed and disappointed for my first look. Although one expects the program in 'trial mode' to have limitations on saving/printing, it was showing signs of being less than up-to-date on the database, too. That is of some concern. Although the concept is very good and the basic operation is fairly intuitive and comprehensive, the lack of information on something like Dynon's new SkyView EFIS is of concern.
I realize that experimental airplanes are a limited marketplace, but the value of a software program like XPanel is the research they do to maintain an accurate and current database of products. The components need to be accurately scaled and that also takes time. Maybe there are updates to the database that I did not see in the trial download. I withhold final judgement based on my research and will post the info HERE.
It was usefull for preliminary layout and I can see how the final design would be enhanced by such a tool. It would be especially nice to send off the final design in CAD file format to someone who could print a panel overlay for construction or pre-cut the panel to spec. Again, more research.
