Once I decided to build an RV-8 I made an attempt at a dream panel in 2007 using Panel Planner software. If you look at that panel not one glass avionic has survived the many iterations!
At some point you have to commit with all the compromises that this entails and I have a final version in 2011 using XPanel software.
The factors that influnced my design are :
a) Fuel pump/Flap/Radio/Transponder on the left so I can operate with my throttle hand. b) Legal requirement for ASI/Altimter and spaced wide so back seater can see them c) Although radio has a built in intercom I want Jill to have stereo for the long journeys so a FlightCom 403 sits above the radio/transponder d) I love the flexibility and capability of the MGL EFIS range and the Voyager fits the RV-8 panel just nice. It also provides great access behind the panel e) Having flown the Airbus I like the way sub panels are laid out to reflect the "Fag Packet" drawing of the associated system. So I plan to make an electrics panel under the EFIS - this will be attached to the aft cross brace and screwed to the panel to make panel removal easier. f) Modified map box (shorter) to store a bottle of water and my spare glasses - the joys of middle age! g) Digital G meter that doubles as a clock/stopwatch independent of EFIS - 9oz lighter than analogue one h) Basic Engine back up - indepndent of EFIS j) The 2 1/4" hole on the right sub panel will hold a CO monitor k) A TWS (FLARM/ADS-B/Mode S/C) on the coming easily seen and a vertical compass card on the coming (compass mandatory in UK and the vertical card is not recommended for panel mounting). I believe by offsetting from the centre these will have minimal impact on reduced forward visibility
The XPanel engineering drawings were good but not perfect so I drew a grid on the panels to line up each screw hole plus a few others to aid in symmetry - the old adage "if it looks right - it probbaly is"
