W're starting to make more serious plans on the panel now that we're getting closer. I couldn't find a way of fitting dual AFS 3400s that I was happy with so we have somewhat reluctantly decided to go with a single AF3400 Advanced Deck instead. Actually we know another pilot who has dual 3400s in a -7 and he reckons not to bother and go with a single 3500.
Yesterday I received my first aircraft instrument from Spruce; a compass. This will be mounted in the right-side sub-panel, since the left side has the SteinAir eyeball vent in it. On the right side of the panel will also be backup 2ΒΌ" instrument, switches and the annunciator lights. Central will be the AF3500 and Garmin 495 GPS. On the left will be TruTrak DigiFlight II VS autopilot, Garmin 327 or 330 transponder, Garmin SL40 com or SL30 nav/com, PMA-9000EX audio panel. I have no idea what switches and things I need yet, but I have space left and right of the GPS. I'm hoping to put circuit breakers on the right-side console.
Anyway, that's the theory, or plan. What I actually did tonight was make the annunciator light sub-panel. I'm going for the 'dark cockpit' approach so generally the lights will always be off unless they come on to warn me of something or I switch on something I need to keep an eye on. I guess the exception is the blue lights for the strobe, nav and landing lights which will normally be on. I may yet change that plan too; its all liquid right now...
