Help me out here...

[RyanShort1]

Ok, so if I wanted to install a "panel mounted" GPS on a vintage LSA, what would be involved, and what options are there if there is no electrical system on board? Also, what older (and hopefully cheaper) GPS systems are available that are still supported by their manufacturers?

Ryan

 

[CT Arrow]

Ok, so if I wanted to install a "panel mounted" GPS on a vintage LSA, what would be involved, and what options are there if there is no electrical system on board? Also, what older (and hopefully cheaper) GPS systems are available that are still supported by their manufacturers?
Ryan

It depends......

Are we talking a J3 or....?
Someone can jump in on the regs regarding "perm install" as I thought they were different for older aircraft

You may be able to use the internal battery of the GPS depending on length of use and / or you need to add a battery and somehow charge it. Current draw is minimal so a 12 volt small tractor battery might be the thing. Put in in a removable box / bag so you can take it out for charging. I suppose you could perm mount it as well. Again, I don't know the "legal" aspect of doing that. Regarding charging, any 12 volt DC charger and / or solar panel should work. Again, depends on the current draw and use.

I would focus on Garmin devices and I believe any of the "96" (196, 296,,,) series are still supported. Maybe a phone call to Garmin to find out what IS NOT supported would be a good start.

There is a bunch of used, cheap GPS units out there. It just depends on what your looking for and the price point you want to pay.

Here is some ideas....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RAM-Glare-S...iation_Parts_Gear&hash=item5d3259d3ab&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSM...0972513852?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item27cec1863c

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Garmin-GPSM...0999018685?pt=GPS_Devices&hash=item19d80e9cbd

 

[RyanShort1]

Yeah, that's the direction I want to go. I'm trying to see if I could economically get the Taylorcraft to a point where with an intercom and radio system, a GPS navigation system, and probably a venturi-driven attitude indicator, I could actually send a student for a private pilot checkride in it.

Ryan

 

[VanDy]

The glove box makes a good place to mount one, with the antenna located remotely of course. Biggest problem is limited view from the right seat.

Does the GPS have to be permanently mounted for the Private check ride?

 

[RyanShort1]

The glove box makes a good place to mount one, with the antenna located remotely of course. Biggest problem is limited view from the right seat.

Does the GPS have to be permanently mounted for the Private check ride?

My understanding is that it would need to be a "permanent" mount for it to be part of the aircraft systems.

Ryan

 

[CT Arrow]

Yeah, that's the direction I want to go. I'm trying to see if I could economically get the Taylorcraft to a point where with an intercom and radio system, a GPS navigation system, and probably a venturi-driven attitude indicator, I could actually send a student for a private pilot checkride in it.Ryan

It's all possible! All it takes is $$$$ :wink2:

GPS is the simple part.

Radio pulls the most current out of everything mentioned and requires an antenna. Not a deal breaker but more cost and wiring.

Audio panel pulls some current and requires simply wiring to radio.

With the advent of electric AI's, that should be pretty easy to install. Small amount of current and maybe a 337 sign off? But there pretty expensive to purchase.

So, you need a bit more then a battery. To do it properly you need a decent sized battery w/ an electrical buss. This is going to be costly. I would seek an AP with some experience who would want to take on the project. Get quotes!

 

[BillTIZ]

Don't use 12V tractor batteries. Way to heavy.

We use 12V 7 to 10 amp hour batteries in gliders, removable, sealed, rechargeable. They last all weekend with radio, transponder and various moving map displays on PDA or PNA units with 5 to 7 inch screens.

Don't install permanent wiring or mount. Use removable RAM mounts and a removable battery box in a standard certificated aircraft. Otherwise a 337 maybe required.

 

[RyanShort1]

The radio is a handheld with a good antennae hooked up to a portable intercom. That's not likely to be a issue. The "electronic navigation system" is the issue.

Ryan