Mount for Nexus 7 in C-172

asechrest

asechrest

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asechrest
I'd like to buy a suction cup mount for my Nexus 7. I fly Cessna 172s. I think I'd like to mount it on the left side of the windscreen in that space between the window and the panel.

What mounts are you guys/gals using for this? I assume a RAM mount of some sort will be most popular, but I'd like to see other ideas, too. Please link to the product if you can.

My Nexus 7 will be in a about a 1/4 inch leather case, if that matters.

Thanks!
 
I'd like to buy a suction cup mount for my Nexus 7.
Click to expand...
Yup. That's the way to do it. Been there, done that. The N7 on my knee is too far away to read easily and on the yoke it blocks gauges.

Use the RAM suction mount (http://www.rammount.com/products/suctioncups.htm) but don't use their heavy "B" hardware with the 1" balls. It's bulky overkill. Rather use their "A" series balls (several options like http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...d/082065077045065045050051056085/Default.aspx) with the short arm (http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...d/082065077045065045050048049085/Default.aspx).

IIRC the original RAM tray for the N7 was pricey, so bought this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360-degrees-Tabletop-Desktop-Dedicated-Stand-Holder-Mount-for-Google-Nexus-7-/221123167243?pt=US_Tablet_eReader_Mounts_Stands_Holders&hash=item337bf7c40b I see, though, that RAM now has a couple that are more reasonable.

Your rig will also work well on the side window, putting the tablet even closer to your eyes.
 
Thanks. It's not clear to me how that off-brand tray mates with the RAM equipment. Can you shed any light?

I've actually got a Fat Gecko Mini suction cup mount that has a 1/4-20 threaded male attachment meant for cameras. I was figuring I could use this for my purposes, but can't find a tablet tray/holder with a 1/4-20 female socket.

airdale said:
Yup. That's the way to do it. Been there, done that. The N7 on my knee is too far away to read easily and on the yoke it blocks gauges.

Use the RAM suction mount (http://www.rammount.com/products/suctioncups.htm) but don't use their heavy "B" hardware with the 1" balls. It's bulky overkill. Rather use their "A" series balls (several options like http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...d/082065077045065045050051056085/Default.aspx) with the short arm (http://www.rammount.com/CatalogResu...d/082065077045065045050048049085/Default.aspx).

IIRC the original RAM tray for the N7 was pricey, so bought this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/360-degrees-Tabletop-Desktop-Dedicated-Stand-Holder-Mount-for-Google-Nexus-7-/221123167243?pt=US_Tablet_eReader_Mounts_Stands_Holders&hash=item337bf7c40b I see, though, that RAM now has a couple that are more reasonable.

Your rig will also work well on the side window, putting the tablet even closer to your eyes.
Click to expand...
 
asechrest said:
Ah ok. That's not clear from reading the description or the photos. Thank you.
Click to expand...

That's good to know. I will make sure we get that description modified. Thanks, and I hope you find what you need. :)
 
It's not clear to me how that off-brand tray mates with the RAM equipment. Can you shed any light?
Click to expand...
Sorry.

The post-type thing on the back of the tray snaps on and off. Without the post, you have a flat surface to which you can attach the "A" series ball that is mounted to a diamond-shaped plate.

One option would be flat- or button-head screws. This would probably work OK but it does create stress concentrations at the holes and weakens the tray considerably.

What I did (using a different ball and plate that I made in my shop) was to attach the plate with 3M "Dual-Lock" tape. This is vaguely like Velcro but the attachment is much stronger. It can be a bit hard to find, too, but McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/#hook-and-loop-fasteners/=n6bif4) has it.

Another option is 3M VHB. (no I don't work for 3M. I just like their stuff.) I have bought this at WalMart. It's like a clear double-stick tape but there is no tape, just a strip of thick gummy adhesive. They have many industrial flavors but the WalMart roll has clear adhesive separated by a red vinyl strip. So it looks like a roll of red tape in its bubble-pack. Probably OfficeMaxMart has it too.

The nice thing with the Dual-Lock is that you can have two or three different mounting pads on the back of the tray and move the ball as needed to suit different needs. The VHB is marketed as "permanent" and it is very tough stuff. You won't be repositioning with that!
 
I have the Ram parts and I attach it to the yoke.
It does block some instruments, some of the time, but it's not onerous. I just look around it when I need to see behind it. Buy the right bits and pieces and experiment. I mixed and matched parts and now I can connect it so the parts run under the yoke, so there is that much less of the Nexus sticking up in front of the panel.
I originally had it suctioned to the windscreen. Until I had a Maule sneak up on me from behind it.
 
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