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Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 8:28 am
by TwinStarScott
Having experimented with many of the mgf products, as they've evolved over time, have found this one to be the best (so far) for our line of aircraft:

https://mgfproducts.com/sport-mount-flex-clip/

Coupled with an X-Naut cooling cradle, these two products make an awesome combination (IMHO).

Ways to supply external power is another subject that also needs to be considered for those long x-country trips. At least for those of us who aren't fortunate enough to be flying a DA-62, with those slick built-in USB charging ports.

Regardless, it's still probably not a bad idea to have at least minimal electrical power that's completely independent from the ship's power: to run a portable ADS-B receiver, plus other non-primary avionics. These could be viewed as relatively inexpensive life insurance plans to guard against an unexpected appearance from Mr. Murphy. Such as with a (rare) complete electrical failure, the 30 minutes of backup power to the panel mounted analog AI might not always be enough time to escape from solid IMC.

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 3:56 pm
by ememic99
ScottSutton wrote:Having experimented with many of the mgf products, as they've evolved over time, have found this one to be the best (so far) for our line of aircraft:

https://mgfproducts.com/sport-mount-flex-clip/
Thanks. Can you specify which accessories you use?

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 1:34 pm
by rdrobson
DA62 wrote:the DA62 has 2 built in mounts for the RAM Diamond base #RAM-B-238U-5 on both a-pillars. Simply remove the 2 screws and install mount. You might have to get longer screws.
OK, I'm confused. My aircraft does have the 2 screws on each lower A pillar. Yesterday I went out and removed one of the screws to start installing the RAM base and found that the screw was in very loose and appeared to be nothing more than a trim retainer screw in a hole that was too large for it. There was no way something that loose could hold an iPad. I was expecting an actual fine machine threaded screw, not what was in there. Before even attempting to remove any other screws I put the lightest amount of torque on them to tighten them and found all four to be stripped.

Does that sound like the screws that were in your airplane? I would think it would have to be replaced with something with a bigger diameter to actually get a bite into the hole they are in.

--Ron

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:22 pm
by CFIDave
rdrobson wrote:
DA62 wrote:Does that sound like the screws that were in your airplane?
No. The screws in my DA62 hold very tightly to the a-pillar; the a-pillar holes are threaded.

Just out of curiosity, what's the serial # of your new DA62 (Was it built in Canada or Austria)?

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:29 pm
by DA62
No. My holes are threaded and the screws are very tight with no movement. Might want to call factory.

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2018 2:32 pm
by rdrobson
CFIDave wrote:Just out of curiosity, what's the serial # of your new DA62 (Was it built in Canada or Austria)?
It is 62.C003. I'll be following up with customer support and see if they can advise me on what the thread form is supposed to be for those screws. It's possible the wrong screws were just set into the right holes.

--Ron

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 7:47 am
by TwinStarScott
My apologies to Emir for the delayed response as this is a very busy time of year.

Here are some steps you might wish to explore in more detail:

1) in your country, first see if the FAA equivalent of a minor alteration for installing an ipad mount in your DA42 is something your maintenance facility is willing to do - by making the appropriate logbook endorsement(s).

2) if and when you've cleared this hurdle, mygoflight.com can be your single source for ordering the items mentioned in my previous posts on this subject.

3) the canopy eyebrow can be a good location for installing the base clip of the articulating arm for the MGF sport mount flex clip. It's even possible to mount an mini-ipad on the pilot side and a full size ipad on the co-pilot side without interfering with a single thing, including outside visibility.

4) consider ordering one or more of these relatively inexpensive batteries for your cockpit - as they will greatly extend the useful life / flight time of your ipad, x-naut, etc.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LW ... UTF8&psc=1

However, the very best type of portable battery that I've come across in my research on this subject are those that use the much more expensive Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Here's an example of one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ME ... GV8S&psc=1

Situating one of these in a tight cockpit is, however, a little more challenging.

5) Using extreme velcro, a good place to mount the smaller type of battery is on the kickplate / bulkhead just in front of the control stick(s).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040 ... UTF8&psc=1

You might also find "coiled" USB cables more user-friendly in the cockpit:

https://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Charger-o ... iled&psc=1

Hope this helps, as this should get you well on your way to having a fully adjustable ipad mount in your TwinStar, while preventing those untimely ipad shutdowns due to overheating.

Please note: I have zero financial interest in any of the items or products discussed here.

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 1:50 pm
by ememic99
Thanks!

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 3:16 pm
by rdrobson
After talking with customer support, I learned that the tablet mounting provisions are not included with the standard aircraft. The locations are marked with the trim retention screws, but there are no threaded mounts beneath them. Moral of the story, ask for service bulletin OSB 62-007 to be taken care of by the factory.

Re: iPad Mount Options

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2018 4:04 pm
by CFIDave
rdrobson wrote:After talking with customer support, I learned that the tablet mounting provisions are not included with the standard aircraft. The locations are marked with the trim retention screws, but there are no threaded mounts beneath them. Moral of the story, ask for service bulletin OSB 62-007 to be taken care of by the factory.
Did you get USB 5V power outlets included in your DA62 (a pair under each end of the instrument panel + another pair in the rear of the center console for 2nd row passengers)?