diamondaviators.net

Hi folks,

my iPad Air2 just quit service. Obviously time to buy a new one. Before doing this I want to get your view on iPad models. What is best for a DA42 cockpit? Currently I use a mygoflight mount with suction cup attached to canopy (left side).

For a relatively cramped DA20/DA40/DA42 cockpit, it's hard not to recommend an iPad Mini. But for a DA62, a "full-size" 10-11 inch iPad, Air, or Pro will work nicely (the 12.5 inch iPad Pro is too big).

I second the minis. I've used 3 in succession. I have found a way to make a Pro 11 work for me in my 40, but it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea. Nor would my trick with the minis, which was to mount it on the stick. None have had the built-in cell/GPS option. I've used Stratus since the Stratus 2 came out but now combine that with Garmin Connext via FS210, which is primary for position and backup AHRS. The Stratus is backup for those functions plus it provides ADS-B IN.

Over the years I've tried both the mini and the Air, mounted and on my legs in my steam gauge DA40. Recently traded in my 9.7 Air 2 for the new 10.5 Air 3rd gen (which is the old 10.5 Pro with updated processor). It's slightly taller than the Air 2 but only a hair wider. The new (cheaper) Ipad 7th gen doesn't have anti-glare coating and the 11 is taller and wider. I find I just need the larger format, especially for tracking weather. Ended up using Myclip from Sporty's to hold it on my right leg with a sock underneath to prop it up. I tried mounting on the left side of the canopy but found it too close visually and too hard to reach across with my right hand to manipulate, not to mention constantly forgetting to take off the power supply before I opened the canopy at the end of a flight.

I have tried multiple options, including the knee-pad option. The best configuration, which I am now really happy with and have no desire to change is the iPad Air 2, mounted per the attached photo. I used to have a charging cable running from the power outlet to the iPad to keep it charged, but now just simply use a small powerpack in the map pocket directly beneath. So if I forget to disconnect the cable from the iPad prior to opening the canopy, no issue.

There are two reasons I found mounting to the canopy to be unsuitable.

One is the fact it basically needs to be mounted on the vent window, which I occasionally need to open on the ground and it would add considerable weight (for the Pro 11, close to 2 pounds, if you include the mounting hardware) to the window. With the questionable nature of the latch and the fact I have had a hinge (on the other side) loose its bond with the canopy, I'm not in love with this approach.

But the bigger factor is that to my left side is the wrong place for me. It's a personal ergonomic issue. And it's partly influenced by the fact of a six-pack/GNS panel rather than a glass panel.

A suggestion for those attaching to the canopy: I did give this an experimental try and solved the issue of plugging into the USB adapter and not having a problem raising the canopy by using a 2-meter cord routed under the panel and up through the space in the instrument panel cover where the canopy arm travels. This way the cord would benignly "rotate" along with the iPad.

Actually Rich you just gave me an idea. The clamp I use can be rotated in almost any direction / configuration. I am going to adjust it to not affix to the window.

I have the same iPad (Air2) setup like Andrew, using a mygoflight adapter (see picture). Years ago I had attached the suction cup to the vent window, which finally broke the lock (now I have 3D printed locks - thanks to Kai). I make sure that the cup is attached forward of the window. Other than that I made the experience that the whole apparatus tends to fall down, when I need it the least. Think one factor is the weight of the Air. I will try a mini now.

I personally have found suction cup mounts work well - until they don't

Sunlight heats the remaining trapped air inside, which expands. You climb to altitude where the air pressure falls off (which is really what holds it in place). Some microscope scratch in the canopy very slowly lets air seep in under the cup. And ... there it goes.

I use a mini with a ram mount and associated ram hardware. It is affixed to the lowest part of the panel. Remove the two farthest left screws and get longer ones. The ram mount holes actually line up perfect so no drilling.

FYI one of the few screws in the plane that are SAE and not metric (arghhhh)