See the facebook update
https://www.facebook.com/notes/vans-aircraft-inc/rv-12-skyview-update/319608124716233
https://www.facebook.com/notes/vans-aircraft-inc/rv-12-skyview-update/319608124716233
Now that it has been announced by Van's perhaps Mitch could provide some more detailed pictures and if permitted tell us a little about what is involved and how it went, things like what had to be opened and changed, and anything else that would be of interest to we who are about to follow in his footsteps.
Best regards,
Vern
I for one would like to acknowledge Van's Aircraft for making the Skyview a retrofit instead of just saying that all RV-12's before "kit no x" are D-180, and after "kit no x" are the new upgraded Skyview (ie leaving it up to us to work out a retrofit).
Cessna, etc (ie certified a/c) don't sell retrofit kits when the new model has a "better"/new avionics fit, and Van's could have just taken that pathway.
I didn't realise until I read the Facebook Van's notice that what they were doing was above and beyond (no, I'm not being sarcastic).
John
I just spoke to VAN's on the phone and understand the power budget with the standard alternator can only drive one display unit.
Power availability seems to limit the options quite bit.
It can deliver 20A and I am surprised thats not enough.
The drawings Rv 0 will be ready before x-mas, but I would be interested in a copy of those so we can prepare a bit to what is coming.
Pricing and lead time are still mysteries so still worried
Jack
Netherlands
RV12 90% completed waiting for Skyview
When their vendors stopped producing the parts that they were supplying they had no choice but to change the kit for all as they are not permitted to let us go to the market and buy major parts like engines, propellers and avionics.
Maximum (everything charging, flashing and transmitting)
Equipment Amps
1 Landing light 2.00
2 Strobe lights 2.25
3 Navigation lights 0.40
4 SL30 Nav/comm tx 2.65
5 Transponder 0.34
6 SkyView #1 3.50
7 SkyView #2 3.50
8 Autopilot 1.33
9 SkyView back up battery 1.50
10 Fuel pump 1.50
11 Electric trim 0.15
Total 19.12
I might just make an IPAD mount.
does any one know how the factory built light sport can use dual
screens and lights and autopilot with the rotax 912?
I might consider adding a new Garmin Aera 796 although the IPAD has appeal. You would have some semi-backup air instruments (but not engine) with the Aera and backup Nav as well, plus charts etc. But the 7 inch Skyview is appealing as well. Hmmmm.
I think we'll all be doing some electrical load calcs in the future! It would help to know Van's actual experience with the 2 screens, the margin they were at on power, the calcs they used, and how adding a Garmin or similar would impact those calcs. Note that the pdf on the new electrical system has provisions for another GPS as well as an ADSB receiver. Also Jerry's experience as previously posted in this thread, etc. I bet we will soon find out from someone what cowling and other mods are necessary to add the optional Rotax alternator.
Fair point and well made, Scott. I have to admit it isn't something I calculated for.
In reality though, the Rotax starts a nano-second after the PC680 battery starts to spin the prop. Next time I start the motor I'll check what the initial load is.
I had a PC680 in our 200HP/CS prop RV-6 (battery box in the back of the baggage compartment for CofG reasons) and it spun that engine over fine too.
The point I make is that very little charge is removed from the battery on start and by the time the mighty Rotax is up to flying temps it is probably fully charged.
I have an 'intelligent' battery charger for use when updating the SkyView databases etc and even after a couple of weeks of sitting idle, the PC680 is fully charged literally within seconds.
All I can report on is what we see on the ammeter so far and although it's early days, we're happy that there is a safe margin between alternator output and maximum possible load.
At work we are the UK Tecnam dealers and our demonstrator P2002-JF (very similar to the 12 power and MAUW, configuration etc but it's useful load is around 50lb less, climbs 20% slower and cruises 12 kts slower... ) has non-LED position lights, landing light and strobes plus a GNS430 and Garmin transponder. Fly it with all the lights on and it drains the battery (Italian motorcycle 19A job) very quickly even in the cruise. This shows the power (no pun intended!) of using LED lights.
It was fairly easy to find out loads for the various bits of equipment from the internet and there's lots of info from the good guys at Dynon on their website.
I have but one thing to say to you visionaries that chose to wait on Skyview, I wish I had waited too! My Sailor son, whose unit is heading back to Afghanistan this week and I flew to Georgetown, De. this morning for breakfast. We got to see some of Mitch's handywork. The Skyview is over the top. It is an incredible value and you are going to love it. The features are awe inspiring. I have seen the skyview a number of times but seeing it in the 12 added another dimension to it. Could I interest anyone in a slightly used D-180, AP74, Garmin Com and control panel? I have a feeling it's all going to be for sale!!!! Nice job Mitch!
The point I make is that very little charge is removed from the battery on start and by the time the mighty Rotax is up to flying temps it is probably fully charged.
Two of them seem like overkill anyway.
For backup, there are several good handhelds on the open market, which are relatively cheap and do a good job.
Build on!
It seems strange that the system was able to run two 7 inch screens as well as a GPS and a transponder without a problem. Two power users have been deleted.
I don't know that Vans has made it official that there will be no option for twin Skyviews. Despite the reputable indications stated on this thread, I'd like to wait and get that news from Vans in an official format. When I talked to them at Oshkosh this year, they told me there would be a twin Skyview option. I'm hoping it's still in the works.
there are some factory made light sport aircraft with dual skyview in
them with rotax 912 I wonder how they do it?
They may use the higher output add on alternator that is available as an option. This alternator can not be installed on an RV-12 without a complete redesign, firewall forward
Thanks for keeping us updated with this Scott. When you say it is a complete redesign of the firewall forward would there be a chance we just need to modify the top cowl a bit? Silly question I guess.
Can I also clarify if the control module shown in Vans plug and play article still has a space to install the second skyview screen?
Cheers
Julian 120316