Radiorax PIREP Request

[hayesjaj]

Originally Posted by JAG

I installed the RadioRax in my C337A (and yes, STC applies) and love it. The avionics shop loved it as well when they went to install my GTN750 and GTX345. I had bought the spacers they sell for the installation, and it went pretty smooth. My advice would be - while the spacers work well, add another washer on each side to give just a little extra room. Avionics shop said it was tight for the GTN sliding in, and an extra 0.020" to 0.040" would have been nice.
Jeff

Did it require much surgery? The manual says something needs to be cut but it isn't clear what would need to be modified. Any chance you have some pictures?

[JAG]

Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the "surgery", but it wasn't too bad. the lower switch panel (grey in picture) comes and blocks the rack extension if you want it longer and to go down further. You can't see in the picture as it is behind the instrument panel edge (in black), but had to trim some of that lower grey panel where it interfered. once you go to install, it will be fairly apparent.
I think I did the "trimming" with a file and maybe some tin snips or a hand nibbler. You will also trim the RadioRax to length. I went as long as I could go on the RadioRax. Just take your time, however, not a tough job at all.

Jeff

[hayesjaj]

Originally Posted by JAG

Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the "surgery", but it wasn't too bad. the lower switch panel (grey in picture) comes and blocks the rack extension if you want it longer and to go down further. You can't see in the picture as it is behind the instrument panel edge (in black), but had to trim some of that lower grey panel where it interfered. once you go to install, it will be fairly apparent.
I think I did the "trimming" with a file and maybe some tin snips or a hand nibbler. You will also trim the RadioRax to length. I went as long as I could go on the RadioRax. Just take your time, however, not a tough job at all.

Jeff

That's great, thank you! Cessna really made lives difficult in the 73 and on models by changing the panel structure from the fully removable face to an integrated structure. Part of that change involved integrating the avionics support rail as a flange on the pilots side. I suppose we will need to cut this away entirely to make it fit. See attachments for what I mean.

[JAG]

Wow - yep, it looks like you have to a bit more cutting than I did - will have to break that whole flange edge off. Dirty job but so worth it!

Now we will need to see "AFTER" photos!

Jeff

[hayesjaj]

Thanks! Unfortunately, I think it is a non-starter for the G models. I took the time to mechanically scan (used a FARO arm) my panel in the process of developing the new metal overlay. One of the items I found is the vertical section on the right hand side only measures around 0.42 inches, give or take a little. The width of each of the Radiorax units is 0.7in, which looks like it fits great on yours.

Sadly, a lack of response from Radiorax directly suggests that they know it won't work on G models.

I will certainly post in progress pictures of the updates, radiorax or not.

[JAG]

On the one side of my panel I did not have a lot of space either - I installed the kit RK1020; the rail is only 0.375 wide. That may work for yours?
Jeff