I downloaded the Trial version of XPanel Software today to see if it could help me with the design of the Zenith 701 panel.

http://www.xpanelsoftware.com/Index.htm

Boy! That is one slick little package! Pretty cheap to! I put together a basic layout in almost nothing flat. You just pick what you want in the panel and it displays a color picture of it so you can drag and drop it on the layout. Instruments, EFIS, comm, nav, GPS, buttons, breakers, cabin air ports, throttles, labels, everything! It keeps a component list with pricing, shows behind the panel clearances and will produce a CAD drawing that will allow a machine shop to cut the panel for you.

I am sure there is a lot more to learn about the package but it sure seems nice to use. Anybody here have any experience with it?

Yep. Good software and excellent support from the guy that wrote it. Good stuff. I designed my RV-4 panel with it, the RV-7 I WAS going to build, and I've already designed my S-6 panel with it.

There is a free online version as well at: http://www.xpanelsoftware.com/Templates ... oducts.htm

The registered version allows you to export cad files and lots of other neat stuff.

Sounds like a great product.

For those in the market for panel fabrication services, PM me. My dad has built all the custom experimental panels (including RV) that Chief Aircraft sells for the last 2 years, and is making a go of it on his own now, in addition to other Light Sport and Experimental component fab.

No panel too complex. We TIG weld as well and can build box sections. Go ahead and design it on your own, we'll build it.

Hey Zane, We would be looking for someone to cut out and maybe label our 701 panel to the layout we develop on XPanel. Is that something your Dad would do?

Skystrider wrote:Hey Zane, We would be looking for someone to cut out and maybe label our 701 panel to the layout we develop on XPanel. Is that something your Dad would do?

Yep! We can coat the panel too with whatever process you want whether its powder or enamel. I'm working on getting a website up for him.

Here is my third pass at a panel design.



This XPanel Software rocks!

Does it have a template for older 182's. Like the 182B. Or just the experimental stuff.

Tim

qmdv wrote:Does it have a template for older 182's. Like the 182B. Or just the experimental stuff.

Tim

It has Cessna 172, 210 and 310 panels. I didn't see 182's. However, there is a library of panels contributed by users. It might be in there. You can also add you own quite easily it looks like.

qmdv wrote:Does it have a template for older 182's. Like the 182B. Or just the experimental stuff.

Tim

You could also try emailing the author. He sent me my Rans panel.

I would like to do some moving arround of my instruments on the 182B to get a "T" IFR layout without going Avion. I dounloaded the free be and I see no use for it in my situation. Maybe I just need some help.

Tim

qmdv wrote:I would like to do some moving arround of my instruments on the 182B to get a "T" IFR layout without going Avion. I dounloaded the free be and I see no use for it in my situation. Maybe I just need some help.

Tim

Hi Tim,

I am still knew at this but it seems like it should do what you want. Of course the trial version won't be of much help because it won't allow you to save your layouts but the "live" version will.

The first step would be to get your panel. Next, add the instruments you now have in their current positions. Save it. Then start moving stuff around while making "saves" of the versions you like. That is what I am doing while designing a new panel. So far, no real "snafus".

Be glad to help you if I can.

Skystrider wrote:The first step would be to get your panel. Next, add the instruments you now have in their current positions. Save it. Then start moving stuff around while making "saves" of the versions you like. That is what I am doing while designing a new panel. So far, no real "snafus".

Be glad to help you if I can.

Cannot seam to be able to get my pannel. When and if I can, will it have all the re-enforcing in the back and the controle column mounts. This stuff you are not supposed to cut without an stc or 337.

Tim

qmdv wrote:

Skystrider wrote:The first step would be to get your panel. Next, add the instruments you now have in their current positions. Save it. Then start moving stuff around while making "saves" of the versions you like. That is what I am doing while designing a new panel. So far, no real "snafus".

Be glad to help you if I can.

Cannot seam to be able to get my pannel. When and if I can, will it have all the re-enforcing in the back and the controle column mounts. This stuff you are not supposed to cut without an stc or 337.

Tim

Hi Tim,

I don't have an answer for you on that question. My 701 panel is the only one I have really looked at so far and it is only mounted along the edge so there was nothing to work around on the panel. It does show side and back clearances that I can work with.