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PCAS MRX for DG
On this page I do not want to explain how a PCAS helps to prevent mid air collisions, since there is a really good Wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portable_collision_avoidance_system
Since my flight with Harry in one of our BASA DGs I'm convinced that a PCAS helps to get aware of transponder equipped aircraft. I ordered mine the same day.
PCAS on top of the panel
The PCAS MRX is the most affordable device of its kind. It is designed to be transportable, so that you can take it with you into any aircraft. Most pilots simply mount it on top of the instrument panel. The picture shows Harry's PCAS (mounted with Velcro). BUT: Out DGs do offer the most beautiful view a pilot can have in an aircraft. I didn't want to mess this up by putting stuff on top of the panel. (I have seen really bad examples - I can tell..).
Display unit
Unfortunately ZAON does not offer a unit which would fit into a standard cutout. So I got the idea to build a housing for the small display unit, which would fit perfectly on top of the panel edge (still below the panel cover - see pictures at the bottom of this page).
all set for laminating
I did build a very simple mold, in which I laid up several plies of 300g/m2 glass (BID) and one carbon (UNI).
first ply
I do belief that there is no real need to use carbon on this application but it was fun and looks good :-)
Carbon
layup finished
After curing I did cutout the holes for the display and the control knobs.
cutouts
The connector was temporary protected with tape against dust.
fitting test
After everything did fit, the bottom was closed with a fiber glass plate and the corners filled with micro and shaped to the final finish.
ready for closing the bottom
I drilled two holes on the top of the case, where two screws are holding a fiber glass plate. This way the unit is mounted on the top of the panel without having to modify it.
installed
Originally the display unit is connected though a short flat cable to the main unit. Unsing a longer cable the display unit can be mounted remotely from the main unit. For the main unit I did a small front plate, which is in the place where the display was before. This plate is also holding the flat cable in order to get stress away from the connector.
under the hood
I used the empty space of the battery case to install a LC-Filter, which kills radio noise. All PCAS components are unmodified so that the unit can be assembled into it's original state.
The result is simply super: The PCAS perfectly integrates into the DG panel. It's in a perfect position to get the pilots attention without consuming panel space. In addition the display is in the shadow of the panel cover, making it super readable.
Flying out of Truckee (CA, USA) and Minden (NV, USA) I'm so happy to have my PCAS on board. It's warning me once a powered aircraft is heading in "blind-VFR" towards me (of cause I hope that every pilots eyes are always scanning for other aircrafts...). Since in the Reno area (NV, USA) all gliders are equipped with transponders I also get to know approaching gliders. Since I'm a fan of a clean panel I really love this installation and belief it's the optimum for our slim DG panels.
Here you can see it in action: Interesting Flights
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