Instrument Panel - Proposed Layout

[Eric Page]

...if you want to have trim controlled by buttons on the stick grip you may have to install something similar to the TCW Safety Trim Booster since the small buttons on the stick grip typically can't carry the amount of current required for the trim motor.

Good point, Victor. The Dynon SV-AP-PANEL autopilot control panel has inputs for trim switches and outputs to drive an elevator trim motor, but those outputs are limited to 2 amps. The linear actuator used in the Kitfox can exceed 2 amps current draw.

[dothedr3w]

this is all super good info!

What the general consensus regarding trim on the stick grip? Most pics I see, guys are just running a bicycle grip or something similar, but a trim switch there seems like it'd be awfully useful

[Shadowrider]

I prefer bike grip with less clutter. Just like push button on top for the radio. I also prefer avionics master so minimal amp draw on the battery so I can run my under wing lighting when camping!

[jiott]

I would give more thought to mounting the trim switch next to the throttle. You have to deliberately hold your arm up, supported only by your thumb. Down on the center console in the standard location is so natural because that's where your arm naturally goes when at rest; its so easy to just extend your finger and operate the trim. I find most trim adjustments are made without changing throttle settings, so your hand is not near the throttle. IMHO

[airlina]

I would give more thought to mounting the trim switch next to the throttle. You have to deliberately hold your arm up, supported only by your thumb. Down on the center console in the standard location is so natural because that's where your arm naturally goes when at rest; its so easy to just extend your finger and operate the trim. I find most trim adjustments are made without changing throttle settings, so your hand is not near the throttle. IMHO

I'm with Jim on this as well , the trim on the console is in a great location where your hand goes naturally, and you usually just need to "bump" the toggle for the right amount. Trying to do this by holding your arm out to the throttle area would be more cumbersome. Bruce N199CL

[Redline]

We’re still building so I can’t speak to how some of our options will be to fly with, so take what I say with a grain of salt!

Our trim is on a bike grip with a four-way toggle/ptt button. Tracstarr used this set up on his build and was happy with it.

Take a hard look at the Advanced Flight Systems ACM. It integrates seamlessly with the Dynon avionics and you can also order pre-built wiring harnesses for 90 percent of what you’ll need. Saves a ton of time and so far AFS has been great to deal with.

Like Shadowrider, I wanted everything off during engine start except the HDX, so an avionics master was used.

[dothedr3w]

We’re still building so I can’t speak to how some of our options will be to fly with, so take what I say with a grain of salt!

Our trim is on a bike grip with a four-way toggle/ptt button. Tracstarr used this set up on his build and was happy with it.

Take a hard look at the Advanced Flight Systems ACM. It integrates seamlessly with the Dynon avionics and you can also order pre-built wiring harnesses for 90 percent of what you’ll need. Saves a ton of time and so far AFS has been great to deal with.

Like Shadowrider, I wanted everything off during engine start except the HDX, so an avionics master was used.

Is it the Otto T5 tracstarr and yourself are using?

https://www.otto-controls.com/t5-4-w...tton-mini-trim

[Shadowrider]

I think trim button on the center console at stock location is the best because you’re close to the flap lever. Drop the flaps and hit the trim, or pulling flaps and adjust trim. Pretty seemless motion with right hand as your flying and radioing using your ptt on your stick with left hand. Allows for all to happen at same time. I often find I am talking on the radio, dropping flaps and then trimming, plus power adjustments all seem to be seemless with right hand.

[Redline]

Is it the Otto T5 tracstarr and yourself are using?

https://www.otto-controls.com/t5-4-w...tton-mini-trim

Yep that’s the one.

[jiott]

My opinion would be to move the throttle back down to a small sub-panel like you had before. Would leave more room on the main panel for future additions, and be more ergonomic IMHO.