Throttle, Brakes, Switches, Radios,
etc.Everybody that builds a MKIII runs into the same
problem: Where do I put the switches so that they are in easy
reach? And where do I put the radios? There are about as many
solutions as there are Kolbs, but here's how it works for me.
Putting the radio /switch /intercom console between the legs is
a tolerably convenient solution. The switch panel with circuit
breakers and fuses is on top, the intercom just below it, then
the Terra 720 radio, and then a Terra transponder on the bottom.
The panel is riveted to the floorboard; bad idea. If I had it
to do over again, I would have made a short wiring harness from
the console, and plug everything in as the console was set in
place. As it is, you have to take the whole floorboard out to
remove the console. Doh... At least the GPS is in a convenient
position, right on the top of the stick, and right in front of
the pilot. Out of the way, and easy to see and access.
The throttle quadrant is on the sidewall next to
the pilot's left thigh. Just in front of the throttle quadrant
are the two master cylinders attached to two brake levers which
run alongside of the quadrant. They are activated by pushing down
with the left hand. Sounds odd, works great. The learning curve
is very easy.
Took a little careful fitting to make it all fit
and work, but everything is out of the way, nothing interferes
with anything else, and using the brakes differentially is very
easy. The only thing that is a bit tricky is if you are trying
to goose the throttle and use one brake or the other to turn at
the same time.
Here's how it looks from the left seat.
Below is how the console looks from the seated position.
Look just left of the right knee, and you will see the key for
the master & starter switch, located on the angled floorboard
alongside of the console. It's out of the way, haven't kicked
it yet. Everything is in easy reach.
Somebody that was really organized would have come
up with a nice labeling system for their switches, fuses and circuit
breakers so that it didn't look so tacky. Oh well...
Nobody in their right mind deliberately flies at
night in front of a 2-stroke, and I'm no exception. On the other
hand, sometimes I am still not home yet and the sun has gone away,
and panel lights are needed. Radio Shack sells some neat little
12v led's that you can fit into some copper tubing from the hobby
shop, hood the light so it doesn't glare in your eyes, and light
up as much of your panel as you want for an insignificant current
draw. I have a bunch of these puppies scattered around the cockpit,
they get the job done.
