I am about to start my panel layout, has anyone used a CAD type program that has the Kitfox panel available? I was looking at Solid Works as an EAA member but I am having trouble downloading onto my MAC.
I am about to start my panel layout, has anyone used a CAD type program that has the Kitfox panel available? I was looking at Solid Works as an EAA member but I am having trouble downloading onto my MAC.
Regarding using a Mac (I copied this from a website):
The simple answer is that SOLIDWORKS do not develop an Apple Mac version of the software, so we can’t install SOLIDWORKS natively.
We used to recommend the Bootcamp route, which involves installation of Bootcamp and then Microsoft Windows on the partition Bootcamp creates. The issue here is that if you need to access the Apple Mac Operating System (OS), you would need to shut down windows and boot up the Apple Mac OS, because they cannot be running simultaneously. This allows the full use of the hardware (RAM and graphics card) you have in your Apple Mac for Windows.
The alternative solution that we used to steer people away from is Parallels, a virtual machine software that allows you to run another OS inside the Mac OS (inside a window). The reason for not recommending this is that you are sharing the resource of the machine with two operating systems, thus not necessarily having the required resource to run a demanding program like SOLIDWORKS.
There were also historic problems with not being able to use the graphics card properly which would result in exceptionally slow performance when selecting things. This is due to most Macs not having certified graphics cards for SOLIDWORKS and parallels using a virtual graphics card driver or the default Windows driver. The virtual or generic drivers don’t offer the level of performance needed to run SOLIDWORKS correctly.
Phil Nelson
A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
Flying since 2016
I used SketchUp. It’s a great program once you get past the learning curve. The catch is you need the professional version to export CAD files. You can down load the regular version, do all your design, and then get the professional 30 day trial and export the CAD file. Works great on Mac. This what I did for mine I just got a whole new panel cut for $100 instead of using the kitfox supplied one.
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Josh Esser
Flying SS7
Rotax 914iS
AirMaster Prop
Edmonton, AB, CWL3
I made and still have AutoCad .dwg and .dxf files for my SS7 panel that I would be willing to share. If you have AutoCad you can erase my cutouts and put in your own. The exterior outline should be the same.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
Thank you for the suggestions, if you would like to send the files that would be great.
Send me a PM and give me your email address. This forum doesn't allow posting files of this type.
Jim Ott
Portland, OR
Kitfox SS7 flying
Rotax 912ULS
TCW has a new box It will hookup to the Garmin autopilot without the need for relays or interface between the trim switch and trim motor
just put one in works great
they have two wires , small servos = 1 wire large (5 amp) like Kitfox need two wires
David Kelm
7SS 912iS