I upgraded my portable Garmin GPSMAP 396 to a GPSMAP 696 to get out from under XM satellite fees and to take advantage of free ADS-B. Although the 696 is about the same size as an iPad mini, it’s still roughly three times larger than my 396. This was a bit of a problem. Because my RV-4 does not have a lot of available real estate, almost any fixed holder would complicate getting in or out of the aircraft.
The solution was to build a universal mount that easily folds out of the way. I used some scrap 3/32-inch aluminum, scrap piano hinge, and a folding lid brace that is available from most hardware stores for under $5. The mount bolts to the underside of the cockpit rails, and the fabricated brace end attaches with some spray adhesive. The display just mounts with Velcro strips.
The portable GPS mount bolts to the underside of the cockpit rails in the author’s RV-4.
The mount folds against the cockpit sidewall, making it easy to get in and out of the aircraft.
When in use, the mount is supported by a folding brace that extends from the tray to the cockpit sidewall.
The Garmin GPSMAP 696 attaches to the mount with Velcro strips.
