MIP Frame & Structure
The Cessna 172SP Main Instrument Panel frame — the swappable shell that accepts either the Six-Pack or G1000 avionics module, plus the swap mechanism, wiring harness connector, and sub-panel.
Overview
The MIP frame is the backbone of the entire cockpit. It is the fixed structure that bolts into the cockpit shell and accepts one of two drop-in avionics modules — the classic Six-Pack panel or the Garmin G1000 panel — without any changes to the frame itself.
The frame is designed in Fusion 360 from reference photographs of the real 172SP interior and dimensions taken from the Cessna 172SP Pilot's Operating Handbook.
Panel Structure
The main frame is cut from 3mm MDF and painted in the standard Cessna interior grey (close match: RAL 7035). It is divided into three sections:
- Upper panel — accepts either the Six-Pack instrument cluster or the G1000 PFD/MFD module
- Glareshield — accepts either the KAP 140 or GFC 700 autopilot control unit
- Lower sub-panel — fuel selector, fuel quantity gauges, avionics master, pitot heat, and lighting controls — shared by both variants
The lower sub-panel houses the master caution/warning annunciators. See Annunciator Box for the shared annunciator module used here.
Swap Mechanism
The upper panel and glareshield sections are designed as a single bolt-in avionics module — either the Six-Pack or G1000 variant — that mounts to the frame via a common bolt pattern.
- Mounting — a common bolt pattern around the upper panel and glareshield cutouts accepts either module
- Alignment — dowel pins or corner brackets ensure the module seats in the same position every time
- Tooling — swapping modules should require no tools beyond a hex key
Wiring Harness Connector
A single multi-pin connector carries all signals between the avionics module and the frame's fixed wiring (power, ESP32 buses, shared switches).
- Connector type — to be selected (candidates: DB25, Molex Mini-Fit Jr, or similar multi-pin connector)
- Pinout — will be defined once the Six-Pack and G1000 modules' ESP32 wiring is finalised, so the connector covers the union of both variants' signals
Display Apertures (G1000 Module)
| Display | Real size | Sim monitor |
|---|---|---|
| G1000 PFD | 10.4" diagonal | 10.1" IPS touchscreen |
| G1000 MFD | 10.4" diagonal | 10.1" IPS touchscreen |
The Six-Pack module instead uses individual instrument cutouts — see each instrument's page in the Six-Pack Panel section of In This Project.
Status
Frame layout is being finalised in Fusion 360. DXF export for laser cutting is pending. Swap mechanism and wiring harness connector are in the planning phase.