At Wombat Ware, we have shared different iPad mounting options and kneeboard solutions for pilots. They are nowhere near comprehensive lists, but our goal was always to highlight (some) mounting and kneeboard options that could work with our cooling cases. There are many other solutions and innovations out there that we are not aware of because they are not common Google searches. Sometimes, I only encounter one or two unique solutions because of a particular use case. In this instance, we will examine the raised/tilted or elevated kneeboard solution for iPads.

Why the elevated iPad kneeboard solution?

This came up because of a user's feedback after they tried our suggestion of combining our cooling case with the MyClip kneeboard. We always appreciate a feedback or review regardless of whether it is good or bad, because someone has taken the effort to try our product and they want to share their thoughts. In this case, it was a negative feedback and it was due to 3 issues:

1/ The MyClip kneeboard clips covered too much of the screen, and they couldn't fully utilise their app.

2/ The MyClip kneeboard kept the iPad too flat and made it difficult to view the screen - a tilted screen would be better.

3/ Their iPad mini still overheated and shut down even with the cooling case.

[Full disclosure: You will be able to read their review on our product pages]

Here's some additional context from the user when they tried our product: 25°C day outside, a plane with a clear canopy and significantly higher temp inside the cabin (but not sure how much higher), attempted to tilt the iPad (which was in the cooling case) to improve view. 

How the cooling case usually works.

After trying to understand the situation, I agreed (with the user) that the (cooling case and MyClip) setup causes clothing to block the vents (at the back) of the cooling case, and lifting the iPad cooling case higher (away from clothing) is necessary to prevent the blocked vents. In addition to that, allowing the iPad to tilt will improve viewing.

What could have caused the cooling case to not work.

All this led me to look up an elevated kneeboard/legstrap solution that could resolve all the above three issues for the user.

What are the available options?

1/ MGF iPad leg mount. 

That's probably the first result that came up. It could work with our cooling case if we use the MGF adapter. It also looks like a pretty solid legstrap/kneeboard solution. The only 'downside' is the higher price tag [Cost - AUD$289 (source - flightstore.com.au, includes shipping)].

2/ OHLPRO Kneeboard

This came up on Amazon. According to the description, the mount can hold a 7"-11" iPad. It also has tilting capabilities that allows a tilted view of the iPad. From the photos, the end clips that holds the iPad look like they could hold an iPad in a thick case (i.e. our cooling case). But it's hard to verify that just based on the photos. Also, their website seems to have removed the product [Cost - AUD$75 (source - amazon.com.au, includes shipping]. 

3/ RAM Body Mount + socket arm + round plate mount

This doesn't seem to be an option in pilot shops, and the name (Body mount) also doesn't suggest it should be used as a kneeboard/legstrap. But we managed to get the different components and pieced it together. It definitely looks like a viable option with our cooling case. The only thing is the round plate mounting has to be secured to the cooling case with M4 screws. [Cost - $80.2 (source - mounts.net.au, includes shipping)] 

4/ RAM Body Mount + socket arm + Quad Lock ball mount + Universal mount

A variation of the above solution is switching out the RAM round plate mount with the Quad Lock ball mount and Universal mount. This gives the cooling case a slimmer profile even with the Quad Lock Universal mount attached (with M4 screws). There is also the quick-release option that comes with the Quad Lock system. [Cost ~ AUD$120 (source - mounts.net.au + getwombatware.com)]

[Note on costs - they are estimated based on where I am (Melbourne Australia) including shipping to me]

The solution the user went with

So we presented options 3 and 4 to our customer who had troubles with the MyClip and cooling case setup. But as a product designer, he decided to design his own solution while incorporating the MyClip. He ditched our cooling case and decided to use ice blocks/bricks/packs to keep his iPad mini cool. His final design was an industrial 3D printed iPad holder with a slot at the back for holding the ice pack and it has angled base supports to keep the iPad screen tilted. He also added extension lugs on the left and right of the iPad holder for the MyClip clips to hold on to so the clips don't go on the iPad screen. He intends to have spare ice packs in a cooler box so the one behind the iPad can be swapped out after it loses its cool. He has kindly allowed me to share photos of his design below:

It's not quite the outcome I was hoping for but still, kudos to him for thinking out of the box and it obviously works well for him. If you are interested in his solution, feel free to message us, and I will forward your request to him.

Interested in an elevated kneeboard solution?

If this elevated kneeboard is something you are looking for, don't hesitate to contact us. We might create a new bundle option if there is enough request for it. 

I will leave you with this video showing how I put the RAM body mount and Quad Lock ball mount together with our cooling case and the Quad Lock universal adaptor.