So my tech is wiring up the G5 and it has an optional GMU-11. What is the benefit of having the GMU-11.

Jim

More of a regulatory requirement for some applications, and an old historical connection to when we navigated with a magnetized needle on top of a floating cork. It is a magnetometer, not expensive (~$200?) and tells you which way the airplane is pointed. Still on the FAA books as a major concept in aircraft certification, though the rest of us could be happy enough just knowing track over ground.

I would go for it, if for nothing else than to make the paperwork flow smoother for whatever you want your plane to do and your IA to sign.

I believe the unit is required when using a 2nd G5 as a DG.


Digital 3-axis Magnetometer Heading Sensor

Small, lightweight, cost-effective source of magnetic heading reference
Provides accurate 3-axis sensing of the Earth’s magnetic field for use by Air Data, Attitude Heading Reference System (ADAHRS) to determine aircraft heading
Integrates with G3X™, G3X Touch™ and G5 series electronic flight displays
Usable for both experimental and certificated aircraft installations with the G5 electronic instrument serving as DG/HSI and/or attitude indicator
Installs easily; mountable in 4 cardinal compass directions

GMU 11 is an affordable, microprocessor-based magnetometer. It can be used to accurately sense the Earth’s magnetic field alignment and provide this data to compatible ADAHRS processors for use in referencing aircraft magnetic heading. In essence, the magnetometer acts as an electronic compass, showing the ADAHRS which direction the aircraft is facing in relation to magnetic north.

Unlike conventional flux valve systems, which detect only the horizontal component of the Earth’s magnetic field, the GMU 11 magnetometer provides full 3-axis vector measurements for the most precise digital indication of magnetic field strength and direction.

ADAHRS components used on our popular G3X, G3X Touch and G5 electronic cockpit displays can use comparative inputs from GPS, magnetometer and air data computer information to achieve new levels of integrity, reliability and precision in digital flight reference.

What’s more, because it’s an all solid-state design, GMU 11 offers low power consumption as well as easy installation and calibration. On most aircraft, GMU 11 is mounted in a separate remote location from the ADAHRS and other electronics — typically outboard in the wing, tail section or vertical stabilizer — to minimize any external magnetic interference.

Thanks Guys - I went ahead and ordered it with the HSI.

Jim

As alluded to in the text quoted by Bigrenna, the magnetometer does more than show your heading, but it may not be apparent. The attitude solution that the G5 is resolving from all its sensors probably uses the magnetometer for better filtering of the solution. So having the magnetometer can help better assure it that the solution it's coming up with for attitude (pitch, roll, heading) and velocity (North, East, Down...or whatever reference frame it's using) are accurate. Plus, who doesn't love another gizmo with a fancy acronym in the panel?

Fiddler wrote:As alluded to in the text quoted by Bigrenna, the magnetometer does more than show your heading, but it may not be apparent. The attitude solution that the G5 is resolving from all its sensors probably uses the magnetometer for better filtering of the solution. So having the magnetometer can help better assure it that the solution it's coming up with for attitude (pitch, roll, heading) and velocity (North, East, Down...or whatever reference frame it's using) are accurate. Plus, who doesn't love another gizmo with a fancy acronym in the panel?

Gizmos are good. Gizmos with fancy acronyms are better!

Cary

Well, true to form... I ordered two G5's months ago and got the AI and I'm still waiting for the HSI. Was supposed to be shipped on the 20th. I believe the HSI I ordered comes with the GMU and the GAD 29 so I think I'm ok for the install.

In the meantime I've been finishing all the carbon fiber and powder coating.



This was kinda cool. I used commercial hot blueing to color the wheel nuts. The finish kind of looks like graphite. As these get scratched from putting them on and off all it takes is a cotton ball with the blueing solution to touch up the scratches. It's a pretty cool finish.





It's a process.

Jim