WWhunter wrote:

Timberwolf wrote:I went back and forth on what panel I wanted between GRT, MGL, and Garmin G3X. I picked the MGL.

DId you go with the 'Lite' model or the regulare model? I have been thinking of updating the panel on the RANS and simplify things.

The Lite. It cuts out the Ibox and basically the only thing I lose is a camera. I have no use for a garmin 650 so no need for any of the other ports. My radio and Navworx box are through RS232 and everything else runs on the CAN bus.

I think you would be best suited to go to a show and play with each one to see what you think. I made my decision without doing that, but the features are what drove my decision making.

emflys wrote:Sorry - re-read your post and you kind of do state your requirements. I had not really thought that the D180 would stop being supported. We have one in our RV8 and its a great instrument.

I have not flown behind the GRT Horizon HX, but they have been around a while and have a great reputation (at least for their trusty engine monitor). I think synthetic is an option, but also can just do basic AH.
http://www.grtavionics.com/horizonhx.html

All that said, and I know you said the Garmin had some features you don't want, but the G3X you would love period.

They all have features I don't want so I realize that isn't a good reason to rule them out. On the other hand I don't want SV, moving map gps, ADSB weather, basically all the stuff I'll have on the ipad, so why pay for it. Sure, redundancy is good...that's what a paper map is for

All I'm looking for is:
VFR required instruments
AH
HSI
Full engine monitor

As far as budget goes, I'm not real sure yet. Guess it depends on what I'm getting for the price. I hate it when customers say that

Moving Map Display issues aside, I'll note that integrating a GPS into the hard-wired mix of networked systems does add some pretty cool and important in-flight planning functionality.

whee wrote:The D2 looks great but I just couldn't trust it as my only instrument while in the clouds. I'm not a instrument pilot but I plan to get rated a couple years after I finish building the BH. I don't plan to do any en route IMC flying; I just want to be able to punch a layer when arriving or departing.

The AI is the main reason I'll be putting a EFIS in my plane.

I flew the D2 for the last 2 1/2 years I was in Alaska in a whole lot of marginal weather and it was rock solid, with all the relevant information in 1 place, while my Gyro AI wandered between a 10-15 degree bank (right or left tended to vary). I guess the reason I mention it is that you say, at least for a couple years, you will be flying strait VFR, so i'm thinking maybe think about using a D2 for now and have it as a backup when you do get ready for IFR, who knows what new systems might be available in a few more years. my 2 cents

As for punching layers with the D2, I have it from a semi-reliable source the they work great

Chris

you are on to some good choices...fwiw, i fly mostly all vfr also, and my lowly 396 with live wx is amazingly good...ive gone everywhere with it and its mostly flawless...an edm 700 in the dash keeps the fuel qty. exact and reports all cylinders all the time...bout all i need....

jomac brings up a good point. I just did a top due to glaze cylinders from the PO. 60 hours after doing the top I put in the glass only to find out the rear 2 cylinders have been running at 435*, Lycoming's max continuous. Not good. This thing is already saving my engine down the road.

Advanced Flight Systems. Good Oregon company in partnership with Dynon. Give Rob Hickman a call. He's the boss. It's a very expandable system so he can probably put something together you can live with. Good CS, address issues promptly. The operators manual could use some polishing up for those of us who are a bit technically challenged.

Sandia's new TSO'd 4 in one... when I planed my Pacer panel...wanted a back up.....a hole remains for it... I now hear it'll be TSO'd as a primary. Doesn't have the VSI or the DG...

gbflyer wrote:Advanced Flight Systems. Good Oregon company in partnership with Dynon. Give Rob Hickman a call. He's the boss. It's a very expandable system so he can probably put something together you can live with. Good CS, address issues promptly. The operators manual could use some polishing up for those of us who are a bit technically challenged.

Didn't Dynon outright buy AFS? I think I saw that in the newsfeed. They have some plans for them IIRC?

Battson wrote:

gbflyer wrote:Advanced Flight Systems. Good Oregon company in partnership with Dynon. Give Rob Hickman a call. He's the boss. It's a very expandable system so he can probably put something together you can live with. Good CS, address issues promptly. The operators manual could use some polishing up for those of us who are a bit technically challenged.

Didn't Dynon outright buy AFS? I think I saw that in the newsfeed. They have some plans for them IIRC?

I believe so, however they operate and are managed independently. I understood one of Dynon's chief interests was the engine monitor.

After building and flying an IFR dual screen G3X with autopilot I'll be the first to say all that fancy stuff is just a mirage creating extra expense and build time. 99% of the time I still used my IPad. However, what I did love about the G3X was the engine monitors and when coupled to a red cube) fuel burn and range info. All of which can be achieved in even the simplest single Screen setup. A single screen setup is very adequate and a lot of bang for the buck. Wish I could put one I my 182

whee wrote:All I'm looking for is:
VFR required instruments
AH
HSI
Full engine monitor

Been looking at options you guys have recommended and realized I forgot something very important. I want the unit to be about to communicate with a Garmin 430 and display the its info on the HSI.

An option I am really liking at the moment is the GRT Mini-AP. It is small so I can have the steam gauges I want and have a small digital display that won't over-modernize a classic panel. Might be the best of both worlds; still get the look of steam gauges but have all the features you guys say I'm going to want...it is even capable of driving an auto pilot.

"State of the art" changes so rapidly nowadays that the avionics, esp any glass panel stuff, would be the last thing I'd do on a long term airplane project. I know people who got the electronics early on in the build, and by the time the airplane's finished the stuff they bought is not only no longer cutting edge but is actually obsolete.

hotrod180 wrote:"State of the art" changes so rapidly nowadays that the avionics, esp any glass panel stuff, would be the last thing I'd do on a long term airplane project. I know people who got the electronics early on in the build, and by the time the airplane's finished the stuff they bought is not only no longer cutting edge but is actually obsolete.

Totally agree, but if I figure out what I want now I think it will be easier to make the final decision when I start installing avionics a year from now.

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