Dynon Flightdek D180, Apperro ESG3i,

Considering purchase from Dynon.
I have been researching previous threads and the general consensus is that people really like this unit despite so many other panel advancements like the Skyview Touch And Garmin G3X Touch. Looking for a compromise on the higher cost of an engine monitor and reliable flight instruments. Seems like the D180 might just fit the bill. Just need to hear some consumer confidence regarding this product and company support. Seems like this product is beginning to take a back seat in light of the higher end product line. Also of note is possible parallax error when viewing the D180 at moderate side angles. My goal is to mount just a few inches right of center. Can any one comment on this product from any perspective? Pros and Cons.

Also considering for purchase is an iPad mini using Foreflight, with ADS-B in and out via a panel mount Apperro transponder (ESG3i) for reliable visual navigation and traffic awareness. Concerned this unit will not be reliable enough for panel mount. I am aware of some folks having overheating issues and shortened battery life. Looking for pilot confidence in this product as well.

Will be using Garmin GNC 250XL for back up nav and primary com. In addition, An airspeed, altimeter will mounted for backup flight instruments. Can get a pic up showing layout shortly.

Mike, the D180 is a fully capable primary flight instrument and engine monitor. The Kitfox Vixen I’m flying now has it installed and it works perfectly. Really easy to read and uncluttered screen makes finding vital flight data a snap.
Just this evening I took a quick and dirty video shot with my iPhone while getting in a “just before sunset” flight here in S.W. Arizona. Not great video quality but at about 25 seconds in you can pause it and see the readout. I’m loafing along at something like 5050 rpms or so and doing 110 mph.
I think it is completely readable even from the other seat so you should be quite happy with the location mentioned in your post although I recommend getting in front of you if possible and putting other things in the center part of the panel.
The Dynon is completely reliable as where my iPad Air 2 shuts down frequently here in Arizona temps. No way I can or will use the iPad for critical flight data. It is a back up only. My Garmin Area 500 is reliable for weather and traffic data. I love the iPad and Foreflight software but it it suplimentary only.
Also I’ve installed the Appereo transponder in my project Kitfox but have yet to fly behind it. My EGS transponder does not have ADSB in capabilities though. Only out. Hope this helps.
Steve

https://youtu.be/JiLUUfuklzA

Thanks for your valuable input Steve, certainly gives me good food for thought on layout and use of equipment. I am attaching a pic of my panel for review. Was kind hoping for more reliability on the use of iPad. I know Trent Palmer fly's with one and seems so user friendly to put navigation front and center. Appreciate the feedback on viewing angles too. Just want everything to work after all is said and done...

Mike

Trent has had his iPad shut down also. Guardian has a mount that has a built in fan for keeping the iPad cooler.

Maybe this is just a preference, but I would move the screen that is directly in front of you as high as possible in the panel.

I wouldn't use and iPad as my primary instrument either. I have been using an iPad Mini with an AirGizmo panel mount and never had it overheat; I didn't use the cooling port.

Parallax? There is no such thing when using a screen. Parallax for aircraft instruments describes the difference of what you see when viewing a gauge's needle against the dial from different angles. With a screen WYSIWYG.

Are you looking to purchase used components?

I ask because if you're buying new, a 7" Skyview SE, EMS, Transponder, GPS module, and COM radio costs almost $1500 less than a FlightDek 180, GNC250XL, and Stratus transponder. You'd have pretty much the same overall capability, with a nicer EFIS, and a more nicely integrated system in SkyView.

In terms of layout, I have frequently had my iPad overheat. If it ends up in direct sun, it will be shutting down shortly. A mount with a fan might mitigate this, but I would not rely on an iPad as my primary flight display, especially when you're planing to install an EFIS that makes a very good primary flight display. I would put the EFIS front and center, right in your field of view, and move the iPad to the secondary position.

I also find it a little funny that with a CD player shares the panel with an iPad and and iPhone, each of which stores enough music to put you over gross weight with CDs. (Not a criticism, just a funny thought.)

Just my 2 cents on Dynon, but I would if at all possible go with the Dynon Skyview rather than the D180. Skyview is the far newer and current technology and is much more likely to be supported with frequent updates and firmware for many years to come. Don't get me wrong, Dynon is a good company and I haven't heard any rumors of the D180 being abandoned, but when I was trying to make this same decision 6 years ago a Dynon sales rep told me basically what I said above. Face it, we all know the inevitable nature of the fast moving electronics market.

Appreciate your inputs everyone,
The GNC 250 is a previous investment and never used, afraid I will take a big loss trying to resell. Simply trying to integrate along with today’s technology. Mapping, traffic and communications in center stage for touch screen interface, old school airspeed and altitude, at a quick scan for takeoff and land as a backup if the Dynon ever went dark. Figured Dynon positioned just off line of site would be acceptable. Airspeed equals life which is why I considered it within the panel having never flown with a glass airspeed indicator. If I can sell the GNC 250 I would have a clean slate to go for the Skyview system. AmFm CD player was a previous plan too, but why, considering all the newer alternatives. Can anyone suggest the best marketplace for reselling avionics for the hombuilder? The inflight video of the Dynon 180 from DessertFox is very impressive for consideration!

Thank you all!

I've been extremely happy with my D180. My panel cost me $7500 with iCom A210, 327GTX, Garmin Aera 500 and D180. (I supplement with an iPad Mini and Garmin Glo as a backup, not factored into the cost.)

A comparable Skyview (extremely nice, not saying it isn't!) was $14k when I was shopping a couple years ago.


http://www.teamkitfox.com/Forums/att...8&d=1526562076

When I built and bought instruments in 2013 I didn't like the display or additional cost of the Skyview. Now the Skyview might get my attention.
Having said that, I have the D-180 and after 4 years of flying have had no problems and like the simplicity. In a light sport A/C flying into unimproved strips simple is good. Jeff

I like the Skyview and have a good idea of how it all integrates, having just finished up a friend's RV8 with one in it. The display is nice and crisp but, to be honest, I really can't see anything that would make me pay the extra over a similar MGL EFIS. The MGL is actually more configurable and the ability to make your own custom screens and indications is better than adding or subtracting various ready-made options on the Dynon.

If I were allowed, in the UK, the freedom you guys have in the US with panels I would simply have a 10" MGL display and a Guardian Avionics flush-mount for an iPad (with cooling fan). The Trig radio (with built in intercom) would be remote mounted, along with the remote mounted Trig transponder. Even better now that you can buy a certified GPS box from MGL that just plugs into the system using the CAN bus and gives all the 'stuff' you need for the ADSB out.

Anyway, at their price point, I think the MGL EFISeseses are well worth looking at.

For me, I am very glad I have all Garmin. As I am completing this install I am noticing that there are numerous occasions where I would have to do more research or more configuring to make things work together with the G3X. Im not implying all this stuff is plug and play but the fact that Garmins software recognizes its own equipment is making things a bit easier I am sure. Maybe I am just imagining it would be harder. There are times I read in the manual that there are items that wouldn't even work with the G3X. Imagine if I had one of those pieces and just discover 1.5 years after purchase that it isn't compatible. Sometimes it may even be a Garmin item that is not compatible. What a bummer that would be.

Since we are talking about various brands and their features, I want to throw out one more piece of information regarding the Dynon Skyview (it may also be true of the D180) that I found extremely helpful. When you purchase the Dynon EMS (engine monitoring system) module you should also purchase their package of engine sensors for your particular engine, in my case the Rotax 912. Then when you go to turn the system on and set everything up, the setup menu lets you tell it you have the Rotax 912 and the appropriate sensors and it then automatically configures most all the sensor readouts, ranges, red-yellow-green ranges and warnings. There is very little you have to do to configure the whole setup except choose the type, size and location of the readout widgets on your screen. I know Advanced Flight Systems (owned by Dynon) also does this and very likely some of the other brands. For me, not being very electrically inclined and not highly computer savvy, it was a tremendous help and confidence builder. As Eddie said, the more you stay with one brand of add-on modules the easier it is to get everything to work together. It probably is not the cheapest way to go, but I have a hunch it will make life much easier for downstream support and troubleshooting.

WHAT?!!. Garmin didn't do that! That is sweet. I have to go in and program the arcs. Whaaaaaa.:) I guess were even then, since I have a 912is, I only had to connect the harness to the EMU with a few wires and the panel has all the sensors there. I did'nt have to wire all the sensors individually as some have to do.