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Thread: Picking an EFIS

  1. #11

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    Jun 2008
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    Hialeah, Fl
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    I'm considering the Dynon 180, nice to have it all in one package, although I'll still has a standy ASI and Altimeter. Looking at the Dynon website, they sell a package for the Rotax. My question is how programmable is it? For instance, their display has fuel quantity, which we don't need. They have all the necessary sensors and probes, but not for water temp. Can the fuel gauges be programmed out and replaced with water temp and where would you get the sensor. The website doesn't say anything about water temp and thought I would ask here before calling them.

  2. #12
    Administrator RandyL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    Quote Originally Posted by Jorge&Cindy View Post
    ...although I'll still have a standy ASI and Altimeter.
    In the interest of stimulating discussion on panel logic, this is something I don't understand. Modern EFISs are very reliable, I don't know the precise failure rate but if we could see the numbers I think we'd see that it's about as probable as your engine quitting. I'd bet that most of you still building will have a GPS in the panel also and there's a good chance it will be a Garmin 396/496. If so then the GPS provides groundspeed, GPS alititude, and even a mock instrument panel. The Garmin also has built in battery back-up. Should the EFIS ever go down, either by failure itself or failure of the ship's entire electrical system, just use the GPS to fly to the nearest airport.

    So, here's the question for debate: why add the expense, weight, and complexity of backup ASI and altimeter on a VFR-only aircraft?
    Randy Lervold
    TeamKitfox.com Admin Emeritus
    Day job: www.dynonavionics.com

  3. #13
    desertfox1's Avatar
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    Sep 2008
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    Gilbert, AZ
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    113

    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    Dynon supports coolant temperature in the 180. I am installing
    a 180 now, and there are many functions I won't use but it's
    good to know they are available. With the GP inputs it is
    possible to monitor carb heat, coolant temp and pressure, flap,
    elevator and rudder trim, and etc.

    I am lucky enough to have the "factory demo" which is equiped
    with a Dynon 100 and 120. No analog gauges. After a couple
    of flights this Spring I am now very comfortable with the EFIS
    system. With the backup battery installed I don't see a need
    for them.

    Phil Laker

  4. #14
    Senior Member
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    KDKB (Dekalb, Illinois)
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    Having previously made a living as an electronics technician, and before that
    as an Avionics tech in the Navy my only concern is that when the box fails
    and likely it will at some point, you just lost a BIG chunk of instruments.
    They sure are nice, with a lot of features, but I'd sure hate to be flying
    along and zzzz..... poof... And all I have left is a big chunk of empty space
    to look at.

    The other device I have which I rely on a lot, but for work, is my laptop
    computer which gets hauled around a lot and is a pretty similar device
    and I have killed three of them in the past four years. Granted I carry
    them daily, and don't always play nice with them, but still I think the point
    is made.

    Jeff

  5. #15
    Administrator RandyL's Avatar
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    Jeff, I agree with you which is why we need reasonable redundancy in the cockpit. The probabbility of my EFIS and my Garmin 496 going down simultaneously is just about zero. I can get down to an airport solely with my 496 no problem should my EFIS ever quit.

    I know you can buy an internal GPS for the AFS boxes and save some money, but then you really would have all your eggs in one basket.
    Randy Lervold
    TeamKitfox.com Admin Emeritus
    Day job: www.dynonavionics.com

  6. #16

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    Jun 2008
    Location
    Cypress, TX
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    I'm with you, Randy, up to the point. The Kitfox is primarily a fun flyer. No reason to pack it with redundancy when you can just look out the window.

    However, I'll still have a mechanical airspeed indicator. I don't plan to fly my Kitfox in bad weather but I do plan to fly it on windy days. GPS groundspeed isn't accurate in wind, and as far as I know, nobody makes a reasonably priced (<$100) stall indicator for the Kitfox.

  7. #17
    Senior Member
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    Nov 2008
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    I'd go the very simple basic instrument approach if I built mine
    again. The only real addition would be an attitude indicator.
    I have a very IFR panel now, with vac system, glideslope, marker
    recvr, etc. It was in hindsight an enormous waste of money because
    the plane is not a good IFR platform, so I don't fly it IFR.

    Of the stuff invested in the panel though, I really like my Bendix
    King KX-155 which has to be one of the best pure radio's I
    have ever used. Crystal clear and range goes way way WAY
    out. Not a lot of features but a REALLY solid radio.

    I have a GNC-250XL, which is a great GPS Comm, but took me
    a week of flying it on the desk at home with external power in
    simulator mode to learn the features. Radio in it is good, but not
    as good as the KX-155

    Jeff

  8. #18
    Senior Member Slyfox's Avatar
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    Dec 2008
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    felts field, spokane
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    Default Re: Picking an EFIS

    here is my panel.



    I have the old Iq3600a, which I like a lot, I've turned off just about everything you can think of, mainly terrain warning, thing would go off all the time if I left that on.
    That white piece of paper in the center has all the local airports with the freq and altitude for quick reference and a slot number for the radio, I just dial in the number and all is set.
    The thing dangling in the center is my music, holds 240 songs. Things like this are a pain to adjust, so I have a stereo over the right door. Allows for quick turn down and if I want a special selection of songs, it takes cd's, than if I feel like the local radio...
    Warn light in the middle for low fuel, like that one.
    THe transponder is above the left door.
    This plane is so simple.
    I fly the plane and rarely look at the guages, I fly out the window.
    When I fly at night I look at the main three, altitude, airspeed and rpm.
    My light is over head, powered by batteries.
    I keep my electric load down, for that heated vest I ordered.

    Now I just need my new motor, waiting on John now. Can't wait for that one, an extra 20horses, way kool I say.
    steve
    slyfox
    model IV 1200-flying
    912uls
    IVO medium in-flight
    RV7A-flying
    IO-360
    constant speed prop

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