Avionics

[PaulSS]

Here's a few screenshots of screens I've been playing with recently. Bear in mind that until a couple of weeks ago I din't have the first clue what I was doing. I'm still working on the engine screen (which I'm going to use as my start up screen) and the gap in the bottom right will be for the checklists, with just a forward and back arrow to go through them.

You'll notice I haven't got fuel tank information but that's because the Eurofox (that I'll be building) doesn't have contents senders and I'm happy with that. You can install trim and flap information if you wish (and use electricity for those) but, again, I'm just keeping it manual and simple.

You'll have synthetic vision etc but I just haven't loaded that stuff yet.

This is for a 912iS, hence the lack of CHTs and, instead, MAT & EAT.

[PapuaPilot]

Don't buy your avionics till you are ready to install them in the plane. So much changes so fast. Also the warranty may start ticking. At this point you want to start looking, deciding on the brand, what components are needed, where they go in your plane, antennas, wiring routing, etc. If you are able I would suggest spending 2-3 days minimum at Oshkosh visiting Garmin, Dynon, MGL, etc. so you can see the products first hand.

Usually you can get the best price during the week of OSH, but you have all your fact finding done. When you are ready to buy them go to OSH again (maybe 1-3 years down the road). Research the prices from all of the big dealers for the entire package before you go so you know who can give you the best deal. Spend a day or two visiting the dealers at OSH and see what price they can give you for your package and be ready to write the check.

I have no regrets getting the Garmin G3X package and yes, I wish I didn't have to pay for database updates (you don't pay for software updates). I keep up to date with iPad with the Garmin Pilot app for $75 per year.

There is a lot more to consider than the $ for updates when choosing your panel:
-Ease of installation (but this is only done once, so don't get too hung up on this)
-Screen quality (resolution, view angle, glare, etc.)
-User friendly
-Variety of choices for screens
-Weight (shouldn't be a big difference)
-Do they have a transponder, autopilot, ADSB, COM, intercom, etc. too (if not how will it interface with the brand you choose)
-Presentation of information (can you pick where things go on the screen)
-Warranty, customer service, help desk, company reputation

[Dorsal]

Don't buy your avionics till you are ready to install them in the plane. So much changes so fast. Also the warranty may start ticking. At this point you want to start looking, deciding on the brand, what components are needed, where they go in your plane, antennas, wiring routing, etc. If you are able I would suggest spending 2-3 days minimum at Oshkosh visiting Garmin, Dynon, MGL, etc. so you can see the products first hand.

Wise words, agree completely.

[Shadowrider]

Here's a few screenshots of screens I've been playing with recently. Bear in mind that until a couple of weeks ago I din't have the first clue what I was doing. I'm still working on the engine screen (which I'm going to use as my start up screen) and the gap in the bottom right will be for the checklists, with just a forward and back arrow to go through them.

You'll notice I haven't got fuel tank information but that's because the Eurofox (that I'll be building) doesn't have contents senders and I'm happy with that. You can install trim and flap information if you wish (and use electricity for those) but, again, I'm just keeping it manual and simple.

You'll have synthetic vision etc but I just haven't loaded that stuff yet.

This is for a 912iS, hence the lack of CHTs and, instead, MAT & EAT.

Thanks Paul that looks sweet. Are you running an autopilot? I think I am going to run the wires for a autopilot servo for later down the line.