Garmin Panel - trying to figure out all the details

[tracstarr]

Absolutely! Included in the design from the beginning. See that little switch above the ignition? SBY PWR!

I just wired mine directly to the master switch.

[BillCuster]

I just wired mine directly to the master switch.

Well the G3X will be wired directly to the Master switch because it has the engine gauges. As far as the Standby battery goes, I'm assuming if you turn off the master, the panel will go off too. The logic with the way Aerotronics recommended wiring it is the Standby circuit is totally separate. It goes to the standby power input of the G3X meaning if anything goes wrong with the master circuit, it will still function, thus a separate switch. This eliminates the single point of failure of the master switch and the wiring from the master to the G3X. The way you wired it directly is probably more practical especially for a VFR panel. Plus, I think that means your standby power could power anything on the bus, not just the G3X. Does that sound right? Was that your reasoning?

[tracstarr]

Well the G3X will be wired directly to the Master switch because it has the engine gauges. As far as the Standby battery goes, I'm assuming if you turn off the master, the panel will go off too. The logic with the way Aerotronics recommended wiring it is the Standby circuit is totally separate. It goes to the standby power input of the G3X meaning if anything goes wrong with the master circuit, it will still function, thus a separate switch. This eliminates the single point of failure of the master switch and the wiring from the master to the G3X. The way you wired it directly is probably more practical especially for a VFR panel. Plus, I think that means your standby power could power anything on the bus, not just the G3X. Does that sound right? Was that your reasoning?

Yes, Master off would turn off everything regardless (except for the G5 which has it's own backup battery). I have the TCW wired to several of my Garmin items including the G3X. It will automatically switch over if voltage is below 11V. If anything goes wrong with alternators and/or main battery and it eventually falls below 11V the TCW kicks in. I don't have to do anything. (like remember to flip a switch when something happens and/or as part of startup procedure). I'll see my warnings on the G3X that something has gone wrong, won't have any system restart and just be able to assess the situation. Which is likely going to be land asap. I see no need to worry about a situation where I need to attempt to turn off the master. I can reset/restart all my devices from the G3X and if it is an alternator issue resulting in low voltage as the battery drops - I'm covered. And like I said, if everything fails including the TCW, my G5 has it's own battery backup (and has built in GPS to allow total stand alone function). The TCW is wired to specific devices only, it will not power other devices.

[DMMeix]

Saving this thread for future reference.

How blasphemous is it to consider the panel and harness "pre-fabbed" from the KF factory? I've heard wiring is one of the most rewarding parts of the process and not overly difficult. For a noobie though, it seems daunting. As a previous post mentioned, "peace of mind" is worth something. So, has anyone ordered the panel and harness from the factory?

[Eric Page]

How blasphemous is it to consider the panel and harness "pre-fabbed" from the KF factory?

Not at all, if you're happy to exchange that money for time and convenience.

Like any other part of airplane building, doing the wiring yourself just requires researching the best techniques, buying the right tools, working carefully and having someone knowledgeable look over your work. If you decide to do it yourself, be sure to document your electrical system with drawings for future service and upgrades.

Here's a recent video segment by a Kitfox builder who's very happy with the Kitfox pre-fab panel.

https://youtu.be/UOPfHS7JBxQ?t=2028

[alexM]

They offer that prefab panel for a reason. I'm sure there's demand.

[DMMeix]

Not at all, if you're happy to exchange that money for time and convenience.

I think the price for the panel is around $25-29k depending on number of screens and autopilot options. I haven't been able to find a clear answer, so I'm curious what a comparable DIY panel and harness would end up costing?