Avionics

[Shadowrider]

When you are comparing avionics on features and price, don't forget to figure in the cost of software (firmware) and database updates. Major software updates usually happen once a year or so, but database updates come out once a month. The different manufacturers vary widely on the charge for these updates. I have Dynon Skyview and ALL the updates are totally free with no yearly subscription. Garmin, I have heard, charges quite a bit, others are somewhere in between. If you figure in the update costs over a few years it may change your mind about just looking at first cost. With costly updates you also may be more tempted to fly around with out-of-date information or forego the latest new features.

Thanks Jim, that is one thing I don't like about garmin, they charge you for everything. What do you think the Dynon Skyview system will cost me, efis, engine monitoring, transponder, ads-b, and who do you suggest buying from?

[PaulSS]

You really don't need to buy the harnesses for the MGL CAN bus. It really is a matter of twisting some 22AWG wire (or using a shielded cable where the twisting has already been done for you) and at either end of the daisy chain of connected components you just chuck in a resistor. If you can solder then you might choose to solder wires into the DSub connectors. If you're like me and it looks like a cat has got loose with a soldering iron, just use the crimp-type pins in a DSub connector. Yes, those MGL harnesses make it more plug 'n' play but you can save yourself a few 00 $s by doing a very simple job yourself.

The videos on the MGL website from Dutchroll will get you going and after a short while you can see that it is easy to put a boost gauge onto your screen (try doing that with the others). You simply insert the type of drawing you want into the list of things on the screen e.g. you might want a barograph for boost instead of a round dial. You then just tell that barograph what it is displaying (so you tell it it's the boost from RDAC 1) and that's it. Chuck in the max and min boost you want, throw in an alarm if you want to and just put it where you want on the screen. EGTs are even easier

Edited to add: since you're buying a Lite you'll need to add an Extender Module in order to input OAT. You can use it for many more things than that, including AoA and it gives you a bunch of ports for digital and analogue inputs and outputs but, specifically, the Lite doesn't come with an input for the OAT probe.

Edited Edited: Seriously, take a look at the Trig TY91 radio and, for you guys in the US with the 'upped' requirements for ADSB, the Trig TT22 transponder. They both work with the MGL interface and the TY91 does have a built in intercom as well, so no need to buy a separate one of those.

[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.