VAF Forums

VAF Forums (https://vansairforce.net/community/index.php)
-   RV-14 (https://vansairforce.net/community/forumdisplay.php?f=109)
-   -   Garmin Avionics Thoughts (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=129533)

JDA_BTR 09-11-2015 06:14 AM

Garmin Avionics Thoughts
 
Any thoughts on better ergonomics for a Garmin system:

1. 10" G3X Touch centered on Pilot with a GTN750 to right

2. 10" G3X Touch on pilot with a GTN650/7" G3X stack

3. Two 7" G3X side by side with a GTN650 to right

4. Two 7" G3X Touch over/under with GTN650/750 to right


I'm liking the idea of actually using the GTN750 big display for more then what can be done on a 650. But without any flying experience on these systems (my current training is 6-pack all the way). All options above would be with a GRT Mini or something like it as a separate all-is-lost backup. It looks from the drawings that one 10" G3X touch has about the same display area as two 7" systems? And the budget would allow one 10"/750 but not two 10"/750.

Seems like with the 10/750 combo you can split the screen for engine monitoring, EFIS, chart on the 10" and then have the 750 for garmin map/gps/plates.

60av8tor 09-11-2015 08:07 AM

Simply my opinion, but you asked:D.

I fly behind a Skyview, but far as IFR navigators, with some of Dynon's recent upgrades adding to GNS/GTN integration (integration that the G3X has always had), I use my 430 VERY little during flight - initially loading a flight plan and loading an approach is about it - and that would be even less with Garmin's wifi connection to its iPad app. For me, the 750 doesn't get enough for the increased cost. That said - and it has been a while since I looked - I believe both can support remote comm 2, but only 750 supports remote comm panel..? Not sure what else the 750 gets you..? Also been a while since I've checked $$, but I have to believe foregoing the 750 for 650 would net you the difference for a second 10". Is the 750 giving you something a G3X screen cannot?

2x10" with 650 in a traditional stack next to the 2 screens would be my choice.

Ironflight 09-11-2015 08:41 AM

As a general rule these days, you'll always get more features (and functions) per dollar in the experimental world than in the certified world - and those features can be upgraded easily (and usually for free) in the experimental products, whereas usually not at all (or at a cost) in the certified stuff.

So unless you just got a smoking deal on a 750, you'll get more bang for your buck going with experimental hardware and a smaller navigator. I also find that with eh G3X or the Touch (or the Dyon, or the AFS, or the GRT....) that I rarely use the nav functions on the IFR Navigators in our planes - mostly, they are expensive Comm radios that I carry so that I have the IFR capability when I need it. BUt that's partially because where I live now, we almost never need to fly IFR.

I having been flying with the new Avidyne 440 now for a few weeks - its got some nifty features as an FMS that have me touching that box more often than with the 430W's....we'll see if that trend continues. But still I'd maximize my panel real estate usage of experimental hardware if I want to get the most for my dollar.

NovaBandit 09-11-2015 08:45 AM

I agree with Paul. Invest in the experimental stuff!

I went back and forth on a 650 vs a 750 to compliment my G3X Touch system (although I have a bit more screen real estate)

In the end, the biggest reason that I wanted the 750 was for the full keyboard, ease of data entry, and a little better view of the information. Those (IMHO small) improvements are going to cost you about $5000 over the 650. You can also run a remote audio panel, but then you need a CERTIFIED audio panel, which adds even more to this setup.

Then Garmin announced that they were going to enable remote tuning of the GTN radios thru the G3X. For me, that took away a big portion of the hold up I had with the 650. Then they also announced that you can build a flight plan on the G3X (or iPad) and push it to the 650, and all you need to do is hit "accept" on the 650.

In the end, my decision was to really use the features of the G3X touch, and have the 650 in the panel for a certified position source... and that's about it. It feeds ADSB, has my instrument procedures, and serves as a certified GPS for IFR flying, but I don't end up interacting with it all that much.

dweyant 09-11-2015 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NovaBandit (Post 1013296)

Then Garmin announced that they were going to enable remote tuning of the GTN radios thru the G3X. For me, that took away a big portion of the hold up I had with the 650. Then they also announced that you can build a flight plan on the G3X (or iPad) and push it to the 650, and all you need to do is hit "accept" on the 650.

I missed this, that would be great news. Can you provide any specifics on when/how this is going to be implemented?

Thanks,

-Dan

Zuldarin 09-11-2015 09:05 AM

I have just over 200 hours on my RV-9A with a single 10" G3X Touch screen, a Garmin GPS400W (think 430W without Nav/Com), GTR-20 remote Comm, and a GTN225 Nav/Com. I also have a GRT MiniX as a backup instrument. I have done a lot of IFR flight with this airplane as I train for my certification and I can tell you that I rarely look at the GPS400. The G3X screen does such a good job of displaying my flight plan and almost everything else I need that I just don't have a need to look at the GPS except to verify approach modes and such. I say almost everything because there is one thing I would change if I could do it all again. I would add a second G3X screen to move my comm and transponder information to. As it stands the Comm frequencies and the transponder interface are on the top data bar of my single display and that limits the number of data fields I can display. The end result is that I have most of the primary data fields (ground track, desired ground track, Next Waypoint, course) on the G3X and still have to look at the GPS400 for the remaining needed data fields (ETA Next, etc).

Long story short, I would select option #2 from your list if I couldn't have two 10" screens.

bill@fusion4.net 09-11-2015 10:12 AM

I agree with everyone else.
I have a 3 screen 7"G3X (non-touch). and a 650.
Other than the radio, or setting up an IFR approch, I never look or touch it again in flight.

If I had the touch ability to send the from ipad I would probably never touch or look at the 650 other than to change the radio.
Go with more screens and 650 over less screens and 750

jswareiv 09-11-2015 11:01 AM

Garmin 625
 
When I configured my panel, I bought the 625, which doesn't include Nav or Coms. I put two remote coms in and saved myself about $4,000 because I don't feel I need a Nav. You can get the 625 for a little over $5K when you buy the G3X. Just a thought.

Rock 09-11-2015 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jswareiv (Post 1013330)
When I configured my panel, I bought the 625, which doesn't include Nav or Coms. I put two remote coms in and saved myself about $4,000 because I don't feel I need a Nav. You can get the 625 for a little over $5K when you buy the G3X. Just a thought.

I agree with the above post and this is similar to what I'm currently planning. Unless you Need Nav, you will save a lot and still have all the capabilities.

Rock

JDA_BTR 09-11-2015 03:28 PM

Seems like sacrilege to not have a NAV function. But it's true, ILS is less and less useful when the GPS is working; and if the GTN650 dies so does the Nav....


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 01:31 AM.