It's an Enigma!
 

Guys,

I have been helping my long-time friend and RV builder Arvil Porter finish my Dad's RV6 project. When it came time to install the panel I decided (like in 97 with my RV4) that the best possible technology at the time should be utilized. After extensive research and alot of emails I purchased the Stratomaster Enigma for the RV6. The Enigma comes from a long line of very durable low-cost systems from MGL avionics in S. Africa, designed by a German design team. I have 2 of their instruments in my RV4 and Rocket. The Enigma is the culmination of 10 years research in EFIS design for small aircraft.
Sales are through Sport Flying Shop and Matt, their salesman and technical representative is very helpful, courteous and straightforward. I ordered the Enigma and got it in 1 week. It is a very simple unit with a EFIS screen, RDAC box and wiring. First impression is as I expected, awesome. The Enigma has it all, engine monitor, moving map GPS, terrain data base, Jeppesen type data base, programmable pages with adaptive screen presentations (you can change them yourself) and free email-able database updates. Simply load the email onto a data card and plug it into the face of the enigma. All Stratomaster instruments have an Ultralight heritage, hence they are built for durability. All of them can sit outside in an open cockpit and perform as advertised. I don't think you can find any EFIS out there with the same capabilities for the money. After the test flight I will provide pictures and results. So far, excellent!

Rob Ray

www.sportflyingshop.com

(select instruments then stratomaster, then enigma)

...and it keeps getting better
 

This was posted on the Stratomasters Users Group on Yahoo earlier this week:

Hard at work on the next Enigma update.
Apart from the usual minor fixes/changes/additions, this one has a
biggy.
The new GLS and GVOR system is nearing completion. What's that ? GLS
as it suggests is an implementation of a normal ILS/Glideslope system
complete with outer and middle marker beacons (audio and visual) done
using a GPS only implementation - much like what you would have in a
flight simulator. GVOR is the equivalent for VOR navigation.
To support this, Enigma now contains a complete, accurate model of
the Earth's magnetic field including changes over time (so no need to
enter magnetic variation for your location anymore).

What does this mean ?

It means that you can now use Enigma for ILS and VOR navigation
training whithout having to buy an expensive NAV/COM radio. Even
more, you can shoot ILS approaches anywhere. Even at your own home
strip - in fact it does not even have to be a runway - any point
anywhere will do. This makes it possible to fly "blind" approaches
without a hood. The instuctors knows where the threshold is - perhaps
a bush on a field somewhere. The student does not. The instructor
knows at anytime how the student is doing while he is flying his ILS
approach. This is real neat.

All Enigma needs to know is the exact coordiantes including elevation
and approach bearing of your threshold (or "bush"). The next release
of Flight Planner imports this information from navaid.com and you
can of course enter the required information for your own field if it
is not included.

Enigma allows you to shoot "direct" approaches as well as via an
intercept point further along the runway approach line (which may be
different from the center line for noise or obstacle reasons).

I'm quite excited and hyped up about this one. Should be ready this
week.

Rainier


I found this most interesting as this will be one of the things that I will be using the RV-12 for: lower cost instrument training.

Do they ever sleep???
 

This was also posted in the Yahoo group:

>
> Rainier:
>
> Now I guess the cat's out of the bag - what radio? When? and of
> course How Much? Is a transponder also planned?
>
> That would make my whole panel by MGL Avionics.
>
> Kelvin
>

Well Kelvin,
we made a prototype VHF radio some four years ago but put the project
on ice as we were too small at that stage and did not have the money
to take it into production and do the certifications.
Two years ago we started again - but a little different with the aim
of creating a completely new way of doing a VHF radio, effectively
using modern methods that would help in a number of areas - power
consumption, size, heat and of course overall performance. I decided
on the same form factor (including depth) as used by our Maxi
Singles, i.e. a 3.5" compatible unit. The reason for this is simple:
I don't like the fiddly way of entering frequencies etc which you are
forced to do with the small radios like Microair etc. In particular
if you are wearing gloves. So the brief was: It must be fully
operable with gloves on. Nice big display with alpha ID for
airfields, compatible with Enigma (of course), have a VOX two place
intercom with aux inputs, interlocks if you want more than one radio,
hunting on two or more frequencies, very light weight, etc etc.
Price ? You really have to ask ? Does cheaper than anything else
sound about right ?
OK, that is the start - next is the NAV/COM version and of course an
affordable transponder - Mode-S, no less.
Timeframe is a little uncertain but the VHF **MUST** be out by
Oshkosh, ready with required certifications.

So there you have it - Lion's out of the bag as you say (This is
Africa). Watch the websites of ours and our distributors.

Rainier

I must say, we are living in what could be considered the "golden age" of experimental avionics. So many good ideas/products from so many different companies.

Tarzan like - maybe put Engima & new radio in Silver Bird.

Enigma
 

Smokyray,
how's the Stratomaster Enigma coming? any in-panel or inflight pics? Likes or disslikes?

Their ad on this website shows some neat pictures with terrain but i can't find them on their website. Just interested.

Jeff H
Austin tx