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How to decide between Dynon and Advanced?
I'm zeroed in on getting one of the advanced panels from AFS. I'm having trouble deciding on which screen to get. Any opinions from some people who have went through this before me would be greatly appreciated. I think I like the look of the Dynon but the AFS has a couple features I like better. I would love to get to Sun n Fun next week to get one last hands on session before ordering, but I would rather put that money towards the parts I still have to buy. What to do???
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I just completed a panel upgrade in my RV-7 two years ago, and went through the same mental anguish. I spent the better part of Oshkosh 2016 parked in front of the Dynon/Advanced booth just pushing buttons, asking questions, examining user interfaces, and generally making a nuisance of myself.
Two things I really liked about the Advanced is the ability to have the EFIS control a remote audio panel (saves space in the radio rack) and the user friendly NAV modes for IFR. I finally decided to go with the Dynon panel. I liked the menu system - it just seemed intuitive and easy to navigate. The Dynon system works very nicely in an IFR environment. My CFII (who got his first taste of glass IFR) was extremely impressed with the information that I had available on the Dynon, including HSI and artificial horizon overlaid on the PFD, while also having IFR charts or approach plates visible at the same time, and having my aircraft location following on the chart or approach plate. I'm building an RV-14 now, and plan to put in the exact same panel as my RV-7, but upgrading to the HDX. |
I went through the same quandary. I paid a visit to the AFS gang in Oregon before deciding on which screens to buy. They had a couple of tables setup with all their products in simulator mode. I had as much time as I needed to play with the different units, ask questions and make a decision. Also got a nice tour of the facility. In the end I chose a Dual AFS 5600T quick panel for my -7. I placed my order that day, and received my complete panel in about 10 weeks. I could not be happier with their products, service and tech support.
Sun n Fun is a great venue to preview all the products, but can be very hectic and may not allow you the quality time to evaluate the different units. If possible I would recommend a trip to Oregon, plus you can visit Van's and the Evergreen museum is right down the road. |
The good news is you can't go wrong with either product.
My experience is that AFS tends to bring new features to the product quicker than Dynon. From what I've been able to judge, they also provide patches on a more frequent schedule. I can't speak to Dynon support, but I've had plenty of support calls that are outside of normal business hours with AFS. |
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I'm pretty sure that Dynon and Advanced share a lot of the base programming for their equipment. That's why you can use the Dynon or Advanced equipment interchangeably on either platform. The higher level programming is different, which affects what you see on displays, menu hierarchy, etc. But I'm sure that the IFR capabilities for Advanced are just as good as the displays for Dynon. |
Did not like the long menus
on the Dynon, and other manufacturers' screens -- Garmin the worst -- anyway, went with the AFS 5600T and so glad I did -- the dedicated buttons and the ease of working through the screens is wonderful -- plus, any Dynon gadgets work with the AFS, as well as other third-party add-ins.
AFS support is terrific! Ron |
One difference is that AFS tends to be more "open" whereas Dynon wants you to buy their stuff. An example is ADS-B in support - AFS can take GDL90 formatted data from multiple places, including a Stratux, while Dynon insists that you buy their ADS-B receiver.
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I was also told I can use the Garmin G5 as a back up display/adahrs with the AFS. Thats an attractive option that I don't believe the Dynon does. I need to get a pro/con list going and then play with each one again.
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The AFS units have a menu option to change the display to a Skyview graphic format, although not changing the actual functions.
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