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-   -   Dynon Skyview missing features (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=88892)

bill@fusion4.net 07-19-2012 02:19 PM

Dynon Skyview missing features
 
I have been going back an forth as to which EFIS to purchase for my RV-10.
My top 3 contenders are AFS, Dynon, and Garmin. Not looking for a flame war, or XXX does YYY. These are the ones I have put on my short list. From my research, AFS and Garmin seem to do it all, and Dynon is a little behind, but less expenive. In the thread today about the new ADS-B I saw that currently Skyveiw does not have logging that is available to the user. I would really like to be able to compare engine performance data for every trip to be able to spot trends etc. and though that during flight testing the data would be great to not have to record as you were testing.

So my question is what features are missing from the skyview that you would like (especially if AFS/G3X have them).

The ones I know are:
IFR Plates
Vertical Guidance
Sectionals
Highway in the Sky
User accessable Data Logging

Of these, the plates and sectionals I don't really care about as I love using the iPad for these and will have it panel mounted as well. The vertical AP does not bother me much as I have never flown with any autopilot.
I am a data-freak, and was very much looking forward to the data-analysis, so was very dissapointed to learn it was not accessable.

So again are there other "missing" features from the skyview that are not the major checklist items, but still nice-to-haves?

dynonsupport 07-19-2012 02:31 PM

I see you still have a bit of time left on your project, and Datalogging is basically our next highest priority after weather, so there's a good chance SkyView will have this before your first flight.

You do already have the ability with SkyView to log data to an external PC or other serial datalogger, that is in the software today.

--Ian, Dynon Avionics

Jeff R 07-19-2012 02:33 PM

I, too, am bummed that the Skyview doesn't have a user friendly data logging system. I think they have said it is a high priority for them, so hopefully they will have it soon. I just started my flight test program and data logging would be very nice to have, so soon isn't soon enough for me!

bill@fusion4.net 07-19-2012 05:33 PM

Data Logging
 
Yes I am just about to start wiring (doors finished last night), so I really want to chose what I am going to install at OSH. I expect my first flight about a year from now as I put in 1100 hr in the last 12 months. The big thing is after reading just about every blog and manufactures website, in none of them did I notice that Skyview did not do data-logging. So my question to people using them is are there any other features that are not the big obvious limitations.

And by no means am I trying to make an Anti-Skyview thread, just trying to figure the EFIS choice out.

marchudson 07-19-2012 09:29 PM

Bill

I've been flying behind the Skyview for about a year now. All I can say is that it is an incredible system. Yes they need to get data logging. That was my second request behind weather. Looks like weather is coming this fall:) Skyview offered me the best value for my money and the menu system was very intuitive. My 15 year old daughter can operate it without any assistance. Try all three out at OSH and see which one best fits your mission. Good luck.

ColoRv 07-19-2012 11:38 PM

I'm in the same position you are in that I am at the point where it's time to build my panel. But, I've already purchased dynon's servos and AOA heated pitot. With that said, I'm going to make my decision at Oshkosh and purchase the system I intend to install. Honestly, I'm leaning towards Garmin and sending my Dynon gear back to Aircraft Spruce or selling it here. I'm not going to make the decision until after Oshkosh though because I want to put my fingers on the various systems and I want to see what each company unveils.

My current worries with Dynon came after going back and reading what they've promised in here and how long ago they promised it. XM weather has been a huge priority of theirs for a long time...lots of 'coming soon' assurances. That's a trend that concerns me. GRT, MGL, AFS, Garmin Etc have had weather for how long now? XM weather isn't a new technology, neither is data logging. There is no wheel to invent here. Dynon is way late to the party and in the tech world that's a real concern.

Having said all of that, I'll say this. I like the look of the skyview and clearly ive bought into the 'soon' promises, as I have a couple thousand in dynon gear on my bench. But, no radio, no xm weather, no data logging, no checklists, and autopilot is hampered compared to the competition etc all to save $2k compared to a much more capable Garmin system? I can't believe I'm about to say this, but what's 2k when it comes to what we spend on these planes? The bigger question is what does Dynon offer that everyone else hasn't had for quite a while? One answer to that is AOA, as the Garmin doesn't handle AOA at all which I think is silly of them. That's just not enough.

Still, if I leave Oshkosh without at least hearing a FIRM date on some of these long running promises...I'm getting off the Dynon wagon. What's the point of having a panel full of glass and computers when the only time the data can be accessed after the fact is when the FAA asks Dynon for information for the crash investigation. If I'm paying for the technology that gathers the info...I want it available for my own use. Not Dynon's and certainly not the FAA's.

Last year I switched from the IPhone to the new awesome super android and what I learned from that short lived mistake is that a small engineering staff with a good idea and a small budget will always have a really difficult time putting out a product as polished as a huge, very experienced engineering staff with a massive budget. Can it be done? Certainly...but it usually isn't. I do hope Dynon blows me away at Oshkosh though. ADSB doesnt appear like it will do it for me here in the Midwest. I hope that's not the only rabbit they have in their hat.

RV7Ron 07-20-2012 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ColoRv (Post 682008)
I'm in the same position you are in that I am at the point where it's time to build my panel. But, I've already purchased dynon's servos and AOA heated pitot. With that said, I'm going to make my decision at Oshkosh and purchase the system I intend to install. Honestly, I'm leaning towards Garmin and sending my Dynon gear back to Aircraft Spruce or selling it here. I'm not going to make the decision until after Oshkosh though because I want to put my fingers on the various systems and I want to see what each company unveils.

My current worries with Dynon came after going back and reading what they've promised in here and how long ago they promised it. XM weather has been a huge priority of theirs for a long time...lots of 'coming soon' assurances. That's a trend that concerns me. GRT, MGL, AFS, Garmin Etc have had weather for how long now? XM weather isn't a new technology, neither is data logging. There is no wheel to invent here. Dynon is way late to the party and in the tech world that's a real concern.

Having said all of that, I'll say this. I like the look of the skyview and clearly ive bought into the 'soon' promises, as I have a couple thousand in dynon gear on my bench. But, no radio, no xm weather, no data logging, no checklists, and autopilot is hampered compared to the competition etc all to save $2k compared to a much more capable Garmin system? I can't believe I'm about to say this, but what's 2k when it comes to what we spend on these planes? The bigger question is what does Dynon offer that everyone else hasn't had for quite a while? One answer to that is AOA, as the Garmin doesn't handle AOA at all which I think is silly of them. That's just not enough.

Still, if I leave Oshkosh without at least hearing a FIRM date on some of these long running promises...I'm getting off the Dynon wagon. What's the point of having a panel full of glass and computers when the only time the data can be accessed after the fact is when the FAA asks Dynon for information for the crash investigation. If I'm paying for the technology that gathers the info...I want it available for my own use. Not Dynon's and certainly not the FAA's.

Last year I switched from the IPhone to the new awesome super android and what I learned from that short lived mistake is that a small engineering staff with a good idea and a small budget will always have a really difficult time putting out a product as polished as a huge, very experienced engineering staff with a massive budget. Can it be done? Certainly...but it usually isn't. I do hope Dynon blows me away at Oshkosh though. ADSB doesnt appear like it will do it for me here in the Midwest. I hope that's not the only rabbit they have in their hat.

Well put Bill, I echo your sentiments as I've followed the same path. I had to make the decision on Avionics about a year ago if I wanted to easily install AP servo brackets, pitot and such. I chose SkyView, but now I am questioning my decision. I was planning on two SkyViews (I've already bought one)...now I am thinking of adding a G3X alongside the SkyView. I like the fact Dynon and Garmin are competing...its good for us as consumers. They both seem to have some compelling offerings that the other doesnt...having both products in my plane might be a great way to have the best of both worlds and have dissimilar redundancy. Let me state, although I am having second thoughts on Dynon, there is still a lot about them I like and probably will stick with what I have...its still the best 'bang for your buck' in my opinion for a 'deluxe VFR' bird. These avionics decisions are making my head hurt! I will be making my final decisions at OSH...someone is going to get my money, just not sure who yet?

blahphish 07-20-2012 08:25 AM

Bill, come flying with me soon so you can get some hands on experience in flight with the Dynon system and see how you like it.

Having flown behind the skyview screens for 50 hours now here are my general observations.

I will echo the sentiment above about the ease of use. Its a system that you can use 95% of the functionality without ever having to touch a manual. Its intuitive and works great at what it does. Also same as above, I highly recommend getting some hands on time with each system at Osh to make the decision.

I could say several more good things about the system but for the interest of Bill's original topic, here are a few things I find lacking in the Skyview system that havent been mentioned already:

-Cant send radio frequencies to comm :mad:
-Doesnt have checklist capabilities
-Doesnt have weight and balance calculator abilities
-Doesnt have any 'switch fuel tank' or other custom reminder timers
-No XM weather although the ADSB weather was recently announced..If I understand correctly how ADSB works, I think I prefer XM weather for the higher reliability of availability.

Fortunately, our Garmin 696 fills in these blanks and compliments the Skyview system perfectly in regard to the above mentioned items.

bill@fusion4.net 07-20-2012 09:48 AM

Definately
 
I will definately take you up on the flight offer... what you doing Sunday morning? or will you already be on the way to OSH. If not then maybe at OSH

Thanks also for the "Missing" items I was not aware of some of them, and none of them are deal breakers, but nice to know what is missing while making my decision.

blahphish 07-20-2012 10:19 AM

We're leaving for Osh Sun morning but if you arent doing anything Saturday we might be able to get a flight in. If not Sat then during or after Osh would work too.


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