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  #21  
Old 09-18-2015, 12:00 PM
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dynonsupport dynonsupport is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chkaharyer99 View Post
The service I've received from AFS is amazing. I typically get to speak directly to Rob Hickman, CEO-AFS, the same day or the day following attempted contact. My concern AFS is, what if Rob Hickman moves on? What will happen to AFS? Who is there to carry the AFS torch.
We have it on good authority that Rob isn't moving on

More seriously, AFS branded products are supported by the total Dynon/AFS family. We still handle deep technical support for each product line within the division that knows them best. But, broadly speaking, whether you buy a Dynon or AFS branded product from us, you're signing up for the same caliber of support that others here have mentioned.
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  #22  
Old 09-18-2015, 12:47 PM
Jackm Jackm is offline
 
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Default AFS Customer service

We have little experience with Garmin but...AFS customer service and product has been outstanding. It is important to note that AFS is not only Rob ( sorry Rob)... Rob, Jenny, Shawn, Jeffery, Trisha, Isaac, Ken ect....all have provided a level of customer service. Build a relationship with guys like the team at AFS and you will not regret your decision. I am sure Garmin and others have similar experience...this is just our experience.
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  #23  
Old 09-18-2015, 02:12 PM
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grubbat grubbat is offline
 
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Default Experimental Avionics

Hi Bruce,
Great question and expect a lot of opinions. I have AFS EFIS, some steam gauges for backup, Garmin 625 gps because they are a monopoly, and a couple of other Garmin products.

That being said, I would suggest that you log into each of the experimental avionics support websites and read their forum. Pay particular attention to the issues the owners are having or have had. Notice how long it takes to resolve the issue. Notice the norm of when something doesn't work, the support staff typically advice of a software upgrade. Notice how a lot of times the upgrade is due to a previous problem or vaporware or was promised months earlier. Don't take my word for it. Go there and read for yourself. Some companies have the president in the middle of resolving issues. Other companies have hired specialized help to work those issues. Try and follow the logic of some of the answers and how oftentimes the problem is with another supplier's product. Listen to the excuses provided as to why a software upgrade is late or delayed. Listen to the tone of the responses. You can learn a lot about what you read there than you will here as we will never call OUR baby ugly.

Product compatibility with other products is a real and time consuming issue. If you have an avionics guy you can assign to workout all the bugs and they have lots of time on their hands, then you can go with anyone. However, if you are new to avionics, and really don't want to learn about software versions, known compatibility issues, and weird interactions, then you may want to stick with one brand for the whole panel. I hate this advice because this is what the experimental avionic manufactures want you to do. I'm one of the few folks who believe that competition is good for the business and products should work out of the box with no upgrades or software revisions. How many revisions did the old steam gauges needs?

Also, take note that there is no competition when it comes to certified GPS. Garmin has that market cornered and you are at the mercy to them to pay what they want to use their stuff. The other experimental avionics companies are fighting tooth and nail to get market share and thus trying to earn your business. But they can't compete (or won't) with Garmin on the certified GPS.

By the way, I saw a post here on VAF where a comparison between Dynon and AFS was made. Search the archive to see if that helps you distinguish between the two.

I decided to go with AFS which was a purely economical decision. I got a great deal. For me, economics plays an important role in my flying hobby. Note, VAF Classifieds can be your friend.

Good luck!!
cj

Quote:
Originally Posted by stamper View Post
I know this is a big question with a lot of variables but was just wanting to get any thoughts on the Garmin ephis compared to the AFS. Looking at the 10" touch screen. Does anyone have experience with both and what are the pro's and con's of each.
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  #24  
Old 09-18-2015, 02:16 PM
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Ironflight Ironflight is offline
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Default

Let me interupt the prime question in this thread to make a correction.

I have read in several posts that Garmin has a monoply on IFR nevigators, and while that has been true in the past, it is no longer so. Avidyne has entered the market with some very nice products and is actively joining in the Experimental world - so keep an eye on them.

We now return you to your argument over who'se baby is prettier.....
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  #25  
Old 09-18-2015, 02:26 PM
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Mike S Mike S is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight View Post

We now return you to your argument over who'se baby is prettier.....
Well, since you mention it-------------------GRT stuff is pretty nice.
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  #26  
Old 09-18-2015, 02:41 PM
TrekLawler TrekLawler is offline
 
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Hello everyone,
I was directed to this thread based off of some of the responses and wanted to provide some guidance to assist you with.
Our policy on the certified product side of the Garmin product support (My team) is to answer all e-mails within a 24 hours period. obviously this sometimes varies depending on how many e-mails we get after hours, weekend and over holiday periods as our main focus during the business day is to be available on the phones when called. but we make every effort to try and get to e-mails in the 24 hour period. This basically outlines our certified product side, if you're needing assistance on an experimental product line I would recommend directing these install questions to the G3xpert@garmin.com e-mail address. this e-mail address is manned by 2 to 3 people each day as well as the phones to assist you. on these we also focus on providing input to the customer in a 24 hour period however this is dedicated to experimental products. so if you send a G3X question to the regular aviation support line we then have to get this to the experimental team for guidance which can sometimes delay a response. if there is ever an excessive delay in getting a response please don;t hesitate to contact me directly and I can provide any needed assistance as well.

Please let me know if there are any questions,
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  #27  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:06 PM
Chkaharyer99 Chkaharyer99 is offline
 
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Default An Open Apology to Garmin - Setting the Record Straight

In post #5 of this thread, I stated the following:

"Garmin on the other hand isn't going anywhere. The G3X team usually takes two weeks to a month to answer my questions via email. They have however, always responded."

I checked my emails and found this information to be inaccurate.

I accept full responsibility for this mistake. I strive to report accurate information that is truthful and correct. As soon as I became aware of this error I took prompt action to research it and promptly correct it. I offer my sincerest apology to those who I misled and misrepresented by what I wrote.

The fact is Garmin has never taken longer than three (3) days to answer my emails. In one case they answered the same day.

Sincerely,
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  #28  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:15 PM
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grubbat grubbat is offline
 
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Default Certified

Paul,
Thanks for correcting me on the Garmin monopoly statement. It is good to see some competition in that sector of the marketplace.
Cj


Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight View Post
Let me interupt the prime question in this thread to make a correction.

I have read in several posts that Garmin has a monoply on IFR nevigators, and while that has been true in the past, it is no longer so. Avidyne has entered the market with some very nice products and is actively joining in the Experimental world - so keep an eye on them.

We now return you to your argument over who'se baby is prettier.....
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  #29  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:29 PM
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g3xpert g3xpert is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chkaharyer99 View Post
The fact is Garmin has never taken longer than three (3) days to answer my emails. In one case they answered the same day.
Hello Charlie,

No apology necessary, but we very much appreciate you setting the record straight.

As we discussed with Charlie, we typically place the highest priority on quick answers to customers seeking installation or operational assistance, with sales inquiries being handled at a bit lower priority.

As Trek explained above, we strive to provide immediate service to all and don't want anyone waiting more than 24 hours, and in the case of Charlie's questions on choosing a system, we clearly need to do better.

Thanks,
Steve
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  #30  
Old 09-18-2015, 06:59 PM
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Brantel Brantel is offline
 
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chkaharyer99 View Post
In post #5 of this thread, I stated the following:

"Garmin on the other hand isn't going anywhere. The G3X team usually takes two weeks to a month to answer my questions via email. They have however, always responded."

I checked my emails and found this information to be inaccurate.

I accept full responsibility for this mistake. I strive to report accurate information that is truthful and correct. As soon as I became aware of this error I took prompt action to research it and promptly correct it. I offer my sincerest apology to those who I misled and misrepresented by what I wrote.

The fact is Garmin has never taken longer than three (3) days to answer my emails. In one case they answered the same day.

Sincerely,
Very good for you Charlie. Great job setting the record straight!
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