GRT MINI stack or suite

[John Meyers]

I have read other threads re the GRT MINI. Since I am contemplating glass conversion of my IFR RV6a six-pack, I mocked up an over/under configuration using 2 MINI's. Wow. It fits nicely and allows pilot's panel RAM snap-in 10" tablet as well.

I'm thinkin' that upper MINI would be primary PFD, lower for ND/HSI...and they back each other up. TABLET is the chart/ADS-B in etc.

Nothing else can make the fit except vertical G3x 370 and the ASPEN Evolution. 2 MINIs are fairly cost effective give that there are 2 screens and 2 AHRS. Add autopilot and a 3rd MINI to GRTs EIS for right side engine display, still seems cost effective.

Any holes in this plan ? I have seen some pro's and con's already on the threads. Looking for showstopper (like MTBF of say, 200 hours)
PM or email if you prefer.

John Meyers johntmey@aol.com
Sequim WA
H Rocket II Built,Sold
RV-6a Bot

[RV8iator]

Hi John, sent you a PM..

[moosepileit]

What is your navigation feed? The GRT Sport SX does not sequence, route, intercept or modify internal flight plans near as well as most external sources. It is also not an IFR navigator. I imagine the mini is similar.

[David Paule]

The pilot's manual shows a Mini configured to accept traffic and the photo showed a display that was, to me, virtually unreadable - too much in too small an area.

Dave

[John Meyers]

IFR navigator in this plan.... is GARMIN GNS-430W. Stack also has SL-30 for second source VOR ILS... and I would retain the steam/CDI for SL-30.

[KatieB]

A friend of mine just put two Mini's side by side in his RV-4 and it looks good. Two of them stacked might look a lot like Aspen's EFD1000 at a fraction of the price. http://www.aspenavionics.com/vfr Can you get dual independent AHRS in one of these? I doubt it.

[Canadian_JOY]

The real challenge with this plan comes in the form of the limited number of serial ports available on the Mini products. In order to do all the really neat stuff that a 430W or similar navigator allows you to do, the Mini-AP is the better device to have since it will allow the Mini to "talk Arinc 429", thus giving you the full vertical navigation functionality which ultimately will be what you'll want your autopilot (built into the Mini) to do for you.

The other options also make the Mini an excellent choice. For IFR the internal battery is truly a no-brainer, and the sensed Angle of Attack is likewise an upgrade that brings with it extremely high value.

Our Mini-X has the internal battery. Do a search on this site for one of my previous posts about testing the capacity of this battery.

[jclark]

Originally Posted by David Paule

The pilot's manual shows a Mini configured to accept traffic and the photo showed a display that was, to me, virtually unreadable - too much in too small an area.

Dave

David,

Which image was virtually unreadable?

I ask because I may have supplied the image and if so, I may have been zoomed out to far and/or had not done any decluttering.

There is **LOTS** of flexibility in configuring what gets displayed. You can have as little or as much (too much??) as you choose.

If you wish, let me know and I can supply with an image that is decluttered showing whatever combination you wish of map, terrain, weather, traffic, etc.

The engine page does pack a lot in that small (compared to the big screens) space but I tend to use it more for exceptions.

Hope this different perspective helps.

James
p.s. My connection to the MINI is that I pushed hard for certain features and I have purchased multiple units.

[John Meyers]

Thanks for all replies... about my speculation on MINI-AP dual installation. Guess the jury is still out... I am pondering more pros and cons. Got a PM and email about the subject also.

John Meyers

[jeffk]

My Mini-AP install is still new and I'm really enjoying flying behind it. I find myself considering adding a Mini-X to function as a MFD / HSI / Moving Map.

I have a six-pack with the Mini-AP in place of the vacuum AI, and the Mini-X would replace the CDI (which replaced the the vacuum DG).