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  #21  
Old 09-29-2016, 05:43 PM
SgtZim SgtZim is offline
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Crittenden, ky
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I'm kind of a sucker for fancy electronics and was looking very seriously at the VP-X systems, but after reading The Aeroelectric Connection, I think I can do better setting up my own system. The readouts on a Garmin or Dynon system would be nice I guess, but you will have volts and amps already.

One of the VP-X selling points is saving money on a big bunch of circuit breakers. I'm going to use mostly fuses anyway. In many thousands of hours flying commercially, I can't recall having a circuit breaker pop except maybe to a high power electric motor or a galley. If they pop, you generally don't ever want to reset the thing in the air since for some unknown reason you had way too many amps running through that wire. Fuses will do just as well for virtually everything - and they have cool glowing fuses that help you find the one that blew if you really want to mess with that right away. We did use CB's a lot to reset systems, but you can and probably should include switches to your electronic boxes for the same function.

I also have reservations about putting all your amp-eggs in one basket - the VPX.

Sorry VP-X gurus, just my 2 cents.
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  #22  
Old 09-29-2016, 11:57 PM
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TajMahal TajMahal is offline
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Tenino, WA
Posts: 17
Default +1 for alternate power source switch

Quote:
Originally Posted by sglynn View Post
Do VP-X users also have a power bus separate from the VP-X and if so, what equipment do you power with the external bus?

I'm doing engine and electric now on RV-7A and plan to use VP-X Sport. Should I also install a power bus and connect things like the following to it, bypassing the VP-X? Just seems like VP-X only is a single point of failure for a lot of stuff.
The unit itself may be a single point of failure, but as Mark (SMO) noted, you can still incorporate redundancy for critical components. Adding SPDT switches downstream of their individual VP-X power outputs will allow you to select powering the component either via the VP-X output or the back-up buss. Should the VP-X go *poof* unexpectedly, a flip of the toggle switches to the back-up buss brings those component back to life.

You could also use DPDT switches and control power source for 2 components using a single switch, if so desired. For some odd reason, I still prefer 1 switch per component. I know, I'm weird...

Chris
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  #23  
Old 10-01-2016, 07:19 PM
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MCA MCA is offline
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 693
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill.Peyton View Post
I have had great experience with the pro unit. I now have almost 600 hours on it. I have had a failure of the trim system, In that it will not stop at the preset end points. This isn't causing me issues with continuing to fly the aircraft.
Bill - The trim system is working as designed. It is not supposed to stop at the set endpoints. Those endpoints are for indication only.

We originally designed the system with this feature, but learned in testing that if it was wired backwards the trim system could get stuck past the virtual stops and not be able to come back to neutral, so we went the safe route and took out this feature.
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Marc Ausman
RV-7 980 hours, IO-390, VP-X (sold)
RV-8 (flying a friend's)
Thinking about low and slow backcountry build.

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  #24  
Old 10-01-2016, 07:21 PM
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MCA MCA is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sglynn View Post
Do VP-X users also have a power bus separate from the VP-X and if so, what equipment do you power with the external bus?
Hi Steve,

The VP-X is NOT putting all your eggs in one basket. You can easily wire backup circuits for critical components, and instructions and guidance are available in the install manual which you can download from the VP web site before purchase or installation.
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RV-7 980 hours, IO-390, VP-X (sold)
RV-8 (flying a friend's)
Thinking about low and slow backcountry build.

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  #25  
Old 10-02-2016, 06:01 PM
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RVbySDI RVbySDI is offline
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Tuttle, Oklahoma
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry View Post
Can I interest you in a used VP-50? I just love that product. What great value. I'm sure the VP-X is a fine product too. But, you're right. Do your due diligence and keep in mind that it's entirely possible in today's day and age w.r.t. avionics that you'll end up with an orphaned product and no support. A lot of Marc's old customers did. Figuring out what your tolerance is for that possibility is just a 2016 fact of life.
Bob, I would like to find out if you are serious about your post. Because I am serious when I say I would be interested in buying your orphaned VP50. If you are indeed serious about selling it lets talk. Send me a PM or email me.
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  #26  
Old 10-04-2016, 03:31 PM
douglassmt douglassmt is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 714
Default +1 for VP-X

I have over 900 hours on my VP-X pro now and would echo the sentiment that I would never build a panel again without it. I've had a couple issues - mine was one with the low flap circuit voltage - but Chad fixed it quickly and it turned out I had a week or two left on my warranty.

I just finished another panel for a friend using the Advanced Flight Quick panel. It is nearly identical to my panel in every regard except, of course, you have to use the control module that comes with the panel. The quality of the work by Advanced was excellent, but after building it and now flying it I feel even stronger that I want the capability of the VP-X. I really like seeing the circuit status on my EFIS and being able to watch actual amp draw, reset tripped circuits, etc. Using fuses as in the Advanced control module means shutting down, sticking your head under the panel...etc.

The only suggestion I would have is that the VP-X Pro would have a few more circuits. I think Astronics could survey their users and find out how many actual circuits are used by the higher end panels. I personally could use about 4-5 more to cover all my components.

My $0.02.
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  #27  
Old 10-06-2016, 04:43 PM
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LettersFromFlyoverCountry LettersFromFlyoverCountry is offline
 
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Location: St. Paul, MN.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RVbySDI View Post
Bob, I would like to find out if you are serious about your post. Because I am serious when I say I would be interested in buying your orphaned VP50. If you are indeed serious about selling it lets talk. Send me a PM or email me.
I'm not ready -- and don't have the money -- to tear things out yet but probably when I do the upgrade that's coming for ADS-B, I'll pull out the VP-50 and see what I can get for it. I just can't run the risk of having the guts of my entire electrical system go south and have no solution.

That said, i'll probably go VP-X at that point.
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  #28  
Old 10-06-2016, 07:13 PM
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RVbySDI RVbySDI is offline
 
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Location: Tuttle, Oklahoma
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LettersFromFlyoverCountry View Post
I'm not ready -- and don't have the money -- to tear things out yet but probably when I do the upgrade that's coming for ADS-B, I'll pull out the VP-50 and see what I can get for it. I just can't run the risk of having the guts of my entire electrical system go south and have no solution.

That said, i'll probably go VP-X at that point.
Bob,
When that time comes for you please consider my interest to be first in line for purchase of your VP50 unit.
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