Dual vs. Single EFIS

[iamtheari]

Originally Posted by BobTurner

Dual GRT HX/HS, but the small 6" ones. I don't use the approach plate feature. Instead I carry an iPad mini, in my lap or on the center console. With approach plate loaded, I pick up the mini to the same height as my PFD, just to the side, and read the plate while still scanning over to the pfd. I make hard copies prior to flight for backups (never needed yet, but never say never).

I keep an expired book of approach plates (along with expired sectionals) in an AOPA headset bag in my plane. Unfortunately, the one time that would have been handy I was in Colorado which is outside my old charts coverage. My iPad and iPhone both overheated and I was on the ground. I didn't want to call for taxi or anything else until I had the airport diagram in front of me, so I had to get the iPad cooled off enough in a 120-degree cockpit to load the diagram. It was rough.

I am really attracted to the idea of having the approach plate displayed on the panel, but only if it's actually usable. I also like the idea of having an MFD for engine information, Vertical Power System information, and so on. But I haven't flown with such fancy avionics before so I don't know how much time a person actually ends up looking at the MFD. Of course I also like the egalitarian idea of having an equal-capability flight display for the copilot as for the pilot.

But the cost both in dollars and in panel space is high. So I'm trying to do the cost-benefit analysis of it. The best would be if I could just borrow a plane with dual touch-screen panels for a dozen hours or so, but that's not forthcoming.

[Walt]

I continue to love this setup:
Mfd normally has the map up, it can also display IFR plates if the Ipad dies (which it never has yet) along with a host of other screens like weather, charts, nearest etc etc...
If the PFD dies the MFD automatically reverts to a PFD.
Backup G5 and engine instruments on the CGR-30 to the left.
Correction: Aera 660 shown in this pic not an Ipad, need to get a pic with the Ipad which replaced the 660.

[BillL]

Originally Posted by Walt

I continue to love this setup:
Mfd normally has the map up, it can also display IFR plates if the Ipad dies (which it never has yet) along with a host of other screens like weather, charts, nearest etc etc...
If the PFD dies the MFD automatically take its place.
Backup G5 and engine instruments on the CGR-30 to the left.

Hey Walt,
My layout is much the same, but I have G5 envy.

On that (mini) iPad mount, what ball size is needed for the RAM? Is 1" adequate considering turbulence? RAM says good for 2 lbs.

[Walt]

Originally Posted by BillL

Hey Walt,
My layout is much the same, but I have G5 envy.

On that (mini) iPad mount, what ball size is needed for the RAM? Is 1" adequate considering turbulence? RAM says good for 2 lbs.

Oops, I have so many panel pics I mispoke, that was a shot with the Aera 660 which I have since removed and installed a 10.5 Ipad which also works great on the standard ram mount.

[Maverick972]

I have a single GRT hrx and wish I had duel as I do plan on flying IFR.

The previous owner put an iPad mount in the panel and it is almost useless as the glare make it hard to read and n the summer it overheats andcshuts itself down. I have foreflight and stratus 2 which I really like.


My plan is to install a second EFis where the iPad is and go back to using the iPad on a knee board set up or suction mount for an EFB.

[Vern]

Can both go out, best comfort is to have some simple backup in case the fancy screens go south for IFR

[maniago]

The M2 is I think 2 or 3" narrower in width than an RV6, but I got a few things in the IFR panel.

My configuration plan is to fly with primary and engine instruments (w/ synthetic) in front of me and a full sized 2D map on the right screen most all the time vs an ipad in my lap (did I mention its a tight cockpit?), but obviously I can configure any screen in anyway for redundancy sake......traffic on both. MiniX is battery backed-up for true electrical redundancy, and the main 12" screens are on separate busses, two alternators&two batts Z-14 style.

If SHTF, I have the three steam gauges and a whiskey compass&slip ball (not shown), cause I just cant get past not having my beloved ol'skool security blanket.

[Scott Hersha]

Single screen G3X, Garmin 625 for NAV, G5 backup. Excellent setup for IFR flying. Foreflight running on the iPad for digital charting backup, and it talks to the G3X. There?s plenty of information on the G3X screen for everything you need, including engine information. You can spend more (double) to duplicate everything, but why? Do you plan to continue your trip to the west coast after a critical failure that just took out your PFD? Land ASAP using your backup G5 and get it fixed........ or spend an extra $10K to have another PFD so you can try to continue your flight with, and that will probably be taken out by the same anomaly that took out the first one. Seriously, how many backups do you need?

[Walt]

Originally Posted by Scott Hersha

Single screen G3X, Garmin 625 for NAV, G5 backup. Excellent setup for IFR flying. Foreflight running on the iPad for digital charting backup, and it talks to the G3X. There?s plenty of information on the G3X screen for everything you need, including engine information. You can spend more (double) to duplicate everything, but why? Do you plan to continue your trip to the west coast after a critical failure that just took out your PFD? Land ASAP using your backup G5 and get it fixed........ or spend an extra $10K to have another PFD so you can try to continue your flight with, and that will probably be taken out by the same anomaly that took out the first one. Seriously, how many backups do you need?

Just to set the record straight when adding a second display to a G3X system the 10" display sells for $3895 and a 7" for $2995, nothing else required except some wiring and cutting the hole, so not sure where your 10K figure came from.

[Pat Stewart]

I have the Dynon Skyview on each side with a GTN650 in the middle. When I fly with my wife I put the MAP full screen on the right, she likes the traffic and points out everything she sees coming in our direction. The Skyview system is outstanding and if you have room go for two.