Avionics Choices

[Jetmart]

Not sure if I saw this on this site or not. If I did sorry if it is redundant.
I have signed up for it.

http://pages.eaa.org/WBN2016-05-18-G...2GxmM-s_lqF9dg

[philip_g]

Originally Posted by - Poindexter -

Philip, there's a pile of us behind you, just starting to build so appreciate the research and questions!

what I really wonder, is why couldn't a guy do something like this:
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=173476

2 garmin g5's, the garmin autopilot head, the MFD screen, and add a GPS navcom like the gtn650? Wouldn't they all work together for a basic IFR panel? Maybe it wouldn't be any cheaper than the g3x by the time you were done. I'm coming from a g1000 SR22 and I've really been spoiled by the garmin autopilot and reduced workload IFR so I'm trying to figure out how to keep the functionality I like without spending $40k. Anyway, I'll stop dragging you off topic, don't even get me started on the thinking/reading I've been doing on paint and priming. Really the two tasks of building I don't want to do but can't afford to outsource is paint and panel while being the two things I want perfect.

[philip_g]

Originally Posted by Jetmart

Not sure if I saw this on this site or not. If I did sorry if it is redundant.
I have signed up for it.

http://pages.eaa.org/WBN2016-05-18-G...2GxmM-s_lqF9dg

it was posted but in an odd forum. I'm signed up too, hoping it'll shed some light on things.

[DavidHarris]

Dynon and Garmin are matched almost exactly on feature and price for everything except the IFR GPS, which Dynon doesn't make. In my opinion, Garmin's ads are more attractive, but when I saw both units in person at Oshkosh, I felt they were also very similar and both outstanding.

For me, the main difference is that Garmin would barely give me the time of day at their Oshkosh booth, and the guy who spoke with me briefly was more of a software person, while Rob Hickman at Dynon/AFS spent an hour walking me through their systems and options.

I think both systems are so good because there is healthy competition. I've been a long-time Garmin user, but opted for Dynon to encourage the competition. I'm convinced that Dynon will be here for a long time, and not so certain about the smaller vendors who are probably marginally profitable.

I was also leaning toward a Garmin IFR GPS, but was convinced to get Avidyne instead. I've liked the Garmin 530 in the Bonanza I used to fly, but haven't come to love the 650 interface yet. I think Avidyne is measurably better in that it has knobs that are easier to use in turbulence, and smart autocomplete so its faster to dial in fixes.

I did choose a Garmin G5 as my emergency backup instrument because it is independent of everything that could go wrong with the Dynon hardware or software.

I'm building an RV-7A and it has been painful drilling lots of holes to run the cabling at the end of the project. The main spar penetrations that Vans recommends are nowhere near enough for an IFR panel. I wish I'd provided for more before putting on fuselage skins, but didn't have a good enough understanding of the systems yet to make those decisions.

David

[Jetmart]

Originally Posted by DavidHarris

Dynon and Garmin are matched almost exactly on feature and price for everything except the IFR GPS, which Dynon doesn't make. In my opinion, Garmin's ads are more attractive, but when I saw both units in person at Oshkosh, I felt they were also very similar and both outstanding.

For me, the main difference is that Garmin would barely give me the time of day at their Oshkosh booth, and the guy who spoke with me briefly was more of a software person, while Rob Hickman at Dynon/AFS spent an hour walking me through their systems and options.

I think both systems are so good because there is healthy competition. I've been a long-time Garmin user, but opted for Dynon to encourage the competition. I'm convinced that Dynon will be here for a long time, and not so certain about the smaller vendors who are probably marginally profitable.

I was also leaning toward a Garmin IFR GPS, but was convinced to get Avidyne instead. I've liked the Garmin 530 in the Bonanza I used to fly, but haven't come to love the 650 interface yet. I think Avidyne is measurably better in that it has knobs that are easier to use in turbulence, and smart autocomplete so its faster to dial in fixes.

I did choose a Garmin G5 as my emergency backup instrument because it is independent of everything that could go wrong with the Dynon hardware or software.

I'm building an RV-7A and it has been painful drilling lots of holes to run the cabling at the end of the project. The main spar penetrations that Vans recommends are nowhere near enough for an IFR panel. I wish I'd provided for more before putting on fuselage skins, but didn't have a good enough understanding of the systems yet to make those decisions.

David

Thanks David,

This type of information is what I find very helpful.
If you have time at some point it would be great to see pics of your panel.

[N941WR]

Don't forget to take a close look at the hardware architecture of the competing units

I have a friend who selected the EFIS for his Other than RV based on the hardware design, because he felt they all met the basic requirements as far as the info displayed and how it is displayed.

He is defense contractor test pilot and his selection and the reason for his selection was eye-opening.

[Walt]

The only way to really evaluate the equipment is to actually go fly an IFR flight with the equipment you are considering and see which one you prefer from a real world operational standpoint. Looking at the screens at Osh and whether or not the salesman did a good job selling you his system isn't the best way to decide.
I'm available to demo the G3X by appt.

[jcarne]

Originally Posted by DavidHarris

I'm building an RV-7A and it has been painful drilling lots of holes to run the cabling at the end of the project. The main spar penetrations that Vans recommends are nowhere near enough for an IFR panel. I wish I'd provided for more before putting on fuselage skins, but didn't have a good enough understanding of the systems yet to make those decisions.

David

I'm close to done with wiring (running them anyways) and have found that if a person puts a couple of devices that need an RG-400 in the aft fuselage it can be done. I put my transponder and ADSB boxes and antennas in the aft fuselage. But I totally agree that it would have been nice to have more options.

[Skid]

Originally Posted by DavidHarris

Dynon and Garmin are matched almost exactly on feature and price for everything except the IFR GPS, which Dynon doesn't make. In my opinion, Garmin's ads are more attractive, but when I saw both units in person at Oshkosh, I felt they were also very similar and both outstanding.

For me, the main difference is that Garmin would barely give me the time of day at their Oshkosh booth, and the guy who spoke with me briefly was more of a software person, while Rob Hickman at Dynon/AFS spent an hour walking me through their systems and options.

I think both systems are so good because there is healthy competition. I've been a long-time Garmin user, but opted for Dynon to encourage the competition. I'm convinced that Dynon will be here for a long time, and not so certain about the smaller vendors who are probably marginally profitable.

I was also leaning toward a Garmin IFR GPS, but was convinced to get Avidyne instead. I've liked the Garmin 530 in the Bonanza I used to fly, but haven't come to love the 650 interface yet. I think Avidyne is measurably better in that it has knobs that are easier to use in turbulence, and smart autocomplete so its faster to dial in fixes.

I did choose a Garmin G5 as my emergency backup instrument because it is independent of everything that could go wrong with the Dynon hardware or software.

I'm building an RV-7A and it has been painful drilling lots of holes to run the cabling at the end of the project. The main spar penetrations that Vans recommends are nowhere near enough for an IFR panel. I wish I'd provided for more before putting on fuselage skins, but didn't have a good enough understanding of the systems yet to make those decisions.

David

I am with David on the 650, I tried out both at Oshkosh and agree the Avidyne is easier to use. I am a long time Garmin fan and have used a 530 in a Bonanza as well, and put a 430 in my RV. I am currently looking at upgrading my 430 non W unit to either a 650 or Avidyne IFD 440. I am not keen on shelling out $4500 to turn a 15 yo 430 into a 430W.

The Avidyne is a slide in replacement, just upgrade the antenna and antenna cable, I like the fact I don?t have to tear up the entire panel unlike the 650. While I will have to learn the Avidyne unit, I have the simulator on my iPad, I won?t have to learn the icons on the 650, not a fan of icons. The Avidyne also has an app so you can build/change your flight plan on the app and sync it to the panel unit via Bluetooth, slick.

My 2 cents.

[philip_g]

We had an avidyne 550 in a Mooney and it was a great, easy to use gps. I do prefer that navigator to the Garmin but everything else I think I prefer Garmin, especially the autopilot.