G900X anyone considering?

[Captain Sacto]

Only partially related to the discussion, but something I've wondered about for a long time...

How does one secure (or feel secure) really expensive avionics such as a G900X in plexy canopy RV airplanes?

Is there a way to install hidden locks or screws (or even safety wire) that would prevent a thief from stealing glass cockpit panel items?

Regards all - - Tom from Sacramento

[ajay]

Originally Posted by SteinAir

... So, to end my rambling I just want to say that when compared to many of our budgets it may seem crazy. But when taken in the right perspective it's just as good of a deal to some folks as buying a Dynon is to others. It all depends on your personal circumstance and perspective. I can't afford it, but I'm happy to see those who can.

Stein, Thanks for the perspective and true the 900X/G1000 is the best integrated system out there, but money aside (well relatively speaking), is it really the best use of your money for the given functionality?

You mentioned the Chelton panel similarly with TWO WAAS certified boxes, 2 NAVs, 2 COMM's, Mode S, and a high end Audio Panel only being (single) thousands less. Is this with a 3 screen Chelton or 2 screen? Also how would a single Chelton integrate with a lower end screen for the MFD such as AFS or GRT? Maybe I'm missing something, but I think you can save $20k and be nearly as well equipped as the 900X?

ajay

[SteinAir]

Not really...the Chelton stuff (now starting at $31K for 2 screens) won't talk or integrate to other EFIS's or MFD's...nor will Garmin, GRT, etc.. (the only people I know of that will work with others is XXX - as they have found a way to read the data streams from other EFIS's to creat a nice "slave" screen display for back seaters. (Oooops, perhaps I'm not supposed to leak that just yet so I won't)

Anyway, the G900X basically is the equivalent of 2 GNS-530's (high comm output of 16 watts), an MVP-50 engine monitor, a GTX-330 remote, and a PMA-8000B. So, you then take 2 WAAS GPS certified to the highest level and you're talking at a minimum dual 430W's or 530W's with your Chelton to be equivalent. The new Chelton GPS will be certified, but not available yet. Add to that it's price tag which likely be higher than a 430 anyway...and it's hard to see what is the best way to go. The Chelton will only take 1 GPS input, so now you're stuck doing something else with the 2nd unit, like installing yet another CDI that's not integrated to your EFIS. Everything ancillary is basically a wash (weather, autopilot, backups, etc..) so those don't necessarily add into the equation, except that with the G900X's we can package some of it together at a better deal then bying them alone.

Don't get me wrong...I still think the Chelton stuff is REALLY nice - and we're still selling it. It's just that if you're going to stack it up with dual everything else and add on the same goodies, you're pricing won't be far off. Now if you were to take an apples and oranges look at it by equipping the Chelton with differing units that aren't functionally 100% equivalent, then of course it's going to be cheaper. But, you can't use that comparision as apples to apples ...it's more budgetarily constrained/compared, not based on equal functionality. Lastly, one is certified and the other is not - which is hard to put a $$ figure on. They both have their benefits, but it's really hard to do an equal comparision when they are such different animals.

Each persons circumstances, budget, desires and flying will determine the best fit. For some it's going to be the G900X's, for others it'll be the Cheltons and for yet others it'll be something else like OP, GRT, AFS, etc.. There isn't a single system we deal with that I can consider perfect for all builders. It's a good thing we have so many choices!

Cheers,
Stein.

[Pirkka]

Originally Posted by SteinAir

We have FIVE (count 'em - FIVE) of those systems in the shop right now - ALL being installed into RV's.

But compared to the number of RVs that is very low number though. As the original writer was asking also reselling, I would say that when the number of these put in the RVs originally is very low, also possibilities to sell plane with G900X (with fair price) will be extremely difficult. As you can get whole plane with price of G900X, it's really small portion of people which seriously consider options like this.

[the_other_dougreeves]

Originally Posted by SteinAir

Anyway, the G900X basically is the equivalent of 2 GNS-530's (high comm output of 16 watts), an MVP-50 engine monitor, a GTX-330 remote, and a PMA-8000B. So, you then take 2 WAAS GPS certified ...
Don't get me wrong...I still think the Chelton stuff is REALLY nice - and we're still selling it. It's just that if you're going to stack it up with dual everything else and add on the same goodies, you're pricing won't be far off. Now if you were to take an apples and oranges look at it by equipping the Chelton with differing units that aren't functionally 100% equivalent, then of course it's going to be cheaper. ....
Each persons circumstances, budget, desires and flying will determine the best fit. For some it's going to be the G900X's, for others it'll be the Cheltons and for yet others it'll be something else like OP, GRT, AFS, etc..

And there's the rub! I think that the 900X is overkill for most "RV missions". I don't think I need dual 16W comms or dual WAAS IFR approach GPS. I single 430W and single SL30 should work. In addition, I like the concept of dissimilar items for backup, i.e., different hardware and software that will have different failure modes. If you're running the same software on your primary and secondary systems and they experience the same bug, you're going to have a bad day.

However, if I envisioned flying a lot of IFR and had the $$, the 900X would be tempting. I think this is why we see the G900X pitched to the Lancair crowd.

Originally Posted by SteinAir

There isn't a single system we deal with that I can consider perfect for all builders. It's a good thing we have so many choices!

Ab-so-lutely. It's good to have choices.

[RVbySDI]

Originally Posted by doctornigel

And yes I work for my money, I spent 8 years in school--at least 40 hours a week in classes and then gave up uncounted weekends and evenings studying all without pay. While alot of people were enjoying their teens and twenties, I was unable to go on vacations, buy a decent car, have kids,etc. I left school with almost 150K in student loans and it cost me almost 400K to set up my dental practice. I earn a good living now, but I worked darn hard to get there, everyone out there can have exactly what I have now, you just have to have given up what I did to get it. Kinda like building an RV, almost anyone out there COULD do it, but are they willing TO DO it? Don't resent what people have that have earned it, because they did what had to be done to get it. Now everyone out there debur!

Hey, please don't take my comments personally. If it sounded like a personal attack my sincere apology! My comments were meant to be "tongue in cheek" but I see how it could be construed to be a little sarcastic.

To be fair though, I also spent 8 years in school -- no, wait a minute, make that 10 years, with the same level of poverty and devotion to study you mention, not to mention the student loans, and all those other costs. However, because those years of study did not produce that license in hand I find myself making far less than a dentist.

To each his own when it comes to careers, airplanes and spending money. The truth is I could probably afford to put a 900X in my plane if that is what I decided I just had to have. However, I guess I grew up on the poor side of the tracks where hard work was the cost for every luxury you got. It took an awful lot of self analysis to allow yourself to splurge on some items. This is one of those areas for me.

Good luck with your RV-10 DoctorNigel! I harbor no resentment, animosity or bad will toward you, or anyone for that matter.

I will offer my farewell borrowed from those fictitious Vulcans: Live Long and Prosper!