Advanced Flight Systems screen options

[SPX]

Looking into ordering an AFS panel for my RV-9A.

I am pondering a few options:

1) Dual 8.4" (AFS-5500)
2) One 10.4" (AFS-5600), and one 8.4" (AFS-5500)
3) One 10.4" (AFS-5600) and n empty right side, suitable for an iPad mounting.

I intend to equip the aircraft for VFR only. I have a reason to continue flying with an iPad in addition to the AFS avionics, despite the fact that it would not really be necessary.

I'd like to hear thoughts on the three options above, or other options that you may wish to bring up.

Thanks!

Josh

[JRichichi]

May I suggest dual AFS 5600 Touch EFIS screens. Yeah, it's serious bucks, but you'll love it. I typically set up the RH screen with the entire screen as a moving map (North up) so as to give me great situational awareness. The LH screen is three way split with the EFIS on the LH side, the MAP on the RH side (track up so I can see what's coming at me...), and the engine data across the bottom.

You can do other things that make your life easier too. For example, I have the OAT displayed on the LH EFIS in Fahrenheit, and the OAT on the RH EFIS in Celsius. That way, I can quickly know what the outside air temperature is in either format. Similar things like "Gallons Used" and "Gallons Remaining" (or NM/GAL) are displayed on both screens so you don't have to play "musical buttons" to see something.

The reason I say going for both screens to be as large as they can be is you'll never say "Gee, I wish this screen wasn't so big and easy to read...".

Just my 2 cents worth.

Jeff

[sahrens]

I have one 5500T installed and the right side is ready for second when I get around to buying it. I fly with an iPad mini in a RAM mount attached to the right side of the instrument panel. For VFR I find this combination works really well, probably why I haven?t ordered the second screen.

I went with the 8.4? screens due primarily to size. For me the 10? screens eat up too much really estate on the panel making it difficult to locate other items.

http://www.mykitlog.com/users/displa...g=247819&row=1

An image of my panel

[SPX]

Originally Posted by JRichichi

May I suggest dual AFS 5600 Touch EFIS screens. Yeah, it's serious bucks, but you'll love it. I typically set up the RH screen with the entire screen as a moving map (North up) so as to give me great situational awareness. The LH screen is three way split with the EFIS on the LH side, the MAP on the RH side (track up so I can see what's coming at me...), and the engine data across the bottom.

Is there room for two comms, autopilot controls, etc if you have dual 5600?s installed? Any photos that someone may have of a 6/7/9 with dual 5600?s would be great.

An additional option would be to keep my Dynon D120 EMS on the right side and install a 5500/5600 on the left. The problem with that is that I fear it would antiquate the look of the panel.

[JRichichi]

Take a look here: http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...=121445&page=2

You can see a CAD pic of my panel. I don't have an actual pic handy right now. Yeah, it's real busy. But you wondered if you could pack all that stuff on the panel. I did go with an "oversized" panel. It's 0.75" taller than stock.

I hope this helps.

Jeff

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by SPX

Is there room for two comms, autopilot controls, etc if you have dual 5600?s installed? Any photos that someone may have of a 6/7/9 with dual 5600?s would be great.

An additional option would be to keep my Dynon D120 EMS on the right side and install a 5500/5600 on the left. The problem with that is that I fear it would antiquate the look of the panel.

It?s more than just the look.....

I still have a 3400 on the right side of my RV-10. I have two 5500s in the left. Not having the same functionality has caused some minor annoyances. It?s my plan to upgrade to all 5000 series soon.

[Robert Sailor]

We have a single 5600 with an iPad mini and it's an amazing vfr package although you can always spend more money but I can't see the necessity.

[Dave12]

I still have a 3400 on the right side of my RV-10. I have two 5500s in the left. Not having the same functionality has caused some minor annoyances. It’s my plan to upgrade to all 5000 series soon.[/quote]

Bob, can you elaborate on these annoyances? I’m fixin to pull the trigger on a 5400 and it’s my understanding that my 3500 will play well with the 5400. I’m just waiting for something to go wrong with my 4500.

[rleffler]

Originally Posted by Dave12

Bob, can you elaborate on these annoyances? I?m fixin to pull the trigger on a 5400 and it?s my understanding that my 3500 will play well with the 5400. I?m just waiting for something to go wrong with my 4500.

There is no interoperability issues between the various models.

The feature differences between the 2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, and 5xxx. are still present. For example, you can't display a sectional or IFR low charts on the models previous to the 5xxx line. The features on the older models are basically frozen. There are others, but again, it's personal preferences, not show stoppers.

The menu trees are different as well. I went to fly with a friend that had a 4500, it was like I was starting over again from scratch. I had 4500s, but upgraded to 5500s several years ago. It's amazing how quickly you forget.

Again, there is no issue with data passing back and forth between the models. It's just that any of the new features that are available on the 5xxx series won't be available on the older models.

Not knowing your requirements and limitations, I would highly recommend going to the 5500 over the 5400. The screen size will require some panel rework, but those extra buttons and knobs make your like much easier.

[Jpm757]

I would definitely go for Dual 5600t screens, all the info you will ever need. I have dual 10.4" screens and plenty of room in the center to stack for whatever you like. Best bet would be to buy a new panel blank and start from scratch.