Instrument Panel/Avionics

[scard]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

John, I am going to spend someone else's money here but I disagree on the SL30. With it you get comm, VOR/GS/DME.

Really? An SL30 does DME? What rock have I been under . I learn something every day.

[Bavafa]

I would highly recommend using a Approach hub as a way of wiring your avionics. It makes things more like plug & play. With today avionics, one can not know what changes or additions we may want to make to our panel and hard wiring each components makes those changes a nightmare.

I have since building my panel, had added two new items (Zaon XRX and XM weather) and add them was a breeze, just plug them to the hub and configure the GRT for them. In a short while, I will be adding a GPS signal to my Artex ELT and that is also just as simple as connecting to the hub. The flexibility and reliability is unmatched and the cost is probably cheaper then to have some one build the panel, hardwired.

[RV7Aflyer]

For DME, check out the DST Function on the SL30


Dave Pohl
RV7A N442DP

[Vmax]

thanks guys

[OneCharlieKilo]

For DME, check out the DST Function on the SL30

Yes, but it does require input from an external DME sensor via the serial port. It's not a stand-alone SL30 capability.

[Ron Lee]

My mistake, I should have copied it

"SL30 packs a 760-channel VHF comm transceiver and 200-channel VOR/LOC/GS nav receiver with DME display into one small space."

Point is that unless I am wrong again, it does not support GPS navigation/approaches.

[Sig600]

Having researched this myself, I personally think a panel mounted 696 is about the cheapest way to add a lot of capability for IFR flying. For $3K you get charts, safe taxi, XM WX (and radio), a huge display, and in a serious pinch Garmin's GPS derived "6 pack" which from what I understand is MORE than capable for attitude control. I've used an Aera 560 in the F-18 and playing around with the instrument display on that I was really surprised how accurate it is, and how quick the refresh rate is. It amounts to flying partial panel as it dosen't have an attitude indicator, but in an emergency it would suffice. Plus if you have a catostrphic loss of power, the thing will run on it's own battery long after you've run out of gas.

Agree'd with everyone else on waiting. I'm amazed at the capability that has evolved just in the last 2-3 years. They Dynon Skyview system was Star Wars talk 10 years ago, 5 years ago it would've have been a $50K set up.

[gordodavis]

Question- Can you legally fly IFR with a Garmin 696? I'm trying to decide on my panel as well, I'm leaning towards the 430w because of it's IFR capabilities. However it's a lot of money. Are there a lot RV flyer out there flying IFR with a 496/696? As I plan my panel the price keeps growing.

[riffelj]

I, like you, wanted simple/frugal VFR/IFR. So I chose - and am delighted with:
Instruments:
Airspeed
TruTraks ADI II 2-axis autopilot (also delivers AI, "VSI", DG & slip) in a 3 1/8" hole (battery backup if things go TU) - slaved to 430 below
- Only downside is that you have to control descent ... which is really easy in an RV
Altimeter
Garmin 106A CDI
Vans tach
Vans ManP
Vans Left & Right fuel guages
GrandRapids EIS (w/ fuelfllow, oat, amps, etc.) - nice red light when something needs attention
Heated Pitot (made my own)
Avionics:
PS 6000 audio Panel
Garmin 430 (GPS/NAV/COM) - I've got the legacy; but go w/ the 430W for vertical guidance - really a MUST HAVE
ICOM 720 com (so you can pickup atis/asos and stay connected to ATC)
Garmin 320a txpdr

Also have Garmin 396 for on-board weather and the six-pack instruments - so if everything goes TU, I can navigate/aviate to get down.

A handheld let's me communicate if everything goes TU.

I cut my own panel - not that tough.

Put the flight stuff on the left, the engine/fuel stuff on the right, the avionics in the middle and the switches lined up on the bottom. Consider using LED tipped switches for things you want to notice that you left on (landing lights, pitot heat, fuel pump, etc.)

DON'T forget to plan for the brace behind the panel - it seems to be right where you need space for the radios.

Advice:
Buy good crimpers (both for connectors and pins) and strippers (WIRE not the other kind)
Cut extra instrument holes (both 3 1/8 & 2 1/4 ") so you can easily add stuff later.
Have enough service loop wire to pull stuff out the front of the panel.
Plan for:
-Night flights
-Instrument lights/dimmer
-A couple always hot 12V outlets
-Location of headset jacks (out of the way inflight and during entry/exit
-Cockpit/foot well/baggage switched lighting
-E-buss (see bob nuckolls book at aeroelectric.com)
-Extra fuse bus slots and extra ground slots for expansion
Create a wiring/fuse diagram and keep it up-to-date; you'll refer to it a lot
Consider a radio speaker - incase the Hsets go TU

[Brantel]

Can you fly IFR with an X96? Sure you can......as long as that is not your sole means of navigation. Are they legal for approaches, sole navigation enroute, replacing DME, sole means of identifying fixes and navaids? No.....

Are there RV'ers out there using X96's illegally while IFR? Maybe, there are always some who like to break the rules but I doubt there are many that would unless they were in an emergency situation.

Sometimes people substitute VFR GPS's for legal IFR Enroute GPS's....This seems to happens often. ATC will even clear you direct most of the time if you put VFR GPS onboard in the comments section of IFR flight plans. Is this legal? Most likely not but people do it.

Originally Posted by gordodavis

Question- Can you legally fly IFR with a Garmin 696? I'm trying to decide on my panel as well, I'm leaning towards the 430w because of it's IFR capabilities. However it's a lot of money. Are there a lot RV flyer out there flying IFR with a 496/696? As I plan my panel the price keeps growing.