MGL iEFIS

[Rainier Lamers]

Originally Posted by grayforge

The Challenger is XGA, so 1024x768 resolution? That will show some nice detail.

What resolution is the Explorer?

Thanks!
Russ

Yes, that is correct - 1024x768. It also does sub-pixel rendering so its even better...

Explorer and Discovery have the same resolution - WGA or 800x480. This means actual pixel size (more relevant than resolution as we must not forget the different sizes of the screens) is roughly the same - Explorer a bit more, Discovery a bit less.

The pixel size is actually smaller than on the big 22" monitor I am typing this on. Or put another way - the discussion is something to assign to the scrap heap of ancient computing - it does not matter anymore...

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

[grayforge]

1024x768 with sub pixel rendering... nice! Do you have pricing on the Challenger yet? This unit is definitely in the running for when I get my RV-7A finished. At the advice of many, I've been holding off on avionics until I really need them. Glad I am! :-)

[Rainier Lamers]

Originally Posted by grayforge

1024x768 with sub pixel rendering... nice! Do you have pricing on the Challenger yet? This unit is definitely in the running for when I get my RV-7A finished. At the advice of many, I've been holding off on avionics until I really need them. Glad I am! :-)

Yes, that is wise advice - no matter who you get your panel from.

Explorer is roughly 15% LESS than a current MGL Voyager system and actually, it is even less than that as you get all the functionality that the previously optional COM and I/O extender modules provided thrown in "for free".
While we have not done final pricing for the Challenger yet, I don't think it will be too bad, definitely not more than the current MGL Odyssey. Remember, our goal is to make aviation affordable so we are very cost sensitive.

The real cost savings however come into play when you have more than one panel as the panels can share resources very effectively.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

[grayforge]

Thanks for the info Rainier.

A more technical question: What sensor is used for AOA measurement? I understand one can use single or dual port AOA sensing. Is there a specific AOA sensor you sell or recommend?

I was thinking of using the Dynon Pitot/AOA sensor.

Thanks!
Russ

[Rainier Lamers]

Originally Posted by grayforge

Thanks for the info Rainier.

A more technical question: What sensor is used for AOA measurement? I understand one can use single or dual port AOA sensing. Is there a specific AOA sensor you sell or recommend?

I was thinking of using the Dynon Pitot/AOA sensor.

Thanks!
Russ

I actually have a Dynon Pitot/AOA sensor on MGL's development aircraft. It seems to work well, no issue there.

The system supports three methods:

Single ended AOA pressure based - That would be the method first developed by NASA and published in one of their early papers. This is the same method you find in the Dynon system (it is simply another pitot tube but at a downwards angle from the main pitot tube - about 20-30 degrees usualy).

Dual port (or differential). This is the best method and needs two holes in the wing leading edge (far away from propwash). One hole measures the positive pressure and one hole measures the negative. The negative is on top of the wing, the other at the bottom. The holes are a couple of inches from the leading edge (exact position depends on wing profile and pressure distribution).

Calculated. This does not need any pressure sensors. It uses the AHRS in combination with vertical and air speed. Not my favourite but it is available for completeness sake.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

[ColoRv]

I spent quite a bit of time playing with the iefis at Oshkosh this week. Matt walked me through all of its capabilities on the first day. I have to say, this system really impresses with its design intent. I don't get the impression that it is quite done yet though. Both times I used it, the touch screen stopped doing certain functions (like altimeter adjustment would go down but not up). The first time, Matt rebooted it and it worked. After that, I left it alone and played with other areas. Also, it didn't have the majority of the accessories hooked up, so for the most part there were red X's on everything. Still, I really think they have a great idea there and the whole group of them seem to be RV minded people. All of them showed up at Horton's gathering and were again quite friendly despite what had to be a grueling day of tire kickers.

Great people, great idea, just needs finishing. Far more intuitive than the Garmin. I went to Oshkosh to choose an Efis system. The iefis tops the list in potential, but I don't think I can wait. I may regret that decision.

[Rainier Lamers]

Originally Posted by ColoRv

Great people, great idea, just needs finishing. Far more intuitive than the Garmin. I went to Oshkosh to choose an Efis system. The iefis tops the list in potential, but I don't think I can wait. I may regret that decision.

The iEFIS system you are seeing at the stand is running in a quick "demo" mode I made up for it at Osh - about a week before the show.
It needs the iBOX and everything else that forms part of the system to work properly. It is fully operational and has been flying for some time now.
I will be working on the demo mode some more to "fake" the devices that are not plugged in a bit better. The altimeter you are refering to for example is in the iBOX and so is the barometer adjustment. It is not really supposed to adjust the altimeter without the iBOX connected. The red crosses appear for eveything that has been enabled but is not connected - I have not been able to fake everything for the demo in the little time that was available.

However, you are correct - it is not finished - it never will be, just like any of other systems. This is just the start - and if you take where our older systems were when they were first released and where they are now as any form of yardstick - this is going to be an interesting ride.

There are a few areas that I am still working on - one of them relates to transfering of files between panels in the aircraft and related to that the wireless node - this item alone is blowing the doors wide open with respect to what can be done - I don't even think we have even thought of all the possibilities this opens up.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

[Bill Phillips]

Does MGL have a customer site to discuss the systems, applications, good things or problems and resolutions? A MGL community discussion site that we can read over to learn more about the product?

[ColoRv]

Originally Posted by Rainier Lamers

The iEFIS system you are seeing at the stand is running in a quick "demo" mode I made up for it at Osh - about a week before the show.
It needs the iBOX and everything else that forms part of the system to work properly. It is fully operational and has been flying for some time now.
I will be working on the demo mode some more to "fake" the devices that are not plugged in a bit better. The altimeter you are refering to for example is in the iBOX and so is the barometer adjustment. It is not really supposed to adjust the altimeter without the iBOX connected. The red crosses appear for eveything that has been enabled but is not connected - I have not been able to fake everything for the demo in the little time that was available.

However, you are correct - it is not finished - it never will be, just like any of other systems. This is just the start - and if you take where our older systems were when they were first released and where they are now as any form of yardstick - this is going to be an interesting ride.

There are a few areas that I am still working on - one of them relates to transfering of files between panels in the aircraft and related to that the wireless node - this item alone is blowing the doors wide open with respect to what can be done - I don't even think we have even thought of all the possibilities this opens up.

Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics

I hope I didn't come across as being overly critical. Of all the systems I played with at Oshkosh over those two days, and I hit them all, yours has the most potential. I hope you understand though, that if a client can't make it work at the show...it's hard to part with a stack of cash reaching into the 5 figure range. Still, I admit...I am tempted. Had the red X's been fully functional...I would have pulled my wallet out on the spot. If it's fully functional, I really wish you had brought the full system. I think most of us can live without it flying around demo style if all the buttons work, GPS works, radios work etc. After all, it's the integration of these units that is so appealing, we would like to see that integration in action.

The guys at your booth were over the top friendly and helpful. It was nice seeing them at the Horton gathering as well. Like Stein and Marc from Vertical Power, you guys are the type of people I would like to see succeed. Since you are here, can you give us a list of the functions you intend to put into your next iefis update and when you believe that update will be? What will the next 12 months look like for this system?

[jeffk]

Originally Posted by Bill Phillips

Does MGL have a customer site to discuss the systems, applications, good things or problems and resolutions? A MGL community discussion site that we can read over to learn more about the product?

Here's the MGL user forum I've been visiting:

http://www.mglavionicsusers.org/forum/