Opinions on my RV-12 panel (Garmin GPS 175??)

pstraub · #1 12-31-2020, 10:52 AM

Wishing a very Happy New Year to all my RV friends and the VAF/Van's community. I have not been an active instrument pilot for over 30 years (I let my CFII expire in 1988) and I find myself missing the IFR world. I was recently asked to be a safety pilot for my neighbor in his V35 Bonanza, as he did 3 approaches at a few of the local airports. It was the first time I ever got to experience an RNAV GPS approach (they did not exist in General Aviation in 1988). I only knew ILS, LOC, VOR and NDB approaches. I never wanted to add Nav radios to my panel, I was just happy to build my little VFR RV-12. My ELSA OpLims were issued with the IFR/IMC approval if I have the required 91.205(d) equipment.

Now I really want to install a certified GPS navigator in my panel and I'm looking for opinions/experience. I think I have settled on the new 175 from Garmin, it's only 2" high and 6" wide and only has a current draw of .6 - .9 amps which is good for my anemic 912ULS electrical system.

I have a Dynon dual Skyview panel. I'd like to install the 175 in the upper center of my panel. It should integrate with my Dynon EFIS via an ARINC-429 module. I have to make room, so I think I will relocate or just remove my knob modules. Any thoughts/ideas are appreciated. I am including a picture of my panel as it looks today. I removed the map box and added the 2nd EFIS about 6 months after I built the plane. I could easily be overlooking something and I really respect the experience/knowledge out there. Thanks for any thoughts or ideas, general or specific. Paul

Crafting N112DR · #2 12-31-2020, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstraub

Wishing a very Happy New Year to all my RV friends and the VAF/Van's community. I have not been an active instrument pilot for over 30 years (I let my CFII expire in 1988) and I find myself missing the IFR world. I was recently asked to be a safety pilot for my neighbor in his V35 Bonanza, as he did 3 approaches at a few of the local airports. It was the first time I ever got to experience an RNAV GPS approach (they did not exist in General Aviation in 1988). I only knew ILS, LOC, VOR and NDB approaches. I never wanted to add Nav radios to my panel, I was just happy to build my little VFR RV-12. My ELSA OpLims were issued with the IFR/IMC approval if I have the required 91.205(d) equipment.

Now I really want to install a certified GPS navigator in my panel and I'm looking for opinions/experience. I think I have settled on the new 175 from Garmin, it's only 2" high and 6" wide and only has a current draw of .6 - .9 amps which is good for my anemic 912ULS electrical system.

I have a Dynon dual Skyview panel. I'd like to install the 175 in the upper center of my panel. It should integrate with my Dynon EFIS via an ARINC-429 module. I have to make room, so I think I will relocate or just remove my knob modules. Any thoughts/ideas are appreciated. I am including a picture of my panel as it looks today. I removed the map box and added the 2nd EFIS about 6 months after I built the plane. I could easily be overlooking something and I really respect the experience/knowledge out there. Thanks for any thoughts or ideas, general or specific. Paul

Paul I was thinking the same thing, add a Garmin GPS 175 on the center stack. I would love to train in the IFR environment and fly IFR on a nice day X country. It is definitely cheeper and easter to install the say a GTN 650. I was talking about it with the Garmin guys and the GPS 175 is going to be connected to the system via RS-232 to the GDU and ARINC 429 to the GAD 29. Not sure how it will integrate with the Dynon Skyview?

pstraub · #3 12-31-2020, 12:42 PM

Hi guys, thanks for the comments, good things to think about. With the AP knob module, I would find another spot for it. The other knob module is just a convenience and I could live without it if I can't find room.

D&M Dan · #4 12-31-2020, 01:13 PM

You may be able to mount the Garmin 175 above the Com radio and then purchase the Dynon horizontal AP control to mount above that.

pstraub · #5 12-31-2020, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D&M Dan

You may be able to mount the Garmin 175 above the Com radio and then purchase the Dynon horizontal AP control to mount above that.

That's a good point, I could sell the vertical module and buy the horizontal. I will look at that spacing. Thanks!!

NinerBikes · #6 12-31-2020, 07:46 PM

You could also sell the spare Dynon SkyView Touch and lighten your current load and strain on the Voltage Regulator, too, before adding the Garmin 196.

Rrhsch · #7 01-01-2021, 08:22 AM

The GPS 175 displays on the PFD. If you replace the MFD with the GPS175, power budget isn’t a problem. If you keep the MFD, the easiest location is to mount it is directly under the PFD. You will need to use it for selecting procedures and modifying flight plans. I believe that location still meets the definition for proper field of view.

A search on VAF has a lot of information regarding the power budget. I believe the second screen that you added depleted the remaining power available from the alternator. The Ducati voltage regulator is prone to failures. A HS VR replacement kit is available from Van’s but, IMO you are still going to be over the power budget.

In case of a power failure you will not have the reserve needed to satisfy the power reserve requirements for an IFR installation. The GPS 175 only has a single power source. You could give it pass through power from a TWC back up power supply. The current TWC is not big enough to handle the load/time required. I believe you will need to up size it.

All said, this is your plane. Build it as you wish but, please be safe.

BoydBirchler · #8 01-01-2021, 10:00 AM

Is there room above the Left flight display, perhaps shifted slightly to the right?

The original position of the 430w in my RV7 was there, I initially thought it was a bad place but came to like it.

pstraub · #9 01-01-2021, 10:36 AM

Hi all, thanks for the very thoughtful comments, this is all good food for thought and I really appreciate the opinions/ideas. I am a little 'all over the map' right now, from the power budget with my stock, still original Ducati VR that has not yet failed! (should I minimally upgrade to the SH VR available from Van's) to the physical install within the panel (again, you guys have given me several ideas). Also, how well will the G175 integrate with my Skyview PFD (CDI performance, etc). I feel a bit like a child with my rudimentary questions, but I would be a fool to not take advantage of the wealth of knowledge in the VAF community. Thanks again!

SeattleAviator · #10 01-01-2021, 10:38 PM

I'm no expert on panel design but I would definitely put the navigator in the center stack. Put the 3 knob Dynon controller over the PFD since it controls functions on that side. Move the AP controller to the right perhaps at the same height as the 3 knob controller. if its still reachable at that location. I have seen this sort of arrangement on a Sport Cruiser. Of course lots to consider when look at the issue of arranging the wiring in the Avionics bay.