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  #31  
Old 12-27-2013, 09:58 AM
RV8iator's Avatar
RV8iator RV8iator is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Saint Simons Island , GA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhoneck View Post
Wow! Thanks, everyone, for the great (and, as expected, often conflicting) advice!



I really, REALLY like the idea of being able to stash my EIS behind the panel, connect one wire, and have a modern engine monitor display. Several people have recommended that I do that as a "half step" and simply add that display (called the "Sport", I think?), a new digital transponder, a second PS Engineering com radio (the one with built-in audio panel, so I could keep my other com), and call it a day.

Obviously that would save us huge bucks over replacing everything.

We still would end up hating the GNC-300XL GPS, though. I could live with that, but listening to Mary complain about it on every flight is starting to wear me down.

Jeez. Nothing like too many options. "Analysis paralysis" is setting in!
I flew behind my 300XL for several years and grew quiet fond of it actually. Once you learn how to enter flight plans and select approaches it becomes second nature. I did that and the route and approach was displayed on the GRT EFIS and off I went. It has a lot of information in it about the airports and route. Just dig in a bit and it will serve you well. I had an ARINC module and an MD41 annunciator panel and it was a great, legal, IFR GPS that played really well with the GRT stuff, which I highly recommend, by the way.
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Jerry "Widget" Morris
RV 8, N8JL, 3,000+ hours on my 8.

VAF #818
Saint Simons Island, GA. KSSI
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I just wish I could afford to live the way I do

Last edited by RV8iator : 12-27-2013 at 10:00 AM.
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  #32  
Old 12-27-2013, 01:55 PM
BobTurner BobTurner is offline
 
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Location: Livermore, CA
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Since you are restricted to vfr only, you will quickly learn to use the moving map on whatever EFIS you buy, and the GNC 300 will just be used to supply a position. You'll never touch the gps side again.

In fact, since the 300XL is a TSO'd box, it is worth more than what you use it for. You could remove it and sell it; replace with a com, and a 'hidden' gps from your EFIS company; and have a few dollars left over.
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  #33  
Old 12-27-2013, 02:05 PM
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Sam Buchanan Sam Buchanan is offline
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Location: North Alabama
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BobTurner View Post
Since you are restricted to vfr only, you will quickly learn to use the moving map on whatever EFIS you buy, and the GNC 300 will just be used to supply a position. You'll never touch the gps side again.

In fact, since the 300XL is a TSO'd box, it is worth more than what you use it for. You could remove it and sell it; replace with a com, and a 'hidden' gps from your EFIS company; and have a few dollars left over.
Yep, if you ever decide to do IFR you may wish you had that TSO'ed GNC 300 back in the panel. Keep it and interface it with an EFIS as others have suggested.
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  #34  
Old 12-27-2013, 02:22 PM
BobTurner BobTurner is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam Buchanan View Post
Yep, if you ever decide to do IFR you may wish you had that TSO'ed GNC 300 back in the panel. Keep it and interface it with an EFIS as others have suggested.
Of course, they'll need to add a VOR receiver, too, if they want ifr capability.
Add up the used value of the 300, plus a nav receiver, and you're nearly half way to a new GTNxxx. If ifr is in the future (and personally I think it's a worthy goal) then there are lots more decisions to be made, including flight instrument backups, etc.
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  #35  
Old 12-27-2013, 06:29 PM
jjhoneck jjhoneck is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: PORT ARANSAS
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Okay, now I'm really confused. lol

I had pretty much convinced myself to go with the GRT Horizon HXr -- and then someone mentioned the "Sport".

So, I moseyed on over to the GRT website, thinking that the "Sport" was nothing but an improved display for my GRT engine information system. Then, I clicked on the link, and whoah! -- the "Sport" is a full-blown EFIS.

So...Katie...can you please run through the differences between the Sport SX and the Horizon? The Sport seems to do EVERYTHING I need, and at a better price -- which makes me suspicious that I must be missing something.

Can I put the Sport SX in my plane, plugged into my GRT EIS, and get the functionality I'm looking for? Thanks!
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  #36  
Old 12-27-2013, 08:00 PM
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Tim 8-A Tim 8-A is offline
 
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Yes you can, I had it in my 8a and it worked great.
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Colleyville, Tx
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  #37  
Old 12-27-2013, 08:08 PM
jjhoneck jjhoneck is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim 8-A View Post
Yes you can, I had it in my 8a and it worked great.
Thanks, Tim.

How is it different from the Horizon? (Other than the 8.4" vs 10" screen?)
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  #38  
Old 12-27-2013, 09:53 PM
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Mike S Mike S is online now
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Location: Dayton Airpark, NV A34
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhoneck View Post
Can I put the Sport SX in my plane, plugged into my GRT EIS, and get the functionality I'm looking for? Thanks!
Basically the answer is yes.

The Sport does not have all the bells and whistles as the HXR, but it will give you a pretty big bang for your bucks.

Read the specs carefully and talk to GRT or Stein about the differences.
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Mike Starkey
VAF 909

Rv-10, N210LM.

Flying as of 12/4/2010

Phase 1 done, 2/4/2011

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  #39  
Old 12-28-2013, 08:31 AM
David O David O is offline
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 14
Default Welcome to fly behind SV

If you would like to see a panel or fly behind a 10" SV with a com, adsb, transponder, true tract AP and Seattle charts. I'm located at 53T.

Send me a message or email

David
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  #40  
Old 12-28-2013, 09:40 AM
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JPalese JPalese is offline
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: KHXF
Posts: 143
Default Have you considered the GRT Mini series?

Hi Jay:

Since you mission is strictly VFR . . .

Have you checked out these links from GRT:

http://www.grtavionics.com/efis101.html

http://www.grtavionics.com/choosing.html

http://www.grtavionics.com/mini.html

For $9400 you could get an HXr up front, the GRT A/P servos, an OAT probe, the ability to connect to your engine instruments, and if you can do it, install a Mini-AP for your wife in the rear cockpit.

The Mini-AP would give your wife a full EFIS and ability to control all A/P functions.

I am not sure how doable the Mini is in the rear, you can at least put an adroid tablet back there so she can talk to the HXr up front, change routes, tune radios, or have an ADI.

Deleting the mini changes the price tag to 7300 which includes the GRT A/P servos.

You can sell your TT a/p, along with all the steam gauges. Nothing against the TT A/P but if you are going for the HXr or the Mini-AP, you might as well have a really clean panel and control the A/P from the EFIS.

Katie and Ben @ GRT are very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and can help you a lot.

I think their office is closed till 01/02, but I'd give them a call.

Stein is also a great resource.
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