Engine Monitors

sirlegin · #1 01-30-2007, 08:42 AM

I have narrowed down the engine monitor for my injected 320 160hp to either the Dynon D10 or the vm1000c. Does anyone have any thoughts as to which is the better choice besides the price? Panel space is not a problem.

brian · #2 01-30-2007, 09:38 AM

I don't have experience with either of those, but you might look at the March Kitplanes, which I received in the mail this morning. It has an article on engine monitors. I use the GRT EIS, and think it is a very good onebrian

randylervold · #3 01-30-2007, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirlegin

I have narrowed down the engine monitor for my injected 320 160hp to either the Dynon D10 or the vm1000c. Does anyone have any thoughts as to which is the better choice besides the price? Panel space is not a problem.

Shouldn't you at least consider the popular AF-2500 from Advanced Flight Systems? Lots of nice functionality and a lot of happy users out there.
http://www.advanced-control-systems....0/AF-2500.html

kentb · #4 01-30-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randylervold

Shouldn't you at least consider the popular AF-2500 from Advanced Flight Systems? Lots of nice functionality and a lot of happy users out there.
http://www.advanced-control-systems....0/AF-2500.html

All though I did make my choice about 18 months ago, so thing may have changed since then.
The things that I liked about the AF2500:
Everything that I needed was in the kit.
Included in the kit was a panel cutting template. I built my own panel and would have paid extra money to get this template if need.

Kent

petehowell · #5 01-30-2007, 10:19 AM

I picked up a used EMS-D10 and have been very happy with it. The price was right and mounting in the 3.125" hole is a breeze. Dynon support is great (online and telephone) and they have enhanced the product with firmware upgrades every few months.

I transitioned in a plane with the AFS 2500 and it is a nice unit, too.

JonJay · #6 01-30-2007, 12:15 PM

If you can find a better display, fuller function, Engine, Fuel, management system at any price, buy it. Very well supported, certified versions avialable (at a lot higher $$, but basically the same). Flying in a lot of RV's.
My personal choice of many excellent products on the market.

RV7Guy · #7 01-30-2007, 12:48 PM

Have to agree with the AF2500. Great piece of equipment that is far more than just an engine monitor. If doing again I would go with the Advanced Systems EFIS and engine monitor combination. Rob Hickman of Advanced is an RV guy and insures stuff works!!!

The VM unit has had some performance issues and company issues. A search should reveal them.

Good luck

RV8N · #8 01-30-2007, 01:23 PM

I have the older VM-1000. I like it a lot but have had several problems with it, mainly the back-lighting. The technician has been difficult to get ahold of. Once I talked to him, I have had good service.

This seems to have changed. Vision Microsystems has been purchased by JPI and has recently moved to Texas. JPI is notorious for bad customer service. I have read many reports of people having difficulty getting hold of VMS since the purchase. Because of the JPI connection, I would not buy a VM-1000 or -1000C. I also recommend that you stear clear.

I also will never give JPI a single penny of my money.

Karl

Jamie · #9 01-30-2007, 01:55 PM

The AF2500 is a great unit and by all accounts Rob is a great guy (heck...his kids man his booth at fly-ins which I think is very cool)...but that must be weighed against the fact that the AF2500 costs almost twice as much ($4665 incl. probes) as the Dynon EMS D-10 ($2500.00 incl probes & flow transducer). What does the AF2500 give you that the Dynon doesn't? From my understanding the primary difference is the AF2500 has an arguably better screen, internal logging features and voice annunciation instead of simple alert tones like the Dynon has.

Certainly the AF2500 is a better unit, but if your goal is to ascertain which is the better VALUE I think the Dynon wins hands-down.

I guess it's about how much dinero you have. I got my new Dynon EFIS & EMS (which also means I have a nice HSI thrown in for 'free') for less than the price of the AF2500 unit.

Update: The AF2500 prices I listed in this post were confirmed to be incorrect but Rob. Be sure to read the entire thread for explanation.

N184JG · #10 01-30-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RV8N

I have the older VM-1000. I like it a lot but have had several problems with it, mainly the back-lighting. The technician has been difficult to get ahold of. Once I talked to him, I have had good service.

This seems to have changed. Vision Microsystems has been purchased by JPI and has recently moved to Texas. JPI is notorious for bad customer service. I have read many reports of people having difficulty getting hold of VMS since the purchase. Because of the JPI connection, I would not buy a VM-1000 or -1000C. I also recommend that you stear clear.

I also will never give JPI a single penny of my money.

Karl

I am installing a VM1000C in my 8 and have made several calls to Texas for help and information . They had the answers and were very helpfull.