VP-50 vs CB or fuses

[Spindrift]

I'm in the midst of planning my night VFR panel (with future upgrages to IFR once flying) and am fairly convinced the the Vertical Power VP-50 might be a good option. A bit more expensive perhaps, but for someone a bit intimidated by the whole electrical system, it seems like a good option. I've searched the forums including the debates on CB vs fuses, read Aerolectric Connection, but am looking for some opinions from those with either direct experience, or a whole lot more education in the realm of electronics.

Here's a summary of what I'm planning:
AFS 3500EE or Advanced Deck
TruTrak ADI Pilot II
Garmin 396 in Airgizmos deck
SL40
GTX 327
Duckworks Taxi & landing lights
Vans Lighting system 6
Panel lights
Heated seats (if feasible)
Aux Power

Thanks,

[rvator51]

I have the VP-50 mounted in my RV-4 and it is working great. I am putting the VP-100 in my RV-6a with just about the same equipment list as you showed except I am using Trio AP and Garmin 496. The VP-50 should work fine for it too.
Heres a blog with some of my installation steps.

[ddurakovich]

I can't speak for the VP-50, but I do have the EXP Bus in my -4 with the following setup:

GRT Sport EFIS
GRT EIS 4000
Electric Flaps
Electric Fuel Pump & Primer Solenoid
Landing Light
Taxi Light
Position Lights
Wingtip Strobes
Pitot Heat
Trio AP (Roll and Altitude)
Garmin 430W
Icom A210I COMM
KMA24 Audio Panel
GTX 327 TXPND
Intercom
Electric T&B
Chrono/G Meter/Volt meter
Panel Light Strip (LED)
and a couple of AUX 12V plugs.

I'm also running the backup battery option on what I consider critical instruments. It has done everything I expect from it.

110 hours and 20 months with no issues.

I respect the heck out of Bob Nuckols, but the ease of wiring and flexibility of this type of system is worth a bunch more than Bob gives credit for.

The VP-50 offers a number of additional functions than the EXP Bus, many of which I can duplicate with EFIS, etc. I won't comment on whether it's worth the extra $1200, but there is a definite value to the concept.

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

Originally Posted by Spindrift

I'm in the midst of planning my night VFR panel (with future upgrages to IFR once flying) and am fairly convinced the the Vertical Power VP-50 might be a good option. A bit more expensive perhaps, but for someone a bit intimidated by the whole electrical system, it seems like a good option. I've searched the forums including the debates on CB vs fuses, read Aerolectric Connection, but am looking for some opinions from those with either direct experience, or a whole lot more education in the realm of electronics.

Here's a summary of what I'm planning:
AFS 3500EE or Advanced Deck
TruTrak ADI Pilot II
Garmin 396 in Airgizmos deck
SL40
GTX 327
Duckworks Taxi & landing lights
Vans Lighting system 6
Panel lights
Heated seats (if feasible)
Aux Power

Thanks,

With the exception of the SL40, and the heated seats, we have about the same setup. I'm still in the planning stages but I'd have to say the VP-50 is saving time by not having a bunch of real estate taken up with CBs and busses.

I do think it's a tight squeeze for "pins', even with my relatively spartan setup. I kind of wish I had the money for a VP-100, but I don't.

My load planning worksheet is on the blog if you'd like to look. Of course, i keep stumbling on stuff I forgot to add (like the lighting for the 327, I'll probably put it on an aux bus).

[Spindrift]

Thanks for the thoughts. Is anyone flying behind the VP-50? Any reliability issues? I've assured my wife that I'm not particularly interested in 'experimenting' despite the fact that the RV is classified as experimental, so I want to be sure what I'm planning is proven.

Thanks,

[rvator51]

I have been flying behind the VP-50 since November of last year.

[mcattell]

I've just finished installing a VP-100 in my RV-9A. I would highly recommend the VP products. Everything works great and it is very easy to program and customize. There serveral new features coming including wig-wag of landing lights, adustable flap settings and built-in dimming features as a software upgrade. The VP eliminates the need for a lot of other relays and devices that you would normally install from the stick or trim motors. I think the folks at VP have some of the best customer service in this industry. They've always got back to me right way to answer any technical questions. I've got back-up circuits for an IFR ship but for VFR you could easily handle a full electrical failure as long as you have at least one standard mag. There are plenty of other mechanical things on an airplane that can fail that I would be more worried about. It's about time that the electrial systems on GA airplanes are being moderized.

[LettersFromFlyoverCountry]

The other advantage of the VP is it also frees up quite a bit of space in the panel.

[jchang10]

I was intrigued with the VP-50 and -100. The -200 is overkill for me in both features and budget

However, the one thing I couldn't get over, was the placement of the Switch/Display unit. Because the switches and the display unit are all integrated, it seemed kind of awkward to me as to where i would place it.

For example, the switches are normally located near the bottom of a panel. However, warning lights and such are normally located near the top of a panel. Unlike with Goldilocks, putting it in the middle of the panel doesn't seem right, either!?!?

Curious, how did other -50 or -100 users resolved this placement dilemma?

[mcattell]

I just posted some photos of my recently finished panel with a VP-100. I put it below the radio stack and it seemed to work out well and easy to reach. Because of the mounting bracket arrangement and to have adequate support around the flange I left a gap between the bottom of the transponder and top of VP control head. I think this works out better and looks better since it's not the same thickness as the radios. Check this link to see the photos.

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...t=1743&page=27