Buggsy2
Well Known Member
The build is an RV-9A. I am planning the instrument panel so need to settle on a Comm radio and audio panel. From another thread I learned I do need an audio panel, to accept other audio inputs and for better performance. The other major devices will be Vertical Power's VP-200 and the Dynon Skyview (and I need to input their audio outputs to my audio system). Also would like music input from an iPhone, but if nothing else I can do that now through Bluetooth and the Lightspeed headsets.
Since this will be a VFR-only build, I would prefer to have just one installed comm (I'll have a handheld as backup). VOR Nav would be nice but they seem expensive, so I treat it as optional. Any comm will take care of needs, so what I list next are wants:
Here's what I've found so far (prices approx). I'm posting with the hope someone will point out radios or features I've overlooked or share their experiences.
Radios
Garmin SL-40
Summary: Of these 3 Comm radios, only the SL-40 has the GPS frequency input. Other radios to consider? Has anybody tried this, and does it really work?
Audio Panels
PS Engineering PMA4000
Since this will be a VFR-only build, I would prefer to have just one installed comm (I'll have a handheld as backup). VOR Nav would be nice but they seem expensive, so I treat it as optional. Any comm will take care of needs, so what I list next are wants:
- Accept GPS frequency inputs of destination or nearby airports (AWOS, ATIS, CTAF, Grnd, Approach)
- Allow listening to the frequency in Standby
- Store frequencies in non-volatile memory
Here's what I've found so far (prices approx). I'm posting with the hope someone will point out radios or features I've overlooked or share their experiences.
Radios
Garmin SL-40
- $1850
- Accepts GPS frequencies
- Monitors Standby frequency
- 8+8 memory frequencies
- Rectangular cutout
- Other: Weather, Emergency, Adj. dimmable display, stuck mic detection
- $2100
- No GPS frequency input
- No monitoring of Standby freq (only with addtl radio)
- No memory frequencies
- Rectangular panel cutout
- Combined Comm+Audio Panel
- Other: provides close interface to M760 Comm
- $1044 (harness addtl)
- No GPS frequency input
- Monitors Standby frequency
- 99 memory frequencies
- Circular panel cutout
- Other: provides close interface to SL-30
Summary: Of these 3 Comm radios, only the SL-40 has the GPS frequency input. Other radios to consider? Has anybody tried this, and does it really work?
Audio Panels
PS Engineering PMA4000
- $775
- Rectangular or circular panel cutout
- $900
- Rectangular cutout
- Stereo music
- $845
- Rectangular panel cutout
- 3 audio alert inputs
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