Eis 4000
MrNomad said:
Just curious cause I'm close to having to make the same decision. Did you consider the Dynon unit? If not, why not?
I can't give you a definitive answer but have a EIS4000 and love it. You point to the two salient facts:
- Cost
- Color Display (w/ digital/analog) Vs. Paging thru digital data only*
*(The EIS does have a Horz segmented bar graph for EGT/GHT representation. Function wise the EIS4000 is as good as it gets with the warning limit functions and master caution light. My opinion is I don't want to stare at the gauges. The EIS monitors it. You may find using it for RPM/MAP in digital presentation is not to your liking. Also other engine monitors offer a percent power estimate. I do not find either the digital only display of MAP/RPM and % power a must have.)
Price wise I don't know, but see the VM1000C (a JPI company) is about $2,000 and seems to come with (most) all the probes, including Fuel Flow. That sounds like a bargain. Be careful when pricing that you get all the same sensors, apples to apples. The GRT EIS4000 also comes with (most) all the probes. However w/ the EIS4000, as I recall, the Fuel Flow, MAP, Amps and Fuel pressure are options. Other monitors do not include probe price, which adds a big chunk to the price.
You have to decide what you want. I think you have to look at the EFIS if you choose one. Obviously all the big players now offer both EFIS and Engine / System monitoring integration. GRT, MBA, Dynon and Advanced Flt Sys. Vision Microsystems (VM1000C) I don't think as EFIS at this time, but if you don't plan of a EFIS this is of little concern.
Obviously the color display is nice but than it comes down to nickles and dimes with the two choices you propose. I have to admit the VM1000C seems like a bargain. They where always expensive, well over $3000. I guess they got serious about competing and to our benifit. I am a big GRT fan but VM has a value deal.
VM is now a JPI company. JPI kind of stepped on it's schwarzenegger a few years ago when they took on matronics, a big time RV supporter, host to many discussion lists (RV and Aeroelectric to name a few) and manufacture of some aircraft instruments for experimental aircraft. Long story short JPI where real unfair in may peoples opinions and threatened to sue Matronics for very weak reasons regarding a trade name that was only slightly similar. Than they wanted to sue matronics because he politely explained the situation on line to the group. Many will never buy a JPI product because of this.
IF you get an EFIS, the main advantage of having the same brand of engine monitor, is consolidation of info on one display. The Fokker 100 jet was like that. They had a all in one display that had everything in one. Pilots call it the Fokker stare, since a scan was not needed anymore.
For the record if I went with just an independant Color monitor I would consider the AF-2500 (Advance Flight Systems) before the VM1000C.
http://www.advanced-control-systems.com/Products/AF-2500/AF-2500.html AFS also has a EFIS as well.
Also as mentioned Dynon now has an all in one EFIS/Monitor set up (FlightDEK-D180 $3,200).
Amazing advances by many companies in just the last 2 years. I would say buy at the last minute incase there are lower price or technological evolutions.
If you are only going steam gauge flt inst and want a cost effective engine monitor you can't beat the EIS4000. Also in the future if you upgrade to a GRT EFIS you have compatibility with their EFIS.
I have a Dynon EFIS-10, which I got before they added the engine monitor, but I like having the separate systems, FLT (dynon) and ENG (GRT EIS4000), not all in one box. Bottom line it is about money. However looking at the new Dynon that seems to be a bargain at $3,200, but does not include the probes / transducers.