jcmcdowell said:
The comparative pict and the big picture really help get a sense of the graphics and the size.
You can get a much better sense of the price value when you compare to a BMA or GARMIN setup with similar screen size.
I was worried about the pixel size on the odyssey, but it looks good from the big picture.
As I have mentioned many times, we have a somewhat different approach to using LCD screens. These are not normal screens which is why they look so good. Our prime aim is to provide a screen that you can read under a bubble canopy with full, UV laden dessert conditions sunlight falling directly onto the panel from any angle. In addition, another sticky point is when you are flying directly into the sun and are partly blinded - you must still be able to view the panel (even if you can hardly make out anything else).
To achieve this a new set of rules comes into play. Pixel size is the determining factor here, not how many pixels you have. Look at a modern, large LCD HDTV screen. Looks nice does it not ? But the resolution is not that great - however, it's got big pixels ! What matters here is viewing distance vs. pixel size. Apply the same to an EFIS, throw in a good polarizer, limit your viewing angle to where it matters (so you don't waste precious light), use good light director and diffuser films and a couple of things more - the result is a picture that looks like you can eat it.
jcmcdowell said:
QUESTION:
In order to get the EFIS to function with attitude and compass you MUST buy the Odyssey AND the AHRS unit? GPS is integral, EIS w.o sensors is integral.
Is that correct?
Not quite,
The EIS, strickly speaking, is an external unit and you can choose which ones fit your application best. We have versions for piston and turbine engines and you can fit two if you need to monitor a twin engined aircraft (all of them are very inexpensive)
The main reason for the external unit however is that we don't want you to bring all your engine probes to the EFIS (that is so yesterday). The engine monitor box (we call it an RDAC), lives in the engine bay and all probes terminate here. From there just a single wire goes to the back of the EFIS. Neat, quick and easy.
Our compass is external (for obvious reasons) so is the AHRS (perhaps less obvious). Reasons: Not all applications require an AHRS and you can save yourself a lot of money if you don't need one (That makes Odyssey and especially Enigma real cheap). On the other hand, it also gives you choices. How good an AHRS do you need ? Occasional dip through the clouds OK ? You can use a low cost one. Want serious IMC flying ? You need to spend a little more. Want to fly aerobatics at high rates of rotation using the AHRS to fly precision manouvers ? You need our aerobatics AHRS.
You see, everywhere you look in Odyssey, it's about flexibility. You build aircraft because you want to do that. You most likely LOVE doing that. Why stop at the EFIS ? Those screens you see on Odyssey are not cast in stone, they are completely user designable using an easy screen designer tool. You can start with a blank screen (you have nine of them) and go mad.
This is experimental aviation at its best.
Rainier
CEO MGL Avionics
