From the GRT site, posted yesterday or today:
(Source
http://grtavionics.com/news.aspx?id=42)
10.4" HXr and Android Tablet Launch at Sun 'n Fun
Sun ?n Fun 2012 has started off with a bang with the introduction of our new 10.4? HXr, integration with Android Tablet computers and cell phones, and the primary flight display of 3D navigation data recently released for the HX and in beta test for the Sport.
The 10.4? HXr, with ?r? representing ?remote? radio capability has been introduced with a remarkably low introductory price of less than $7000. This temporary pricing is targeted to put the 10.4? HXr in direct competition with the Dynon Skyview, but with significantly greater performance. Noteably, the HXr provides 8 serial ports, a higher-resolution screen (1024x768), full autopilot functionality and coupling, dedicated buttons and knob for ease of radio tuning, and Android tablet integration as a start.
The Android tablet computer integration has also had a very excited reception from Sun n? Fun attendees. Those familiar with these tablet computers are aware of their amazing processing performance, multimedia capability, touch screens, and high-brightness, high-resolution screens. These are highly engineered devices, and when coupled with any of our HX or Sport EFIS systems, provide additional display capability and a touch screen interface that is well suited to certain tasks, such as graphical editing of a flight plan, radio tuning, and full alpha-numeric entry of flight plans, and at an amazingly low cost.
The new 3D navigation data provided on the PFD screen has been a bit overwhelmed by the 10.4 HXr, and the Android integration, but it caught many customers by surprise when they noted the tethered balloon marking the waypoints, lead-in lights to the runway, and course ribbons on the primary flight display. Several customers noted the same thing that we did when used in flight?that references to the moving map, and traditional desired track and cross-track deviation indicators, are greatly reduced by the natural means of navigation this feature provides.
Top 10 Sun ?n Fun Questions:
1. Q. What is new?
Ans. See above.
2. Q. How is the 10.4? HXr different from the 6.5? and 8.4? HX, other than screen size?
Ans. The greater number of buttons and knobs was carefully utilized to allow a simple means of accommodating remote radios, transponder, and intercoms. Menu operation has been revised to take advantage of the greater number of buttons. In addition, the larger screen allows for two inset displays of engine and navigation data. The larger size also allows for simultaneous display of approach plates and a moving map.
3. Q. Why was the Android tablet computer integration included with the HXr?
Ans. Initially we were attracted to it for the touch screen. Certain data input is ideally suited to this, including flight plan editing, and radio tuning via menu selections, but immediately we saw how we could use the tablet to provide additional display functions. It is perfect for adding instrumentation to the rear seat in tandem seating airplanes, and for adding additional glass to the panel at highly attractive pricing. It also allows you to take part of your panel home with you so that you can flight plan at home, review past engine data, etc.
4. Q. Can I use the Android tablet with other GRT EFIS systems?
Ans. Yes. The Android tablet can be used with any HX or Sport model. It will use a commercially available wifi or blue tooth adapter for two way communication with the EFIS display unit.
5. Q. There is something different about your EFIS compared with the Dynon, but I can?t exactly put my finger on it. Can you explain?
Ans. The design of our EFIS incorporates certain accepted practices in aviation that are well known and appreciated by our engineers, and which are fundamental to achieving the performance we expect for our equipment. Airline and professional pilots notice that our screens display data in ways that are familiar to them. Our design avoided the introduction of single point failures, such as a single data bus for connection of redundant sources of data. Our AHRS is not dependent on pitot/static data. We avoided the use of a joystick, as these are impractical in turbulence. In short, you are sensing that we design to a performance level, and not to a price point.
6. Q. I thought GRT products were much more expensive than Dynon.
Ans. Our Sport EFIS line has always been price competitive with Dynon, and has always provided more functionality and greater quality. The introductory pricing for the 10.4? HXr is the first time we have priced the HX at Dynon price levels. While it is only an introductory price, we did this because our 10.4? HXr is our only 10.4? EFIS at this time.
7. Q. What do I do about an autopilot?
Ans. The vast majority of our customers are using our servos, and EFIS autopilot function. We still integrate with stand alone autopilots, such as Trutrak. Those who desire the additional attitude source the stand-alone autopilot represents almost always choose to go with our servos and a second AHRS instead, as the attitude data from the autopilot can not be read, cross-checked, or displayed by the EFIS as you can do with the second AHRS.
8. Q. So your autopilot is like the Dynon autopilot?
Ans. Not at all. The Dynon autopilot function is very limited, and Dynon has been very slow to develop its functionality and performance. See the autopilot comparison chart on the autopilot page of our website for all the details. Basically you can expect the GRT autopilot to fly you from just after takeoff until just before touchdown, climb, descend, couple to any nav source and include automatic capture of the approach. Dynon is basically an altitude hold and GPS only tracking autopilot with heading select, and with limited performance.
9.Q. When will the HXr be available?
Ans. Limited quantities will be available in 3 weeks. Production quantities by Mid June.
10. Q. How much will your remote communication radio cost? Remote intercom system?
Ans. Our remote communication radio is $1000 and is made by PS engineering, as is our remote intercom. Pricing the intercom is not firm yet, but will be similar to a panel mount audio panel. As always, we are also compatible with the SL-40 and SL-30 also.
