[dpcsar]

I am looking for options for a VFR GPS track setup. I would like to have a two-axis autopilot that I can have follow a GPS track. I currently user Garmin Pilot for planning and inflight GPS information.

I have not decided if I want to go IFR. It would be nice if that was an option in the future. As a side question... Is a certified navigator like a Garmin GPS 175 required for IFR? It seems like a lot of the EIFS systems can do all the functionality.

 

[mfleming]

I am looking for options for a VFR GPS track setup. I would like to have a two-axis autopilot that I can have follow a GPS track. I currently user Garmin Pilot for planning and inflight GPS information.

I have not decided if I want to go IFR. It would be nice if that was an option in the future. As a side question... Is a certified navigator like a Garmin GPS 175 required for IFR? It seems like a lot of the EIFS systems can do all the functionality.

So for VFR flying, all the EFISs I'm aware of have a GPS built in and can follow a route input manually or through an app like Garmin Pilot. For IFR flying, you are correct, a certified WAAS GPS navigator such as the 175 are needed and they share the information with the EFIS

 

[uk_figs]

What systems do you have right now? As Michael noted if you have an EFIS that can display a GPS route it probably has a RS232 output capability that can interface with a Trio or Bendix xCruze autopilot to give you GPSNav (lateral navigation) functionality. You can add a GPS navigator later like the 175.
Figs

 

[dpcsar]

What systems do you have right now? As Michael noted if you have an EFIS that can display a GPS route it probably has a RS232 output capability that can interface with a Trio or Bendix xCruze autopilot to give you GPSNav (lateral navigation) functionality. You can add a GPS navigator later like the 175.
Figs

I currently don't have an EFIS. I am running an AV-30. Plane has a Navaid AP-1 (wing leveler). It used to be connected to a Garmin 696, which I removed because Garmin pilot did everything easier and better.

I am thinking about going to an EFIS as a starting point. Then add as needed/wanted.

It would be great if there was a way to connect Garmin Pilot on a tablet to an AP. Seems like a 600/760 is the only thing that is close to that type of setup.

 

[RV6_flyer]

As a side question... Is a certified navigator like a Garmin GPS 175 required for IFR? It seems like a lot of the EIFS systems can do all the functionality.

YES a certificated navigator and database is required for legal IFR.

 

[uk_figs]

I currently don't have an EFIS. I am running an AV-30. Plane has a Navaid AP-1 (wing leveler). It used to be connected to a Garmin 696, which I removed because Garmin pilot did everything easier and better.

I am thinking about going to an EFIS as a starting point. Then add as needed/wanted.

It would be great if there was a way to connect Garmin Pilot on a tablet to an AP. Seems like a 600/760 is the only thing that is close to that type of setup.

The AV-30 will drive the xCruze or the Trio autopilots in heading mode and has altitude select and vertical speed select capability, you would need to add the magnetometer as the DG drift without it is not really useful. You can also add a portable like the 760 for the GPSNav functionality and you can also add the AV-HSI module to get HSI/CDI functionality with a GPS navigator if you add one later.

I have a Aera 760 connected to a TruTrak (xCruze) via RS232 and it works well for GPSNav capability, it has a similar look and feel to Garmin Pilot and can probably bluetooth to Garmin pilot for flight plan transfer etc. If you were to add the 175 later the 760 works well as a larger screen showing geo referenced approach plates etc.
Here are a couple of pictures of my somewhat Frankenstein panel showing the AV-30 and the Aera 760 tied into my legacy Dynon EFIS and the GNX375 GPS navigator. All added bit by bit.
Figs

 

[dpcsar]

The AV-30 will drive the xCruze or the Trio autopilots in heading mode and has altitude select and vertical speed select capability, you would need to add the magnetometer as the DG drift without it is not really useful. You can also add a portable like the 760 for the GPSNav functionality and you can also add the AV-HSI module to get HSI/CDI functionality with a GPS navigator if you add one later.

I have a Aera 760 connected to a TruTrak (xCruze) via RS232 and it works well for GPSNav capability, it has a similar look and feel to Garmin Pilot and can probably bluetooth to Garmin pilot for flight plan transfer etc. If you were to add the 175 later the 760 works well as a larger screen showing geo referenced approach plates etc.
Here are a couple of pictures of my somewhat Frankenstein panel showing the AV-30 and the Aera 760 tied into my legacy Dynon EFIS and the GNX375 GPS navigator. All added bit by bit.
Figs
View attachment 70553View attachment 70554

I have read the AV-30 will drive some autopilots. The 760 is not a bad way to go and it can connect to Garmin Pilot. I had a 660 in a different plane (no AP) and it worked well. The 660/760 are like having Garmin Pilot with the RS232 connections to the AP or avionics.

 

[Longez]

The 760 is not a bad way to go and it can connect to Garmin Pilot. I had a 660 in a different plane (no AP) and it worked well. The 660/760 are like having Garmin Pilot with the RS232 connections to the AP or avionics.

Yes, I use an Aera 760 as well. Very nice unit.

Here is one approach to a VFR system that is easily expandable to interface to an IFR navigator should you wish to go that route in the future.



Steve

 

[rcsilvmac]

Here is what I use in my RV-6:

SuperEco Autopilot driven by a Garmin Aera 660. I also use an AV-30 (I now have two of them in my panel) for PFD.

 

[dpcsar]

SuperEco Autopilot driven by a Garmin Aera 660. I also use an AV-30 (I now have two of them in my panel) for PFD.

Interesting solution.

 

[GalinHdz]

FWIW, I have had a TRIO autopilot and my DYNON Skyview connected to a GARMIN AERA 510 and a GARMIN 430W since 2013. I can select which GPS source drives them via a two position switch. The RS232 connections are simple and since the AERA is cross fed from the G430W, I have built in redundancy. I did this because I already had the AERA and the G430W so I figured why not. The setup works amazingly well and I just connected it to my new GARMIN G5. You can see the switch in the attached image.

 

[dpcsar]

FWIW, I have had a TRIO autopilot, my DYNON Skyview and GARMIN G5 connected to a GARMIN AERA 510 and a GARMIN 430W since 2013. I can select which GPS source drives them via a two position switch. The RS232 connections are simple and since the AERA is cross fed from the G430W, I have built in redundancy. I did this because I already had the AERA and the G430W so I figured why not. The setup works amazingly well and it now also drives my GARMIN G5. You can see the switch in the attached image.

View attachment 70687

Nice setup. How do you like the Garmin interfacing with the Dynon? I have been trying to decide if I want Dynon or Garmin for the glass. I am thinking the new Dynon 12" would be really nice. So, I have been thinking of a single Dynon 12" with the AV-30 I have as a backup and a Garmin GPS 175. The Dynon with DAS-B. I would like to have ADS-B on Garmin pilot and have been trying to figure out if I supply the GPS 175 with ADS-B, if it will supply Garmin Pilot with ADS-B also. It seems like it might as Garmin connext is supposed to share data.

 

[PhatRV]

I have a Dynon system, with the Dynon autopilot setup. I fly VFR and don't plan to fly IFR in my RV8. I upload the flight plan from my iPad Foreflight app and it integrates very nice with Dynon wifi. I can also modify the flight plan while I am flying. If you want simplicity, use the autopilot provided by the same company that powers your main avionics. If you fly Dynon, then use Dynon. It has ADSB and with the exception of the GPS IFR . The same with Garmin, if you use the Garmin EFIS, then use the Garmin autopilot.

 

[uk_figs]

Nice setup. How do you like the Garmin interfacing with the Dynon? I have been trying to decide if I want Dynon or Garmin for the glass. I am thinking the new Dynon 12" would be really nice. So, I have been thinking of a single Dynon 12" with the AV-30 I have as a backup and a Garmin GPS 175. The Dynon with DAS-B. I would like to have ADS-B on Garmin pilot and have been trying to figure out if I supply the GPS 175 with ADS-B, if it will supply Garmin Pilot with ADS-B also. It seems like it might as Garmin connext is supposed to share data.

The 175 does not do ADSB just GPS navigation, you would need the GNX375 which adds that functionality to the GPS navigator or a separate system. The GNX375 will communicate with Garmin pilot.
Figs

 

[GalinHdz]

Nice setup. How do you like the Garmin interfacing with the Dynon? I have been trying to decide if I want Dynon or Garmin for the glass. I am thinking the new Dynon 12" would be really nice. So, I have been thinking of a single Dynon 12" with the AV-30 I have as a backup and a Garmin GPS 175. The Dynon with DAS-B. I would like to have ADS-B on Garmin pilot and have been trying to figure out if I supply the GPS 175 with ADS-B, if it will supply Garmin Pilot with ADS-B also. It seems like it might as Garmin connext is supposed to share data.

I like it very much. I connected the DYNON and G430W via ARINC-429 in addition to the RS232 for additional functionality on the DYNON display. I have ADS-B out via the DYNON transponder fed by the G430W. With the DYNON WiFi module I display the DYNON data on my tablet(s) making them additional moving map and approach plate screens. You can see my SAMSUNG tablet in the image off to the right. I use FltPlanGo (FREE) for maps and geo-referenced approach plates so I have the airplane icon right on the approach plate in reference to the approach course. It works great and I am glad I went with the DYNON setup.

 

[Dugaru]

If you want simplicity, use the autopilot provided by the same company that powers your main avionics.

Good advice. This is something I failed to appreciate sufficiently when starting my own autopilot journey.

 

[dpcsar]

The 175 does not do ADSB just GPS navigation, you would need the GNX375 which adds that functionality to the GPS navigator or a separate system. The GNX375 will communicate with Garmin pilot.
Figs

You are correct, GPS 175 does not have ADSB. However, from the manual you can supply it ADSB from something. I didn't find what it supports and think it only supports Garmin ADSB through there connext protocol. So, I don't think I can use my echoUAT to supply it. I am trying to figure out what it will support. According to Garmin Pilot, it will get ADSB from the GPS 175.

 

[dpcsar]

I like it very much. I connected the DYNON and G430W via ARINC-429 in addition to the RS232 for additional functionality on the DYNON display. I have ADS-B out via the DYNON transponder fed by the G430W. With the DYNON WiFi module I display the DYNON data on my tablet(s) making them additional moving map and approach plate screens. You can see my SAMSUNG tablet in the image off to the right. I use FltPlanGo (FREE) for maps and geo-referenced approach plates so I have the airplane icon right on the approach plate in reference to the approach course. It works great and I am glad I went with the DYNON setup.

That sounds like a really good setup. Does Dynon have "safe taxi", georeferenced airport diagrams?

 

[GalinHdz]

That sounds like a really good setup. Does Dynon have "safe taxi", georeferenced airport diagrams?

Yes if you have a Seattle Avionics subscription then they display on your screen. If you have the WiFi dongle you can use something like FltPlanGo (Free) for georeferenced airport diagrams, charts and approach plates. The WiFi dongle with FltPlanGo is what I have and use.

 

[ERJDriver]

Nice setup. How do you like the Garmin interfacing with the Dynon? I have been trying to decide if I want Dynon or Garmin for the glass. I am thinking the new Dynon 12" would be really nice. So, I have been thinking of a single Dynon 12" with the AV-30 I have as a backup and a Garmin GPS 175. The Dynon with DAS-B. I would like to have ADS-B on Garmin pilot and have been trying to figure out if I supply the GPS 175 with ADS-B, if it will supply Garmin Pilot with ADS-B also. It seems like it might as Garmin connext is supposed to share data.

Exact what I have other than it's a 10 inch

 

[BobTurner]

. If you want simplicity, use the autopilot provided by the same company that powers your main avionics. If you fly Dynon, then use Dynon. It has ADSB and with the exception of the GPS IFR . The same with Garmin, if you use the Garmin EFIS, then use the Garmin autopilot.

If you fly vfr only, the above advice will save you some money. But if you fly IFR, back-up redundancy should be considered. If an EFIS dies, then so will the EFIS based autopilot. OTOH, a stand-alone AP (I use a Trio Pro), while nicely integrated into the GRT Hx I use, can continue to fly the plane in the event of an EFIS failure. If my 430W is still working, the Trio will fly a perfect LPV approach with a dead EFIS. Just something to consider.

 

[PhatRV]

If you fly vfr only, the above advice will save you some money. But if you fly IFR, back-up redundancy should be considered. If an EFIS dies, then so will the EFIS based autopilot. OTOH, a stand-alone AP (I use a Trio Pro), while nicely integrated into the GRT Hx I use, can continue to fly the plane in the event of an EFIS failure. If my 430W is still working, the Trio will fly a perfect LPV approach with a dead EFIS. Just something to consider.

That is one option. If I setup mine for IFR, the it will be a dual redundant ADHARS and dual EFIS, dual battery + backup, dual avionics bus, dual alternators, dual comm, etc. This is why I don't and probably won't configure mine for IFR.

As afterthought, it will still be single servo on one axis.

 

[GalinHdz]

Exact what I have other than it's a 10 inch

In hindsight I should have gone with 10" displays instead of the 7" ones. Back then it wasn't an issue but as I get older it's getting harder to see the small print on a 7" display. Oh well.

 

[GalinHdz]

The 175 does not do ADSB just GPS navigation, you would need the GNX375 which adds that functionality to the GPS navigator or a separate system. The GNX375 will communicate with Garmin pilot.
Figs

You can use the DYNON SV-GPS-2020 module with the DYNON SV-XPNDR-261 transponder and be ADS-B compliant. But using an IFR certified GPS as the position source for an ADS-B out transponder gives you much more capabilities and flexibility. I don't know if the G175 has an ADS-B compliant RS232 output like the G430W does.

 

[jrs14855]

These posts are very misleading. A properly certified and current non WAAS 430 or 530 is still legal for IFR but cannot use WAAS approach minimums.

 

[BobTurner]

These posts are very misleading. A properly certified and current non WAAS 430 or 530 is still legal for IFR but cannot use WAAS approach minimums.

Above is correct. As noted, the TSO 129 non-WAAS boxes will not generate a glide slope, and a conventional nav receiver is also required, nor can they generate the position data required for adsb-out, but they are legal. Of course ifr with just VORs is still legal, too, if that’s suitable for the route and wx.

 

[Capt]

I currently don't have an EFIS. I am running an AV-30. Plane has a Navaid AP-1 (wing leveler). It used to be connected to a Garmin 696, which I removed because Garmin pilot did everything easier and better.

I am thinking about going to an EFIS as a starting point. Then add as needed/wanted.

It would be great if there was a way to connect Garmin Pilot on a tablet to an AP. Seems like a 600/760 is the only thing that is close to that type of setup.

I had the same, an old Navaid A/P (which are awful) and a basic VFR panel. I stripped it all out but wanted to keep my RV4 still basic VFR with a modern touch. Get hold of the Trio Easy A/P (or newer Pro) as it’s a direct replacement for the old Navaid A/P and you can still keep/use the roll servo. I added a pitch Trio gold servo and all linked to an AVMAP EFIS (I used two) You don’t need a dedicated GPS receiver as the Avmap has a DCT function the Trio A/P will follow, all works a treat

 

[jackking123]

You are so free to decide what you want. So you want AP in experimental aircraft? What brand, Garmin, Dynon, GRT Grand Rapids Technology, Trio, the market is full.

As mentioned AP works with many EFIS in the market.

Yu can use an aviation panel VFR GPS. IFR you need a panel mounted TSO'ed GPS with data base.

Typically handheld GPS output data format is not compatible to drive autopilot, but it can be done with converters.

 

[uk_figs]

Typically handheld GPS output data format is not compatible to drive autopilot, but it can be done with converters.

This is a bit broad, all of the garmin aviation GPS handhelds (496, 796, 660, 760 etc.) and I believe some others will drive most current autopilots in GPSNav mode with RS232 and NMEA out.

 

[dpcsar]

You are so free to decide what you want. So you want AP in experimental aircraft? What brand, Garmin, Dynon, GRT Grand Rapids Technology, Trio, the market is full.

As mentioned AP works with many EFIS in the market.

Yu can use an aviation panel VFR GPS. IFR you need a panel mounted TSO'ed GPS with data base.

Typically handheld GPS output data format is not compatible to drive autopilot, but it can be done with converters.

I am leaning towards a Garmin for the EFIS. Don't really want a handheld GPS driving an AP for VFR. Yes, it is a good solution, but I would like less clutter.

 

[skirting_virga]

The 175 does not do ADSB just GPS navigation, you would need the GNX375 which adds that functionality to the GPS navigator or a separate system. The GNX375 will communicate with Garmin pilot.
Figs

Can something like the GNX 375 or GTN 650 connect with something like a GTX 330 so that there are physical buttons to punch in the squawk code?

 

[ERJDriver]

Can something like the GNX 375 or GTN 650 connect with something like a GTX 330 so that there are physical buttons to punch in the squawk code?

For as little as you type a code in, I'd rather have a remote mount that integrated with the PFD. BUT yes you can, 330ES with a WAAS gps, whether it be a 175/355/ 430/530/650 OR the PFD gps if it has waas out capability.

I never even use my 175,I just put the flight plan in my dynon and use it's gps. Only reason I put the 175 in was to be IFR compliant if I need to file