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Garmin G900X

Sure did!

I looked at it at Oshkosh in 2006. It took all of about 2 seconds once Garmin posted their price for this at $60,000 for me to decide on whether it was going to be something for me. Man, it looks great and I am sure performs great too. But I could build a second RV for that price.
 
You might look at the Garmin G600. It is only about $30,000, still pricey. That is assuming that you install it yourself and that you are not including weather, which requires another $5,000 for the GDL69 or GDL69A.

I'm holding out hope for the Garmin G300, which is the Garmin that is going into the Cessna 162 SkyCatcher. Right now, Garmin is not marketing this to the general public; only to Cessna. But, if it is priced right, I can't imagine that Garmin would miss a chance to really shake up the 2 and 4-place market (1970's aircraft and homebuilts) by making this available. Unless, of course, that there is some proprietary contract with Cessna.

I don't know much about the G300 (does it couple to an A/P, does it handle approaches, which radio/transponder compontents does it interface with, etc.).

If anybody else has any further knowledge, would love to know.
 
Garmin announced the G600 at OSH 2006. Now in the fall of '07 it is still not shipping. When it finally arrives, it may be too little, too late. With the introduction of the Aspen Avionics EFD 1000 Pro for $10,000, only a few will opt for the equivalent G600 at 3X the price.
 
I looked at the Aspen Avionics product at OSH. It was awesome. Crystal clear, beautiful displays, unlike anything I've seen for that price before. Love to hear about anyone who has any actual experience flying with them. They're small, light and not outrageously expensive.
 
Remember, the G600 and G900 are quite a bit different, so a direct comparison is difficult. The G900 is a fully integrated panel in a box; flight and engine data, Nav, com, transponder, audio panel, etc while the G600 is a more basic flight/engine data display. In any event, they are both way out of my budget. I would guess that the G300 is a more basic VFR box, since it was designed for the 162.
 
w1curtis said:
Garmin announced the G600 at OSH 2006. Now in the fall of '07 it is still not shipping. When it finally arrives, it may be too little, too late. With the introduction of the Aspen Avionics EFD 1000 Pro for $10,000, only a few will opt for the equivalent G600 at 3X the price.
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One of the really good things about the Aspen product is that you keep your existing instruments as backup. The Aspen goes where the AH and DG were located. The AH goes to where the TC was, and the DG .... well, show it off on your coffee table or something. Your existing AS, ALT and VS stay in the same location and you have the AH as backup (instead of the TC). Sounds like a winner to me for aircraft with the traditional 6-pack instruments that want an affordable glass retrofit, particularly certifier aircraft.

TODR
 
It took all of about 2 seconds once Garmin posted their price for this at $60,000 for me to decide on whether it was going to be something for me.

I totally agree. Buying somthing like that makes the plane look nice and makes you look like an idiot. You know your getting ripped off, so why give them your business? JM2C. Kinda like paying $220,000 for a 172!!! Where does the madness end? Sheesh
 
I will just point out that the G900 includes two navcoms, transponder, two screens, engine monitor and probes, GPS, and is tso'd. The comms have tremendous output.

When people add it all up for a comparable all glass pannel with multiple navcoms and so forth as well as two screens...you are easily into 40 or 50 grand territory. In this range the Garmin System is competitively priced.

It won't be for everyone, my panel is dirt cheap because, well I am too, and my flying doesn't warrant more.

But when you watch experienced ATP pilots play with the different systems, it becomes clear that the G900 has advanced FMS capabilities and integration that those kind of pilots appreciate.

When I started building....the idea of a $20,000 panel or more was considered crazy, but now, people are putting alot more into the plane.

To each their own.
 
Jconard said:
When people add it all up for a comparable all glass panel with multiple navcoms and so forth as well as two screens...you are easily into 40 or 50 grand territory. In this range the Garmin System is competitively priced.
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Actually J, I think you're overestimating. My entire two-screen GRT, engine monitor, GNS 430, second comm, xponder, backup instruments and autopilot panel came in right at $24,000 three years ago - and none of the prices have really gone up since then. I suggest that people do the math for real, with real catalog process and numbers to make good comparisons. I could never see paying what Garmin wants for one of those systems in an airplane that costs what an RV costs.....but that's just me!

Paul

(At the time, I also priced a steam gauge panel with a quality HSI, and it came out virtually them same!)
 
Paul,

No offense but I meant a system like a chelton which is similar is quality and functionality. Not really in the same ballpark as Grand Rapids. Garmin hits these boxes with lightning, freezes them, bakes them, etc..

Also you would need two 430w's to match the instruments and you would need the 28 volt version to match the output.

Factor in all the trimings like trim indicators, etcc...because that is all built in too.

I am not sure how you make up the difference in screens, both in terms of content, as well as size/quality...not even close. But this does not take into account all the "soft" functionality benefits, like auto reversion with the screens, intuitive and straightforward flight management, etc...

Now, is it likely that the GR stuff meets your personal flying requirements ? Absolutely, and if I were to buy a spendy panel...it would be closer to yours, and likely even less filled out. But, to get comparable systems there will not be that much a price difference.

Just saying that for people who are looking for all that integrated functionality, the G900 is a good package. It is also way too rich for my blood.
 
Good points J....and looked at that way, I agree with you - if you want to match feature for feature....

But if course, if you want to match features that people actually need and use, an awful lot of the high end systems are like a fancy word processor - I type a lot, every day, and only use about 5% of the features that Word has in it - I simply have no need for most of the bells and whistles.

So I understand what you're saying and agree - to match features, you'd have to spend a lot - but most of those features will never be used in real-world flying - I guess there are people with enough money to buy the stuff simply because they can, but I want the average person to know that you can build a glass-panel airplane with features that you will actually use for a less astronomical figure...

Paul
 
Here's a tip on buying Garmin Cheap!

Yes, Garmin is expensive, but if someone gave you the equipment, you would take it right? Two months ago, I decided to take the $15k I was going to spend with garmin and buy their common stock at $85, yesterday it closed at $113. They announce earnings Oct 31 for 3rd qtr. It looks pretty good, I think stock may rally on that news. At least I hope it does. Better than buying the equipment and letting it set on the shelf for six months. Just hope it all works out.
 
Just FYI on my earlier comment ...

The "experimental" in which the Garmin was installed cost a LOT more than an RV and so the panel costs probably were in the same line as being discussed.

James
 
Yeah,

how you fly is what it is all about...my 7 will end up being about like my Citabria in terms of panel. I am a budget builder, and a vfr sport flying guy, so AS, ALT, ADI Pilot I, Comm, TXPDR, G196, and a grand rapids EIS is all I have.

I originally wanted a chelton system, but family priorities, and an honest assessment of my near future flying took me this route. I also have made a bet with someone on weight...so I get to justify my new priorities.
 
Why not?

It seems that most build these airplanes and hold on to them. If it is your baby and you like what the 900x gives, why not do it? Just because it expensive doesn't mean that people shouldn't consider it. You've invested time, sweat, and $, so if you can afford it and like what the system gives you then.....GO FOR IT!
 
Welcome to VAF!

Dilson------welcome to VAF:D

There is a forum for glass cockpit--------which is where this thread should have been all along, and has now been moved.
 
[email protected] said:
Hi
Is there any forum specific for G900x, installation?
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There are a few builders installing G900X, but, like me, I think they tend to have a shop do the panel. However, the installation manual is online (it's a big PDF) and we can answer specific questions, I'm sure.
 
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