Wilma
I upgraded the panel in my RV6 with an 8.7" GRT Sport in August, 2009. The Sport and the HX are quite similar in function (see the GRT website for model differences). Since August I have flown behind it for about 45 hours. Overall, I am extremely happy with it.
IMHO - Here are some of the pros and cons of the Sport (most of these also apply to the HX):
Pros:
- Excellent customer support from GRT
- Easy installation and wiring
- Synthetic approach is AMAZING!
- Excellent sunlight visibility
- Optional XM Weather
- Plain text weather (with XM Option) and airport info shown when you display the detail for a selected airport.
- Airspace nicely marked on MAP screens
- Easy programming/setup
- Endless number of features
- Free GPS database updates
- Free firmware updates
- Very well thought out failure modes
Cons:
- I personally do not care for the appearance of the EIS faceplate. This can be improved by purchasing an upgraded EIS faceplate cover.
- MAP screen Direct-to function slightly cumbersome.
- MAP screen a bit slow to update following a range change. (This may not apply to the HX since I am reasonably certain it has a different processor than the Sport)
I have put a few videos of the HX on YouTube - you can go to this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu1Pqa1409Y
...and then look for additional videos from the same user (Ironflight). Might give you an idea of what they can do!
Paul
Paul,
I watched the video dozens of times as I found it incredibly helpful. The video using synthetic vision at Big Bear is a real eye opener as well.
Now I hope I am using this response area correctly so that you receive my note.
Wilma
Paul,
Nice work with the GRT demos -- keep it up!
I am currently flying with the GRT Standard Sport dual screen setup in my Lancair Legacy and I like it a lot.
But......GRT needs to understand that the HSI is not just a nice option to throw up on your screen -- IT IS A MANDATORY FULL TIME ITEM. You'll notice how everybody from Garmin to Rockwell Collins to Dynon understands this and puts it on their primary display full time.
David T.
Lancair Legacy
Glad you foudn them useful Wilma. If you don't get a chance to see a system sooner, we will probably be out at Big Bear the week after Christmas, and there's a 50/50 chance we'll have my plane....or Louise's (with Dynon's).
Paul
The HSI is not just a thing to look at for approaches and needles, it is the primary orientation mechanism when you are flying in the system talking to ATC and managing headings. I suspect that you need to fly regularily in the system talking to ATC to appreciate the importance of the HSI. There is no way in **** any pros would fly for more than 2 minutes without one in front of them.
Im really not being clear here. Let me clarify -- im not really talking about the HSI in particular. I'm talking about the HEADING INDICATOR WITH AUTOPILOT CONTROL BUGS. (Our electronic systems just use an HSI for this.)
I'm saying there are ABSOLUTELY NO SERIOUS EFIS SYSTEMS ON THE MARKET THAT DO NOT HAVE THIS FULL 360 DEGREE CIRCULAR COMPASS BELOW THE ATTITUDE DEPICTION ON THE PRIMARY DISPLAY. THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS -- IT IS NOT JUST A WEIRD COINCIDENCE. IT IS NEEDED FOR IFR FLIGHT -- FULL TIME.
dave t.
I'm saying there are ABSOLUTELY NO SERIOUS EFIS SYSTEMS ON THE MARKET THAT DO NOT HAVE THIS FULL 360 DEGREE CIRCULAR COMPASS BELOW THE ATTITUDE DEPICTION ON THE PRIMARY DISPLAY. THERE IS A REASON FOR THIS -- IT IS NOT JUST A WEIRD COINCIDENCE. IT IS NEEDED FOR IFR FLIGHT -- FULL TIME.
dave t.