dynonsupport said:
We can't just support any random LCD screen since we don't run Windows, DOS, or Linux like some of our competitors do. Our hardware is specifically designed for our LCD and talks to it digitally without a video card. It's an interesting idea, but we're going to stay far, far away from PC's because of stability issues.
That explains a lot. Stability == every x hundred line of code will have at least one bug. Having less code is very likely be more stable. And Windows as starting point will not lead very good results on stability. Here in Finland we can't fly IRF with experimentals so losing EFIS is not a such big deal as we usually have also some steam backup and paper map. I'm not saying I would like to see blue screen or something, but... (Once I did wanted to draw some cash from the wall but there was blue screen with some .dll-loading errors... who wants to give any cards for machines like that anyway.)
I've never flown with EFIS so honestly can't say that it should be size x. However all the pictures and measurements (paper models) I've made I would say that having navigation and engine instruments in 7" screen is not fun. Of course getting two displays is an option, but like having two small cars when you would need one big.
As for touch screens, they are generally a bad idea in airplanes. They're hard to hit in turbulence because you're just trying to touch a flat surface, not something with any texture.
It's nice to see that you do not directly deny anything but will show the pros and cons for everything. Of course touch screen in plane should have "big" buttons for a start and UI has to be bit different anyway for best usability. However as you are running with microprocessors, supporting touch screen would be big step with no true advantages - more like nice-to-have option.
As you are now reading I might throw a few more questions. As choosing avionics is not the current state of my project, I'm just looking some basic information and don't read whole website through until it's really time to make the choise. Therefore these can be answered somewhere with small print, but yet I haven't found them from you site.
a) You have Li-Ion batteries for a backup. Which brand of batteries are you selling (as we all know the problems that Sony had a while ago)?
b) I guess Dynon can't drive autopilots?
c) Any plans for moving map or such? As knowing where you are is next important thing after you know how you are.
d) Does your system collect data which could be downloaded for futher analysis for the PC? If so, how much data it can collect and which rate?
As for now we need a bunch of different systems to make complete avionics. If we just could get all-in-one that should become cheaper than buying all different things from different vendors. And in that case I would also willing to pay more than current price of Dynon as well.
And thanks for the previous answer, that was quick and complete!