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RV-6 Avionics Upgrade Pt. 2 Need Help!

Conner D RV

I'm New Here
Hey all! Created a new thread to update the inital post. Need a little help knowing what else I need (view bottom of thread)
Here is a Picture of my current Pannel
IMG_4930.jpg
I decided to upgrade my panel using: Dual G5's, Garmin 175, and auto pilot.
Here is a list of everything I have
Garmin G5: 2
GMU 11: 1
Garmin 175: 1
GAD 29: 1
GMC 507: 1
Servos: 2
Here is a picture of the wiring diagram
1740101703991.png
I know I need MIL-W-22759/16 (or other approved wire) AWG #22 or larger wire for all non-shielded connectionsunless otherwise specified. Use MIL-C-27500 (or other approved wire) AWG #22 or larger wire for allshielded connections unless otherwise specified. and also RG400 or RG142 coaxial cable with 50 Ω nominal impedance and meeting applicable aviation regulationsshould be used when installing an optional external GPS antenna.

The insatlation manuals tell me what parts and materials I need, but I can't find what type wire are needed for what connection and how much of each different material (wire, resistors, clamps, grounds, ect.) to buy. ex: how much shielded wire is enough? 10ft? 20ft?

Any help is greatly appriciated and I'm sure will help future builders!
 
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More than you think...
Also consider an OAT probe (Davtron rather than expensive GTP59) as that will give you winds aloft.
One problem in a 6 is getting any wire through the spar, consider the GMU 11 at the base of the fin with the can bus going to both servos and then the panel.
Once the physical layout is sorted measure the distance and add 5 or 10 ft. For regular hook up wire buy a 300ft roll of series 55 wire, 22 gauge, from one of the usual suppliers or Stein. Also get a good wire stripper and crimp tools.
The most useful thing you could do is find someone locally to show you the basics.
A GDU 460, with GSU 25 and back up G5, is not a bad idea. A GEA24 can be added later for engine info.

BTW the roll servo is installed under the right seat and the pitch servo behind the baggage bulkhead, use the Garmin install kits, no point in re-inventing everything.
 
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All of the CAN wires and ARNIC wires are shielded. You get lucky and only need the /2 (e.g. 2 wire) shielded. I have lots of leftover wires from buying too much but I'd likely start at 100ft, expect to run out and be pleasantly surprised if I don't. All the corners add more length than you think it will, and not having enough tempts you to do silly routing decisions.

Garmin draws separate circuit breakers for each of the devices and we try to follow their advice. If you do put them all on one, you will need to check the math since I suspect you are pulling more power than you should through a 22awg wire in your drawing.
 
Below a shot of my actual panel (overflying Lake Geneva, on the good 'ol continent), which in part reflects the OP's thoughts. I'm very happy with this config, and would make the same choices as of today.

  • 2x G5 (a mini replica of what I had when flying the bus. Clear indications, vectors, etc, etc, but not overloaded. "Cheap". Easy to wire up)
  • GNX375 (Xpdr, ADSB in/out, LPV capable, etc)
  • GTR225A (I'd take the one with VOR/ILS today, was not available in 8.33Khz at the time of purchase)
  • G3X used as MFD, primary function as engine monitor
  • AV-20S as last chance back-up to the Garmin stuff (can't understand people trusting their lives to one same brand, such as using a G5 to back-up a G3X system)
  • Interfaces: GAD29, GAD13, GA35, GMU11 (wires installed in a conduit hidden under the cockpit rails. Installed in the recommended location on the HS), GEA24
  • Antennas GA35, GA26X, Comant CL-122, Comant CI-105
  • OAT probe Davtron C307PS
Screenshot 2025-02-21 at 17.26.31.png
 
Sell the two G5s, maybe a kidney and get the g3x (460).
I went with just one G5 and two G3X, one 10" and one 7".
I decided to upgrade my panel using: Dual G5's, Garmin 175, and auto pilot.
Here is a list of everything I have
Garmin G5: 2
GMU 11: 1
Garmin 175: 1
GAD 29: 1
GMC 507: 1
Servos: 2
I initially planned something similar, and was going to reuse an existing transponder. After the GPS175 arrived, I decided I'd be better off w/ a GNX375. I'm really happy I made that change.
how much shielded wire is enough? 10ft? 20ft?

Any help is greatly appriciated and I'm sure will help future builders!
You'll need way more than 20 feet. More like 50' minimum.
I went w/ knock-off RG400 from Amazon. No issues so far.

More than you think...
Also consider an OAT probe (Davtron rather than expensive GTP59) as that will give you winds aloft.
Also get a good wire stripper and crimp tools.
The most useful thing you could do is find someone locally to show you the basics.
A GDU 460, with GSU 25 and back up G5, is not a bad idea. A GEA24 can be added later for engine info.
I agree with everything above.
BTW the roll servo is installed under the right seat and the pitch servo behind the baggage bulkhead, use the Garmin install kits, no point in re-inventing everything.
I tried to put the roll servo under the right seat with the Garmin kit and thought it was a terrible set-up. Way too cramped and the 3D motion of the pushrod connection to the stick was flexing the servo arm. It looked very sketchy to me. My servo is mounted near the wingtip.
 
The poster is trying to go economy which i get. But the g3x is light years ahead of 2 g5. Spend the extra money there.
 
Hey all! Created a new thread to update the inital post. Need a little help knowing what else I need (view bottom of thread)
Here is a Picture of my current Pannel
View attachment 81331
I decided to upgrade my panel using: Dual G5's, Garmin 175, and auto pilot.
Here is a list of everything I have
Garmin G5: 2
GMU 11: 1
Garmin 175: 1
GAD 29: 1
GMC 507: 1
Servos: 2
Here is a picture of the wiring diagram
View attachment 81332
I know I need MIL-W-22759/16 (or other approved wire) AWG #22 or larger wire for all non-shielded connectionsunless otherwise specified. Use MIL-C-27500 (or other approved wire) AWG #22 or larger wire for allshielded connections unless otherwise specified. and also RG400 or RG142 coaxial cable with 50 Ω nominal impedance and meeting applicable aviation regulationsshould be used when installing an optional external GPS antenna.

The insatlation manuals tell me what parts and materials I need, but I can't find what type wire are needed for what connection and how much of each different material (wire, resistors, clamps, grounds, ect.) to buy. ex: how much shielded wire is enough? 10ft? 20ft?

Any help is greatly appriciated and I'm sure will help future builders!
Hi, I’m looking down this exact same “ rabbit hole” myself at the moment. My question is why you are going for x2 G5’s instead of a G3X ? The cost wouldn’t be much difference.
 
Worth noting is that Dan57 flew that plane across the pond to the Canada and the U.S., flew up to Alaska, I think, and Oshkosh. So that sort of panel has plenty of capability.

Dave
 
Hi, I’m looking down this exact same “ rabbit hole” myself at the moment. My question is why you are going for x2 G5’s instead of a G3X ? The cost wouldn’t be much difference.
Every penny counts for our project, plus install time because we’re trying to get our ratings while doing this. We already have all the engine monitoring and radios we need - if we got a g3x we would need more stuff and replace half of the wiring probes (we were going to do a skyview)
Our project so far is just under 10k and don’t have much more to spend.
 
I think if you did an apples/apples comparison, it would reveal Garmin and Dynon are very close on price.
Not sure what GRT is offering these days.
I'll have to see it to believe that statement, going grt a few years ago when I did my panel saved me thousands
 
I'll have to see it to believe that statement, going grt a few years ago when I did my panel saved me thousands

Without this degrading into a Mfg vs Mfg discussion, I spent more than a few hours on the Advanced and Garmin sites, comparing apples to apples, and found the total cost of equivalently configured panels is nearly the same, less than 3% as a percentage of the total avionics quote. I was surprised (pleasantly) because I was led to believe going with Garmin would be dramatically more money. I have a feeling that Advanced/Dynon realized they were leaving money on the table for their systems and fixed that - i.e., revised them to meet market value. Remember pricing really has little to do with manufacturers’ cost, and is more often about perceived customer market value.

The key is comparing equivalently capable equipment. You can always save money by opting out of some capabilities.
 
I'll have to see it to believe that statement, going grt a few years ago when I did my panel saved me thousands
Same here, but a few years later, I noticed grt had raised prices almost to the level of the other two. Not sure it hasn’t changed back though.
 
Without this degrading into a Mfg vs Mfg discussion, I spent more than a few hours on the Advanced and Garmin sites, comparing apples to apples, and found the total cost of equivalently configured panels is nearly the same, less than 3% as a percentage of the total avionics quote. I was surprised (pleasantly) because I was led to believe going with Garmin would be dramatically more money. I have a feeling that Advanced/Dynon realized they were leaving money on the table for their systems and fixed that - i.e., revised them to meet market value. Remember pricing really has little to do with manufacturers’ cost, and is more often about perceived customer market value.

The key is comparing equivalently capable equipment. You can always save money by opting out of some capabilities.
Garmiin came in late and chose to match dynons price at mkt entry and have continued to do so ever since. I suspect they intended to raise them later but never did. I think garmin learned they would lose significant mkt share if they pulled away from dynon on price.
 
Took a bit, but we are finally in testing phase!
Update: wiring is not hard just takes a while to figure out/ get rid of useless stuff.
 

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