Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael T. Klukas on December 8, 2012 at 4:55pm

Hi John,

I have yellow tagged instruments from my last project I just sold to start the Z-750.  I was thinking about putting them in the Z-750 panel along with the Grand Rapids Sport but that might be overkill since I am no longer interested in IFR.  I would part with them for my cost and give you 30 day right to return less Shipping.  If you are interested I will put together information/pictures and cost ( May take me  a few weeks to get to it.)

Regards,

Michael

 

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on December 8, 2012 at 7:18pm

Michael - That post was16 months ago! I finished my 750 last July and already have 85 hrs. on it! I wound up with a MGL Xtreme EFIS instead of round gauges - hard to beat the bang for the buck! Perhaps someone else will see your info and contact you.

Thanks,

John

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Permalink Reply by Michael T. Klukas on December 8, 2012 at 7:42pm

Thanks John. Have fun!

Michael

 

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Permalink Reply by Brad Boon on December 15, 2012 at 8:40pm

I am considering the Xtreme.  How do you like it?  Is the built in GPS capable of getting from point A to B?  Thanks for your reply.  Congrats on you flying plane!

Brad

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on December 15, 2012 at 9:51pm

Brad,

I bought a GRT EIS first because Jab USA recommended it and I got such a great deal on it at AirVenture. I figured since that covered the engine instrumentation, I would go with round gauges for flight instruments since this is a day/VFR airplane - hence my initial ad for gauges! However, my A&P friend was really keen on MGL and got me to look at the Xtreme EFIS. When you totalled up the tally for round gauges (and the panel space involved), the EFIS suddenly was looking very competitive - when you add-in that it has a GPS, also, it was a downright bargain! The EFIS comes with a full database for the GPS - it even includes private grass airstrips like I have! It is a basic navigator - no moving map - but it does have a HSI display available on the EFIS in a split-screen arrangement and you can program routes and waypoints into a flight plan. The GPS is used to provide an artificial horizon that although MGL cautions NOT to use for IFR, I've found the AI to be extremely useable. I've flown a lot of IFR and it will definitely keep you upright in the clouds! You really DON'T need an AHRS with this EFIS if you are planning for VFR use only - that's why it's such a bargain!

The display is 100% sunlight readable in all conditions and I have had zero issues. I recently added the Sandia 165R remote transponder (one of the least expensive new mode C's you can buy) and the Xtreme EFIS is used to control it and provide encoding data - works great and again, saves panel space!

If I had purchased the Xtreme EFIS first, I probably would have also bought their EMS unit (looks identical to the EFIS but displays engine instrumentation). You can display engine instrumentation on the EFIS alone, but that 's a pretty small screen to try to combine flight instrumentation and engine instrumentation.

 

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Permalink Reply by John Austin on December 17, 2012 at 9:22am

By the way, I wanted to clarify my last comment about buying the MGL EMS. There is nothing wrong with the GRT EIS - it's a great unit and the support is top-notch. In fact, it's probably superior to round gauges even for a VFR/"looking outside" airplane! It has a big 'ole fat red idiot light that you can mount anywhere on the panel and then program the normal engine parameters into the EIS. When any parameter is abormal, you'll get the flashing red light and it pulls up the page automatically to display the problem reading! So, just an occasional glance at the red light reassures you that all is well and helps you keep your head up and eyes outside (desirable for low and slow flight!). That being said, unfortunately GRT's least expensive EFIS that "talks" to the EIS is $3000 in addition to your investment in the EIS (I got the EIS with all the probes, sensors, and OAT for about $900 at AirVenture). If you just went with the MGL EFIS and EMS to start with, I think your investment would be far less than GRT's EIS and "Sport" EFIS. Both companies are great for quality and support IMHO!

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Permalink Reply by Rebecca Anne Shipman on December 9, 2012 at 12:32pm

Hi Michael, I'm putting gauges in my 650, if you have a chance to put together a list I'd be in checking it out.

Thanks,

Becky Shipman

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