Sue and I need to decide on our panel soon, essentially, although both
we and the Europa are limited to VFR operation, we want a full panel if
only as a get-back-safely option.
Cost is a factor for us and we would prefer to avoid vacuum instruments
on weight and reliability grounds.
'Traditional' electric gyro horizon and DIs are shockingly expensive
compared with their vacuum equivalents (and there seems to be some doubt
about the reliability of some of them)
The cost of an electric horizon and DI is about 2,100 euros plus VAT -
our benchmark to compare the cost of alternatives. (The EFIS prices I
have listed are for the nearest equivalent to the mechanical
instruments)
One of the new EFIS systems now available would appear to be a sensible
route to go.
Impressive as they are, any of the pocket PC based systems are
non-starters for this job - I would not dream of letting my life depend
on a Microsoft product!
I know of four EFIS systems that appear to be candidates:
DYNON (1770 Euro)
Pros;
* Brilliant price
* Built in backup battery
Cons;
* Crude graphics
* Inability to display the pressure setting on the main screen- I wrote
to Dynon and queried this and got a prompt response confirming that the
Altimeter pressure setting is only available on a separate screen
accessed by two button pushes - they also state that they have no
intention of changing this.
I really don't feel comfortable with the idea of having to loose my
primary instruments to check or alter the altimeter setting -four button
presses and a variety of option screens seems to be a backward step from
the functionality of an analogue instrument. It would be simple enough
to use a traditional altimeter but it does raise serious doubts in my
mind about the whole approach to the design
* No European presence- some doubt about the commitment to service this
side of the Atlantic.
Blue Mountain EFIS Lite (3550 Euro)
Pros;
* Looks a well-made, good quality unit
Cons
* Too deep to fit the Europa Panel
* Looks more suited as a backup to their impressive EFIS ONE, it offers
moving maps and autopilot that appear on alternative screens.
All this extra functionality is very impressive but it really needs two
displays, I don't feel comfortable with the idea of scrolling between
different screens on primary flight instruments.
* Appears to have aggressive conditions of sale/ guarantee policy.
B & A UFD64 (8250 Euro)
Pros;
* An impressive looking unit.
* Very clear graphics
* Primary instruments always visible when other options are invoked.
* Can operate with a second screen
* European manufacture
Cons
* The price
* At this price I cannot help but doubt the future of the product, so
this raises questions over backup and service.
Grand Rapids Horizon (4725 Euro)
Pros;
* Good-looking graphics
* Dedicated primary instrument screen
* Other functions can be added to a second screen.
* Uses external GPS signals - better for using with other GPS mapping
systems/Trutrack autopilot
* Good guarantee/ conditions of sale.
Cons
* I have never seen this one in the flesh, so I don't know how good the
display is for instance.
* Lack of a presence in Europe raises some doubts about backup.
At present, although it is perhaps the best of the devices, I think the
B&A unit is a reject on price alone, and since the EFISLite won't fit,
it looks like a race between the Dynon and the Grand Rapids Horizon.
I would be grateful for anyone's experience of using any of these units,
corrections to my misconceptions or suggestions for alternatives we
should consider.
Bill & Sue
XS Trigear 465 -about to stick the top on!
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