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EFIS thoughts

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MJKTuck(at)cs.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:22 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Folks,

 

 I'm thinking (dreaming I think at this stage) to upgrade my panel to EFIS.

 

 I like the combined EFIS/EMS by the likes of Dynon. Anyone got any panel shots of an EFIS equipped Europa as I'm interested to see how the water temp as well as oil temps and pressures are displayed.

 

 Also I figure just a VFR panel is all I need.

 

 I'm not so keen on having all your primary instrumentation in one box. If the box gets a fault in flight you loose everything so I figure some kind of mechanical backup (or secondary EMS of some kind) is necessary.

 

 Any thoughts on what instrumentation should have backup and how?

 

 Regards,

 Martin Tuck

 Europa N152MT

 Wichita, Kansas     [quote][b]

Trevpond(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:05 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Martin,

  

 Saw your note on the Europa Web and thought you would like a picture of my  panel.   Note that I also have a complete set of miniature guages - I  feel that they are essential.  The EFIS is a Blue Mountain Lite plus Gen  4 and it is pretty good although the earlier ones were very  troublesome.

  

 kind regards

  

  

  

 Trev Pond

 G-LINN

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EuropaXSA276(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 1:01 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Trev.

  I'm looking very close to your same setup.  But using the large Dynon in place of the Blue Mountain. 

  

 What is that back up instrument between the Airspeed and the Altimeter? It's not an electronic miniature horizon is it?

 It is not clear to me if full size ASI ALT and AI will fit in the panel under a Dynon D100.  It looks too tight.

  

 There are a number of option for 2 1/2"  AS and ALT but few Attitude indicators. The only one I have found is from Mid West Instruments. They offer a small trio pack. ASI ALT and AI

  

 The 2" trio backup set from Mid West is unbelievably expensive. I would like to consider options to that same setup

  

  

 Brian Skelly

Europa XS TriGear #A276

North Texas USA

You can see my build photos at:

http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS



See what's free at AOL.com. 

  [quote][b]

keithhickling(at)clear.ne
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 4:19 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Trev,

 I also have the BM EFIS lite plus G4 - I think one of the early ones  they shipped. Not yet installed, but on bench testing it seems fine apart from  the GPS terrain display, which breaks up into quite large white triangles  around the coastline, and shows only red and white. I'm not sure if this is a  problem with the New Zealand terrain software or with the unit itself. I have  emailed BM several times and sent them photos of this and have had no  response.

  

 What are the problems with the early units that you mentioned? Any  suggestions about this problem? Does anyone else have a BM EFIS lite G4, and is  it working OK?

  

 Could someone going to Sun ' Fun please ask BM about this problem and why  they haven't responded to my emails - many thanks.

  

 Regards,

 Keith Hickling,

 New Zealand,

 XS mono kit 613.

  

 [quote]   ---

keithhickling(at)clear.ne
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 5:22 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Trev,

 Here is a photo of my BM EFIS GPS terrain display, showing only red and  white and breaking up round the coastline.

  

 Regards,

 Keith Hickling,

 New Zealand.

  

 [quote]   ---

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paul.mcallister

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 177
Location: Waukesha, WI USA

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 7:48 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi  Martin,

  

 I  installed the GRT Sport and I am delighted with it.  I already had   the GRT EIS engine monitor so it made the decision a bit easier.  I liked  the Dyon but despite the manufacturers claim it isn't very readable in the sun  light.  The Dyon has a bigger display, and although bigger is better I  couldn't have done the panel layout that you see in the photos, which is really  what I wanted to do.

  

 The EFIS Sport worked perfectly right out of the box with the minimum on  fuss.  I intend to exchange the T&B for a 2 1/4 ADI from TruTrack when it becomes available. The ADI is  a and AH + digital heading, almost like an AH & a DG in one  instrument.  Nice box but it is a bit  expensive.

  

 Contact me off forum if you would like to  know more.

  

 Regards,   Paul

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gcrowder2

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 136
Location: Golden, Colorado USA

Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 8:49 pm Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Just talked to a guy tonite at the EAA meeting who was finishing up an RV7 and has had

 nothing but problems with the Dynon engine monitoring system.  (The Dynon flight instrument

 system has been good tho) He says even their downloadable updates don't work.  Very unhappy customer!

  

                                                     Glenn

  

   From: EuropaXSA276(at)aol.com

Date: Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:58:13 -0400

Subject: Re: EFIS thoughts

To: europa-list(at)matronics.com



 

  	  Quote: 	
		   Hi Trev.

  I'm looking very close to your same setup.  But using the large Dynon in place of the Blue Mountain. 

  

 What is that back up instrument between the Airspeed and the Altimeter? It's not an electronic miniature horizon is it?

 It is not clear to me if full size ASI ALT and AI will fit in the panel under a Dynon D100.  It looks too tight.

  

 There are a number of option for 2 1/2"  AS and ALT but few Attitude indicators. The only one I have found is from Mid West Instruments. They offer a small trio pack. ASI ALT and AI

  

 The 2" trio backup set from Mid West is unbelievably expensive. I would like to consider options to that same setup

  

  

 Brian Skelly

Europa XS TriGear #A276

North Texas USA

You can see my build photos at:

http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS



   See what's free at AOL.com. 

 	  Quote: 	
		  



arget=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Europa-List

p://forums.matronics.com



	
	
Live Search Maps – find all the local information you need, right when you need it. Find it!

Trevpond(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 3:58 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Brian,

  

 Yes, it is a little solid state Horizon.

  

  

 Trev

     [quote][b]

Trevpond(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 4:02 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Keith,

  

 I had an original EFIS Lite that was upgraded with a remote screen.   The Horizon continually toppled and BMA replaced the unit with the latest G4  Sport.   BMA are good to deal with and you need to speak to Larry  Romig about any queries you may have.  Map is very good and everything  works as on the Tin but earthing is a problem as the unit generates quite a lot  of "noise".  I have put ferrites on all of the cables coming out of the  plugs on the EFIS and this has certainly helped along with a separate earth  strap to the case of the unit to the Earth Bus.

  

 Trev

 G-LINN

     [quote][b]

Trevpond(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 4:03 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Keith,

  

 Definately speak to Larry Romig at BMA!!

  

  

 Trev

     [quote][b]

EuropaXSA276(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 5:16 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

In a message dated 4/15/2007 6:59:27 AM Central Daylight Time, Trevpond(at)aol.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		   Hi Brian,

  

 Yes, it is a little solid state Horizon.

  

	


 Thanks Trev. Brand name please?



  

 Brian Skelly

Europa XS TriGear #A276

North Texas USA

You can see my build photos at:

http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS



See what's free at AOL.com. 

  [quote][b]

Trevpond(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:34 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Keith,

  

 Yes, it's:  http://www.pcflightsystems.com/.

  

  

 regards

  

  

 Trev

     [quote][b]

n914va(at)bvunet.net
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 7:52 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi Martin,

  

 I have purchased the Grand Rapids Technology dual  screen Efis  and EIS. Unfortunately, I have not wired it all up yet. I'm  severly challanged when it comes to sparks. Their drawings and instructions are  easy to follow and they are extremely responsive if I call with a question. I'm  just having trouble withe the wiring of a second 40 amp alternator as my primary  source of power. I have the GPS built into the unit and though not IFR  certified, all who have used it love it. With two screens, there is no limit as  to how you can display attitude, engine and GPS info. Since I bought the unit,  they have added terrain, weather, and mode s traffic. Anything that they add can  be added to my set-up, but weather and mode-s info is an additional cost (also  when purchased new). You can buy a single screen system and upgrade to dual  screen later for the same cost as buying dual screen initially. I can also add  dual AHRS and Magetometers if I want electronic redundancy. What really made the  sale for me was the brilliance of their screen, especially since their  booth at Sun n Fun faced the big open hanger doors. Some of the units yhat I  looked at were not as clear even thouht they were in a dark corner of the booth.  Here is a link to their web site. Check it out if you have not  already.

  

 http://www.grtavionics.com/

  

 Vaughn Teegarden

 XS mono, 914 with Airmaster planned

 [quote]   ---

wdaniell(at)etb.net.co
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 8:18 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

It might seem a little unsophisticated but I have had one of these pcflight systems egyro connected to an iPaq as a portable backup for rentals and latterly in my own Zenith.  I bought on spec thinking that the price was sufficiently low for it not to be a disaster if it didn’t work.  In the event it has worked very well.  Craig Sellers has always responded rapidly to questions and he quickly replaced a unit which did not “talk” to my GPS.  

   

Will  

   

http://www.pcflightsystems.com/  

         

  

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of EuropaXSA276(at)aol.com

 Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2007 15:58

 To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: EFIS thoughts  

  

     

Hi Trev.  

    

 I'm looking very close to your same setup.  But using the large Dynon in place of the Blue Mountain.   

    

   

    

What is that back up instrument between the Airspeed and the Altimeter? It's not an electronic miniature horizon is it?  

    

It is not clear to me if full size ASI ALT and AI will fit in the panel under a Dynon D100.  It looks too tight.  

    

   

    

There are a number of option for 2 1/2"  AS and ALT but few Attitude indicators. The only one I have found is from Mid West Instruments. They offer a small trio pack. ASI ALT and AI  

    

   

    

The 2" trio backup set from Mid West is unbelievably expensive. I would like to consider options to that same setup  

    

   

    

   

    

Brian Skelly

 Europa XS TriGear #A276

 North Texas USA

 You can see my build photos at:

 http://www.europaowners.org/BrianS  

  



 

         

  

See what's free at AOL.com.   

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       [quote][b]

peter.rees01(at)tiscali.c
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 10:01 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Thats a big surprise - we've updated the firmware on our  Dynon EFIS about 4 times (not through necessity - they keep adding new features  for free!). Always goes seamlessly and takes about 2 minutes.

  

 We have never found the screen brightness on our Dynon  unreadable even in direct sunlight. 

  

 Have to say that I'm a very happy Dynon customer - the  D10A is a really great product and I've always found them to be very responsive  to queries / suggestions.

  

 Peter

  

  

  

 [quote]   ---

hdwysong(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2007 11:04 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hello Keith,



Sounds like you're seeing a lack of terrain data (white, or red/white checks).  BMA had issues around the US coastline, too, but the recent terrain database (Feb 07) "fixes" the problem and it doesn't look as bad.  You might try a software update to see if the "fix" applies to the NZ coastline, too.  I wouldn't bet on it... but it's worth a shot. 



It shouldn't affect the operation of the unit at all, but it will certainly be annoying seeing all of that checkerboarded terrain!  If the software update doesn't change things, send notes to both Greg and Ross directly (greg(at) and  ross(at)bluemountainavionics.com (ross(at)bluemountainavionics.com)) to see if they can work the problem.  They're busy, but it's uncommon for them not to respond at all.



Good luck!



D

 

[quote]Time: 05:19:53 PM PST US

From: Keith Hickling < keithhickling(at)clear.net.nz (keithhickling(at)clear.net.nz)>

Subject: Re: EFIS thoughts



Hi Trev,

I also have the BM EFIS lite plus G4 - I think one of the early ones

they shipped. Not yet installed, but on bench testing it seems fine 

apart from the GPS terrain display, which breaks up into quite large

white triangles around the coastline, and shows only red and white. I'm

not sure if this is a problem with the New Zealand terrain software or 

with the unit itself. I have emailed BM several times and sent them

photos of this and have had no response.



What are the problems with the early units that you mentioned? Any

suggestions about this problem? Does anyone else have a BM EFIS lite G4, 

and is it working OK?



Could someone going to Sun ' Fun please ask BM about this problem and

why they haven't responded to my emails - many thanks.



Regards,

Keith Hickling,

New Zealand,

 XS mono kit 613.

[b]

UVTReith(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:58 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

Hi All, looking for an EFIS like Dynon.

  

 As the smart-Brabus engine has no connection for vauum pump I sold  that stuff and bought an Dynon D100.

 Yes- it's true, you have to pay in advance without security.

 With my big other instruments still in hand, I simply made a new panel  layout for the monowheel.

 The four 80 mm (3 1/8") instruments ASI - VSI - ALT will go on top (from  left to right) and the electr. turn c. will go left beside the D100. Then I have  two 57 mm (2 1/4") holes - one for prop setting and one still free - maybe for  S-code Transponder.

  

 PLease see attached picture.

  

  

  

  Good building and flying to all,

Bruno

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jodel(at)nildram.co.uk
Guest

Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 6:50 am Post subject: EFIS thoughts

I’ll second that.  We have a D180 in our Europa. Never had a problem with either the “flying” or “engine” side of it or updating it.  

Reading some of the questions on the Dynon forum I would not trust some of those builders to wire up a household plug let alone an EFIS.  

   

The D180 has over eighty connections (if all inputs are used) so I would recommend using their colour coded harnesses.  

   

Simon  

         

  

From: owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-europa-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Peter Rees

 Sent: 15 April 2007 18:58

 To: europa-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: EFIS thoughts  

  

     

Thats a big surprise - we've updated the firmware on our Dynon EFIS about 4 times (not through necessity - they keep adding new features for free!). Always goes seamlessly and takes about 2 minutes.  

    

   

    

We have never found the screen brightness on our Dynon unreadable even in direct sunlight.   

    

   

    

Have to say that I'm a very happy Dynon customer - the D10A is a really great product and I've always found them to be very responsive to queries / suggestions.  

    

   

    

Peter  

    

   

    

   

    

   

  [quote]    

---

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