Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - Avionics Dealer References

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Avionics Dealer References

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Avionics-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

gmvouga(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:04 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Hi everyone,



I am in the process of finalizing my avionics order and I would like some 

input on the various dealers out there.  Is there anyone that has provided 

particularly good or bad service?  Obviously, I would like to keep my costs 

to a minimum, but I'm reluctant to deal with companies that have bad 

reputations.  I'm planning on installing the items myself, so a full service 

shop is not required.  I've listed the items I plan to install below in case 

that makes a difference on recommendations.



GRT EFIS

Dynon D100 EFIS

Garmin GMA-340

Garmin GNS-430

Garmin SL-30

Garmin GTX-327

Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro

Digiflight IIVSGV



Also, If you are a dealer please feel free to email me a quote at 

gvouga(at)gmail.com.



Thanks,



Greg Vouga

RV-7A

Raleigh, NC

mlas(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:28 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Greg,



I have dealt with every company that you listed.  I will break down who

they are and give you my opinion of customer and tech support and how

many times I have had to use them in the last year or two.  I am a seven

year avionics technician and an airline pilot with an A&P.  I just

finished a project of my own, a Lancair Legacy with a Chilton EFIS, Blue

Mountain EFIS, Advanced Flight AF-2500 engine system and AOA system,

Garmin SL-30 SL-40 GMA-340 and GTX-330, Trutrak Sorcerer Autopilot, Sony

AM/FM/CD/DVD/XM entertainment system, GRT EIS 6000 Air Data, Light Speed

Plasma III (dual) electronic ignition, DAC GDC34A digital converter, and

Mountain High O2D2 oxygen system.



I'll get the big one out of the way first: Garmin GMA-340, Garmin

GNS-430, Garmin SL-30, and Garmin GTX-327      Garmin makes good stable

products and has top notch Technical support, and for the most par are

becoming the leader in general aviation avionics.  All the units you

listed are robust, are TSO'ed and perform well.  Garmin is a

manufacturer that uses a dealer network to sell and maintain their

products.  Garmin will work directly with the home builder to provide

technical support.  My favorite avionics shop that works well with

homebuilders is Aerotronics up in Montana.  Gary Wirrell is the VP of

the experimental division and would be more then happy to answer any

questions you may have.  Aerotronics address is: 1651 Aviation Place,

Billings Logan International Airport, Billings, MT 59105, Phone: (406)

259-5006, Fax: (406) 252-4369.  I have a quick question about your

choice of the GTX-327, if you get the GTX-330 you will get the TIS

(Graphic Traffic function provided by approach radar)function which

provides traffic information that can be displayed on your Garmin

GNS-430 and maybe even you GRT EFIS.  A Great Function!



Grand Rapids Technology GRT EFIS:  I have purchased some products from

them but not the EFIS unit yet.  My experience has been very favorable;

they have top end tech support and have been willing to up grade units

to suite for free.  They make very stable products and I have had good

luck with them.  Gary at Aerotronics is a seller for GRT or you can buy

direct.



Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro:  I can't say enough great things about

them.  I have installed and/or use their products over six time and they

work great.  On two occasions I had a minor problem with a unit and they

pulled out all the stops to make it right, what more can I say.  I too

have the AOA Pro and love it. A good dealer for this product that I have

used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air. www.attawayair.com.



Trutrak Digiflight IIVSGV:  I have only worked with them a few times and

they have offered an acceptable level of service.  The reason I say it

this way is, I haven't had the opportunity to truly test the tech

support because I haven't had any problems with their systems.  I just

took delivery of the new Sorcerer autopilot which was in development

when I ordered it and they were always up front with what was going on

(no false promises just the truth) and they honored the original quoted

price without even having to ask.  A good dealer for this product that I

have used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air www.attawayair.com.



Dynon Avionics D100 EFIS:  I have owned a D10 and installed a few

D10A's.  Basically I find the unit a good VFR unit and mostly stable.

The unit works well but I feel their are other units out there that are

better for the price.  One issue I have had with their systems from the

beginning is the lack of an internal GPS that would give you winds aloft

and TAS as well as position and an intergraded map.  Other issues I have

had in the past have been the lack of interface to display external

navigation information like VOR/LOC/GS which most competing products

offer.  I think their engine monitor system is missing some key system

information like trim indicators and fuel quantity.  As for customer and

tech support I would rate them Fair; On the Tech side, if you get one of

them they are very knowledgeable and helpful.  On the customer side I

found them to be less then helpful with options, changes and additions.

The tended to nickel and dime us and were hard to get a hold of most of

the time.  With Dynon you can buy direct.



I hope this information helps.



Mike



Dynon D100 EFIS



--

dfultz7(at)earthlink.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:46 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

What would you recommend over a Dynon for the price or there abouts with the 

experience you have had?  Thanks Dale

---

mlas(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 8:09 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Dale,



For the price and product, I like and have had good luck with the most

recent release of the Blue Mountain products.  Their earlier products

were poor performers, but the new line is much better.  Like Dynon,

their customer support is fair.  There are pros and cons to each product

but I find the BM provides more bang for the buck and it is more stable

then the Dynon.  That's the EFIS side, on the engine monitor side I like

the Advanced Flight AF-2500 (Great), Xerion AuRacle(NEW! Good), and the

EI MVP-50 (Great but pricey)



Mike



--

glastar(at)gmx.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:14 pm Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Dale,



could you please specify in detail why the BM is more stable then the Dynon?



Many thanks



Werner



Mike wrote:



[quote]



Dale,



For the price and product, I like and have had good luck with the most

recent release of the Blue Mountain products.  Their earlier products

were poor performers, but the new line is much better.  Like Dynon,

their customer support is fair.  There are pros and cons to each product

but I find the BM provides more bang for the buck and it is more stable

then the Dynon.  That's the EFIS side, on the engine monitor side I like

the Advanced Flight AF-2500 (Great), Xerion AuRacle(NEW! Good), and the

EI MVP-50 (Great but pricey)



Mike



--

gmvouga(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 2:14 pm Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Mike,



Thanks for all the input.  You asked why i'm going with the GTX-327.  

Basically it's price.  The 330 is about double the price and my budget won't 

allow it.



Thanks again,



Greg

[quote]From: "Mike" <mlas(at)cox.net>

Reply-To: avionics-list(at)matronics.com

To: <avionics-list(at)matronics.com>

Subject: RE: Avionics Dealer References

Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:27:02 -0700






Greg,



I have dealt with every company that you listed.  I will break down who

they are and give you my opinion of customer and tech support and how

many times I have had to use them in the last year or two.  I am a seven

year avionics technician and an airline pilot with an A&P.  I just

finished a project of my own, a Lancair Legacy with a Chilton EFIS, Blue

Mountain EFIS, Advanced Flight AF-2500 engine system and AOA system,

Garmin SL-30 SL-40 GMA-340 and GTX-330, Trutrak Sorcerer Autopilot, Sony

AM/FM/CD/DVD/XM entertainment system, GRT EIS 6000 Air Data, Light Speed

Plasma III (dual) electronic ignition, DAC GDC34A digital converter, and

Mountain High O2D2 oxygen system.



I'll get the big one out of the way first: Garmin GMA-340, Garmin

GNS-430, Garmin SL-30, and Garmin GTX-327      Garmin makes good stable

products and has top notch Technical support, and for the most par are

becoming the leader in general aviation avionics.  All the units you

listed are robust, are TSO'ed and perform well.  Garmin is a

manufacturer that uses a dealer network to sell and maintain their

products.  Garmin will work directly with the home builder to provide

technical support.  My favorite avionics shop that works well with

homebuilders is Aerotronics up in Montana.  Gary Wirrell is the VP of

the experimental division and would be more then happy to answer any

questions you may have.  Aerotronics address is: 1651 Aviation Place,

Billings Logan International Airport, Billings, MT 59105, Phone: (406)

259-5006, Fax: (406) 252-4369.  I have a quick question about your

choice of the GTX-327, if you get the GTX-330 you will get the TIS

(Graphic Traffic function provided by approach radar)function which

provides traffic information that can be displayed on your Garmin

GNS-430 and maybe even you GRT EFIS.  A Great Function!



Grand Rapids Technology GRT EFIS:  I have purchased some products from

them but not the EFIS unit yet.  My experience has been very favorable;

they have top end tech support and have been willing to up grade units

to suite for free.  They make very stable products and I have had good

luck with them.  Gary at Aerotronics is a seller for GRT or you can buy

direct.



Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro:  I can't say enough great things about

them.  I have installed and/or use their products over six time and they

work great.  On two occasions I had a minor problem with a unit and they

pulled out all the stops to make it right, what more can I say.  I too

have the AOA Pro and love it. A good dealer for this product that I have

used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air. www.attawayair.com.



Trutrak Digiflight IIVSGV:  I have only worked with them a few times and

they have offered an acceptable level of service.  The reason I say it

this way is, I haven't had the opportunity to truly test the tech

support because I haven't had any problems with their systems.  I just

took delivery of the new Sorcerer autopilot which was in development

when I ordered it and they were always up front with what was going on

(no false promises just the truth) and they honored the original quoted

price without even having to ask.  A good dealer for this product that I

have used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air www.attawayair.com.



Dynon Avionics D100 EFIS:  I have owned a D10 and installed a few

D10A's.  Basically I find the unit a good VFR unit and mostly stable.

The unit works well but I feel their are other units out there that are

better for the price.  One issue I have had with their systems from the

beginning is the lack of an internal GPS that would give you winds aloft

and TAS as well as position and an intergraded map.  Other issues I have

had in the past have been the lack of interface to display external

navigation information like VOR/LOC/GS which most competing products

offer.  I think their engine monitor system is missing some key system

information like trim indicators and fuel quantity.  As for customer and

tech support I would rate them Fair; On the Tech side, if you get one of

them they are very knowledgeable and helpful.  On the customer side I

found them to be less then helpful with options, changes and additions.

The tended to nickel and dime us and were hard to get a hold of most of

the time.  With Dynon you can buy direct.



I hope this information helps.



Mike



Dynon D100 EFIS



--

ktlkrn(at)cox.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 6:49 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Confused as to whether you are asking about the equipment or someone to supply the equipment.



I have nearly the same stuff. Sub out the SL30 for a 40 and the 327 for a 330S. I have the Dynon 10A and AF2500 engine monitor. Approach Systems Wiring hub. Wouldn't do anything different



Most everything was purchased from Stark Avionics. They are in Columbus GA so they are in your end of the country. I'd also highly recommend Steinair in Minnesota.



Darwin N. Barrie

Chandler AZ

RV-7 N717EE

rene(at)felker.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 8:17 pm Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Try:  http://www.starkavionics.com/



 



Rene'

glastar(at)gmx.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:11 pm Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Hi Mike,



I own a Dynon D10A (upgrading from a D10) and new an EMS-10 (engine monitor)



 	  Quote: 	
		  The unit works well but I feel their are other units out there that are

better for the price.  One issue I have had with their systems from the

beginning is the lack of an internal GPS that would give you winds aloft

and TAS as well as position and an intergraded map.  Other issues I have

had in the past have been the lack of interface to display external

navigation information like VOR/LOC/GS which most competing products

offer. 



It's always up to what you want, I believe If you don't want to go the 
	


expensive route and are happy what they offer for, it's a good deal for 

the money (GPS signal integration is on the way)



 	  Quote: 	
		   I think their engine monitor system is missing some key system

information like trim indicators and fuel quantity.  



Sorry, your information is incomplete, you can have up to four fuel 
	


tanks connected to it and have a read out for them, further I'm not a 

big fan of having flight information (trim) on the engine monitor, but 

you have 3 General Purpose inputs which might be used



 	  Quote: 	
		  As for customer and

tech support I would rate them Fair; On the Tech side, if you get one of

them they are very knowledgeable and helpful.  On the customer side I

found them to be less then helpful with options, changes and additions.

  



I agree, we (3 users) had to dispute a bit but found with Ron Ulbrich a 
	


person you can discuss, we had a problem to get the D10 with the EMS10 

and OAT to work, when we upgraded to the D10A and EMS10A we got the 

EMS10A upgrade for free (after some discussion)



I think for a VFR airplane the D10A/EMSD10 or D100/EMSD120 with a price 

for a 4cyl carbureted engine no fuel flow of 4500$ or the larger package 

(including remote compass) for $5000 (fuel flow adds 200$ and add your 

capacitive or resistive sensors) including all other sensors is a good 

deal out of my view.



http://www.steinair.com/dynon.htm Steinair is a great dealer with many 

helpful information too.



Werner

gmvouga(at)hotmail.com
Guest

Posted: Fri Mar 17, 2006 5:58 am Post subject: Avionics Dealer References

Thanks to all who responded.  It seems that Stark Avionics, SteinAir, and 

Affordable Panels all have great reputations within the group.  I called 

Stark a month or so ago requesting a quote and spoke to John directly.  He 

was very helpful on the phone and seemed to have very competitive prices.  I 

have not checked out the other two guys yet, but I plan on giving them a 

call before I make my final decision in a couple weeks.



Thanks Again,

Greg

RV-7A

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Avionics-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum