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lmassaro(at)tac-eng.com
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 Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:34 pm Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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(posted to other group today based on a thread a while back - for Team Grumman subscribers reference)
A while back a few people asked about the Aspen that I installed at which time I hadn't had much time to really use it enough to provide a full report. Well, move the clock forward four months and here is my report:
History:
Installed in November 2008. At the time I was really busy with work and had only limited time flying with it. Approximately six weeks after install (~5 hours of ops), during taxi, the display went completely white and could not be reset. I was pretty bummed at the time...The MFD unit was replaced and no problems since (about 50 hours on it since replacement). One item to note is the first unit ran very hot to the touch. The replacement does not feel nearly as warm to the touch as the original. My feeling is that Aspen must have done something in later builds to reduce heat buildup (better fan, more efficient heat sinks?..don't know..just my observations). Maybe they found some issues in the early hardware revisions.
Installation:
The EFD-1000, as installed, is interfaced to a GNS-530, and STEC-30 A/P. Since it provides an integral HSI and LOC/GS, I removed the original LOC head for NAV2 and moved the LOC/GS from NAV 1 to the second radio (a new GL30). Installation took about ten calendar days in the shop. Some minor issues with the configuration of the interfaces were encountered but were fixed in quick fashion. Note: This was the second or third install of an Aspen at the avionics shop so with everything, I'm sure there was a little bit of a learning curve. I had no issues with the install and had great service after it was installed including answering questions, tweaking some setup parameters,etc. Aspen tech support also was prompt on email just replying to general operation questions..
Operations:
Good - The display is really cool. Essentially, the entire 6-pack in one LCD display.
Good - Wind vector information nicely displayed. Helps a lot on Instrument approaches knowing you have a 15 kt x-wind
Good - HSI. I simply love having an HSI.
Good - Integral GPSS functionality. The Aspen feeds HDG data to the A/P in HDG mode to fly approaches,holds, etc. Sweet...GPSS was next on my list to Santa, so getting that helped justify the extra $$$ for the Aspen
Good - I like the ILS/GS/WAAS approach display superimposed on the AI. The Aspen is can take feeds from NAV 1 (ILS/WAAS 530) or NAV2 (ILS - GL30). Kept the GI-106A head as a backup to the Aspen
Bad - Not a big fan of the primary control placement. Not that they can be put anywhere else (bottom left and right). They seem a little awkward at times setting various things with you having to reach over the yoke.
Bad - Maybe you can in one of the Setup Modes, but I haven't figured out how to adjust the vertical position of the airplane in the AI. Level flight shows 10 degrees down. It has been on my list to call Aspen and check as there are many calibration parameters (I'm sure that has to be one). A simply AI adjustment dial functionality could have been added tot he multiple use control knobs for this.
Just OK - Airspeed and Alt tapes. Some people love them, some hate them. Maybe I haven't really gotten used to them. Since my steam gauges for Alt and A/S are next to the tapes, I simply disable them and it cleans up the AI display.
Just OK - The GPS functionality of the Aspen will overlay GPS tracks and map items (i.e. Airports, Navaids, etc) over the DG/HSI or ARC display. To me, its a little too much clutter and I always select maximum filtering on the display.
The learning curve to operate is fairly short. The learning curve to fly using it under the hood or in IMC is obviously more. This upgrade was a pretty big change to my panel. I waited until I passed my IFR checkride to start this upgrade and am glad I did not do it mid-training. I have since gone up with an instructor and done a mini IFR refresher course simply to get used to flying it under IMC. I would assume it is akin to flying a G1000 vs. Steam. The differences are large enough that unless you have the buttonology down, you quickly fall behind the airplane. Under VFR, it is a piece of cake.
With all that said., I really do like it and would recommend it to anyone wanting to upgrade. Out the door costs ran about 15K.
BTW...I also ended up doing a new panel upgrade this past month. Pictures (sorry for the less than stellar quality - only had a cheap camera at the time) of the new panel with the Aspen are at :
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=lmassaro1127&target=ALBUM&id=5327311641576966001&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&authkey=Gv1sRgCPu2q6SI3OP0fQ&invite=CLvvyacP&feat=email
If anyone is considering this upgrade (based on the state of the economy, I don't expect many...but ya never know) and has any questions let me know (either on or off group).
Fly safe....
Lawrence Massaro
9186M
1992 AG-5B KRNM
[quote][b]
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flyv35b(at)minetfiber.com
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cloudvalley(at)comcast.ne
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| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 6:03 am Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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Hello Cliff,
The pictures look fine! Hope things are going well.
Brian and Ruth
---
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GrummanDude
Joined: 15 Jan 2006
Posts: 926
Location: Auburn, CA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:03 am Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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Hi Larry,
I was wondering how your Aspen was working out for you. I like the
idea. There are just a lot of other things I can think of for that
$15,000. Hopefully, 20 or 30 Grumman owners will want a new cowling!
Speaking of, . . . . . drum roll . . . . soon.
A while back a few people asked about the Aspen that I installed at
which
time I hadn't had much time to really use it enough to provide a full
report. Well, move the clock forward four months and here is my
report:
History:
Installed in November 2008. At the time I was really busy with work
and had only limited time flying with it. Approximately six weeks
after install (~5 hours of ops), during taxi, the display went
completely
white and could not be reset. I was pretty bummed at the time...The
MFD unit was replaced and no problems since (about 50 hours on it since
replacement). One item to note is the first unit ran very hot to
the touch. The replacement does not feel nearly as warm to the
touch as the original. My feeling is that Aspen must have done
something in later builds to reduce heat buildup (better fan, more
efficient heat sinks?..don't know..just my observations). Maybe
they found some issues in the early hardware revisions.
Installation:
The EFD-1000, as installed, is interfaced to a GNS-530, and STEC-30
A/P. Since it provides an integral HSI and
0LOC/GS, I removed the
original LOC head for NAV2 and moved the LOC/GS from NAV 1 to the second
radio (a new GL30). Installation took about ten calendar days in
the shop. Some minor issues with the configuration of the
interfaces were encountered but were fixed in quick fashion. Note:
This was the second or third install of an Aspen at the avionics shop so
with everything, I'm sure there was a little bit of a learning
curve. I had no issues with the install and had great service after
it was installed including answering questions, tweaking some setup
parameters,etc. Aspen tech support also was prompt on email just
replying to general operation questions..
Operations:
Good - The display is really cool. Essentially, the entire 6-pack
in one LCD display.
Good - Wind vector information nicely displayed. Helps a lot
on Instrument approaches knowing you have a 15 kt x-wind
Good - HSI. I simply love having an HSI.
Good - Integral GPSS functionality. The Aspen feeds HDG data to the
A/P in HDG mode to fly approaches,holds, etc. Sweet...GPSS was next
on my list to Santa, so getting that helped justify the extra $$$ for
the
Aspen
Good - I like the ILS/GS/WAAS approach display superimposed on the
AI. The Aspen is can take feeds from NAV 1 (ILS/WAAS 530) or NAV2
(ILS - GL30). Kept the GI-106A head as a backup to the
Aspen
Bad - Not a big20fan of the primary control placement. Not that they
can be put anywhere else (bottom left and right). They seem a
little awkward at times setting various things with you having to reach
over the yoke.
Bad - Maybe you can in one of the Setup Modes, but I haven't figured out
how to adjust the vertical position of the airplane in the AI.
Level flight shows 10 degrees down. It has been on my list to call
Aspen and check as there are many calibration parameters (I'm sure that
has to be one). A simply AI adjustment dial functionality could
have been added tot he multiple use control knobs for this.
Just OK - Airspeed and Alt tapes. Some people love them, some hate
them. Maybe I haven't really gotten used to them. Since my
steam gauges for Alt and A/S are next to the tapes, I simply disable
them
and it cleans up the AI display.
Just OK - The GPS functionality of the Aspen will overlay GPS tracks and
map items (i.e. Airports, Navaids, etc) over the DG/HSI or ARC
display. To me, its a little too much clutter and I always select
maximum filtering on the display.
The learning curve to operate is fairly short. The learning curve to fly
using it under the hood or in IMC is obviously more. This upgrade
was a pretty big change to my panel. I waited until I passed my IFR
checkride to start this upgrade and am glad I did not do
it
mid-training. I have since gone up with an instructor and done a
mini IFR refresher course simply to get used to flying it under
IMC. I would assume it is akin to flying a G1000 vs. Steam.
The differences are large enough that unless you have the buttonology
down, you quickly fall behind the airplane. Under VFR, it is a
piece of cake.
With all that said., I really do like it and would recommend it to
anyone
wanting to upgrade. Out the door costs ran about 15K.
BTW...I also ended up doing a new panel upgrade this past month.
Pictures (sorry for the less than stellar quality - only had a cheap
camera at the time) of the new panel with the Aspen are at :
| | - The Matronics TeamGrumman-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?TeamGrumman-List |
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Gary
AuCountry Aviation
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GrummanDude
Joined: 15 Jan 2006
Posts: 926
Location: Auburn, CA
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| Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 10:08 am Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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Nice panel. I really want to do a new panel on my plane.
| | - The Matronics TeamGrumman-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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Gary
AuCountry Aviation
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lmassaro(at)tac-eng.com
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| Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 4:16 am Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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[quote]Figure out how we can get your cowling on an AG-5B and Id get one tomorrow! > I was wondering how your Aspen was working out for you. I like the > idea. There are just a lot of other things I can think of for that > $15,000. Hopefully, 20 or 30 Grumman owners will want a new cowling! > > Speaking of, . . . . . drum roll . . . . soon. [/b] [quote][b]
| | - The Matronics TeamGrumman-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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GrummanDude
Joined: 15 Jan 2006
Posts: 926
Location: Auburn, CA
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| Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 7:49 am Post subject: Aspen EFD-1000 |
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It would take finding an AA5B carb air box and moving a few things on
the firewall. The air box is the hard part.
--
| | - The Matronics TeamGrumman-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?TeamGrumman-List |
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Gary
AuCountry Aviation
Home of Team Grumman |
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