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MX20

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jesse(at)itecusa.org
Guest

Posted: Fri Apr 28, 2006 11:21 pm Post subject: MX20

I know this is probably not the best list for this, but can anybody give me a quick rundown on the MX20, its options, the different weather systems that it will run with and a few pros/cons of it and them?  If anybody has a good link that would work too.  I can’t find any good info on the web and the Garmin website is practically useless as far as that goes.  

   

Thanks and do not archive.  

   

Jesse Saint  

I-TEC, Inc.  

jesse(at)itecusa.org (jesse(at)itecusa.org)  

www.itecusa.org  

352-465-4545

Tim(at)MyRV10.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 4:32 am Post subject: MX20

It's been a while since I looked at them, so this is dated and faded,

but...



The MX-20 runs with only one weather module, and that's the GDL-69,

and it can only support XM weather, not WSI.  In order to interface

with traffic, you also can't just buy the MX-20, but need the

Expanded I/O version, which costs more money.  They also have the

Chart View option, which allows you to put approach charts and

airport diagrams on screen, but this is not at all a cheap option

either, to either add or maintain the subscription.  When you put

together an MX-20 system with all those options, you'll have a

lot of cash tied up in the MX-20.  Leave off the Chart View and

it still costs a ton, but it's at least less painful.   It is

a fantastically beautiful box though, with great graphics, and

is a system that anyone who buys will fall in love with.  The

same can be said for the Avidyne EX-500, which I personally like

the looks of better than the MX-20.  There are a few things that

seemingly make an MX-20 + GNS-480 a good combo, and an Avidyne

EX-500 + GNS-4/530 a good combo.  But it seems that you may lose

a couple minor things by trying to match them up differently,

so IMHO if you like the MX-20, you should look at the GNS-480

as the mating radio.  To do traffic you still need the GTX-330.



http://www.garmin.com/products/mx20/



Interestingly, it was the cost of the MX-20 and the options

required that caused me to switch to the Chelton system in my

plan.  With that system, most things can be added a little

less painfully. In addition, they interface with WSI, and later

this year they will be working with XM weather.  They interface

with various traffic systems, and strikefinder, and will probably

be more upgradeable as systems change down the road, being an

experimental system.  I do know of one person who has electronic

charts on theirs, but it's a custom hack that is probably

not something that most or any other builders would attempt,

but it is cool that there's someone who knows the guts of them

well enough to do that.



Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

Jesse Saint wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   I know this is probably not the best list for this, but can anybody give 

 me a quick rundown on the MX20, its options, the different weather 

 systems that it will run with and a few pros/cons of it and them?  If 

 anybody has a good link that would work too.  I can’t find any good info 

 on the web and the Garmin website is practically useless as far as that 

 goes.

Tdawson(at)avidyne.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 4:48 am Post subject: MX20

Thanks for the plug, Tim!



Here's some EX500 info, for those interested.  Note traffic interface, lightining interface, and XM weather interface are standard.  CMax charts (JeppView) is an option.



http://www.avidyne.com/products/ex500.shtm



and a comparison against MX-20:

http://www.avidyne.com/products/ex500_comparison.shtm

(note pricing in this example includes a onboard radar interface)



and, unfortunately, the price list:

http://www.avidyne.com/products/pricing.shtm



TDT





--

jesse(at)itecusa.org
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 6:02 am Post subject: MX20

Do you know how much it is to add plates to the MX20?  From my reading it

seemed like it was included in the normal unit, which certainly could be

wrong.  From my research, it does work with WSI weather.  At least that is

advertised in a lot of places.  Has that option been removed or is it new?

Also, even with the Garmin weather, the unit is $5,900, the weather option

another $3,700 or so, then whatever the plates cost.  The Avidyne (retail)

runs $7,200, another $2,500 for the plates, and then the cost of the WX

weather add-on, which is about $1,000, right (if this is available yet)?

Plus the Avidyne is a smaller screen (granted, only 1/2 inch smaller).  Am I

missing something, TDT?  I like the looks of the EX-500, but what really

makes it better or cheaper?



Do not archive.



Jesse Saint

I-TEC, Inc.

jesse(at)itecusa.org

www.itecusa.org

352-465-4545



--

Tim(at)MyRV10.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 6:38 am Post subject: MX20

Chart View is about $1900 at actual street prices.  I think

you're right.  You can buy WSI for the MX-20 using the

AV100TS receiver.  What's not clear is if you need any other

hardware then from Garmin: "The launch Multi-functional display for WSI 

InFlight, the Garmin MX20 features display code written specifically for 

the WSI service."



Also, the MX-20 price you listed is not the one with the expanded

I/O.  That costs more.



Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

Jesse Saint wrote:

[quote] 

 

 Do you know how much it is to add plates to the MX20?  From my reading it

 seemed like it was included in the normal unit, which certainly could be

 wrong.  From my research, it does work with WSI weather.  At least that is

 advertised in a lot of places.  Has that option been removed or is it new?

 Also, even with the Garmin weather, the unit is $5,900, the weather option

 another $3,700 or so, then whatever the plates cost.  The Avidyne (retail)

 runs $7,200, another $2,500 for the plates, and then the cost of the WX

 weather add-on, which is about $1,000, right (if this is available yet)?

 Plus the Avidyne is a smaller screen (granted, only 1/2 inch smaller).  Am I

 missing something, TDT?  I like the looks of the EX-500, but what really

 makes it better or cheaper?

 

 Do not archive.

 

 Jesse Saint

 I-TEC, Inc.

 jesse(at)itecusa.org

 www.itecusa.org

 352-465-4545

 

 --

LIKE2LOOP(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:59 am Post subject: MX20

It makes more sense to me to simply install a Garmin 396 in the panel 

for $2500 and have the weather as the main display with NO extra items to 

install. In addition you have a great back up GPS that can run on internal 

batteries if you have a complete electrical failure.  Take it on step further and 

patch a serial cable from the Garmin Transponder and for very lttle cost (cable) 

you can now display collision avoidance info on the 396.  All these extras 

(weather,traffic, backup GPS) are NOT required for IFR, so get it all done for 

under $3000.  When you get to where you are going, pull the 396 and use it for 

driving directions. 



Steve          do no archive



Port St. Lucie, FL

772-475-5556



Sent from my Treo 600

GRANSCOTT(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 11:08 am Post subject: MX20

In a message dated 4/29/06 1:01:14 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  LIKE2LOOP(at)aol.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  It makes    more sense to me to simply install a Garmin 396 in the panel 

for $2500 and    have the weather as the main display with NO extra items to  

install. 	


 

 And unless you have a cert. GPS you cannot legally do a WAAS or GPS  approach...even if you have dual ILS/VOR systems...the handheld can only be used  for situation awareness and not IFR work...it seems that a certain race team  used a hand held GPS for their approach last year and they apparently all ended  up on a mountainside according to the NTSB prelim...so be careful what one  suggests.

  

 Handheld's are for additional situational awareness only...not IFR  navigation/approaches...the 396 is cheaper than an IFR system and it offers a  lot of information but it not a legal IFR instrument and having one on board  does not allow you to file "GPS"...

  

 Patrick

  

 do not archive

LIKE2LOOP(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 4:07 pm Post subject: MX20

In a message dated 4/29/06 3:10:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, GRANSCOTT(at)aol.com writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		     	  Quote: 	
		  It makes more sense to me to simply install a Garmin 396 in the panel 

for $2500 and have the weather as the main display with NO extra items to install.   And unless you have a cert. GPS you cannot legally do a WAAS or GPS approach...even if you have dual ILS/VOR systems 	


	


    I never ment to use (or infer that anyone should use) the Garmin 396 for IFR, only to augment an IFR system with inexpensive (relatively) single unit that shows weather, traffic, terrain, all NON - IFR items.  It is a great back up with a completely isolated power supply (batteries) or a stand alone great VFR panel.  Though it is NOT certified, my Garmin 196 is WAAS enabled and the G-430 is NOT .  For you VFR drivers, Garmin has a FREE firmware update that allows the addition of Obstacles to the 196 for a very small fee (under $40). You have to update your 196 first to accept the new data, then buy the data. We did this at Sun n Fun... easy.  The 196 (or 296) is NOT capable of displaying traffic, only the 396 is capable when coupled to the Garmin mode s transponder. Not bad for a hand held, traffic and weather..

  

    The 396 would augment a primary system with a Nav-Com-GPS like a Garmin 4 or 500 series unit with the Garmin Glide slope indicator that is legal for both GPS and ILS approaches. Rob's Advanced Instruments Attitude/EFIS monitor with AOA would fill in the panel nicely.  The back up attitude indicator could be the Tru-Trak Auto-pilot.   

  

 Steve     do not archive

 

Stephen Blank             RV-10 Builder / Cessna 170B flyer

766 SE River Lane

Port St. Lucie, FL 34983



772-475-5556 cell

jesse(at)itecusa.org
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 4:25 pm Post subject: MX20

I agree wholeheartedly on all but one point.  I want to have digital plates

as well.  The 396 doesn't give me that.  If I do go with the 396, then I

have to have some other source of plates, which just adds another piece to

the puzzle.



I agree that the 396 is not for IFR.  We have the 430 for that.  We just

want to have weather and plates.  I would much sooner go with a 396 than

weather on the 430 also, but that is what brought up the MX20 in my mind.  I

don't think the extra I/O features of the more expensive version would make

much difference for me, so the basic one with plates is what I would be

looking at.



Do not archive.



Jesse Saint

I-TEC, Inc.

jesse(at)itecusa.org

www.itecusa.org

352-465-4545



--

Tdawson(at)avidyne.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 6:39 pm Post subject: MX20

I don't get too much into the Sales nitty-gritty, but the XM feature function is included free in the EX500, you just need a XM receiver.  I don't know the price of those right off, but they aren't cheap - about $3700 I think for a "HeadsUp" brand XM box.  



I've heard rumors that there's a way to get an XM receiver (uncertified, portable model) from WxWorx (the data provider) for about $400, and then hack it to get the necessary serial output - but that was a rumor . . .



TDT



--

Tdawson(at)avidyne.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 6:43 pm Post subject: MX20

FYI, do some research on WSI and Garmin before committing anything in that department.  That has been or is a somewhat rocky relationship between the two, so make sure you are buying something that will be supported into the future . . .



TDT

400025

--

armywrights(at)adelphia.n
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 7:14 pm Post subject: MX20

I know this may come through as a big file, but just making sure that Jesse was able to use the Product Comparison page at Garmin.com.  I keep waiting to see what Garmin is going to publish for capabilities on the GMX-200…  

   

Rob #392  

             

          

MX 20 Standard         

MX20 I/O Traffic         

MX20 I/O Traffic & Radar             

Moving Map         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Display Size         

6"         

6"         

6"             

Display Type         

65,535 Color   AMLCD         

65,535 Color   AMLCD         

65,535 Color   AMLCD             

Display Resolution         

480 x 640         

480 x 640         

480 x 640             

Unit Weight         

3.1 lbs.         

3.1 lbs.         

3.1 lbs.             

Unit Dimensions         

5" x   6.25" x 8"         

5" x   6.25" x 8"         

5" x   6.25" x 8"             

XM WX Satellite Weather   Compatibility         

Yes, using the GDL 69/69A         

Yes, using the GDL 69/69A         

Yes, using the GDL 69/69A             

XM Satellite Radio Capability         

Yes, using   the GDL 69A         

Yes, using   the GDL 69A         

Yes, using   the GDL 69A             

VFR Charts         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

IFR Enroute Charts         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Terrain Awareness         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Lightning Strike Display         

with WX500         

with WX500         

with WX500             

Weather Information (Using WSI AV-200)         

Optional.   Graphical METARs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, echo tops.         

Optional.   Graphical METARs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, echo tops.         

Optional.   Graphical METARs, SIGMETs, AIRMETs, echo tops.             

Fully Customizable   Charting         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Jeppesen Database         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Chartview Database         

Optional. Requires JeppView Subscription. Provides Jeppesen Approach   Charts and Airport Diagrams         

Optional. Requires JeppView Subscription. Provides Jeppesen Approach   Charts and Airport Diagrams         

Optional. Requires JeppView Subscription. Provides Jeppesen Approach   Charts and Airport Diagrams             

Obstructions Database         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Direct Sunlight Readable         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Automatic Dimming         

Yes         

Yes         

Yes             

Position Source         

External GPS   via RS-232 serial input.         

External GPS via   RS-232 serial input.         

External GPS   via RS-232 serial input.             

Traffic Display         

GDL 90         

GTX 330, L-3 Com Skywatch, Ryan TCAD, and GDL90         

GTX 330, L-3 Com Skywatch, Ryan TCAD, and GDL90             

Radar Display         

No         

No         

Bendix King RDR2000,   RDR2100; Allied Signal RS 181-A (does not support vertical profile with   RS-181A).             

Weather Information (Using GDL 69/69A)         

Optional.   NEXRAD radar images, Graphical METARs, Lightning, TFRs, Cell Movement,   METARs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, echo tops, winds aloft, county warnings, city   forecasts, TAFs, cloud tops. (Requires XM WX Weather Subscription)         

Optional.   NEXRAD radar images, Graphical METARs, Lightning, TFRs, Cell Movement,   METARs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, echo tops, winds aloft, county warnings, city   forecasts, TAFs, cloud tops. (Requires XM WX Weather Subscription)         

Optional.   NEXRAD radar images, Graphical METARs, Lightning, TFRs, Cell Movement,   METARs, AIRMETs, SIGMETs, echo tops, winds aloft, county warnings, city forecasts,   TAFs, cloud tops. (Requires XM WX Weather Subscription)             

Voltage Range         

10Vdc to   40Vdc, reverse polarity protected         

10Vdc to   40Vdc, reverse polarity protected         

10Vdc to   40Vdc, reverse polarity protected             

[url=javascript:popup(\'/footnotes/msrp.html\')]MSRP[/url]         

Contact your   Garmin distributor         

$8495.00         

$14495.00        

  

   

   

--

10flyer(at)verizon.net
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 7:48 pm Post subject: MX20

I have the MX-20 combined with a 430 and SL30 and have been very pleased 

with the integration. The MX-20 has so many features, I'm just scratching 

the surface. Departing IFR the other day I was given an unexpected heading 

to join an airway not programed into the 430 or part of my clearance. I 

quickly selected IFR map (not chart view, but a standard data base of 

airways) and was able to turn onto the airway manually until I caught back 

up with the GPS. The traffic/Terrain/and other functions such as the track 

arc across the top have made this my main avionic component. I never look at 

the 430 map. When coupled with the SL30 you can dial in radials with the OBS 

and they will project as a megenta line on the map of the MX-20 out of the 

corresponding VOR. Maybe overkill for everyday VFR, but lifesavers for guys 

who like max situational awareness while in the clouds. Just some thoughts! 

Mark.

Tim(at)MyRV10.com
Guest

Posted: Sat Apr 29, 2006 8:09 pm Post subject: MX20

What's the driving need to have the digital plates on the box itself?

Just tonight I bought a Motion Computing LE1600 as an upgrade to

my current Tablet PC.  I can use Golden Eagle Chart Case or other

software if I wish to have charting.  Right now I have the Sportys

DVD with approach charts for the whole US.  $10. I have a script that

I can run every couple weeks that will update the files that make

up the DVD charts from the FAA, so for free I can continue to be

current on charts (except I won't have any newly added procedures

unless I get a new DVD each year).  One plus is that it will give

me a separate tablet PC that I can take with me and use as my

flight planning PC at the hotel or wherever I stay when on the

ground, as well as provide a game PC for the kids. (I'll probably

flip for a small keyboard)



I'm just a bit skeptical on the digital plates on a box, because

once you buy the option (which costs more than the tablet I bought),

you then have to have a fairly expensive subscription.  The JeppView

for the Apollow MX20/i-linc charts cost $965.00/yr just to

have the approach plates.  I don't think that includes updating

the database itself, but just the plates and charts.

And if you're going to fly IFR with it, you'd need it to be current

unless you're carrying current paper charts.  Imagine having

a current 430 but a non-current MX-20 and having something not

agree on screen.  That's why they give a discount price for

a subscription on the database when you pair the radio and the

MX-20 and update them both, but the database subscription is still

 >$500/yr for both.



Steve's point about the 396 was a good one in that it's probably

the cheapest and easiest way to add weather and traffic display.

For many people, this will be a great option.

There are a few downsides:  It's not an IFR unit which everyone

already knows.   It is a smaller screen, and just one more system

you have to punch buttons on.   The advantage to doing it all on

an MX-20/Avidyne/Chelton system is that your entire flightplan

can be displayed and loaded on one system, and then you can

overlay the weather and traffic on top of that same system.  It keeps

your head free to look out of the cockpit more because you're

not spending time loading your flight plan into multiple units

and moving around from system to system to find the various data.

(which is a plus of having those digital charts on the Avidyne/MX-20

too).



Also, I know that some of those features that require the expanded

I/O seem pretty un-needed (like Radar), but if you haven't flown

with traffic, you'll be surprised at how nice it is to have.

Adding the small extra cost of a GTX330 should give you

10 years of traffic at low cost....and if ADS-B does take over

the world, you'll want to have that expanded I/O system to take

advantage of it......imagine, free traffic, free weather...

Tim Olson - RV-10 N104CD - Flying

do not archive

Jesse Saint wrote:

[quote] 

 

 I agree wholeheartedly on all but one point.  I want to have digital plates

 as well.  The 396 doesn't give me that.  If I do go with the 396, then I

 have to have some other source of plates, which just adds another piece to

 the puzzle.

 

 I agree that the 396 is not for IFR.  We have the 430 for that.  We just

 want to have weather and plates.  I would much sooner go with a 396 than

 weather on the 430 also, but that is what brought up the MX20 in my mind.  I

 don't think the extra I/O features of the more expensive version would make

 much difference for me, so the basic one with plates is what I would be

 looking at.

 

 Do not archive.

 

 Jesse Saint

 I-TEC, Inc.

 jesse(at)itecusa.org

 www.itecusa.org

 352-465-4545

 

 --

GRANSCOTT(at)AOL.COM
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 5:34 am Post subject: MX20

Steve, 

  

 Please do not take me wrongly, I believe having the handheld's are  a great addition to many flight situation and having the ability to get wx,  traffic etc is an invaluable tool...but at times some of us folks read things  out of context..I carry an old 295, but in the Cherokee's panel we  have a Garmin 300xl...one of the first IFR GPS's, not near the capability  of what's out there today, but a nice back up unit if one ever needs an  inexpensive GPS/Comm second unit...these two units have gotten me around many  areas in the US and on target.

  

 P

Randy(at)abros.com
Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 30, 2006 9:22 am Post subject: MX20

The MX20 is Very Very nice unit. I am pleased with the integration with the GX60.  I have recently bought a 396 garmin.   

   

Here is my recommendation for some one interested in a MX20.  

   

MX20 no plates. Learn to use the cheap faa plates. Use the money you save for updates to the gps and mx20.   

   

GNS480 best integration with the MX20  

   

SL30  

396 you should have a backup GPS and one with weather is a plus.  Very easy to use.    

   

Randy N610RV    

   

       

  

From: owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-rv10-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of GRANSCOTT(at)AOL.COM

 Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2006 6:35 AM

 To: rv10-list(at)matronics.com

 Subject: Re: MX20  

  

     

Steve,   

    

   

    

Please do not take me wrongly, I believe having the handheld's are a great addition to many flight situation and having the ability to get wx, traffic etc is an invaluable tool...but at times some of us folks read things out of context..I carry an old 295, but in the Cherokee's panel we have a Garmin 300xl...one of the first IFR GPS's, not near the capability of what's out there today, but a nice back up unit if one ever needs an inexpensive GPS/Comm second unit...these two units have gotten me around many areas in the US and on target  

    

P

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