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I'm new here, but not a new builder. I've built a Vans RV-8 with GRT, a Vans RV-6A with Dynon and a LancAir 360MkII with conventional instrumentation. Is there a reason MGL seems to be the EFIS of choice for the Sonex or is it just choice. I am leaning toward Dynon or GRT unless I can find a convincing reason to go with MGL.

Robby Knox
Robby. Knox@hotmail.com
912-429-5761

Hi Robby,

I believe Sonex used to offer some of the older MGL products directly to their customers. These days you will see all of the above brand name EFIS's in Sonex panels. I'm still a year away from needing a panel, but if I was buying one today I think I would go with GRT's offering.

Welcome to the board. Have you committed to a Sonex as your next build or are you just looking?

Committed. I am using this build to start a youth aviation orientation and flying organization in my community. We will be a 501c3 soon, but as with all charity efforts, somebody has to foot the bill and that somebody is me. I have a Sonex tail and had a great line on a complete kit, but some how things got squirrelly with it. Today, I ordered the ER wing tanks through Jeff. So this is committed. I am leaning toward GRT. I've been in some orphaning discussions with Dynon and I just do not know enough about MGL.

FWIW we are looking for part/component donations of any kind. The tail was a steal at $100 and we have a committed line on a core engine within the state, but nothing will be refused, as it can be used to teach.

Thanks for the welcome and the response.

Robbi,

I laid out my panel on my Waiex and installed the Dynon Skyview in the winter of 2010-11. My first flight date ended up being Sept 21, of 2011. I'll never forget all the ribbing I received from my friends and fellow builders at "how outlandish and foolish" that EFIS panel was for a homebuilt, day VFR aircraft.
Well I don't need to justify this thing anymore. They have become the standard and for good reason. They have the information you need to make informed decisions and leads to safety.
My Dynon is a very early serial # D700 and it has been faultless and tough. It gets no special treatment and has even had a bit of rain water on it on occasion and never a problem one in almost 650 hrs of flying.
My plane doesn't have cabin heat and I've routinely flown in temperatures of less than 25 degrees. F. and never a hint of a trouble. Same with extremely warm temperatures.
I'm certain that pretty much all the major players are putting out quality products but my experience with Dynon has been top notch.

Larry
Waiex121YX, Dynon Skyview, 2 axis A/P, Camit 3300

I have nothing bad to say about Dynon at all - never regretted my now aging D-180 and the dynon intercom #618 rocks. I got similar ribbing at the time. I covet a skyview ... but I really want it in the C182! (Sonex is fine with the D-180).

AP

I second you guys on Dynon quality and Dynon reliability. I've seen quite a few guys with obsolesence issues with them, though. That has not been my experience with GRT.

While I like the hub option Dynon offers, I've used the modular Approach Systems in the past and it is rock solid. Chad Jensen, VPX and I have talked about his modular options and I may consider it for this project, as well. As this project is to be a teaching/learning experience for several kids I know now and, hopefully, more to come, the balance of technology and legacy skills will be one of the primary considerations in the selection, as will safety and costs.

I am grateful for input and information. Please feel free to PM me if you want.

No MGL here, GRT Sport SX, 8.5" version has been in mine Sonex TD since 2011. Has ADS-B in, synthetic vision and their dual axis auto-pilot. Operating manual leaves a lot to be desired, but installation manuals good, and good phone and e-mail support.

David A.

David,

Does the Sport SX have the internal AHRS? Internal GPS? Com? Transponder? Photo of your panel? Where you are is where I am strongly leaning.