Avionics for Dummies

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

I know nothing about Avionics and have never flown an airplane but got the bug to build and fly an LSA. This has probably been answered in this forum but, if it was, I have no idea what they were talking about. I looked at all the information on the web sites and, again, I'm sure all this was explained but I have no idea what they were talking about. I see Sonex recommends the MGL instruments and it looks like there are four levels of complexity.
First is the Stratomaster Velocity Singles for $1085
Second is the Stratomaster X Treme for $2235
Third is the Stratomaster iEFIS Discovery Lite 7" for $4144
Fourth is the Stratomaster iEFIS Explorer 8.5 for $5700

I'd also like to throw in the Avionics that Van's supplies for the RV-12 Which costs $13995 (This pkg includes Garmin GTR-200 Com radio/stereo Intercom ●ACK E-04 ELT ●Switch/fuse panels and control units ●Wiring harnesses and mounting hardware, which the Sonex pkgs doesn't have so that price would need to be subtracted out of the $13995) The following is what you get for the RV-12 for $13995

Dynon SkyView D1000 (ready-to-install unit includes 10" Display, SV-ADAHRS-200 Attitude reference module, SV-XPNDR-261 Mode S
Transponder, SV-GPS-250 GPS receiver, SV-BAT-320 Backup battery, SV-EMS-220 Engine Instrumentation Module w/probes, SV-SYNVIS-
280 Synthetic Vision Module, SV-MAP-270 Moving Map software with USA FAA Navigation Database.)
Garmin GTR-200 Com radio/stereo Intercom ●ACK E-04 ELT ●Switch/fuse panels and control units ●Wiring harnesses and mounting hardware

My question is: can someone explain, in very basic terms, what the MGL first level includes and then tell me what each additional level adds to that basic level? You might also explain what the basics I would really need so I would be able to fly my airplane cross country where there is the possibility I might lose track of the highway I was attempting to follow and be able to continue to my destination. (or maybe just fly a straight line without following a road) As you may have found out by my previous posts, I am really hooked on this LSA idea and spend a lot of time researching and it seems like the more I read the more questions I have.

[chris]

The first MGL has all you need for Airspeed, Altitude, Vertical Speed. No navigation. You would need to add a compass.

Basic navigation is generally taught by pilotage and dead reckoning. You will look at a sectional chart and draw a line from your starting point to your destination. You will then use a tool called a plotter that you will be able to calculate your heading and distance information. You pick visual reference points along your route to look for to make sure that you are on track. You will know when you should see a fix because you know your speed and the time it should take you to get from point to point. Roads can be used as check points. You can follow a road but that is not necessary even without a more fancy navigation system. Many times if you were to follow a road, you would be going many miles out of your way.

Check out these videos for a basic intro.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40Ac2YD2LNs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cglvLVab4mM
I'm sure there are probably some more detailed youtube videos if you do a search.

You can always add a handheld gps or aviation smart phone app for supplemental navigation.

The Xtreme is the first option with GPS Nav. The Xtreme is what you need plus some nice to have features. It does not have a moving map but will allow you to enter waypoints and navigate kind of like VOR navigation. It adds some more capability such as a gps derived artificial horizon or an actual attitude indicator with the purchase of the optional SP-7. You can also add the SP-6 magnetic compass sensor to the Xtreme.

The others are fancy nice to have built in moving map etc.

I left out a lot of detail about the instruments, but my main point that I wanted to get across is that you only need a compass and a chart for cross country navigation. My recommendation would be for you to take some flight lessons. Doing so will give you much better insight and understanding for what you need, and what you don't necessarily need but decide that you must have in your airplane.

[Bruce593SX]

I would love to have the high end MGL or Dynon, but I chose the stratomaster singles for cost and simplicity, superior navigation is handled by an iPad mini and a $75 per year subscription (Includes continuous chart and database updates) to either WingX or ForeFlight. Redundancy is achieved by an extra $450 iPad.

You don't NEED a transponder, unless you fly in controlled airspace (although I will add after test hours)

Not flyimg yet, but hopefully in the next several months

[billmaxmcw]

But there are other relatively inexpensive options. 3 years ago, I chose as my only avionics the Grand Rapids EIS with alt. and airspeed, the Ifly 700 moving map GPS, and the FLightline 760 radio. I would do it again. Take an EAA sportair workshop on "electrical systems, wiring, and avionics"; definitely worthwhile and almost mandatory for newbies.

[nwawingman]

I will 2nd that Bill! I have the Grand Rapids EIS with alt. and airspeed built in, along with a Bendix/King AV8OR Handheld mounted in a panel mount adapter, and a Flightline 760 radio. I would probably just use a IPAD Mini instead of the Bendix/King if I had it to do again. I fly with ForeFlight running on my Iphone or Ipad mini as a backup now. I may add a transponder at a later date but for now I am very happy with my $2000 panel.

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

bill and awawingman: Please keep it simpler (Bendix/King AV8OR Handheld mounted in a panel mount adapter, Flightline 760 radio, ForeFlight running) Can I take the course on line: Take an EAA sportair workshop on "electrical systems, wiring, and avionics"; definitely worthwhile and almost mandatory for newbies.

[billmaxmcw]

No, you have to go to the workshop to get hands-on instruction and practice making these things and advice and questions answered. You can check online for the prices and specs on the avionics options. Keep in mind, this is a knowledge base and skill set altogether different from building an airframe or an engine.
Bill

[wlarson861]

I think you should take a step back and not spend a lot of money and time on abstract research by going to workshops etc. You need to take at least a few hours of lessons and flying the various aircraft. That would be the most value for the dollar in my opinion. When you have flown a little dead reckoning and a little GPS and a bit of IFRR (I Follow Rail Roads) you will know better what to look for as a set of avionics. It helps to see the theory applied. You at this point think you want an LSA, but after a little training you may want to go hip deep and be interested in complex, retractable, IFR flying. Once you have your feet wet you will be able to define your mission and then go from there. Get an Eagle Flight from an EAA member at the very least. It would give you an insight into what we do and why we are so obsessed, and may help you decide if you want to become one of the addicted. Good luck in your pursuit.

[avee8r]

I also agree with BIll. The Grand Rapids EIS is more than sufficient instrumentation. I use paper sectionals for navigation, it keeps my eyes outside where the wonders of aviation are happening. I elected to install the X-Com radio and Microair Transponder and a Mode C encoder required here in SE Michigan. When I do want GPS information for either navigation or performance calculations, I have the Fee Avare app on my Android phone. There is a picture of my panel in the instrument panel section here at SonexBuilders.net
Happy Landings
John
N50NX

[johnr9q@yahoo.com]

I have flown in my friends RV-8 and he has an avionics system that cost $25,000 so I imagine it has about everything. He has a feature that will show you the direction and distance to the closest airports. What is the least expensive MGL system that will do that?