New GRT Mini efis

[Mike53]

I thought I was going to buy the MGL mini which would give me everything I need for the Sonex price of $2184 us. If you don't want attitude derived from GPS you would have to fork over another 950 bucks for the AHRS which is past my panel $ limit so I was going with GPS derived attitude.Don't have any idea if that is a good or just adequate solution.
Now GRT has come up with their own mini efis for an intro price of $995 which includes a built in AHRS http://www.grtavionics.com/mini.html so now I would have to add a EMS so I'm thinking the MGL E1 EMS for $358 add probes $162 and I would have a complete system for $650 less than the MGL mini.
At any rate I have till the end of April to decide as the intro price ends then.
Any thoughts :idea:

[fastj22]

AHRS for our little planes is not needed. I have dual MGL xTremes. One dedicated to engine, one to EFIS. I don't have the AHRS and don't miss it. I did buy the electronic compass, but find it useless for the type of flying I do. The only reason to get AHRS in my opinion is to drive an autopilot. I like my setup. Small, everything is displayed all the time. The MGL has some warts, but overall, its a good system. I really haven't researched the new mini GRT. All my navigation functions are handled from my iPad using Foreflight or Xwing. The MGL is my backup.

[MichaelFarley56]

It really is amazing how fast avionics technology has advanced in the last few years. This new GRT mini looks like a Dynon D2 competitor which is cool...in my humble opinion, competition is a great way to get lower prices!

Both of your options are good ones Mike. Truthfully, I can see pluses and minuses for each option. The MGL Xtreme will put everything in one box, making wiring easier and saving you weight as well. The GRT plus MGL E1 is cheaper and gives you an attitude indicator as well.

Please let us know what you decide. If you decide on the GRT mini, I'd be interested to hear your impressions of it!

[Mike53]

The Onex panel would not have enough room for 2 minis plus the GPS .I would love the convenience of 2 but I will suffice with one.
One thing I like about the MGL unit is the unlimited configurable checklists you can make.Would be great for start up checklist ,run up, emergency situations etc.but is that worth $650 .
The one thing I do worry about is hooking them up.I don't have a clue about that sort of thing and electrical wiring diagrams that would come with them are greek to me.Maybe your right about it being easier to hook up the MGL.I'm guessing that there is a harness that goes from the RDAC to the back of the screen which would be simple enough and then just attach all probes to RDAC which I assume is on the firewall forward,or is that too simple an explanation?
Thanks for the input gentlemen.
Mike

[fastj22]

Wiring the MGL xtreme is easy. Ground, 12v power, external alarm switch wire, and a single signal wire to the RDAC. Another to the Ahrs and compass if you use them. All through a single db9 pre-wired connector. The RDAC is pretty simple too. Each sensor lead has a screw down socket.

I thought I would use the checklists too, but I like my old school flip chart checklist. Also, when using the checklist on the display, you can't see some of the stuff you are checking.

[onex28]

I'm also looking at the GRT Mini and considering matching the GRT efis with it. Would like to hear anyone's experience with the Efis. Also noticed that ACS has a Super efis that looks like a GRT clone except the face plate graphics. Are they the same?

David
ONEX28

[DCASonex]

Do not know about the mini, but very happy with my GRT Sport SX and the company. Mine is monitoring a 3300 and equipped with GRT's dual axis auto-pilots. No problems with installation. Would not hesitate to buy from GRT again.

David A.

[onex28]

Thanks for the info David and I did notice that I typed EFIS when I meant to type EIS.

David
ONEX28