New budget "glass panel" system

[robbwerks]

Not sure how many of you saw this, but I was very impressed with the features and price point. I have the free black and white demo for my tablet and it's very cool. Great value for the VFR Sonex. Under $700 minus Data Logger and price of tablet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EyxTI8fL34

[samiam]

I saw this demo from Homebuilt Help, but I'm not convinced on this one. I would never use an iPad as my only PFD, so it would only really serve as a backup to a "steam" ASI/Altimeter. Also, the cost of $700 plus an iPad is approaching one of the new basic purpose-built EFIS systems, which could replace steam gauges.

GRT mini is under $1200: http://www.grtavionics.com/mini.html
GRT sport X is under $1500 and has a nice sized screen: http://www.grtavionics.com/sportex.html

[robbwerks]

Oh, I agree that there are other systems that aren't much more. I was thinking about the very budget minded VFR only build. I would only do it if the failure rate was very low, and if I couldn't afford my ideal panel just yet. It does seem to be a very redundant system since if the AHRS box fails, it reverts to the internal tablet sensors/GPS, and if the tablet fails, another WiFi enabled device can replace it quickly. Just a cool idea that may be an option if very light weight was a goal.

[DCASonex]

Have a GRT Sport SX in mine and one of the things I appreciate most is that it is NOT a Touch Screen. Can use it while things are bouncing around up there.

David A. Sonex TD

[samiam]

Oh, I agree that there are other systems that aren't much more. I was thinking about the very budget minded VFR only build. I would only do it if the failure rate was very low, and if I couldn't afford my ideal panel just yet. It does seem to be a very redundant system since if the AHRS box fails, it reverts to the internal tablet sensors/GPS, and if the tablet fails, another WiFi enabled device can replace it quickly. Just a cool idea that may be an option if very light weight was a goal.

Again, I would never count on an iPad for my ASI/Altimeter as the ONLY pfd. It's not purpose built for aviation and people have definitely had issues (overheating, etc). It is a suitable backup to steam gauges.

If you want a glass PFD, the cost is very similar for a basic purpose-built unit.

[NWade]

One thing to point out is that most smartphones and tablets have terrible readability in direct sunlight, and that's going to be an issue with the big Sonex canopy.

Take care,

--Noel

[Direct C51]

I'm not sure I understand the allure here. $700 plus the price of a tablet and one of those pricy tablet mounts is the same as a $1195 GRT Mini with built in AHRS. It's integrated in to the panel, has good readability in sunlight, and won't overheat and shutdown in the sun. It's expandable too, if you want moving maps, AOA, etc. Or for $1500 you can get a GRT Sport EX which is a solid EFIS and expandable if/when you want more functions like engine monitoring. If this thing was $99 plus a tablet, it would make sense, but at that price point I'll take a real EFIS.

[Corby202]

This one's cheap if you like playing with electronics.http://experimentalavionics.com/
I also am not keen on touch screens in the cockpit. I have enough trouble trying to send a text message.

[kmacht]

This gave me a good laugh. I have all the same features minus the GPS running on a Compaq ipaq pda from the late 90s in my plane. It has the external ahrs/ magnemoemeter. I picked it up in the Oshkosh flymart for $50 one year and been using it since as a backup attitude indicator. If I spent the money at the time I could have put anywhere map GPS on it as well. I believe that Kerry had the same setup in mental illness when he was first flying it. What was old is new again I guess.

Keith
#554

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi all,
Just saw this on http://www.aero-news.net. Page3 Open flight solutions flight box. Dont know much about this unit. Perusing their website. Anyone know any info on this product. ??
Adsb in. Trig has a neat combo mode s tpx and tn-70 w certified waas gps for adsb out. $4000

WaiexN143NM
Michael