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Inexpensive basic avionics package

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ashontz

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 723

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 11:48 am Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

Has anyone compiled a list on what's needed (bare bones) for a inexpensive avionics package for VFR flight into Mode C territory (altitude encoding altimeter, encoder, NAV/COM, transponder), and maybe an inexpensive gyro and vacuum pump?



Thanks

p.mulwitz(at)worldnet.att
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

I don't think you need any gyro instruments or vacuum pressure to 

drive them to do VFR flying.



There is a definitive list in the FARs, but I don't have the specific 

reference.



Besides the transponder, reporting altimeter, and communications 

radio, you need the required flight instruments and related 

stuff.  These include (as best I can remember) a compass, altimeter, 

airspeed indicator, tachometer, and fuel gauge.  I don't think you 

are required to have basic engine instruments like oil temperature, 

oil pressure, etc. but most planes have these anyway.



My own choice is to opt for the new-fangled electronic instrument 

gizmos like the combined EFIS/EMS from Dynon.  This unit costs a 

little more than the bare bones list above but is MUCH less expensive 

than installing a decent World War 2 style gyro package.  Besides 

giving you the legal minimum equipment it also gives you monitoring 

and alarming of engine parameters and ample gyros to fly in minimal 

VFR weather or unanticipated IMC.



Paul

XL fuselage

do not archive



At 11:48 AM 1/8/2007, you wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  Has anyone compiled a list on what's needed (bare bones) for a 

inexpensive avionics package for VFR flight into Mode C territory 

(altitude encoding altimeter, encoder, NAV/COM, transponder), and 

maybe an inexpensive gyro and vacuum pump?



Thanks

naumuk(at)alltel.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:38 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

Plus, it's a lot lighter and easier to install.

Bill Naumuk

HDS Fuselage

Townville, Pa

---

ashontz

Joined: 27 Dec 2006
Posts: 723

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:58 pm Post subject: Re: Inexpensive basic avionics package

Thanks for the info. I was thinking more on the lines of the relatively expensive stuff. NAV/COM, alitmeter, encoder, transponder. Looks like that stuff will add up to about $2500 - $3000 easy. A friend of mine  was looking into this glass panel http://www.sportflyingshop.com/Instr/Stratomaster/Enigma/enigma.html. I don't need all this but it looks neat. Doesn't have a NAV/COM transponder etc... but pretty nice. Basically I'm just trying to get some info on cheap basics and wondering if anyone found any outrageous deals.

planes_by_ken(at)bellsout
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:09 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

From CFR 14 FAR 91.205

(b) /Visual-flight rules (day)./ For VFR flight during the day, the 

following instruments and equipment are required:



(1) Airspeed indicator.



(2) Altimeter.



(3) Magnetic direction indicator.



(4) Tachometer for each engine.



(5) Oil pressure gauge for each engine using pressure system.



(6) Temperature gauge for each liquid-cooled engine.



(7) Oil temperature gauge for each air-cooled engine.



( Manifold pressure gauge for each altitude engine.



(9) Fuel gauge indicating the quantity of fuel in each tank.



(10) Landing gear position indicator, if the aircraft has a retractable 

landing gear.



Ken Lilja A&P

craig(at)craigandjean.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:40 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

I have the Enigma running on the bench but have not yet installed or flown

it. If you want to go even less expensive MGL also has a monochrome display

glass panel: the "Ultra Horizon XL" (whew!). I believe Brandon Tucker is

flying the Horizon XL. For basic VFR you don't need the optional AHRS box.

And if you change your mind you can add it later.



As it stands the Enigma can act as your altitude encoder. The XL needs a

little add-on box.



MGL also has some small 3 inch combo instruments. A Flight 1 plus an E-2

engine monitor gives you your basic instruments. But Chris Smith is having

trouble getting a good RPM reading out of these in his "Son of Cleanex" (a

Corvair-powered Sonex).



I don't believe a NAV radio is required inside the mode C veil, just COM and

a transponder.



And my usual warning: things are changing very fast in this area. If your

plane won't be finished for a while wait. For example the Enigma was just

released in December and TruTrak is running teaser ads about their upcoming

glass panel:



www.trutrakflightsystems.com/



-- Craig

btucke73(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

I am flying with the Stratomaster Ultra.  It uses a

serial to parallel converter for the encoded altitude

signal, which may be the box that Craig refers to.  My

altitude wass right on with tower's indication today. 

I have not added the AHRS unit yet, but plan to.  I

have an ILS radio installed, and can legally fly IFR

as soon as I get the gyro operational.  Compass, ball,

and G-meter all come from this unit as well.  I

monitor all six cylinders for CHT and EGT, which was

good information while breaking in and troubleshooting

the corvair, but is not necessary now.  The ease of

installation, and little required space made it very

much worth it.



     My RPM indication has been right on from day one.

 I think the E-2 monitors RPM by connecting to the

coil for pulse indication in the same way the XL does.

 If this is the case, I suspect that he may be having

problems with alternative methods, as he is building

with the advice of William Wynne, who does not like

wiring sensors to the ignition system in this manner. 

He also had the same temperature sender problems that

I did.  If you do use a Stratomaster, use the senders

they sell.  Others just don't work right, and the ones

they sell are actually pretty cheap.



     A nav is not required under the veil.  



     The Stratomaster line of instruments is the

cheapest way you can get into EFIS systems.  So far,

mine is working fine.  I am having RDAC failures here

and there, possibly due to a ground issue that I have

to troubleshoot.  They clear fairly quickly.  Overall,

I am pleased with the quality of the unit.  I will

report back when I get the gyro working.



Matt at sportflyingshop.com is very helpful:



http://www.sportflyingshop.com/Instr/Stratomaster/stratomaster.html



VR/



Brandon

601 HDS / TD / Corvair

48 hours



__________________________________________________

4rcsimmons(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:36 am Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

Ok List,

  

 Can I dito this question but include/change to an IFR Package?

  

 I know I can go to the the FAR's for a description that needs to be decoded but,

  

 are there any of you guys who have built theirs IFR or intend to?

  

 If so, wht is your choice with cost being a consideration.

  

 I am starting my fusealge in February but I am continually looking at what others are doing!

  

 Thanks for  your response

 

Rich Simmons

 601XL 

 Tail 100% Wings 99%

 Fuselage in mid February

 Murfreesboro, TN

  

 Oh, Do not archive!

  [quote][b]

amyvega2005(at)earthlink.
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:27 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

the basics would be like the piper cub I fly now and then,  Altimeter, speedometer, compass, oil temp, engine heat, gas guage, and mag switch.

Hand held radio, no transponder if flying outside class B.



Juan



--

craig(at)craigandjean.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:37 pm Post subject: Inexpensive basic avionics package

You need a transponder if you are inside the Mode C veil even if you are not

in class B UNLESS your plane was certified with no electrical system.



-- Craig

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