---------------------------------------------------------- Avionics-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 03/14/06: 6 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 06:05 AM - Avionics Dealer References (Greg Vouga) 2. 07:28 AM - Re: Avionics Dealer References (Mike) 3. 07:46 AM - Re: Avionics Dealer References (Dale Fultz) 4. 08:09 AM - Re: Avionics Dealer References (Mike) 5. 02:14 PM - Re: Avionics Dealer References (Greg Vouga) 6. 02:14 PM - Re: Avionics Dealer References (Werner Schneider) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 06:05:26 AM PST US From: "Greg Vouga" Subject: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Greg Vouga" Hi everyone, I am in the process of finalizing my avionics order and I would like some input on the various dealers out there. Is there anyone that has provided particularly good or bad service? Obviously, I would like to keep my costs to a minimum, but I'm reluctant to deal with companies that have bad reputations. I'm planning on installing the items myself, so a full service shop is not required. I've listed the items I plan to install below in case that makes a difference on recommendations. GRT EFIS Dynon D100 EFIS Garmin GMA-340 Garmin GNS-430 Garmin SL-30 Garmin GTX-327 Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro Digiflight IIVSGV Also, If you are a dealer please feel free to email me a quote at gvouga@gmail.com. Thanks, Greg Vouga RV-7A Raleigh, NC ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 07:28:52 AM PST US From: "Mike" Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Mike" Greg, I have dealt with every company that you listed. I will break down who they are and give you my opinion of customer and tech support and how many times I have had to use them in the last year or two. I am a seven year avionics technician and an airline pilot with an A&P. I just finished a project of my own, a Lancair Legacy with a Chilton EFIS, Blue Mountain EFIS, Advanced Flight AF-2500 engine system and AOA system, Garmin SL-30 SL-40 GMA-340 and GTX-330, Trutrak Sorcerer Autopilot, Sony AM/FM/CD/DVD/XM entertainment system, GRT EIS 6000 Air Data, Light Speed Plasma III (dual) electronic ignition, DAC GDC34A digital converter, and Mountain High O2D2 oxygen system. I'll get the big one out of the way first: Garmin GMA-340, Garmin GNS-430, Garmin SL-30, and Garmin GTX-327 Garmin makes good stable products and has top notch Technical support, and for the most par are becoming the leader in general aviation avionics. All the units you listed are robust, are TSO'ed and perform well. Garmin is a manufacturer that uses a dealer network to sell and maintain their products. Garmin will work directly with the home builder to provide technical support. My favorite avionics shop that works well with homebuilders is Aerotronics up in Montana. Gary Wirrell is the VP of the experimental division and would be more then happy to answer any questions you may have. Aerotronics address is: 1651 Aviation Place, Billings Logan International Airport, Billings, MT 59105, Phone: (406) 259-5006, Fax: (406) 252-4369. I have a quick question about your choice of the GTX-327, if you get the GTX-330 you will get the TIS (Graphic Traffic function provided by approach radar)function which provides traffic information that can be displayed on your Garmin GNS-430 and maybe even you GRT EFIS. A Great Function! Grand Rapids Technology GRT EFIS: I have purchased some products from them but not the EFIS unit yet. My experience has been very favorable; they have top end tech support and have been willing to up grade units to suite for free. They make very stable products and I have had good luck with them. Gary at Aerotronics is a seller for GRT or you can buy direct. Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro: I can't say enough great things about them. I have installed and/or use their products over six time and they work great. On two occasions I had a minor problem with a unit and they pulled out all the stops to make it right, what more can I say. I too have the AOA Pro and love it. A good dealer for this product that I have used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air. www.attawayair.com. Trutrak Digiflight IIVSGV: I have only worked with them a few times and they have offered an acceptable level of service. The reason I say it this way is, I haven't had the opportunity to truly test the tech support because I haven't had any problems with their systems. I just took delivery of the new Sorcerer autopilot which was in development when I ordered it and they were always up front with what was going on (no false promises just the truth) and they honored the original quoted price without even having to ask. A good dealer for this product that I have used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air www.attawayair.com. Dynon Avionics D100 EFIS: I have owned a D10 and installed a few D10A's. Basically I find the unit a good VFR unit and mostly stable. The unit works well but I feel their are other units out there that are better for the price. One issue I have had with their systems from the beginning is the lack of an internal GPS that would give you winds aloft and TAS as well as position and an intergraded map. Other issues I have had in the past have been the lack of interface to display external navigation information like VOR/LOC/GS which most competing products offer. I think their engine monitor system is missing some key system information like trim indicators and fuel quantity. As for customer and tech support I would rate them Fair; On the Tech side, if you get one of them they are very knowledgeable and helpful. On the customer side I found them to be less then helpful with options, changes and additions. The tended to nickel and dime us and were hard to get a hold of most of the time. With Dynon you can buy direct. I hope this information helps. Mike Dynon D100 EFIS -----Original Message----- From: owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Greg Vouga Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 7:02 AM Subject: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Greg Vouga" Hi everyone, I am in the process of finalizing my avionics order and I would like some input on the various dealers out there. Is there anyone that has provided particularly good or bad service? Obviously, I would like to keep my costs to a minimum, but I'm reluctant to deal with companies that have bad reputations. I'm planning on installing the items myself, so a full service shop is not required. I've listed the items I plan to install below in case that makes a difference on recommendations. GRT EFIS Dynon D100 EFIS Garmin GMA-340 Garmin GNS-430 Garmin SL-30 Garmin GTX-327 Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro Digiflight IIVSGV Also, If you are a dealer please feel free to email me a quote at gvouga@gmail.com. Thanks, Greg Vouga RV-7A Raleigh, NC -- 1/16/2006 -- 1/16/2006 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 07:46:39 AM PST US From: "Dale Fultz" Subject: Re: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Dale Fultz" What would you recommend over a Dynon for the price or there abouts with the experience you have had? Thanks Dale ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:27 AM Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 08:09:28 AM PST US From: "Mike" Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Mike" Dale, For the price and product, I like and have had good luck with the most recent release of the Blue Mountain products. Their earlier products were poor performers, but the new line is much better. Like Dynon, their customer support is fair. There are pros and cons to each product but I find the BM provides more bang for the buck and it is more stable then the Dynon. That's the EFIS side, on the engine monitor side I like the Advanced Flight AF-2500 (Great), Xerion AuRacle(NEW! Good), and the EI MVP-50 (Great but pricey) Mike -----Original Message----- From: owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dale Fultz Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 8:46 AM Subject: Re: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Dale Fultz" What would you recommend over a Dynon for the price or there abouts with the experience you have had? Thanks Dale ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike" Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:27 AM Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References > -- 1/16/2006 -- 1/16/2006 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 02:14:52 PM PST US From: "Greg Vouga" Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: "Greg Vouga" Mike, Thanks for all the input. You asked why i'm going with the GTX-327. Basically it's price. The 330 is about double the price and my budget won't allow it. Thanks again, Greg >From: "Mike" >To: >Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References >Date: Tue, 14 Mar 2006 08:27:02 -0700 > >--> Avionics-List message posted by: "Mike" > >Greg, > >I have dealt with every company that you listed. I will break down who >they are and give you my opinion of customer and tech support and how >many times I have had to use them in the last year or two. I am a seven >year avionics technician and an airline pilot with an A&P. I just >finished a project of my own, a Lancair Legacy with a Chilton EFIS, Blue >Mountain EFIS, Advanced Flight AF-2500 engine system and AOA system, >Garmin SL-30 SL-40 GMA-340 and GTX-330, Trutrak Sorcerer Autopilot, Sony >AM/FM/CD/DVD/XM entertainment system, GRT EIS 6000 Air Data, Light Speed >Plasma III (dual) electronic ignition, DAC GDC34A digital converter, and >Mountain High O2D2 oxygen system. > >I'll get the big one out of the way first: Garmin GMA-340, Garmin >GNS-430, Garmin SL-30, and Garmin GTX-327 Garmin makes good stable >products and has top notch Technical support, and for the most par are >becoming the leader in general aviation avionics. All the units you >listed are robust, are TSO'ed and perform well. Garmin is a >manufacturer that uses a dealer network to sell and maintain their >products. Garmin will work directly with the home builder to provide >technical support. My favorite avionics shop that works well with >homebuilders is Aerotronics up in Montana. Gary Wirrell is the VP of >the experimental division and would be more then happy to answer any >questions you may have. Aerotronics address is: 1651 Aviation Place, >Billings Logan International Airport, Billings, MT 59105, Phone: (406) >259-5006, Fax: (406) 252-4369. I have a quick question about your >choice of the GTX-327, if you get the GTX-330 you will get the TIS >(Graphic Traffic function provided by approach radar)function which >provides traffic information that can be displayed on your Garmin >GNS-430 and maybe even you GRT EFIS. A Great Function! > >Grand Rapids Technology GRT EFIS: I have purchased some products from >them but not the EFIS unit yet. My experience has been very favorable; >they have top end tech support and have been willing to up grade units >to suite for free. They make very stable products and I have had good >luck with them. Gary at Aerotronics is a seller for GRT or you can buy >direct. > >Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro: I can't say enough great things about >them. I have installed and/or use their products over six time and they >work great. On two occasions I had a minor problem with a unit and they >pulled out all the stops to make it right, what more can I say. I too >have the AOA Pro and love it. A good dealer for this product that I have >used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air. www.attawayair.com. > >Trutrak Digiflight IIVSGV: I have only worked with them a few times and >they have offered an acceptable level of service. The reason I say it >this way is, I haven't had the opportunity to truly test the tech >support because I haven't had any problems with their systems. I just >took delivery of the new Sorcerer autopilot which was in development >when I ordered it and they were always up front with what was going on >(no false promises just the truth) and they honored the original quoted >price without even having to ask. A good dealer for this product that I >have used is Robby Attaway at Attaway Air www.attawayair.com. > >Dynon Avionics D100 EFIS: I have owned a D10 and installed a few >D10A's. Basically I find the unit a good VFR unit and mostly stable. >The unit works well but I feel their are other units out there that are >better for the price. One issue I have had with their systems from the >beginning is the lack of an internal GPS that would give you winds aloft >and TAS as well as position and an intergraded map. Other issues I have >had in the past have been the lack of interface to display external >navigation information like VOR/LOC/GS which most competing products >offer. I think their engine monitor system is missing some key system >information like trim indicators and fuel quantity. As for customer and >tech support I would rate them Fair; On the Tech side, if you get one of >them they are very knowledgeable and helpful. On the customer side I >found them to be less then helpful with options, changes and additions. >The tended to nickel and dime us and were hard to get a hold of most of >the time. With Dynon you can buy direct. > >I hope this information helps. > >Mike > > >Dynon D100 EFIS > > >-----Original Message----- >From: owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com >[mailto:owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Greg >Vouga >Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 7:02 AM >To: aeroelectric-list@matronics.com; avionics-list@matronics.com >Subject: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References > >--> Avionics-List message posted by: "Greg Vouga" > >Hi everyone, > >I am in the process of finalizing my avionics order and I would like >some >input on the various dealers out there. Is there anyone that has >provided >particularly good or bad service? Obviously, I would like to keep my >costs >to a minimum, but I'm reluctant to deal with companies that have bad >reputations. I'm planning on installing the items myself, so a full >service >shop is not required. I've listed the items I plan to install below in >case >that makes a difference on recommendations. > >GRT EFIS >Dynon D100 EFIS >Garmin GMA-340 >Garmin GNS-430 >Garmin SL-30 >Garmin GTX-327 >Advanced Flight Systems AOA Pro >Digiflight IIVSGV > >Also, If you are a dealer please feel free to email me a quote at >gvouga@gmail.com. > >Thanks, > >Greg Vouga >RV-7A >Raleigh, NC > > >-- >1/16/2006 > > >-- >1/16/2006 > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 02:14:52 PM PST US From: Werner Schneider Subject: Re: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References --> Avionics-List message posted by: Werner Schneider Dale, could you please specify in detail why the BM is more stable then the Dynon? Many thanks Werner Mike wrote: >--> Avionics-List message posted by: "Mike" > >Dale, > >For the price and product, I like and have had good luck with the most >recent release of the Blue Mountain products. Their earlier products >were poor performers, but the new line is much better. Like Dynon, >their customer support is fair. There are pros and cons to each product >but I find the BM provides more bang for the buck and it is more stable >then the Dynon. That's the EFIS side, on the engine monitor side I like >the Advanced Flight AF-2500 (Great), Xerion AuRacle(NEW! Good), and the >EI MVP-50 (Great but pricey) > >Mike > >-----Original Message----- >From: owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com >[mailto:owner-avionics-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dale >Fultz >Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 8:46 AM >To: avionics-list@matronics.com >Subject: Re: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References > >--> Avionics-List message posted by: "Dale Fultz" > > >What would you recommend over a Dynon for the price or there abouts with >the >experience you have had? Thanks Dale >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Mike" >To: >Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:27 AM >Subject: RE: Avionics-List: Avionics Dealer References > > > > > > > > > > > >