Marauder

Can some of you who had AeroComfort do the work post some pictures? Trying to get an idea if I can tackle any of this myself or just leave my wallet with them...

Cruiser -- are you talking about the Seattle Avionics database for approach plates? Or also the Jepp Nav database? And it sounds like it is for only the current cycle which ends in early April -- or are you talking about what you have on a remaining subscription?

Greg is correct about how CTAF should take over. Works that way for a towered airport that closes at night near me. My local towered airport approaches will change a bit due to local weather most likely not being reported and higher minimums will be enacted. I wonder how things like LAHSO will work during the busy part of the day. With 3 runways and no one deciding which one is active, it's possible to have some conflicts. Hopefully we will all be big boys and girls about it.

The Aspen's display GPS information from the WAAS receiver. They have their own built in GPS but it is primarily intended to be a backup GPS in case of primary GPS failure.

Looks pretty exciting especially the sharing of the ADS-B output to your iPad! Customer Memo
 26 March 2013 Dear Aspen Customer: We are pleased to share with you the announcement of Aspen's ADS-B solutions. No matter what type of transponder you currently have installed, Aspen has a solution that will help you meet the FAA ADS-Out mandate, as well as allow you to take advantage of the free weather and traffic services available in the ADS-B In network. This morning's media release is included below. Thank you for your continued support of Aspen Avionics. Aspen Avionics Announces NextGen Solutions Aspen leverages open-architecture for new ADS-B compatible products Las Vegas, NV, March 26, 2013: Aspen Avionics announced today two new lines of NextGen products designed to give aircraft owners flexible and affordable options to meet the upcoming FAA ADS-B Out equipment mandate, and to access the subscription-free weather and traffic services available from the ADS-B In network. Aspen’s product introductions include a new, certified NextGen product line and an expansion to the company’s existing Connected Panel™ wireless cockpit technology. “Consistent with Aspen’s design philosophy, these new products are open, compatible and designed to complement what aircraft owners already have in their panels,” says Brad Hayden, Aspen’s Vice President of Marketing. “In addition, these new solutions are optimized for our displays, giving Aspen customers even more value for their glass panel investment.” Connected Panel ADS-B Solutions Aspen is expanding the Connected Panel product line with the Connected Weather CG50. The CG50 is a small Wi-Fi receiver that hard-wires into Evolution displays and allows pilots to simultaneously view subscription-free ADS-B In weather on an Evolution PFD or MFD—and via an iPad from the same portable source. The CG50 portable ADS-B receiver interface can be retrofitted on existing Aspen displays already in the field. Additionally, Aspen is introducing an upgrade to the Connected Pilot CG100, which allows users to display subscription-free weather from portable ADS-B receivers onto Evolution PFDs and MFDs. This new functionality can be applied to existing CG100 installations and adds ADS-B weather to the other core Connected Pilot features like flight planning and data logging. Certified ADS-B Solutions Aspen’s new certified NextGen product line provides ADS-B features pilots want, while leveraging installed avionics to keep flyaway costs low. Aspen’s ARX100 dual-band ADS-B receiver is a solution for aircraft that already have a Mode S transponder with Extended Squitter and an ADS-B compliant GPS installed. The ARX100 is a certified ADS-B weather and traffic In solution and is compatible with Aspen Evolution PFDs and MFDs. Aspen’s ATX200 dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver is built for aircraft that have a Mode A/C transponder, or Mode S without Extended Squitter, and a WAAS-enabled GPS installed. The ATX200 provides ADS-B Out mandate compliance below 18,000 feet. The ATX200G combines a dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver and a WAAS GPS into one product, a perfect solution for aircraft with a legacy mode A/C transponder and without an ADS-B compatible GPS. Paired with an Aspen Evolution PFD or MFD, the ATX200G meets the ADS-B Out mandate while also providing access to subscription-free ADS-B weather and traffic. “Designed to work with what aircraft owners already have in their panels, Aspen’s affordable NextGen ADS-B solutions provide an easy, cost-effective path to meeting the upcoming ADS-B Out mandate, while allowing many paths to exploit the free situational awareness features provided by the NextGen environment,” Hayden continues. “Additionally, in order to increase our overall compatibility with other manufacturers, Aspen’s NextGen solutions will support the Capstone Data Interface Protocol.” Availability and Pricing Aspen’s entire suite of ADS-B products will become available throughout 2013. The Aspen ADS-B hardware and software products are priced as follows: The ARX100 dual-band ADS-B receiver retails for $1695. The ARX200 dual-band ADS-B transceiver retails for $3995. The ATX200G dual-band in, 978 MHz out ADS-B transceiver with WAAS GPS retails for $4995. The Connected Weather CG50 wi-fi receiver and interface to Evolution displays retails for $949. The Connected Pilot CG100 software is included with the CG100. Aspen has also made available an online ADS-B solutions configurator tool for aircraft owners to determine the Aspen solution that best meets their needs. The configurator may be found at www.aspenavionics.com/easyadsb. Click for product images Click for more Aspen News About Aspen Avionics, Inc. Aspen Avionics specializes in bringing the most advanced technology and capability from the commercial and business aviation markets into general aviation cockpits— and budgets. Our products increase situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, making it easier and safer to fly in both VFR and IFR conditions. The way we look at it, getting the latest avionics technology shouldn’t always mean spending a lot of money—on equipment or installation. At Aspen Avionics, we design products to be affordable, easy to install, and easy to own. The company can be found online at www.aspenavionics.com, and may be reached at (505) 856-5034. About the Evolution Flight Display System The Aspen Evolution Flight Display System is an affordable, expandable and upgradeable PFD, MFD and hazard sensor cockpit solution for general aviation aircraft and rotorcraft platforms. Highly compatible with existing aircraft avionics, the flexible Evolution Flight Display System lets aircraft owners install all Evolution Flight Displays and options at once, or separately, as their needs and budgets permit. About Connected Panel The Connected Panel system includes hardware, software and application components that provide two-way wireless communications between portable smart devices and certified panel-mounted avionics. The power to streamline flight-related activities is enabled via Aspen’s Evolution Flight Displays and a blind-mounted Connected Gateway box. A vibrant community of partners – inside and outside the aviation industry – is developing applications and products using Connected Panel technology that will offer convenient and powerful tools to use, manage, and store flight data. Connected Panel technology allows pilots to tie their world together seamlessly into a fully integrated flying experience. For more information, visit www.connectedpanel.com. 
Aspen Avionics
 5001 Indian School Road NE
 Albuquerque, NM 87110
 Press contact: (505) 338-2446 www.aspenavionics.com

It is those little things that may come up and bite you. When I did my "complex" checkout in a Mooney, the relatively new instructor scolded me for leaving the gear down too long (we were flying out of a short runway with trees). That is when I found the "clear of obstacles" statement.

Sounds like you are struggling with the same decisions I made a few months back. For me, wanting the HSI was a big consideration in my final decision. After years of flying without it, I find it a nice addition. The 750 is nice and was my primary consideration until those pesky guys at the avionics shops starting showing me the Garmin & Aspen PFD/MFD stuff. It didn't take long before the 750 went "bye-bye" and the 650 was in -- not because of the glass but because of the HSI. Whether I bought a 750 or 650, I would still have needed the CDI and the PFD addressed that with additional features. I elected to go with Aspen because of the feature sets. After the installation began, I found money to do the MFD and haven't regretted it. What I absolutely love is once the 650 is setup, I almost never look at the 650. I will obviously do so to load an approach or change a frequency, but all of my situation awareness and navigation is done with the Aspens in front of me. My advice is to do a lot of research on what you want and need. The quotes offered to me varied tremendously. As well, there were features that I did not know existed until I asked about after the installation began (like full AP reversion support). One thing you will love is the GPSS capabilities. I'm sure others will come along with additional thoughts.

LOL!

How about if I state it this way? In an endeavor to provide deep rooted recurrent customer satisfaction, there are sections of the aforementioned document relevant to fixed aerodynamic foil, heavier than air vehicles.

There are parts that do pertain to non-helicopter functions: • Added support for ARINC 429 Radar Altimeter input • Added enhanced lighting curves for backlight and keypad lighting • Added enhanced Map Range Ring markings • Added support for metric fuel units • Increased allowable manual input of fuel flow and quantity • GTN 7XX only; added pilot-on-the-right configuration to audio panel control layout and 3D audio COM Software Version 2.11 contains the following change from Version 2.10: • Added changes to support future removal of limitation that precludes 16W installations in 14 volt aircraft. GMA 35 Software Version 3.05 contains the following changes from Version 2.20: • Improved compatibility with KFC/KAP autopilot systems (Installation Bulletin 1213) • Adjusted relative volume during 3D Audio mode

Yeah, me think I got on some secret, decoder ring required distribution list. Here is what they sent: Garmin Update.pdf

I believe what you are stating is correct for Mooneys (at least some of them). My POH states to leave gear down until clear of obstacles. I also know that on a very calm day I can actually feel a slight dip when retracting my gear.

From the guy who was there for the certification process...

Thanks for the info Allsmiles. BTW - I just received notification that 4.0 is now available for the GTN series.

Narco did indeed have an interesting history. I still have 2 radios in my panel from them. The reason the radios are there was because the Garmin of that time frame was Bendix King and for me to move into a 155 and KT-76 was going to cost me thousands more than the Narcos. I think where Narco went in the wrong direction was with their support strategy. Most likely from not making enough on their hardware sales they probably believed they could make it up through pulling back all of the support services to their facility. This alienated the very avionics shops that were pushing their products and making revenues from supporting them. I remember a very distinct conversation with my radio shop back then. He told me in no uncertain terms that he was done selling Narcos because of the support strategy. It is unfortunate because the more we lose these companies, the less the competition for our business which ultimately resulting in higher prices.

I would also expect that many of the airports will be impacted 1 way or another for IFR procedures. Especially those that provide manual weather updates via ATIS.

Oscar's crossfill issue has nothing to do with the shutdown. If he has an outdated database, he will just be cross filling bad data. As for the shutdown, CTAF will be there. Many of these airports close at night today and leave CTAF available. The bigger issue will be the charts denoting the change from Class D. Garmin, Seattle Avionics, ForeFlight and Jepp all get their data from the feds via electronic media. The electronic updates will be the easiest. It is the paper documents that will be a challenge.

I don't have a 430 or 530 and by no means an expert. If I am not mistaken, the GTN series has victor airways and the GNS does not. If this is the case, I suspect it would be impossible to download a flight plan with victor airways into the 430. it might be possible to cross fill compatible flight plans. Hopefully someone can clear this up. All I know is when I read the manual it states two GTNs, no mention of previous generations.

The weather! What else?!

Oscar - from what I see in the manual crossfill is only available for 2 similar units like 2 GTNs or 2 430s.

Oscar - I will check my manual to see if it is possible. I know that the GTN series has the ability to load airways. Can you do that on a 430/530?

I hope your mystery guest accepts the invitation. The product and the installed pricing is something in my budget. Tell him he has potential customer(s)!

Hmmm... I see where you got your price -- you are talking an C/E The longer bodies are a bit more expensive and labor intensive: Parts Hardware & STC $4,690.00 Labor Hours 70 * $70 (shop rate) = $4,900.00 Description Replacement of the multi-segmented belly skins with a smooth aerodynamically contoured one-piece fairing. Eliminates needless hours of removing screws and can conceal various antennas. *This can account for up to 6 MPH by burying some typical antennas.

Alan -- where does one go about getting a single piece? Also where did you see a belly pan for $3.5k installed? We talking about the same thing?

The history of usage fees has always been dotted with stories of how the administrative cost of collecting them was more than the revenue they generated. It then becomes a self fulfilling prophecy of increasing usage fees to offset the administrative costs.