Marauder

I bet Garmin would like you to think so... I have been flying with a CFII buddy who has a 530. From his playing around the 650 in my plane, it sounds like the majority of the same functionality is there (I hear a lot of "oh, that's where that is" from him). The biggest obvious difference is the touch screens in the newer stuff and if I am not mistaken the ability to use a remote transponder on the 650/750 and a remote audio panel on the 750. I'm sure the guys who have upgraded can tell you a bunch more detail.

Thanks for the feedback on the reliability. At least that shouldn't be a concern.

Houston -- we have a problem! Darn, just when I was getting all excited about the possibility of upgrading my engine monitor, reality has to set in. Take a look at these pictures. 601RX sent me the installation template. I cut out the forms and took them to the airport. The first picture is with the throttle in the full forward position. The second picture is the clearance between the throttle and the cutout. If this unit sticks 3/8" out from the panel, it will be close -- too close. The third picture is showing it if I moved it to the upper hole (would require dropping the altimeter down). Any suggestions?

Like Bob mentions above, my perspective has changed a bit over the years. For a number of years I was flying over 200 hours a year. Maintaining proficiency was easier and with it the confidence to take on weather. That said, like it was mentioned also above, the type of weather I was flying had a bearing on what I took on. Flying in upstate NY in the winter you develop a healthy respect for how bad weather can be and what unforecasted surprises await you. Nothing like popping out of an ice laden cloud into blizzard conditions to influence the way you look at weather. The biggest influencing factor that changed my IFR flying was developing an engine problem over low IMC conditions. The reality of that situation put into perspective how dangerous what we do can be. I tend to be more conversative now. I want an out or at a minimum, the odds stacked in my favor.

For those of you who own the JPI series, have you had any problems with the unit? I watched a couple of YouTube videos of people showing display issues. Also found a few comments about probe quality. Are you seeing any of these issues? T

I'm still going back and forth on which to pick. My 602 probes have been rock solid since I installed them in 1993. So, the obvious question is "for how much longer?". As I mentioned above, I did the install of the existing unit under IA supervision. I made the cable from the probes longer than needed because I was planning on moving them at some point. So, if I stay with the G4, I'm good to go. Where I am stuck is whether or not I will have problems with the throttle blocking a portion of view to the instrument. I'm taking 601RX's layout diagram to the airport today to see if it will be blocked. The other option is to lower the altimeter to lower hole and use the upper one, Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion John! I've got secret plans for that space -- just don't tell my wife I think if I go down the 930 path I should probably think about a full panel remake including pulling out the non needed factory gauges. Based on the limited space I have and the fact I put a fair amount already into my plane this year, it looks like the 830 will be my best choice. At least for the time being. So, does anyone ever wonder if this is how Sarah Winchester got started on the endless building?

Thanks! I will check them out. I spoke with my mechanic today. Using N601RX's layout diagram and the installation manuals you provided, we should be able to determine if I can fit one in the panel. I'm really concerned about the throttle in full open position.

I feel like we are in circles again. Its like ground hog day around here. By the way, what's for lunch? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't believe so Jared. From what I am reading is that it will do like my 602 has always done -- blink a column when something is out of whack.

Sounds like we went down the same justification path, only the Stormscope was already installed I was able to get the STEC 60 in the 90s on "safety" and the recent avionics upgrade on "safety" -- (using the line that my radios were really old and unreliable). Since I just finished my last "the sky is falling" safety cry in December, I'm not so sure she will buy it...

Thanks for the diagram. It would be nice to confirm the actual portion above the panel. The throttle is a big lever and in full throttle it might hit.

I could lose the airspeed indicator and altimeter with the external battery pack on the MFD. If I removed them, slid the AI over above the TC (required for the STEC), that still would require me to move the STEC controller to get enough real estate. And subsequently a major panel mod. Not sure I can get the better half to go along with another major upgrade. I'm trying to slide this one through as a "safety enhancement". Her response with these kinds of dollars being laid out would be "isn't it safer to just sell it?".

It would be good to see one in this configuration. If I keep the JPI unit proud of the panel, I suspect the throttle lever will be up against it in a full throttle position.

For a GEM 602 to a G4 conversion, the only thing that will be kept are the probes for CHT/EGT. I actually installed the 602 under an IA supervision and I left the leads a bit long since I knew at some point I wanted to move the 602.So hopefully I should be good there. The price I received for the G4 was within $500 of the 830 in a probe to probe price comparison. As for the data collection -- absolutely spot on. Flying with the 602 for years I would love to have a history of my temps. As my plane's engine is entering the second 1000 of TBO, I would love to keep a closer tab on it.

Bob -- thanks for sharing the photo. Helps put the real estate requirements for a Mooney in perspective. The $5295 is close to prices I am seeing for the unit itself. Knowing the installation hours plus the real estate needs, I don't think without a major panel redesign I will have the room. The attached photo is the space I have available. Does anyone have a 800 series installed in this location? If so, could you post a picture? Anyone have pictures of one recessed?

There has been a number of threads on the value of engine monitors. I have been flying with a GEM 602 in my panel since 1993 (long before "Lean Of peak" was accepted). Great tool and a comfort to be able to look down and see temps where they should be. Insight is offering a trade-in off towards the purchase of their new "G" series monitors. I am interested in the G4 which is scheduled to be released in the next week or so. When I got a quote for it, I was surprised to see that pricewise, the price was within the range of JPI 800 series. I'm now caught at a decision point about which way to go. Complicating it a bit more, is whether or not I should make the big jump to the 900 series. Here are my questions: 1) The Insight G4 and JPI 800 seem to perform the same basic functions. There are several differences in the way the information is presented. I like how RPM/MP is presented on the JPI. For those of you who own either a G3 or 800 series, what do you like or don't like about the functionalities they provide? 2) The G4 has some built in diagnostics for the probes and also other tools (some proposed) for vibration analysis. For the G3 owners, do you use any of this information? For 800 series owners, are there built diagnostics to tell you a probe has gone bad? 3) The price difference between the 800 and 900 series seems to be in the $1600 range for the basic instrument. I'm sure there are hidden costs for installation that I have yet to discover. For those of you who own the 900 series, do you have an idea how much installation ran you? Since the unit is capable of replacing factory gauges are there more installation concerns/costs (like fuel tank senders)? 4) The form factor for the G4 and 800 series appear to be the same except that the 800 overlays the panel. There is an adapter to allow it to be flush mounted. For those who have their units flush mounted, were there any surprises? Thanks for the feedback.

I feel like we are in circles again. Its like ground hog day around here. Now if you want to see a ground hog day, go over to Pilots of America and check out the thread on the Landing Light. 14 pages at last count on the legality of switching out a light bulb... Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have a 75 F and it does as you describe. I did have one problem with it. The little plexiglass panel with the "Gear Down" broke. It was still available from Mooney but cost a fair amount for a chunk of plastic. It was a rather simple design. A track for the plexiglass to slide in and the attachment rod to the gear mechanism to follow the movement of the gear. I suspect the hardest part would be getting the electrons to power the light correctly. It will need to come on when the gear switch is thrown to the down position. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

And I always thought it meant the owner was "special"! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hope you are lucky! My late model F is a12v system and uses a lot of the 330 bulbs. Speaking of, has anyone tried the LED versions? A bit pricey but wonder if they work. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Does anyone have one of the GDL units hooked up to an Aspen? Love to hear how they do with that config. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I have the same radio. Other than the print being small on the radio (and in yellow for some functions) the radio has been solid. The alkaline battery pack stop working. Although the lithium pack is working fine, I wanted a backup battery. I was able to locate a China supplier for these batteries on eBay. I think most of the pilot shops want somewhere around $60 for them. I was able to get them for $22 each including shipping! Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sounds like a rigging issue. Any MSC should have the story boards needed for rig checking. Could also be something else like a dragging gear. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Is that Whelen beacon? Why is there one there? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk