Anyone upgrading with Aspen PFDs?

[peter]

Quote: Piloto

Love it Peter

But the fact is that on this thread I have read more on reboots and lock-ups than on engine failures. Can you imagine a new engine in the market with similar problems? I do realize vacuum gyros have their issues but it is not the case for pneumatic airspeed indicators, altimeters, VSI or a whisky compass. Would you replace the control surface push rods for a fly-by-wire system because it is a high tech thing? 

Jose

[peter]

Quote: Cruiser

Peter,

Do you have any info on how many of these units that are reported malfunctioning in the field end up at the factory warranty department NDF? When is Aspen going to start offering reconditioned units?

I hear what Jose is saying but these sound like installation issues not unit failures. What is the current failure rate xx/1000 units?

Also, I am curious to know, if these units are effected by EMI, RFI or lightening, with a PFD/MFD combo would both units be subject to the same failure at the same time if in different modes? i.e will DuoSafe protect against this fault? 

[FullyArticulate]

Quote: Piloto

 I do realize vacuum gyros have their issues but it is not the case for pneumatic airspeed indicators, altimeters, VSI or a whisky compass.

[Vref]

Quote: jelswick

Brought the Mooney home to Ohio today with the new Aspens, STec 30, shifting things around in the panel and strip and repaint of the panel by Ron Collins Aviation, Henderson, KY.  Thrilled with the job they did and having 45T home!  I put up video and photos of the flight home (a few out of season photos of 45T to show the exterior) on YouTube this afternoon with the link below.

[flyboy0681]

Anybody have any real-time experience or opinions of installing an Aspen EFD500 versus a Garmin MX-20 or MX-200.

[jelswick]

Only 4 hrs myself Flyboy 0681 bringing N1145T home Saturday and then flying her again yesterday to get used to the approaches, so not feeling qualified to weigh in yet.  My partner in the aircraft sales business we had until last year flew with me yesterday and I let him fly a few approaches with me playing safety pilot.  He kept commenting how wonderful the scan was having everything right there on the PFD.  I thought getting used to the glideslope indication was going to be difficult, but I like it better already than the standard indicator.  The ability to input Minimums and the warnings associated with it afterward are also great (just have to remember to make sure to set them for the current airport because it appears to retain them once set).  The MFD approach plates that come free for 3 months as a trial on the MFD 500 are wonderful with the depiction of where your aircraft is on the actual approach chart itself, geo-referenced.  Beautiful photos of the keys in your gallery by the way!  I so want to find the time to make that trip!

And thank you Vref!  Muvee Reveal is the software and it makes putting the photos, video and music together a snap.  Really easy and it adds the motion to the photos, etc. for you making it something even I can operate.  The band is Evanescence's song Bring Me to Life.  I'd never heard of them, but my now 18 yr old daughter listened to them all the time and a few of their songs got stuck in my head and really liked that one.  Where are you in Belgium?  I lived in Mons for 3 yrs as a young child, started school there as an Army brat while my dad was assigned to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe).  That was the best assignment in my opinion during his 23 yrs in the Army. 

[rogerl]

Quote: peter

I'm a little confused. Rogerl reported he had a a unit fail to power up on the ground, and later had the replacement unit restart in flight.  The first failure was a confirmed hardware fault.  The second unit has not yet been received at Aspen for analysis.

[carusoam]

Has anyone installed the synthetic vision? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-GHHn2WZsc

Too new?  Not needed?  Parlor trick?

I would think it is extremely difficult to experience CFIT if you have a picture of a red mountain show up in your scan.

Any thoughts?

Best regards,

-a-

[Vref]

Quote: jelswick

 

And thank you Vref!  Muvee Reveal is the software and it makes putting the photos, video and music together a snap.  Really easy and it adds the motion to the photos, etc. for you making it something even I can operate.  The band is Evanescence's song Bring Me to Life.  I'd never heard of them, but my now 18 yr old daughter listened to them all the time and a few of their songs got stuck in my head and really liked that one.  Where are you in Belgium?  I lived in Mons for 3 yrs as a young child, started school there as an Army brat while my dad was assigned to SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe).  That was the best assignment in my opinion during his 23 yrs in the Army. 

[jelswick]

Exactly Vref!  I was in Germany a couple of years ago and don't know how my father navigated there without GPS.  Maps work, but a little slower.  Loved Antwerp as well.  Headed for work, but hearing all of those town names, I'm now have a craving for frites w/ mayo!    Have a great day there!

[Vref]

Quote: jelswick

Exactly Vref!  I was in Germany a couple of years ago and don't know how my father navigated there without GPS.  Maps work, but a little slower.  Loved Antwerp as well.  Headed for work, but hearing all of those town names, I'm now have a craving for frites w/ mayo!    Have a great day there!

[carusoam]

Luc and Jim,

Make mine a Leffe.  Mechelen is a beautiful small city.  I get the opportunity to drive through on my way to Heist-op-den-berg a few times each year...

I don't go anywhere without Mrs. Garmin as my copilot....

Best regards,

-a-

[Vref]

Quote: carusoam

Luc and Jim,

Make mine a Leffe.  Mechelen is a beautiful small city.  I get the opportunity to drive through on my way to Heist-op-den-berg a few times each year...

I don't go anywhere without Mrs. Garmin as my copilot....

Best regards,

-a-

[steelerp]

Peter,  I'm a satisfied customer.  Can't wait to save up the coin (maybe next year) for the MFD with revisionary capability.   Interesting discussion.   Rick

[carusoam]

Sorry all for robbing the thread space....

Luc,  I prefer the dark, but not that choosey...Next scheduled visit is April time frame.  I typically fly (commercial of course) into Zaventum, live in Antwerp for a week and commute to Heist.  I would enjoy making a visit to see a European Mooniac.

Best regards,

-a-

[Vref]

Quote: carusoam

Sorry all for robbing the thread space....

Luc,  I prefer the dark, but not that choosey...Next scheduled visit is April time frame.  I typically fly (commercial of course) into Zaventum, live in Antwerp for a week and commute to Heist.  I would enjoy making a visit to see a European Mooniac.

Best regards,

-a-

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

Peter/or anyone-

I've been considering the Aspen/Garmin brand glass panels and have a couple of questions...My previous post didnt seem to post (if it shows up later this will be the second) In any event; If one should opt for the Aspen system 1000 PFD/1000MFD then

1)How much would one of these batteries which provide 2 or 3 hours of power set you back (AMU's?) in order to take advantge of not having to have an airspeed indicator and altimeter?

2) Even if you opt to remove the enitre vaccum system your still required to maintain a seperate electric Attitude Indicator regardless of the type of Aspen set up you have correct?

[peter]

Quote: 201-FLYER

Peter/or anyone-

I've been considering the Aspen/Garmin brand glass panels and have a couple of questions...My previous post didnt seem to post (if it shows up later this will be the second) In any event; If one should opt for the Aspen system 1000 PFD/1000MFD then

1)How much would one of these batteries which provide 2 or 3 hours of power set you back (AMU's?) in order to take advantge of not having to have an airspeed indicator and altimeter?

2) Even if you opt to remove the enitre vaccum system your still required to maintain a seperate electric Attitude Indicator regardless of the type of Aspen set up you have correct?

[jelswick]

Peter, you have a LOT to be proud of in developing this system.  I wish I had the AMUs available to get the reversionary equipment installed in 45T, but went with the MFD 500 and am happy with that.  It too is a great unit.  My thought is being accustomed to the mechanical backups at this point, if the PFD 1000 fails, I have those to fall back on and to reference until entirely comfortable going electric.  But, I'll say the transition to the glass is much easier than I thought it would be.  You put the VSpeeds on the PFD and my worry of missing critical speeds like during landing go away since they're highlighted as the tape rolls.  So, in my case, the MFD 500 is a great addition while I make sure I'm 100% transitioned and can save up some more AMUs and once I have that, I'll add the MFD 1000 and I'll have the full suite and the backup mechanicals can go.  Great system!