New Toys Being Installed!

[rubixcube2k3]

So after a fairly quiet annual, we installed a new iginition kit, and I pulled the trigger on a fairly extensive panel rework last friday. "Victor" will be coming out of the dark ages, losing an ADF, all original engine gauges (except the tach), dropping a DG, two faulty Nav Indicators, one Mac1700, abandoning the KMA20 and PS Engineering separate intercom, and tossing out the VSI and Apollo 360 GPS.   

 

He'll return with an Aspen Pro 1000, Garmin GTN650, EI-MVP 50, Garmin GMA340, and a Brittain Heading Coupler for the AccuTrak II.

 

I'm excited to say the least. But with all of that excitement, I am also finding myself scouring through the nearly 1000 Pages of new equipment documentation that I am gaining. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who may have experience with any or all of them. I'm also looking for any tips or tidbits to minimize my learning curve, and accelerate my utility of the new assets. 

 

Thanks in advance for all thoughts and help!

 

Abe

[The-sky-captain]

Well done, sounds like quite an upgrade!

[Marauder]

Abe - get the avionics shop to provide ground power to your plane and spend a couple of hours learning the hardware. I found it handy to download the operating manuals to my iPad's iBook so I could search the manuals for information faster than thumbing through the pages of the paper version.

I have a very similar setup in my Mooney. You're going to love it. Feel free to drop me a message if you have questions. I will be posting a video on the features for the Aspen tomorrow on my YouTube channel. It is rendering currently. I sent you the link the video I made. It shows many of the common features that I use. I will make one of the GTN next time I am out flying.

[donkaye]

On 10/6/2014 at 8:33 PM, rubixcube2k3 said:

So after a fairly quiet annual, we installed a new iginition kit, and I pulled the trigger on a fairly extensive panel rework last friday. "Victor" will be coming out of the dark ages, losing an ADF, all original engine gauges (except the tach), dropping a DG, two faulty Nav Indicators, one Mac1700, abandoning the KMA20 and PS Engineering separate intercom, and tossing out the VSI and Apollo 360 GPS.   

 

He'll return with an Aspen Pro 1000, Garmin GTN650, EI-MVP 50, Garmin GMA340, and a Brittain Heading Coupler for the AccuTrak II.

 

I'm excited to say the least. But with all of that excitement, I am also finding myself scouring through the nearly 1000 Pages of new equipment documentation that I am gaining. I'm hoping to hear from anyone who may have experience with any or all of them. I'm also looking for any tips or tidbits to minimize my learning curve, and accelerate my utility of the new assets. 

 

Thanks in advance for all thoughts and help!

 

Abe

 

I found reading the documentation a lot of fun, but this is coming from a past electrical engineer.  You will love the GTN 650 and you got the best engine analyzer being made at present, the MVP-50.  Just make sure your avionics shop TIGHTENS all the CHT and EGS connections.  EI has a cluggy connection method and I have found myself back at the shop 3 times now tightening several connections that came loose and gave fluctuating CHT, EGT, and TIT indications.  Also make sure you got the fast responding probes.

[rubixcube2k3]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely try and get the shop to let me plug in and play there. 

Also Don, how would I know the difference in the probes? Are the fast response probes not standard? I'll call shortly and start dialog about them. 

 

Thanks again,

Abe

[carusoam]

The paper POH is usually left on board...

Making e-copies of documents and manuals is a great way to put the library on your iPad....

GPS and AP manuals are LONG.

DK, who new how helpful being an EE would be to flying / owning a GA plane?!

Go engineers!,

-a-

[kmyfm20s]

+1 on the MVP-50. A lot more capability than the other engine monitors. Read about its capabilities and make sure you give them the proper information. This will save you time and money by preventing them from having to enter or change data latter. The vertical blue boxes are user defined but require the avionics shops code to change them so think about what you want the boxes to display. Also give them the correct W&B to enter so you can use that function it requires the code also. Check list can be done at home.

[Bob_Belville]

Welcome to the club! 

 

You should not have much trouble transitioning as far as flying the plane. The instrument scan is easier and adjusting to speed and alt tapes is not tough. You will be a while discovering all the really nice extra capacities and info.

 

Too bad you didn't get a squawk free JPI EDM930 with good sensor connections. 

 

[rubixcube2k3]

Well, 3 weeks in (just past the return deadline) it looks like we're running about 3 weeks out to completion still. I went by Southern Avionics (our shop for the install) to check the plane today, and they are doing a dynamic job so far. There have been a few unexpected things, but the biggest thing was a delay introduced due to there being a backlog on Electronic International's side.

 

When the gentleman who was coordinating the project called to inquire on the status of the delivery today, he found out that the bulid apparently hasn't started yet. After a brief conversation, it appears that EI is now working on their part. The racks are going back in, the new headphone jacks (lemo and GA) are all wired up, the Aspen was hung in the panel, and the Audio Panel was plugged in and functional.

 

I did go ahead and get the heading bug coupler for my Brittain AP, so they're installing that, and I finally got the copilot's PTT moved to the right hand yoke.

 

It has been sobering seeing the amount of wire that is both hanging and coming out of the dash so far on this project. I can definitely say that I'm glad that we decided to go all in and get it done right. I cannot wait to see the finished product and fly behind the new panel. Stay tuned in, and I'll hopefully have some time to post the pics to date later this week.  

 

Warmest Regards, 

Abe L. Harper, Jr. 

[Piloto]

I found reading the documentation a lot of fun, but this is coming was a past electrical engineer.  You will love the GTN 650 and you got the best engine analyzer being made at present, the MVP-50.  Just make sure your avionics shop TIGHTENS all the CHT and EGS connections.  EI has a cluggy connection method and I have found myself back at the shop 3 times now tightening several connections that came loose and gave fluctuating CHT, EGT, and TIT indications.  Also make sure you got the fast responding probes.

 

I have the same connection problem with the EI UBG-16 barrel connector. Once retighten they work very well.

 

José

[rubixcube2k3]

So after 5 Months, we're finally done! I'm beyond excited and cannot say how grateful I am for all the feedback from the members and fellow pilots here. I've got a slew of questions about my 650, MVP-50, Aspen, and Brittain Auto Pilot. I'm looking forward to getting a few more hours under my belt however, before I start firing off inquiries while I'm still learning the interfaces. In the meantime, please enjoy these marginally ok pics until I get some better ones tomorrow and Sunday

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/album/14052-panel-upgrade33/

[Marauder]

Looking sweet! Glad to have another member in the crazy Cheap Bast$&D's Club. Post some more pictures in the daylight. Always love the transformation photos.

As for questions, ask away. I have a bunch of time now with the Aspen and 650. Probably can't help with the Brittain AP.

[Tmack1]

I just had the ei-mvp50p installed myself and yes the the back log is about 3 weeks just wondering y did you keep the tach just curious

[Tmack1]

Ps haven't got mine back from the shop yet should be next week weather permitting

[flyboy0681]

So after 5 Months, we're finally done! I'm beyond excited and cannot say how grateful I am for all the feedback from the members and fellow pilots here. I've got a slew of questions about my 650, MVP-50, Aspen, and Brittain Auto Pilot. I'm looking forward to getting a few more hours under my belt however, before I start firing off inquiries while I'm still learning the interfaces. In the meantime, please enjoy these marginally ok pics until I get some better ones tomorrow and Sunday

 

 

Very exciting times. I'll be looking for postings and should be able answer questions from you regarding the 650.

[rubixcube2k3]

 just wondering y did you keep the tach just curious

I actually had it removed. The picture showing it was not the finished product, as the glareshield was still out. It was just the best day time pic I have currently. I'll be going to the airport Sunday to get some more pictures and some more flights in. I've already answered half of my questions about the MVP-50 by RTFM....I guess I missed those points when I blazed through it the first time. 

[Tmack1]

That is a beautiful panel one to be envious of hope mine looks half as good

[donkaye]

I actually had it removed. The picture showing it was not the finished product, as the glareshield was still out. It was just the best day time pic I have currently. I'll be going to the airport Sunday to get some more pictures and some more flights in. I've already answered half of my questions about the MVP-50 by RTFM....I guess I missed those points when I blazed through it the first time. 

 

The MVP-50, with the exception of not providing Fuel to Destination, is the most outstanding engine monitor (and much more) out there.  The decision to use it in my  panel was one of the best decisions I made in my panel upgrade.

[Parker_Woodruff]

very nice!

[rubixcube2k3]

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36409-/

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36408-farewell-1975-panel/

http://mooneyspace.com/gallery/image/36407-new-landing-whelen-parmetheus/

Just a few more images that came today from the hangar. I flew my first instrument GPS approach today....OMG.....why didn't I do this sooner! Few small quirks to work out (an overhead light that was left disconnected, and a  rattle in the visor, otherwise it's amazing.)

[Marauder]

Just a few more images that came today from the hangar. I flew my first instrument GPS approach today....OMG.....why didn't I do this sooner! Few small quirks to work out (an overhead light that was left disconnected, and a rattle in the visor, otherwise it's amazing.)

Looking great! It took me 22 years to make the jump to a GPS. Simply amazing technology especially when using GPSS with an autopilot.

[BTR]

Ok, I have panel envy. I hear money is the cure.

[Tmack1]

well just got mine back from the shop and half way home my manifold pressure went nuts now the shop gets to come to me to fix the problem i hope right now the mvp-50 not going the way i hoped

[Piloto]

On ‎10‎/‎7‎/‎2014 at 5:26 AM, donkaye said:

 

I found reading the documentation a lot of fun, but this is coming was a past electrical engineer.  You will love the GTN 650 and you got the best engine analyzer being made at present, the MVP-50.  Just make sure your avionics shop TIGHTENS all the CHT and EGS connections.  EI has a cluggy connection method and I have found myself back at the shop 3 times now tightening several connections that came loose and gave fluctuating CHT, EGT, and TIT indications.  Also make sure you got the fast responding probes.

After two years re-tightening the barrel splice connectors on my UBG-16 I end up soldering the wires together. Big difference, it will hold readings to +/- 1 degree.