Poll: Which Engine Analyzer

[flight2000]

Topic #1,600...

Okay, I'm still going back and forth on which engine anaylzer to put in the plane.  I like the all-in-one's that are TSO'd to replace all factory gauges, but I'm not a fan of the cost.  I also like the smaller ones to, but that means leaving the old gauges in.

So, if it was your airplane, which would you go with and why?  Inquiring minds want to know...

Brian

[danb35]

I went with the UBG-16/FP-5L in '48Q, and I'm quite happy with them.  One thing to be aware of is that the EI standard EGT probes are very slow to respond to changes in EGT, which makes leaning a very slow process.

EI's support is top-notch, and I'd have no hesitation buying their stuff again.

[231Pilot]

I have the EDM-700, purchased it on advice from friends and from mechanics.  I have had high temperature readings on #3 since I bought it, suspect a problem with the probe since the baffling is good, and there appear to be no induction leaks.

[docket]

I have a UBG 16 and I like it but it is the only analyzer that I have ever had. 

[jax88]

I haven't found a "perfect" solution yet.  I'd like to replace the strip of original engine gauges with something more accurate and responsive AND install an engine monitoring system with fuel flow.  However, I'd like all of it in front of me instead of having to place all or part of the displays in the right hand side.  Maybe someone can share what it is like to have the engine monitoring and primary gauges in the right side panel.

[flight2000]

Thanks for the comments so far.  All good stuff.  I don't think there really is a perfect solution.

Brian

[Ron McBride]

I have an EDM 700 with a FS450 for the fuel.  I wanted them seperate so that I can moniter fuel and EGT on takeoff with a glance. I have pictures posted here at N9154V for your review. i put these 2 instruments on the pilot side for instant review.  Of course, someday EDM 830 would be even nicer. I would put this where the EDM 700 is now if it will fit.

Ron

[jax88]

N9154V, is that fuel flow at bottom left and engine monitor at bottom right?

[Mooney65E]

Brian,

I've got the EDM 830 and absolutely love it. It's got everything I need in a relatively small package. If I had a wad-o-cash and plenty of panel space, I'd opt for the 930.

[MB_M20F]

I am planning to upgrade my old Insight GEM 602 to the new G3 which is due out this fall.

[M016576]

another vote for the EDM-830.  I have it, I love it, and I now consider it mandatory gear for me should I "upgrade" to a missile or rocket in the future!

[Immelman]

I am a happy JPI EDM 700 customer (with fuel flow and soon to be even more probes). I would probably be delighted with their 730 or 830.

With that said, my experience with EI (I have a separate EI gauge in my panel and removed a single probe CHT/EGT instrument prior to my JPI upgrade) has been top-notch and I've seen (through the AOPA board) that their staff go above and beyond WRT customer support.

 

[KSMooniac]

FYI, JPI told me at OSH this year that they are pursuing a TSO for the -830 monitor, so it will hopefully be able to replace the old gauges in the future.  They did not have an estimate for the timeline, however.  If/when that happens, I will likely upgrade my -700 to the -830 and ditch all of my old crap.

[scottfromiowa]

Convince me.  Why do I need more than my Gem 602...in addition to my stock gauges?  I have an EI voltmeter and EI fuel flow (tied to GPS).  My stock Manifold pressure (fuel pressure) and RPM are working fine...How is spending thousands of dollars being returned in safety or increased mission capability?  I want to learn...It appears that the majority are SECONDARY with regard to information.  If you have a four probe EGT and Cylinder temp gauge how are these superior?

I get the "cool" and "updated/modern" mantra, but...The G3 for example a "plug and play" replacement for my Gem 602 "may be primary for CHT, EGT...everything else is supplemental"...STILL NEED OEM GAUGES?  REALLY?  How is this a big improvement?

Thanks for your replies,

Scott

[rob]

Chalk me up to the UBG-16 and FP5L crowd. If money was no factor, I'd go with their MVP product. EI has always been fantastic to work with, I've had three of their monitors, and find the UBG to be a great tool that does everything I need.

To the question about the gauges being on the right, it's a non-issue to me as they've always been there. I have the UBG on the left side of the panel in my plane, and the FP5L all the way to the right. EI also has an option to wire in a warning light or a voice module which you could place anywhere, and then, depending on user-set limits, be alerted to an issue. I can't speak to the JPI products, but can't speak highly enough about those from EI.

[scottfromiowa]

The MVP-50 is NOT primary for fuel remaining...right?  You STILL NEED the crappy Garwin fuel level, RIGHT?

[flight2000]

Quote: scottfromiowa

The MVP-50 is NOT primary for fuel remaining...right?  You STILL NEED the crappy Garwin fuel level, RIGHT?

[danb35]

Quote: scottfromiowa

Convince me.  Why do I need more than my Gem 602...in addition to my stock gauges?

[scottfromiowa]

Keep selling  What else?  I looked at MVP and I read the fuel level to NOT be primary Brian.  Anybody else?  Am I missing something?  I do regular panel scans when I'm flying and I believe I will be able to see from my non-digital GEM if I have a cylinder going or temp issues...pressure...Audible alarms are an "option" on most and I believe to be nice, but redundant to scan...

I am not a data/engineer guy, so to "review"/trend analysis is not something I would do/enjoy doing, but I get that some do like this.  I am sure that some A&P's have learned/been preventative on engines based on output review, but I still don't see the money as really well spent for mission/safety beyond existing "simple" old GEM.

So what units ARE primary STC'd for fuel level etc.?  What are the retail prices?  How much insurance and gas can I buy with this?

[scottfromiowa]

Brian, Check out the "Redlines and Limits" page that owner and A&P must complete.  The fuel level is NOT listed under primary, it is listed under "optional"...What hoops must be jumped through?  I would research more before I was convinced "crappy Garwin fuel gauges" CAN BE REMOVED...That's why I have the EI fuel flow/quantity (hooked to GPS at annual), because I don't trust the gauges and want more piece of mind when I am NOT tanks full due to four passengers.

[scottfromiowa]

Duplicate post...

[rob]

Scott,

Why do you want members here to convince you of anything? You've demonstrated that you have your own thoughts on several subjects, and aren't easilly swayed. Each of us outfits our own aircraft as we see fit but none of us are salespeople or experts on every product in the field.

A quick phone call to EI (ask for Dave) will answer anything you need to know about the MVP or any other EI product.

[jax88]

Perhaps Scott is just hoping that if he has overlooked something that someone here can bring it to his attention?

[Amelia]

After three years of fussing with broken leads, inop probes, and more, with the UBG-16 in my M20K,  expensive repair after repair after repair, you can put me firmly in the NeverAgain column for that EI instrument in my airplane. I originally chose EI over JPI because their customer interface was so good. Super nice guys, for sure, but the expense of keeping the thing running finally got to be too much.

Now I have a JPI- 730. It's only ten or so hours old, and so far, I like it. Pretty colors, says my inner child.  It's taken some fussing to figure out how to program it properly, but easy to interpret at a glance, quick to respond, making leaning much faster than the old gauge, and the fuel flow- when I remember how to 'add fuel' is nice, too. Its compact size fits my panel nicely. The good news for the budget is now there's not room for a single new thing.

 

[scottfromiowa]

Hey Rob,

Hmmm you noticed I have opinions, huh?  I DO change from time to time...and I love to do upgrades that improve function and truly make my plane safer, faster...better (within a budget).  Engine analyzers have seen tremendous growth in what they provide and I have learned more today (such as the GEM upgrade that I didn't know about), but I am truly just trying to challenge on the why's and what's of the various units so I can make an informed decision should I choose to upgrade.  this is a forum to learn and I'm trying to do so...I will likely upgrade in the future after bugs are worked out and you all with more cash and the love to upgrade move on and pass your wonderful seconds...or thirds on to me.  As my dad used to say opinions are like @$$holes...Everybody has got one...I look forward to reading some of yours.