Mid-Continent Instr & Avionics MD93

[TWinter]

Any MSers had one of these installed. I have a clock installed in my yokes, but I've sold the yokes opting for the 201 style yokes, bad news is since the clock is built in the yoke I'll be minus a clock. Since a clock is required and I'm doing a panel make-over I thought about going this route. These are pretty pricey for a clock, but it would be nice to have the USB ports on the pilots side. Has anyone installed these or heard anything about them?

 From the catalog page:

2", 10–32 VDC, Digital, Dual USB

Accurate time-keeping is essential for any pilot and in-flight USB charging power is a necessity.  The MD93 features intuitive operation with four modes: Local Time, Universal Time, Flight Timer, and Stopwatch.  The Duel USB Charging Port supplies the electric current needed to charge any standard or high-power device with a USB interface, while protecting itself and the charging device from short-circuit, power surges and over-current potential.

• Compact 2-inch size ­fits standard panel cutout
• Six-digit, seven-segment LED clock and USB charger
• Four modes: local time, universal time, flight timer and stopwatch
• Clock settings include 12– or 24–hour mode and seconds On or Off
• Multiple lighting schemes allows manual or automatic dimming
• 8-year internal battery maintains time and flight timer memory when not powered by the aircraft
• USB interface provides 2.1 amps per charging port

 

-Tom

[StevenL757]

Yep - looking forward to using it.  Was under $600 with shipping.  Barely sits 1 inch from the rear of the panel.  We're also adding a connection between it and the ADC (I believe), such that when groundspeed reaches a certain point on takeoff, the flight timer on the clock starts, and then stops when slowed below the same speed on rollout.

[carusoam]

I vote to keep Steven's acrylic panel in the final install.  Aluminum is so opaque.  

I am looking to update a clock in my instrument panel one day.  The current LCD has become a less functional display over time.

The position on the far left is relatively shallow.  So putting a new clock in has been a challenge.

I think I know which way to go is in my future. Time, GMT, flight time, approach timer, fuel timer...?

Getting a pair of USB power outlets could be handy.

Best regards,

-a-

[TWinter]

11 hours ago, StevenL757 said:

Yep - looking forward to using it.  Was under $600 with shipping.  Barely sits 1 inch from the rear of the panel.  We're also adding a connection between it and the ADC (I believe), such that when groundspeed reaches a certain point on takeoff, the flight timer on the clock starts, and then stops when slowed below the same speed on rollout.

That's pretty much what I had in mind. Looks good. Mine goes in the shop the first week of July. Just trying to get things ready. I think this will be included. I know there are a few vendors selling them. Where did you buy yours? Looks like both of our panels will be a total redo. I'll have to learn to fly all over again. Excited, but apprehensive. I know you are as well.

 

-Tom

[StevenL757]

So my clock is probably the only thing that didn't come from the avionics dealer.  My invoice from Spruce was just under $600 including shipping.  You may be able to shave a few bucks off elsewhere, and your dealer could probably match or do better yet.  The pricing is pretty consistent for the most part on these things, from what I've seen.

Couldn't agree more with "learning to fly all over again".  I'm sure others here have had much more experience, but despite my 31 years of flying in close to 40 aircraft (a couple with G500/G600 hardware, even) my plan is to transition no differently than a new/unfamiliar aircraft.  I have my instructor lined up the week after the initial orientation flight, and we'll spend whatever time it takes to get all this crammed into my little bird brain.

During today's visit, I saw the final metal panel...which looks amazing, yet not clear lexan...sorry Anthony.  :-)

They've also spun up the GDU620, tested TCAS, set up the LRUs, plus the GDL69 with my subscription.  We'll calibrate the GRS77, add the Jeppesen subscription, calibrate the CIES fuel senders, and set the EDM900 fuel to 102USG next week.  Powder-coating on the panels starts Tuesday, then silk screening on Thursday.  We're a few days behind, but will get the engine started and do a compass swing next Wednesday while the panels are being prepped.  Aside from a connector in one of the rear Bose jacks not being connected, and a pin that needed redoing in another connector, everything has checked out perfectly so far.  I've reclaimed 17.3 pounds, putting me at 1,001 pounds useful load.

I can't wait...nor will you I suppose, when yours is in progress.

(my wife just looked over at me, smiled, and shook her head...thankfully for me, she gets it).  :-)

[TWinter]

Thanks for the info and I'll probably get it from Spruce as well or keep an eye out for a discount if something should appear over the next few weeks. As far as training goes I also agree. My AP asked the other day.."How's it going to feel flying with all panels and no steam or round gauges?". With the latest updates that we've decided I think we have eliminated all round gauges. I flew the other day and looked down at the panel and thought to myself, this is going to feel very strange just looking at panels and vertical tapes scrolling.

To pass the time while it's in the shop I'm already trying to find something to fly/rent during the downtime.

With respect to the other half and my spending on the plane. I've sold the Corvette and other toys, I don't do the bars, don't hunt, fish or roll the dice. We don't have kids to put through college (at times I wonder if these things wouldn't have been cheaper to maintain than an old plane..lol) and I figure when they put me in the ground I can't take it with me..

My only vice is my metal mistress and her name is N7741 and the other half knows all about her. I think she is afraid to make me decide between her and the metal mistress, she might not get the answer she is looking for, so she just rolls with it :).

 

-Tom

[StevenL757]

On 5/28/2016 at 9:44 AM, TWinter said:

My metal mistress and her name is N7741 and the other half knows all about her. I think she is afraid to make me decide between her and the metal mistress, she might not get the answer she is looking for, so she just rolls with it :).

 

-Tom

Thank goodness the Good Lord invented threesomes.

(Down Marauder, DOWN!!!)   :-)

[TWinter]

Just now, StevenL757 said:

Thank goodness the Good Lord invented threesomes.

(Down Marauder, DOWN!!!)   :-)

After I get done paying for the panel upgrade I might not need to worry about threesomes. Might be just me and the metal mistress...On the brighter side we know the metal mistress will be glad to fly with me and all the new toys  

 

-Tom

[StevenL757]

Final panel cut before delivery to the powder-coat and silk-screening fairies.

[StevenL757]

Just now, TWinter said:

After I get done paying for the panel upgrade I might not need to worry about threesomes. Might be just me and the metal mistress...On the brighter side we know the metal mistress will be glad to fly with me and all the new toys  

 

-Tom

Abso-freaking-lutely.  :-)

[steingar]

Don't know anything about the clock but I have nothing but good things to say about Mid Continent.  I had a gyro go out on one of their gauges and they replaced it (the gauge) free even though they didn't have to.  Very solid outfit.

[NotarPilot]

Tom, I recently had the MD-93 installed in April. I absolutely love it! It was between this and the EI clock and I think this one with the USB ports and white LED digital numbers looks a lot more contemporary and modern. Yes it's a little pricey but you won't regret it. It's a great product made in the USA and will last a long time, I'm sure. Here are a couple pictures where you can see the MD-93 in action on the left side of the panel. 

 

[PTK]

The MD93 looks to be a nice generic clock. As far as the charger and for the hefty pricetag it wouldn't get my vote at only 2.1 amps per USB. MC should've done better like 2.4 amps at least.

[NotarPilot]

Isn't 2.1 amps what Apple chargers are rated at? When I had the MD-93 USB port plugged into my iPad it seemed to charge at a rate similar to my plug in USB wall charger. And I'm familiar with the cheap after market chargers which only seem to provide enough juice to keep your battery from discharging but either don't charge up or do you extremely slowly. The MD-93 seemed to do a fine job.

[Marauder]

Isn't 2.1 amps what Apple chargers are rated at? When I had the MD-93 USB port plugged into my iPad it seemed to charge at a rate similar to my plug in USB wall charger. And I'm familiar with the cheap after market chargers which only seem to provide enough juice to keep your battery from discharging but either don't charge up or do you extremely slowly. The MD-93 seemed to do a fine job.

All the new Apple stuff is running off of 2.4 amp chargers.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Marauder]

Since we are talking about power charging options. I carry one of these around with me as well as an emergency backup supply and when I need something to keep my iPads charged if I use them outside of the plane. Can charge a completely dead iPad Air twice or an iPhone 6s six times.

http://www.amazon.com/26800mah-Capacity-Powerful-RAVPower-Technology/dp/B012NIQG5E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1465176271&sr=8-2&keywords=ravpower

[carusoam]

iPad Air charger...12W 2.4A

iphone5 charger... 1A

data plates for the apple charging devices on my desk...

Hope that helps,

-a-

[Seth]

My clock has been on it's last legs and I needed to replace it.  I wanted to add USB power to the cockpit.  I've been watching the MD93 for a good year.

However I wasn't going to spend $650 on a clock.  I did want to add USB power however, and a clock and USB ports for two separate installs?  I can understand he $650 price tag.  At Oshkosh 2017 Mid Continent was running a $50 cash rebate if you brought back a receipt showing you purchased an MD93.  The five shops selling them were offering them in the $450 range.  I got two shops in a bidding war and agreed to $385 - then I got my $50 rebate so $335 for the clock and USB in one - with only one install cost, and that was going to happen anyway with a clock swap.

It was installed Friday so I should have a pirep for Mooney Space soon.  

My original clock from 1983 evidently had extreme internal corrosion according to my avionics guy.  

My guess on the price drop is the new USB 3.1 or a 2.4 amp system is in the works, but I'm still happy with the dual 2.1 charging ports.  

I also carry a USB rechargeable power pack on board - it's also how I charge my devices while at Oshkosh.

-Seth

 

[HRM]

2 hours ago, Seth said:

My clock has been on it's last legs and I needed to replace it.

Are we talking the Wakmann in the yoke? My hangar elves dunked mine in mineral (clock/sewing machine) oil overnight then magically drained all the oil off and stuck it back in. Has worked perfectly since.

Of course, I only use it to time my tank switchovers. It's just too cool to remove.

[Seth]

43 minutes ago, HRM said:

Are we talking the Wakmann in the yoke? My hangar elves dunked mine in mineral (clock/sewing machine) oil overnight then magically drained all the oil off and stuck it back in. Has worked perfectly since.

Of course, I only use it to time my tank switchovers. It's just too cool to remove.

No - I had that clock in my former 1967 F model.  This was a digital one I was replacing.

-Seth

[anthonydesmet]

I am kind of partial to my F-14 Tomcat 8 Day clock I got to keep from taking the last F-14 to the boneyard. Wind it up and it keeps time just as good as any digital including my Omega.  Nice start and stop watch feature.   Plus the backlighting works at night.....pretty hard to get ahold of one these days though.

[HRM]

4 hours ago, anthonydesmet said:

I am kind of partial to my F-14 Tomcat 8 Day clock I got to keep from taking the last F-14 to the boneyard.

Is it a Wakmann? The movements are (were) made by Breitling.

[anthonydesmet]

On 8/8/2017 at 8:44 PM, HRM said:

Is it a Wakmann? The movements are (were) made by Breitling.

Doubt it.  Can't see Grumman paying Breitling for a clock under a government contract.

[MB65E]

Some of the older fighters had Hamilton movements. I kinda dork out on eBay with mechanical aviation clocks. Really neat stuff. Some of the Russian stuff is pretty neat too. Most is stupid expensive. 

However, it's hard to beat even a 12yo Casio G-shock. 

-Matt

[bradp]

Try norton sales in Burbank CA - they have a pretty large selection of old F-14 parts.