Ragsf15e Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 So I’ve been trying to get my local avionics shop in Spokane, WA to commit to doing a dual G5 install within the next couple months. They must be completely overwhelmed with work right now because they won’t even answer back at this point. I’m thinking of tackling the G5 ADI by myself while the airplane is in annual in December and have my IA sign it off. At least then I can have him remove the vacuum system (adi is the last thing I have using vac). So, despite my mechanical engineering degree, I have limited hands on mechanical skills and there’s a reason I’m a pilot and not a mechanic. Is there any part of the installation that gets tricky? I’d like to use my GNS430 as the gps source. How hard is wiring the new breaker? What about leveling and doing the rest of the checkout? If it’s doable, how long should a rookie allocate? 1 Quote
DustinNwind Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 Just did it with my AP two weeks ago. If you do the GMU 11, that was the hardest part of the whole thing. Quote
bradp Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 If you’re type A and can devote 10-20 hrs to the process, be patient and read and understand the installation manual multiple times, no big deal. By far the calibration is the most important step. Don’t attempt the installation without the proper tools You don’t necessarily need the DMC crimper - but you will need the stein air version at a minimum. I do all my avionics work with the stein air tool- just because it works. Heres my thread about the G5 HsI I did as a DIY- more involved but you’ll get the idea. Good luck and have fun! 1 Quote
DustinNwind Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 4 minutes ago, bradp said: If you’re type A and can devote 10-20 hrs to the process, be patient and read and understand the installation manual multiple times, no big deal. By far the calibration is the most important step. Don’t attempt the installation without the proper tools You don’t necessarily need the DMC crimper - but you will need the stein air version at a minimum. I do all my avionics work with the stein air tool- just because it works. Heres my thread about the G5 HsI I did as a DIY- more involved but you’ll get the idea. Good luck and have fun! I agree with Brad, it was WAY more work than I anticipated, but that was just because we were being very thorough and the first time doing it. Quote
Ragsf15e Posted October 26, 2019 Author Report Posted October 26, 2019 1 hour ago, bradp said: If you’re type A and can devote 10-20 hrs to the process, be patient and read and understand the installation manual multiple times, no big deal. By far the calibration is the most important step. Don’t attempt the installation without the proper tools You don’t necessarily need the DMC crimper - but you will need the stein air version at a minimum. I do all my avionics work with the stein air tool- just because it works. Heres my thread about the G5 HsI I did as a DIY- more involved but you’ll get the idea. Good luck and have fun! Thank you both. Yes I read through @bradp‘s thread. The HSI would be out of my league, but I was thinking the ADI is much easier. I also usually get into a project and then realize it’s going to take a lot longer than I imagined and/or allowed. Thanks for your input and suggestions. I’ll read through the install manual and see if I really want to tackle it. Its been kind of shocking to me that I can’t find an avionics shop or avionics a&p that wants to do this close to me in eastern Washington/northern Idaho. Quote
Bob - S50 Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 Since you are in Spokane, try calling Spencer Aircraft at PLU. They are doing our dual G5 & GFC500 install right now. I think they are only booked a couple months out. 1 Quote
Andy95W Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 @Ragsf15e- before pulling the trigger on the project- check to see if you can remove the vacuum system with the installation of just a single G5. I thought it had to be a dual G5 installation for it to be eligible for that. The STC might require you to keep your vacuum AI until you install your second G5. 1 Quote
MIm20c Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 9 minutes ago, Andy95W said: @Ragsf15e- before pulling the trigger on the project- check to see if you can remove the vacuum system with the installation of just a single G5. I thought it had to be a dual G5 installation for it to be eligible for that. The STC might require you to keep your vacuum AI until you install your second G5. I think individuals that have a BK 525 HSI or similar that is electrically driven can install the G5 AI and remove the vac. Quote
DustinNwind Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 The only way to use a single G5 as a replacement for vacuum is by adding a GMU 11 which gives you DG. Quote
Immelman Posted October 26, 2019 Report Posted October 26, 2019 Wait, explain this to me... Single G5 install. AI only. Airplane has a King electric HSI, not vacuum driven. Remove vacuum AI, install G5... the vacuum pump is driving no instruments. How exactly do you need it? Quote
Ragsf15e Posted October 26, 2019 Author Report Posted October 26, 2019 3 hours ago, Andy95W said: @Ragsf15e- before pulling the trigger on the project- check to see if you can remove the vacuum system with the installation of just a single G5. I thought it had to be a dual G5 installation for it to be eligible for that. The STC might require you to keep your vacuum AI until you install your second G5. I’ll double check, but I’m pretty sure the STC is fine to remove vac system with only 1 G5. Remember, the G5 as an HSI option didn’t come out until a year after the ADI STC and we could remove the vacuum system with just the ADI then. I do have an electric King HSI, so don’t need the dg but I would eventually like the dual G5 system for a better HSI and for ADI redundancy. Quote
Andy95W Posted October 27, 2019 Report Posted October 27, 2019 I think I must've misread or misunderstood something along the way. Good luck with the installation, please keep us posted- I'm hoping to do something similar in the next 6 months. Quote
EricJ Posted October 27, 2019 Report Posted October 27, 2019 Usually the main reason to keep a vacuum AI after installation of a G5 is if it's needed for the autopilot. Quote
Ragsf15e Posted October 28, 2019 Author Report Posted October 28, 2019 On 10/26/2019 at 7:30 AM, Bob - S50 said: Since you are in Spokane, try calling Spencer Aircraft at PLU. They are doing our dual G5 & GFC500 install right now. I think they are only booked a couple months out. I think I’ll wait until you can give a pirep on the shop. I’m sure they’re fine, and it’s not a difficult setup, but it’s frustrating to have to fly somewhere 200+ miles away (across big mountains in the winter) to have to get an estimate, then drop off airplane, drive back 5 hours, then drive back to pick it up and fly back across. It just seems like there should be a person or place closer to do something like this, but I haven’t found them yet. The avionics business is crazy right now. Quote
Bob - S50 Posted October 28, 2019 Report Posted October 28, 2019 1 hour ago, Ragsf15e said: I think I’ll wait until you can give a pirep on the shop. I’m sure they’re fine, and it’s not a difficult setup, but it’s frustrating to have to fly somewhere 200+ miles away (across big mountains in the winter) to have to get an estimate, then drop off airplane, drive back 5 hours, then drive back to pick it up and fly back across. It just seems like there should be a person or place closer to do something like this, but I haven’t found them yet. The avionics business is crazy right now. It's obviously up to you, but I don't think they will need to see your plane for an estimate. We didn't show them ours. Call and talk to Gary and ask what he wants for an estimate. I'm guessing he'll want a picture of your panel. They have fixed a problem with the KNS80 antenna, repaired our KY197, and installed our GTX345. I've been checking on the progress of our GFC500 install and it is obvious they take pride in their work. If you end up having the work done here, and you pick a day when the weather is fairly nice you might even talk me into giving you a ride home, especially if you would act as a safety pilot for me to fly an approach under the hood on the way. 1 Quote
Ragsf15e Posted October 28, 2019 Author Report Posted October 28, 2019 10 hours ago, Bob - S50 said: It's obviously up to you, but I don't think they will need to see your plane for an estimate. We didn't show them ours. Call and talk to Gary and ask what he wants for an estimate. I'm guessing he'll want a picture of your panel. They have fixed a problem with the KNS80 antenna, repaired our KY197, and installed our GTX345. I've been checking on the progress of our GFC500 install and it is obvious they take pride in their work. If you end up having the work done here, and you pick a day when the weather is fairly nice you might even talk me into giving you a ride home, especially if you would act as a safety pilot for me to fly an approach under the hood on the way. Thanks! That’s a good pirep and a generous offer. I’ll give them a call. I’m a CFII too, so if you ever need a Flight Review or IPC we can definitely work something out! Quote
Vno Posted October 28, 2019 Report Posted October 28, 2019 On 10/27/2019 at 12:19 AM, EricJ said: Usually the main reason to keep a vacuum AI after installation of a G5 is if it's needed for the autopilot. Correct. If it is a rate-based autopilot then the Turn Coordinator needs to stay. Brian Quote
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