Candy man Posted May 25, 2020 Report Posted May 25, 2020 I would really like to upgrade the panel after this summer. And based on what I’ve read an seen I think the G3x is the way to go. But I’d like to not spend 50 amu’s on this project. So if I go with the G3x with the G5 backup, find a used gtn 750 ( they seem to be out there now) can I still use the s tec 50 autopilot. It seems I would save a fortune not upgrading to the GFC 500? help me spend my money, just not all of it. Lawrence
PJClark Posted May 25, 2020 Report Posted May 25, 2020 My GFC500 was $13,800 installed (M20K). 2 axis with pitch trim, no yaw damper. I think I've seen posts up near $18-20k but there are cheaper ways to do it. The G3X WILL drive 3rd party autopilot, but the annunciations on the display won't work: you'll need to keep the old annunciator.
aviatoreb Posted May 25, 2020 Report Posted May 25, 2020 46 minutes ago, PJClark said: My GFC500 was $13,800 installed (M20K). 2 axis with pitch trim, no yaw damper. I think I've seen posts up near $18-20k but there are cheaper ways to do it. The G3X WILL drive 3rd party autopilot, but the annunciations on the display won't work: you'll need to keep the old annunciator. That is more than 10k cheaper than I had been hearing - what did that include? remove the old autopilot? Did you already have a driver head like a G5 or is a G5 (or two?) included (surely not)? Still I am very impressed -13.8 is much much lower than the 25-30 I have been expecting for a GFC500+2 G5 plus remove old autopilot I was presuming.
MIm20c Posted May 25, 2020 Report Posted May 25, 2020 It helps to team the AP instillation with a full panel makeover. Can’t really compare part of a quote with a stand alone install. 1
PJClark Posted May 25, 2020 Report Posted May 25, 2020 1 hour ago, aviatoreb said: That is more than 10k cheaper than I had been hearing - what did that include? remove the old autopilot? Did you already have a driver head like a G5 or is a G5 (or two?) included (surely not)? @aviatoreb I had it done when the whole panel was done--included removal of the whole KFC200 system. My quote/contract showed the GFC separately priced with that number. But of course I also did the G3X, G5, EDM900, GTX345R, and GTN750 at the same time. what it included--everything. control head, 3 servos (pitch, roll, and pitch trim) wiring, etc. One thing though: I noticed just before I "accepted" the quote that there was fine print saying the installer got to keep all the removed stuff. I'd sorta planned on selling the KFC200 myself, but I ended up just letting him keep all but the GDC-31, FS210, and the Rocket Engineering airspeed indicator (souvenir). I'm sure if he keeps the stuff it reduces the price. I also left it in Greeley, CO for 8 weeks to get this done...I think if you're willing to look for a really good price and don't care where you take it, you can do very well.
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