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AV30C to possible E5 advice…


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     Although support from the folks at Uavionix have been exemplary, it looks I will be pulling both AV30’s from my panel due to a dead end in solving a “lazy” AI issue. I still like the company a lot and have nothing but great things to say about the engineer there who has been patiently working with me since the original install. She went above and beyond in terms of time spent on the problems. In the end, I do not feel comfortable flying into actual IMC with the units and I can’t justify a pretty day Mooney. Actually, probably can’t justify the airplane regardless but that’s another subject entirely.

     Looking at replacement options now and am leaning toward the latest version of the E5. I have been unable to find good opinions  online of the basic version and how it performs when in the weather. Does anyone have or know of anyone who has installed the unit with its HSI and can share flying experience? Also would like to check out an install in person if possible, doesn’t have to be a Mooney. 
     
     My own AV30 issues involved an AI that would still show a mild bank when visually level and level when in a mild bank after a heading change. It was enough that when IMC, increased workload significantly to maintain heading and altitude. DG did end up precessing less, up until back up battery failed and now has to realign every flight. Rectifying attempts included multiple initial set up menu actions, degaussing of airframe, replacement of voltage regulator, dynamic balancing of prop, and more. All pitot static driven functions worked perfectly, internal AHRS, not so much.

     Appreciate any knowledge about the latest Aspen basic box…

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Kind of a nail in the coffin for the AV30 isn’t it?

Aspen E5s have gotten a lot of actual IMC experience… and make a good competition to new Big G products…. Aspen Max HD screens…

Big G has several screens from small to large to select from…. Installation, and set-up, and knowing what backs-up what… is incredibly important… some pilots have missed this critical detail…

G5, dozens around here… a few options too

GI275, more dozens around here… several options too

G3X, probably a dozen or more around here… a bazillion options too

 

Dynon, coming on strong with large screens and their small D10 or D20(?)


BK hasn’t shown up yet…

Aspens are getting long in the tooth…

 

PP thoughts about what I have seen around here… not an avionics specialist…

Best regards,

-a-

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I have the E5.  It does what it says it will do.  Go with the HSI and TAS unlock, you’ll love it.  Only thing I miss is an altitude alert. Too bad you need the max upgrade for that.  Not too happy with the graphical vertical speed indication, but you get a numerical readout in addition, so it is definitely workable.  Biggest reason why I went with Aspen is the dedicated knobs for HDG & TRK.  If you like to fly raw data you’ll need those.

No restart issues up to now, but I only have the unit since februari this year.

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On 8/26/2021 at 7:36 PM, carusoam said:


BK hasn’t shown up yet…

 

-a-

And never will until they buy out someone who has already brought the screen to market.   At this point, BK just needs to stay out of GA. They have pissed in too many Cheerios to be relevant anymore. 

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Appreciate responses. This is a financially driven decision also so Dynon and GI275’s although great units are too far out of my current budget. I want a basic raw data setup that doesn’t need a vacuum system. I keep technologically current with the crazy amount of portable stuff available. Shout out to the D3 which has performed flawlessly since purchase.

And other customers love the Uavionix units although I never found any owners who had IMC experience. May be a Mooney thing so I won’t badmouth the company. As stated, they worked with me much longer than any profit they might have made and in the end, full refund.

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8 hours ago, Airways said:

I have the E5.  It does what it says it will do.  Go with the HSI and TAS unlock, you’ll love it.  Only thing I miss is an altitude alert. Too bad you need the max upgrade for that.  Not too happy with the graphical vertical speed indication, but you get a numerical readout in addition, so it is definitely workable.  Biggest reason why I went with Aspen is the dedicated knobs for HDG & TRK.  If you like to fly raw data you’ll need those.

No restart issues up to now, but I only have the unit since februari this year.

What part of the country are you based? Definitely HSI and TAS unlock if I go this route. Did it meet your needs when in the clouds? One thing about the AV30 and Garmin round  hole stuff is lots of info on a small screen for middle aged eyes. I tended to de clutter the -30. The Aspen seemed to have a small advantage in screen real estate for a slide in unit.

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I live in Europe, unfortunately. The Aspen (or any glass panel) comes with a learning curve. 10 degrees pitch up on glass looks very different to 10 degrees on the KI256.  I’m still learning to look at the speed and altitude tape iso the analog gauges. No need to worry about flying in IMC, you’ll get the hang of it pretty soon.  Another thing you’ll appreciate is the track diamond. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I installed an Av30 as an attitude indicator in my Citabria.  Today I flew several 60 degree bank turns and several minutes of 30 banked turns and it worked perfectly.  Extremely pleased with the unit.  While mine is configured as an attitude indicator it also displays unslaved heading.  The precession is comparable to a traditional un-slaved gyro.

install took about 12 hours from unpacking the box until flying.  This included actual install, building wiring harness, programming, etc.

 

lee

 

7A54E3AA-5C4A-47A1-A5B6-A28000946299.jpeg

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