Going in!! Time for a GFC500 and G3xTouch

[INA201]

Good afternoon! It’s been a few years now and time to go back under the knife. I’m lined up to go into the shop towards the end of February.  My current set up is 750/650, 345, jpi900, remote audio 35R(no Bluetooth which was a mistake), G5, Century 2b.  Going in to add the GFC500 with all the servos, and add the G3x touch.  We will cut a new panel and move stuff around but I haven’t thought all of this through in detail. We haven’t planned the exact location of everything either. We are discussing shifting the 750/650 stack to the left. This will free up space on the right too. I had thoughts of remote mounting the 345, and adding a usb where the 2b amplifier currently sits. I’ve also thought of economical  options for an additional screen where the 345 is now, iPad mount?, Aera?, etc. I’m not fond of adding another G3x screen for the costs but who knows. The voice command on the 750 is nice but wish I had Bluetooth now and exploring options.   The 35R seems better due to the voice command feature than the options for the G3x.  Looking for any and all ideas including opinions and comments. I’m up for going over budget a little more if it seems worth it.  Thanks 

[ArtVandelay]

Order your equipment ASAP… wait times are not getting any shorter. 

You’re not kidding, I had an order in since August 1, latest estimate is May delivery.

[Ragsf15e]

20 hours ago, INA201 said:

Good afternoon! It’s been a few years now and time to go back under the knife. I’m lined up to go into the shop towards the end of February.  My current set up is 750/650, 345, jpi900, remote audio 35R(no Bluetooth which was a mistake), G5, Century 2b.  Going in to add the GFC500 with all the servos, and add the G3x touch.  We will cut a new panel and move stuff around but I haven’t thought all of this through in detail. We haven’t planned the exact location of everything either. We are discussing shifting the 750/650 stack to the left. This will free up space on the right too. I had thoughts of remote mounting the 345, and adding a usb where the 2b amplifier currently sits. I’ve also thought of economical  options for an additional screen where the 345 is now, iPad mount?, Aera?, etc. I’m not fond of adding another G3x screen for the costs but who knows. The voice command on the 750 is nice but wish I had Bluetooth now and exploring options.   The 35R seems better due to the voice command feature than the options for the G3x.  Looking for any and all ideas including opinions and comments. I’m up for going over budget a little more if it seems worth it.  Thanks 

Look through @PT20J threads about g3x and gfc500.  He put a superb amount of research, thought, and planning into a very similar panel upgrade.  You’ll find lots of little tidbits and he recently posted finished pictures for you to plan your panel layout.

This is his finished pics, but look at threads he started earlier for planning details.

 

[INA201]

6 hours ago, JohnZ said:

-Opinion: go with the 10.6” G3X for your PFD. 
-Another, probably less popular opinion: I don’t like panel mounted iPads 

Let’s count the number of large screens here… G3X, JPI, 750, backup AI, iPad… I think adding another screen to that configuration will look and feel cluttered. More isn’t ALWAYS better   

What would a second G3X get you that you won’t already have? Is it a certified backup to the primary display, or do you still need a 275/G5? 

-Order your equipment ASAP… wait times are not getting any shorter. 

Good luck with the process! Congratulations on the decision to further modernize your ship!

Thank you JohnZ.  I have the 10.6inch G3x and we just ordered the autopilot and servos two weeks ago.  Hopefully we will be ready by February.  I don't need a second G3X at all. However I see where a lot of folks including @PT20J(in the above post) use an ipad like I do.  I keep mine on my lap though.  Would it be prudent to mount one on the passenger side? It does seem like too many screens and too much information.  The ipad may have to go but I still want to get it right.   I do have to keep the G5.  Apparantly since my G5 is an HSI I will not have to buy and have installed a magnetometer in the wing which is nice.  Thanks again for the feedback.

[Unit74]

Let’s hope Garmin can take care of the backlog of orders by then. If you don’t already have the boxes, I have serious doubts about your install date. 

[PT20J]

I like the iPad because I can take it with me and do my flight planning, briefing and filing with ForeFlight and then transfer the flight plan to the GTN via the G3X Connext Bluetooth. In flight, it is easy to manipulate to look ahead or get info but it is really redundant most if the time. I like it on the yoke where it is easy to see and reach. I like it for approach charts because the depiction is larger than on a split screen GDU 460. 

Skip

[INA201]

I really like your panel @PT20J.  I am thinking that putting the JPI900 where your 275 is would work out great.  

[Mooney in Oz]

14 hours ago, INA201 said:

Would it be prudent to mount one on the passenger side?

If you decide to panel mount an iPad, consider that Apple can and do change the dimensions on future versions, which may not fit the mount if you later want to upgrade.

[Z W]

For those of you who have gotten used to an iPad mounted on the yoke - try taking it off and doing some hand flying.  The plane handles way better without the weight on the yoke.  After re-doing the panel I ditched every thing yoke-mounted and have been enjoying the plane flying like it is supposed to again.

I do use a RAM mount for my cell phone on the vertical bar running from the dash to the roof, with Garmin Pilot running, but all I really use it for is the auto-flight logging feature which makes it easy to log all my flights to Garmin's online logbook.  Everything else you need will be in the panel.

[INA201]

I am thinking these are the best set ups.  PT20Js and the Ovation 3 that is currently for sale..  I just need a place for the JPI900.

[mike_elliott]

On 12/2/2021 at 9:18 AM, Mooney in Oz said:

If you decide to panel mount an iPad, consider that Apple can and do change the dimensions on future versions, which may not fit the mount if you later want to upgrade.

just get a new plane