Aspen Connected Panel VS Garmin FS210

[Bart Chilcott]

I'm looking to add either the Garmin Flight Stream 210 or the Aspen Connected Panel to my Mooney.  I'm currently running Aspen Max Pro PFD and MFD.  I've looked on line for comparison reviews and can't seem to find any.  Looking for input from those who may have had experience with both.  My primary reason is  I'm looking for ease of complex flight plan data and I really don't want to replace my GNS430W at this time.  Panel picture attached merely for reference. 

[PeteMc]

I don't have your setup, so I can only speak to my single Pro MAX PFD, which is connected to my GTN with a FS510.   It should be similar to the FS210 going to your GNS.

I can upload Flight Plans and changes to/from the GTN and ForeFlight with a couple of button pushes, very simple.  The course then appears on my Aspen behind the HSI, so I have to believe it will show up on any screen you have your two displays set to.  I typically fly with the standard AI & HSI displayed since I have lots of other maps.  But I clearly see the route and it auto-zooms as necessary on the Aspen.

I see on the Aspen site your GNS is compatible with the Connected Panel.  So baring someone that uses it and has had issues, I'd say cost is probably the main issue.  I guess that and forward compatibility for if/when you do upgrade your GNS.

 

[LANCECASPER]

The Aspen Connected Panel was considered by a few people around 10-12 years ago and I haven't heard anyone even mention it since about 2016. I had it in an Ovation that I had but I found it pretty much useless. Aspen doesn't even list it on the price list any longer (https://aspenavionics.com/pricing/) 

The FS510 (GNS) or FS210 (GTN) would be a better solution for a Garmin panel. The Avidyne IFDs already have wi-fi and bluetooth built in so it might be compelling to see what the difference would be for a slide-in replacement of your GNS to an IFD. All of that to say that the Connected Panel by Aspen isn't even on the radar anymore for anyone's buying choices.