Aspen MFD for the J

[steelerp]

Has anybody got positive or negative things to say about Aspen's MFD?   I've got a nice panel and really thought I was done.  Guess not.  Contemplated swapping out the 530WAAS for the big GTN but the shop that did all my work, will not allow any money for it as a trade in.  So.....keep the 530 and get the Aspen MFD.  

 

[KSMooniac]

Why not sell the 530W outright if you want to add the big GTN?  There surely is a market for a used 530W...check ebay completed listings.  

Before getting any MFD, I would want to know how much the subscription costs are going to be to keep it updated.  

[John Pleisse]

Scott is correct... Seattle Avionices wants $299 per year for Aspen charts/plates... In addition to 2 430W's with the Garmin subscription ($450), Aspen Terrain data from Jepp ($100+), Jepp Low paper charts and NOS paper plates, I come it at right around $1k per year. The money is the least of the inconvenience. I am not able to fly much, so to file /G, it seems I am pulling cards every time I go to the plane.

What I don't like is having to buy data at two different places. Aspen terrain from Garmin, then plates and charts from Seattle. A single plate is not viewable on the second Aspen screen and scrolling is clumbsy.

I bought the 2000 system. It is overkill and I was hedging my bets for a certified display for ADS-B. I hind sight, I would have done the EFD and an Areus and have saved a whole lot of money.

If your HSI or AI/FD are about to crap, the EFD stand alone is the best bang for buck. As for the GTN, I think everything is moving in the direction of PFD's.... just which one?

[KSMooniac]

I really hate paying the exorbitant price to Jepp for the WAAS data (I think I'm at $550/yr for a 530W/430W US combo) which is nothing more than formatted data produced by tax dollars.  I do it, though, so I can go /G anywhere safely, legally and efficiently.  The database provides all of the data needed to navigate safely, so I'm loathe to spend any more to get plates and charts on an MFD when I can get those on my tablet for $60/yr (at least for now).  Putting that expensive chart/plate data into an MFD doesn't really offer any more functionality or safety IMO beyond the Jepp Nav Data, so IMO it is just a lot of money for a gee-whiz product.   Needless to say, I have no intentions to add an MFD to my panel anytime in the near future, and likely not until there is a compelling reason with very low cost ADS/B weather and traffic.  (I currently have a 496 for Wx and GTX-330ES for TIS traffic)

I'm am tempted by the Aspen PFD and wish Garmin had a similar offering.  I don't currently have an HSI or FD, and have never flown with either, so I'm not waiting for one to die and give me a good reason to upgrade.    I'd rather have a turbo normalizer than a pretty PFD, at least for now.  Someday I'll likely have both.

[John Pleisse]

My apologies, I mis-wrote my last sentence and subsequently corrected to (P-FD, not MFD). I think you are a prime candidate Scott. You also have a great autopilot. You'll come out better having waited. I smell new Aspen products on the way to devaluate my purchase.

To bolster my point about the Aspen being the best bang for the buck, I would marry an Aspen EFD with a Garmin 250XL or KLN90B before I would go out and buy a GTN or even a used 400/500 series.

The Aspen EFD is, without a doubt, the best bang for the buck. Adding an MFD or want the Aspen dual ADAHRS? Or have two Garmin 4-500 series already in the panel (requr'd for Garmin G500)? Now you have to bring the Garmin 500/600 into the picture and then, the gloves come off.

Point being... Aspen EFD.... or whole hog. I hope this helps Steelerp!!

[Cruiser]

The Aspen MFD is of greatest value as a redundant PFD. Aspen will eventually get the FAA approval for removing the legacy AI and then the entire vacuum system can be pulled.

until then the MFD can be put in reversion mode and used as a second HSI in addition to be used as a moving map, displaying route, traffic, weather, terrain and approach plates.

I have used a tablet PC on the yoke for years. It has all the features of the MFD and more BUT I always worry about it not working, batteries going dead, crashing, loosing GPS signal and a whole list of other issues that limit it reliability in the cockpit. The wires are a hassle as is the yoke mount on entering and exiting the cabin. I have hooked the cables with my foot and yanked the tablet on the floor more than once. 

[steelerp]

Thanks everybody for your input.  Yes...I've checked into the subscription costs and with the Garmin, I'll be pushing a grand a year total.  I've considered putting the Garmin on Ebay (actually suggested by the avionics shop) but don't want the hassle.  Yes...like the fact that I would now have a backup to the PFD.   Hate the fact that I'll probably be more upside down in a great airplane in view of the current market....but, you can't take it with you  ;-) 

Thanks again. 

Rick

[pilot716]

Quote: Cruiser

The Aspen MFD is of greatest value as a redundant PFD. Aspen will eventually get the FAA approval for removing the legacy AI and then the entire vacuum system can be pulled.

until then the MFD can be put in reversion mode and used as a second HSI in addition to be used as a moving map, displaying route, traffic, weather, terrain and approach plates.

I have used a tablet PC on the yoke for years. It has all the features of the MFD and more BUT I always worry about it not working, batteries going dead, crashing, loosing GPS signal and a whole list of other issues that limit it reliability in the cockpit. The wires are a hassle as is the yoke mount on entering and exiting the cabin. I have hooked the cables with my foot and yanked the tablet on the floor more than once. 

[Piloto]

Another low cost option is to install a an Aera 560 or G496 on the yoke. Neither will block the primary instruments view and are easily accessible under turbulence. On the picture notice that the Aera pilot's perspective view is bigger than a panel mounted display.

 

José

[aviatoreb]

Quote: Piloto

Another low cost option is to install a an Aera 560 or G496 on the yoke. Neither will block the primary instruments view and are easily accessible under turbulence. On the picture notice that the Aera pilot's perspective view is bigger than a panel mounted display.

 

José

[Piloto]

Quote: aviatoreb

[Piloto]

Quote: aviatoreb

[DaV8or]

I have this and an iPad on the knee. Works for me.

[kris_adams]

Sweet setup Dave.  Was it a complete pain (expensive?) getting everything moved around and the new panel made?  I'm sure it was.  Looks awesome though

[steelerp]

Jose....nice setup.  Thanks.  Rick