Center stack idea for panel makeover

[Modify201]

We have a 1968 M20C with a 201 windshield mod (We have Johnson bar so no gear switch interference on panel) We are currently doing a panel makeover and our current center stack concept goes as follows: TOP- GFC500, GMA245, GNS430 with eventual GTN650 upgrade, GNC255, GTX345 -BOTTOM, is that feasible and/or do any of you guys have a similar setup?

The GNS430 and GTX345 are existing avionics of ours that we will be keeping.

Other upgrades being done are a 10.6” G3X for the left seat, a batt.bkup. G5 (far left) and a portrait 7” G3X for the right seat

[Greg Ellis]

I have a 63 C model with the original windshield, etc.  My center stack could fit a GNC355, GNS530W and a GFC500.  I could not fit the transponder (GTX345) or audio panel (GMA345) in there.  They are on the right side of the center stack.  So you should be okay I would think with the GFC500, GMA245 and GNS430.  That should not be an issue at all.  The issue may come when you upgrade to the GTN650, GNC255 and GTX345 all while trying to keep the GFC500 in the center. 

[Aerodon]

Post a picture of your panel please, from what I can see the C has several different panel structure layouts?

You don't mention indicators for your radios?  Prices get out of hand pretty quickly.

I know you already have the 430 and GTX345 - both are saleable, especially the 345.  Mooney's are short on panel space, if at all possible go for a remote transponder mounted on a rear avionics tray?  But you need a GTN to control it.  I'm a fan of a single stack in Mooneys, there is a way of doing it. 

The GMA audio panel looks good, but if you are on a budget there are good used PS7000's and 8000's available.  Put the money towards a GTN?

 

Aerodon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Ragsf15e]

A gns430w to gtn650 swap in the future is not minor.  Honestly, it’s enough that you probably should consider doing it while you have it opened up and save time/hassle if not money.

[Aerodon]

4 minutes ago, Ragsf15e said:

A gns430w to gtn650 swap in the future is not minor.  Honestly, it’s enough that you probably should consider doing it while you have it opened up and save time/hassle if not money.

Not sure @Modify201 has a 430W, maybe just a 430?  I may be incorrect, but my understanding is that a GFC500 will work best with a GTN because everything is integrated.  And, trust me, I've been done the rabbit hole and back with 'while you are in there may as well'...

There are a huge number of wires going to audio panels and GPS/NAV/Coms like GNS430/530's.  An upgrade to a GTN requires at least half the wires to be redone, sometimes it is easier just starting from scratch again.

But I get it, hardware prices add up pretty quickly.

 

Aerodon

 

 

 

[ZuluZulu]

I would also do the GTN 650 now instead of paying to open up the panel twice.  Sell the 430 while you still can since you've already decided to replace it.

[ArtVandelay]

Agreed, once you decided on G3X, GFC500, etc, I would bite the bullet and do GTN Xi.

[Pinecone]

You could look for a used GTN-650 (non-Xi) for now, and then the swap to Xi is simply removing the one and replacing it with the other and configuring.  I did that swap about 15 months ago, and it took less than 2 hours.