Avionics "Finished".. (M20K 231, Garmin)

[natdm]

No reason to post other than I'm just excited it's "done". It's been a MUCH longer and more expensive journey than I expected and if we're being honest, I'm not totally sure it's been worth it, but I'm glad I don't have to touch it again.

Before/After pictures below (how I bought it and how it is now). The previous owner (well the one that actually cared about the plane) is @rainman and he did a beautiful job with the initial upgrade.

First iteration: When I first got the plane, I wanted to upgrade the GPS units. I ended up going with a 650/355 combo. In hindsight, I should have done a 750/215 or something similar. I don't use the second GPS other than for the Connext, and at times I just always have it on the "nearest" page. This upgrade wasn't done right. As a matter of fact, it was done so terribly wrong, and went so far over time, that the shop that did it didn't charge me. They didn't even really make eye contact, they just handed me the keys and the logs. The biggest red-flag was when they said the GPS was flakey and they didn't know why, but it didn't dawn on them that it's hard to get a GPS signal from inside the hangar. Ghost traffic, comm 2 didn't work, transponder was flakey, etc. 

Second iteration: After noticing all of the glaring issues, I had another mechanic look at it, and he fixed all the wiring, installed a 345R, Aera 760 (awesome unit, my wife loves it) and a handful of other things I can't even remember.

Third iteration: Once that was done, just before headed home (MN -> AZ), the AI took a spill. My mechanic sent me a G5 and I decided to install that and nix the vac system as well.

Fourth and final iteration: Mechanic back home took the plane in for an oil change and a few other things. He noticed some glaring airworthiness issues that were ignored by the recent overhaul and annual. While fixing those, he noticed the JPI was illegally wired (showing proof) and stating I should just upgrade it. The fastest upgrade was a 275, which was fine since I have all Garmin anyways. He also threw in the "I mean... while you're doing it.. just move to a 275AI, too... right? And SmartGlide?..".  Some other upgrades would be some LED strobes, LEMO plugs, complete rewiring in the engine bay (mangled from the overhaul shop), new engine frame, fixed cowl flaps, new brakes, overhauled autopilot, etc etc etc.

The most hilarious part is my audio panel is horrendous still. I feel like I'm flying with a Tom Ford suit but NewBalance shoes. I can't talk to my passengers unless I yell, and if I have a mask on for FL180+, I can't talk at all. It's gotten so bad, I actually would switch over to 123.45 to hot-mic and talk to my passengers if I needed to. So, that's the last and hopefully final upgrade, which I'll probably throw in a PMA 450B. I've already got way way too much in this panel for a 1979 M20K.

[hubcap]

Very nice panel.

In my opinion the 231 is very capable and worthy of a excellent IFR panel, should you choose to invest the $$.

I doubt I will get all my upgrade money back when I sell, but there is a lot to be said for really enjoying flying with a great IFR panel. When I upgraded Myrtle's panel I figured I should get at least 15 years worth of use out of the panel. I am 2 years into it now, and NO REGRETS. It was a lot of coins but it helps pay for itself every time I fly. 

[Mooney in Oz]

18 hours ago, natdm said:

I ended up going with a 650/355 combo. In hindsight, I should have done a 750/215 or something similar.

Great looking panel Nate. The G500 is still an impressive bit of gear.

I personally think you made the right decision with 2 GPS navigators as one can fail in flight, like I discovered in the past.  It’s a bit like insurance, you may never need it, but if it happens, particularly in serious IMC you’ll be glad you made the choice.

[toto]

15 minutes ago, Mooney in Oz said:

Great looking panel Nate. The G500 is still an impressive bit of gear.

I personally think you made the right decision with 2 GPS navigators as one can fail in flight, like I discovered in the past.  It’s a bit like insurance, you may never need it, but if it happens, particularly in serious IMC you’ll be glad you made the choice.

Out of curiosity, does the 500 have a built-in GPS receiver for use if the GTN dies? 

 

 

[Mooney in Oz]

51 minutes ago, toto said:

Out of curiosity, does the 500 have a built-in GPS receiver for use if the GTN dies? 

That’s a good question.

I maybe wrong, but I don’t think it has.

Edited June 21 by Mooney in Oz
From Google AI - Both G500 and G500 TXi do not have an internal GPS. It appears the G3X only has it.

[natdm]

50 minutes ago, Mooney in Oz said:

That’s a good question.

I maybe wrong, but I don’t think it has.

Correct. Just the two units do. The g500 is a receiver only for that. 

[hubcap]

I had a G500 before I upgraded. It doesn’t have an internal GPS. The G3x does have an internal GPS, but it isn’t certified for IFR use.. 

[OR75]

I am guessing you are selling your iPad ?

[natdm]

45 minutes ago, OR75 said:

I am guessing you are selling your iPad ?

The iPad is great for planning and viewing plates.

If I’m routing as planned, it’s usually tucked away. The moment I need to look elsewhere for fuel or a reroute, I break out the iPad. I could use the 760 for it but that’s really just a cheap way to have a backup of a lot of things that won’t overheat. The wife uses that more than I do. 

For plates, I have used the G500 before but it really isn’t terrific, lots of zooming in to see things. 

Also I’m switching to Garmin so I’ll be able to update databases and view EIS in realtime. That’ll be fun. Plus SmartCharts don’t suck, that’s for sure. I’ll miss Jepp probably. 
 

I do tend to have it out for no reason, out of habit. 

[Pinecone]

On 6/20/2025 at 3:23 PM, hubcap said:

Very nice panel.

In my opinion the 231 is very capable and worthy of a excellent IFR panel, should you choose to invest the $$.

I doubt I will get all my upgrade money back when I sell, but there is a lot to be said for really enjoying flying with a great IFR panel. When I upgraded Myrtle's panel I figured I should get at least 15 years worth of use out of the panel. I am 2 years into it now, and NO REGRETS. It was a lot of coins but it helps pay for itself every time I fly. 

I am only 1 year into my panel upgrade, but have the same feelings.   I don't care about what it cost or the resale, I LOVE my panel.