Aspen MFD with EI CGR engine monitor

[Steve Dawson]

I like the diversity and range of functions of the EI CGR 30C engine monitors since they seem to cover more information than any other engine monitors. Now they've partnered with Aspen Avionics so you can see all their functions on the screens as well as having some Aspen functions such as maps, AOA, SV ect., on the lower part of the screen. Does anyone other than myself think this is a good idea? 

https://aspenavionics.com/evolution-engine-instruments#:~:text=Seamless Engine Monitoring with Electronics,engine data converter and sensors.

[Steve Dawson]

[47U]

On 11/6/2025 at 5:36 AM, Steve Dawson said:

Does anyone other than myself think this is a good idea?

I could be interested… depending on price and availability.  I think I could reuse several modules I already have feeding my UBG-16 (which is now obsolete).  However, the product was announced some months ago…. 

[DXB]

EI monitors are top notch, and it's good to see some innovation from Aspen. I support anything that might offer alternatives that chip away at Garmin dominance.  

[Steve Dawson]

You'd think I have a finacial interest in these companies and in this system!  I just think it's a great idea to have an EIS with some other handy MFD functions in the Aspen form factor. And it's great if you already have Aspen products. 

Another video

 

[DavePage]

Hey Steve, I am interested at a reasonable price point.  If even ballpark figures become available, please post.

 

Thanks

Dave

[Steve Dawson]

Dave the only pricing I have now are the approximate prices I received from Aspen and EI, which were both very helpful. The unlock from Aspen onto an existing MFD is ~$2000,00 and the equipment from EI is ~$4200.00. Note that there's additional costs for any extra sensors needed from EI. as well as the extra cost for an MFD is you haven't one now. I'll need the SV and AOA unlocked on the newly purchased MFD so they're half priced at $495 each. 

This is going from memory and a month ago so please check with Aspen and EI first on their costs. 

[47U]

I’d have to hit the lottery.  The Aspen unlock and EI equipment together is more than the list price of the CGR 4 cylinder combo  (@ 5.7 amu).  And that’s before buying the Aspen MFD… unless you’ve got one sitting around.  I suppose there are used MFDs out there removed for upgrades.

My UBG-16 will soldier on in its obsolescence for the foreseeable future. 

[Steve Dawson]

2 hours ago, 47U said:

I’d have to hit the lottery.  The Aspen unlock and EI equipment together is more than the list price of the CGR 4 cylinder combo  (@ 5.7 amu).  And that’s before buying the Aspen MFD… unless you’ve got one sitting around.  I suppose there are used MFDs out there removed for upgrades.

My UBG-16 will soldier on in its obsolescence for the foreseeable future. 

 I understand where you're coming from. If you don't have the panel space and already have an MFD the Aspen/EI option makes sense. 

[Jackk]

I’d go Garmin, will help the value 

 

Aspen and EI are kinda 3rd tier compared to Garmin, personally I wouldn’t fly a Aspen IMC based on their failures 

[Steve Dawson]

Other than one time, just after I installed the MAX, and at that time I'd just landed, I haven't had any issues with my Aspen EFD 1000 pro MAX in three years and I fly quite a bit of IFR.  I'd love a larger screen that has more options like a G3X but I'd have to change my great working autopilot (KFC 200) and spend $60K to replace what I have now. 

[Echo]

Zero issues with my Aspen.  Zero.  No issues, EVER.  Just works.  Flawless operation.  Wax on to wax off.  

[Jackk]

58 minutes ago, Echo said:

Shill alert.

Huh?

 

 Sorry dude, just a working pilot who’s been on the buying side and selling side 

 Fact is Garmin planes will always sell for more than something with an aspen.  As a buyer I’d rather pay less for a old steam panel than buy a aspen, pull it, sell it, and put and proper panel in

 

I’m not good with “feelings” but it is what it is, given the choice there is a reason folks go Garmin over Aspen, and a reason working planes are WAY more likely to have Garmin than Aspen 

[Echo]

1 hour ago, Jackk said:

Huh?

 

 Sorry dude, just a working pilot who’s been on the buying side and selling side 

 Fact is Garmin planes will always sell for more than something with an aspen.  As a buyer I’d rather pay less for a old steam panel than buy a aspen, pull it, sell it, and put and proper panel in

 

I’m not good with “feelings” but it is what it is, given the choice there is a reason folks go Garmin over Aspen, and a reason working planes are WAY more likely to have Garmin than Aspen 

Me either (feelings).  Looky there, common ground.

[Steve Dawson]

23 hours ago, Jackk said:

Huh?

 

 Sorry dude, just a working pilot who’s been on the buying side and selling side 

 Fact is Garmin planes will always sell for more than something with an aspen.  As a buyer I’d rather pay less for a old steam panel than buy a aspen, pull it, sell it, and put and proper panel in

 

I’m not good with “feelings” but it is what it is, given the choice there is a reason folks go Garmin over Aspen, and a reason working planes are WAY more likely to have Garmin than Aspen 

You'll also pay more for a Garmin equipped used aircraft where the initial install owner has lost at least 50% of his original investment. I do like Garmin but two GI 275's are close but they haven't the same amount of functionality as an EFD 1000 Pro Max. If you're talking panel EFD's with a full panel Garmin or Dynon Skyview, obviously they have better functions and graphics on a much larger display but you're also committed to the rest of the Garmin/ Dynon/ family at a cost of $40-60K plus the cost of a GPS navigator. (Garmin or Dynon don't work with other autopilots)

Plus there's signifigantly fewer fully equipped used aircraft for sale now.

Aspen hits a niche 

 

[Jackk]

3 hours ago, Steve Dawson said:

You'll also pay more for a Garmin equipped used aircraft where the initial install owner has lost at least 50% of his original investment. I do like Garmin but two GI 275's are close but they haven't the same amount of functionality as an EFD 1000 Pro Max. If you're talking panel EFD's with a full panel Garmin or Dynon Skyview, obviously they have better functions and graphics on a much larger display but you're also committed to the rest of the Garmin/ Dynon/ family at a cost of $40-60K plus the cost of a GPS navigator. (Garmin or Dynon don't work with other autopilots)

Plus there's signifigantly fewer fully equipped used aircraft for sale now.

Aspen hits a niche 

 

Aspen also has a reputation for red Xs

 It’s just where the market is and where it’s going, it would be like plumbing in a EI analyzer vs going G275 in 2025, just doesn’t make sense 

Edited November 27 by Jackk

[DXB]

6 hours ago, Jackk said:

Aspen also has a reputation for red Xs

 It’s just where the market is and where it’s going, it would be like plumbing in a EI analyzer vs going G275 in 2025, just doesn’t make sense 

Meh - tons of anecdotes for glitches and failures with both modern Garmin and Aspen stuff, some having durable software fixes.

 The big red Xs on the original Aspens once airspeed input is lost was a troubling vulnerability but was addressed in the Max upgrade. 

There is no objective comparative data on pfd reliability I'm aware of here, only the passions of individuals with different experiences and biases. 

[Steve Dawson]

Jack I think you'd find fault with anything 

[Jackk]

1 hour ago, Steve Dawson said:

Jack I think you'd find fault with anything 

 lol, nah I just try to help out, these days spending money on equipment that’s already yesteryear just seems like a bad way to spend hard earned money.

 If down the road the OP or a new owner wanted to put a glass panel in it, chances are it’s going to be Garmin, already having Garmin probes is going to be a big deal that that point, vs a bunch of EI stuff they’ll have to yank and replace and sell used online for Pennie’s on the dollar 

 

Edited November 27 by Jackk

[Jackk]

4 hours ago, DXB said:

Meh - tons of anecdotes for glitches and failures with both modern Garmin and Aspen stuff, some having durable software fixes.

 The big red Xs on the original Aspens once airspeed input is lost was a troubling vulnerability but was addressed in the Max upgrade. 

There is no objective comparative data on pfd reliability I'm aware of here, only the passions of individuals with different experiences and biases. 

 I have flown a good deal as a working pilot, 91/135/121, I see Garmin all the time, lots of OEMs put Garmin in their new IMC equipped planes.

 

 The only aspen I recall seeing in a working aircraft was in some tour R44s, which are very strict VFR only platforms…Robinson in their  new R88 have even switched to a Garmin flight deck 

[kortopates]

I love my Garmin glass panel, it’s got virtually the best of everything from Garmin except for their EIS because their EIS still has a lot to be desired. Instead i have a JPI EDM 900 which i feel is still superior to Garmin. Someday they’ll catch up but it’s still amazing to me how much differences there is in all the Garmin EIS implementations. Probably the G3X implementation is still the most advanced but not sure at this moment.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Echo]

There s so much brand bias here on Mooneyspace by a select group.  Only on Mooneyspace can a thread about a new EI combination with Aspen be turned into a Garmin love fest.  Not a great look.

[Jackk]

3 hours ago, Echo said:

There s so much brand bias here on Mooneyspace by a select group.  Only on Mooneyspace can a thread about a new EI combination with Aspen be turned into a Garmin love fest.  Not a great look.

 Just the way it is.

 One is better and the industry has reflected it, denying it would be a worse look

[Echo]

1 hour ago, Jackk said:

 Just the way it is.

 One is better and the industry has reflected it, denying it would be a worse look

You are kinda obtuse aren't you Jack?  I'll try and remember and give grace.

[Jackk]

46 minutes ago, Echo said:

You are kinda obtuse aren't you Jack?  I'll try and remember and give grace.

 No thanks