Any Sandel EHSI users?

[KSMooniac]

I'm in the early stages of planning a panel makeover for my J next year sometime...likely while the weather is still cold and I'm not flying frequently, but perhaps not til later in the spring. I'm soliciting opinions and really want to hear about Sandel units from those with experience.

Currently I have a plain DG with autopilot/heading bug outputs and a pair of Garmin CDI's (with glideslopes) connected to a 530W/430W combo. I'm debating installing a used Sandel (in conjunction with a used KG-102A from my salvage plane) and ditching one of the CDI's. I also have an STEC-30 with the external GPSS module. From what I've read, the Sandel 3308 with the Ver 2.3 software will play very nicely with a pair of Garmins over the ARINC 429 bus. I believe I would still need to retain my GPSS module, though, which isn't a big deal.

Has anyone flown a setup like this? Or with a 3500 unit? The 3500 in 14V seems to be quite rare, but the integrated GPSS and LED illumination would be superior. (I'm only looking at used units as the new price is too close to an Aspen)

I'm also considering an Aspen PFD only, but I'm not sure I want to spend that money in the near future. All or most of this effort will be supervised DIY, and I haven't explored working with a local shop yet that would allow me to do some or all of an Aspen installation myself, but I will check around before committing to either course of action.

Opinions/comments are most welcome! (Unless they are get a G500.... I don't want that!)

[gjkirsch]

Have the 3308 and CNX 80 (garmin 480) and they work fine together. The bulb is supposed to be replaced every year or 200 hours (whichever comes first). This set up is with a KFC150. If I had to buy new and pay for the work, I would go with the Aspen.

[carusoam]

Scott,

I think one of our European members has detailed a similar Sandel situation. My memory is a bit fuzzy, but I believe the discussion was around the price of used sandal units was relatively low and the availability had increased on the market.

I'll try searching for Sandell see f I can find it...

Best regards,

-a-

[Oscar Avalle]

I had a sandel installed in my m20c. It worked great nice color contrast, it interacted well with my garmin 430 and StEC autopilot. However the need to change the bulb every year was pain, I would go for the aspen too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[carusoam]

Vref drove a similar discussion in 2010...

I used to have a great memory....

Hope this may have helped.

How much does the annual bulb replacement cost?

Best regards,

-a-

[KSMooniac]

Great memory! I had forgotten that discussion, and am envious of the 3500+SG102 deal on that thread! I would take that in a heartbeat today if it were available. 3308's without gyros seem to be in the $1500 or less range, plus a $50 bulb every year. I'd much rather have the 3500 of course, and an AHRS instead of the old King gyro.

[M016576]

Great memory! I had forgotten that discussion, and am envious of the 3500+SG102 deal on that thread! I would take that in a heartbeat today if it were available. 3308's without gyros seem to be in the $1500 or less range, plus a $50 bulb every year. I'd much rather have the 3500 of course, and an AHRS instead of the old King gyro.

Hi Scott-

I have the SN3500 and SG102 as detailed in the original thread. After 2+ years of using it, it has been solid as a rock. I purchased the code to unlock the GPSS functionality in the latest software upgrade about 4 months ago, and it works well. My full system is a Garmin 430W, SN3500, SG102, Century 41 autopilot. I love how the needles are displayed in the RMI mode. The HSI mode is bright and easy to read. The needles are very big, and the display feels large. When the ILS or LPV needles "pop up" they are easy to fly and read. My autopilot tracks the system very well, too, which is either a testimony to the SN3500 or to theCentury 41 autopilot computer, I don't know which! Although when I had the original Mechanical king HSI, the autopilot tended to hunt... So my guess is that the SN3500 is providing a better steering signal (not too surprising, as its newer and digital). All in all, I love the setup and wouldn't trade it for anything unless I was getting a huge upgrade (something with SVT?).

[Alan Fox]

I have a 3308 in my Bonanza , Had one in my m20b , Absolutely love it ......The bulbs are 35 watt 14 volt halogens , You can buy them from sandel at 200 or from a lighting house for 3 dollars each , Talk to your IA ....the whole sandel setup used can be had for about 2k plus install......You can put up two vors , two glideslopes , dme , marker beacon , gps annunciators , RMI , Maps , weather , etc etc ........ Its a wonderful unit....

[KSMooniac]

Thanks for the PIREP. I suspect you are realizing the benefits of GPSS, and it is indeed incredible. I have an STEC-30 with GPSS module and marvel at how well this works in our little planes. Simply amazing. Years ago I took a buddy of mine for a ride (he is a B-1 pilot/test pilot for his day job) and he about cried watching how well the combo works vs. what they have in his birds.

[M016576]

Thanks for the PIREP. I suspect you are realizing the benefits of GPSS, and it is indeed incredible. I have an STEC-30 with GPSS module and marvel at how well this works in our little planes. Simply amazing. Years ago I took a buddy of mine for a ride (he is a B-1 pilot/test pilot for his day job) and he about cried watching how well the combo works vs. what they have in his birds.

My mooney has an infinitely more user friendly and capable IFR setup than both the FA-18 and the F-15! The FA-18 could couple to the heading bug or track to a waypoint, but it didn't have an ILS or Approach certified GPS in it (the only precision approach option was a PAR). The F-15 has an ILS, but I'm lucky just to get the altitude hold to engage, let alone work. The F-15's autopilot will not couple to a waypoint, nor will it fly to the heading bug. My mooney couples to either one of the two ILS receivers (GNS430W or KNS80) or to the LPV guidance and will fly basically hands free from level off to minimums! After shooting a couple approaches coupled to the LPV, and letting the autopilot fly past minimums (in VMC w/ field in sight), I'm convinced it tracks perfectly to the TDZ every time. All you have to do is uncouple, pull power to idle and flare! Sure makes it easy!