G500 Upgrade finished

[Parker_Woodruff]

Welp, it's a done deal.  Glass, 155 knots, 1035lb useful load (lost at least 15 lbs).  Can't beat it for the $$.  Currently sitting at Don Maxwell's shop going to start the annual on Monday and hopefully out by Wednesday or Thursday.

I had the work done at Arrow Aviation in Addison (KADS) http://www.arrowdal.com/. They were willing to give me a contracted, out the door price plus any squawks that caused trouble (I had a pitot-static leak that got fixed). Also for about $200 or so I had some extra work done to the panel itself so it's got a nice flat black paint.  I would definitely recommend them.

I thought I wasn't going to do any equipment upgrades till I paid the plane off, but the G500 came out as an alternative to the G600, so I bit.

Installed:

G500
GNS430W
SL30 Nav/Comm
GDL69 for XM weather (remanufactured)
PMA8000B audio panel

No squawks I can't fix with setting changes so far.

The first two shots are before shots. The others are the ferry flight to Longview for the airplane to go into annual. I still need to shoot a couple approaches in VFR to make sure we're all good to go (and try the WAAS out!!).

[Jeff_S]

That's some nice stuff there Parker. I'll be curious to follow your experience and how long it takes you to get comfortable with the G500.  It's on my short list as well for the next time I feel like spending some big dough. I think given the equipment I already have in the plane (GDL69A, GNS480, MX-20, etc) it makes more sense to go with Garmin than an Aspen.  I've heard they are offering rebates to get people to lose the old MX-20s but I'm getting used to it and it works okay. We shall see.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: Jeff_S

That's some nice stuff there Parker. I'll be curious to follow your experience and how long it takes you to get comfortable with the G500.  It's on my short list as well for the next time I feel like spending some big dough. I think given the equipment I already have in the plane (GDL69A, GNS480, MX-20, etc) it makes more sense to go with Garmin than an Aspen.  I've heard they are offering rebates to get people to lose the old MX-20s but I'm getting used to it and it works okay. We shall see.

[67M20F]

Looks nice, wish I had the $$$, but then I would have a turbo put on.

[j3gq]

Hi Parker,

I am interested in the same install for my M20J. Would

you mind a few detailed questions on pricing, installation,

what boxes you had hocked up with your G500, etc.

Just if you do have the time ...

Thanks - AJ

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: j3gq

Hi Parker, I am interested in the same install for my M20J. Would you mind a few detailed questions on pricing, installation, what boxes you had hocked up with your G500, etc. Just if you do have the time ... Thanks - AJ

[fantom]

Parker.....please, no more pictures of that beautiful installation.

[KSMooniac]

Gary, upgrade fever is contagious!  I expect you've already been exposed.... 

[j3gq]

Hi Parker, me again. Sorry I didn't see your kind response earlier.

Let me start with a few questions ... which no Garmin dealer would ever

be able to answer

- did the shop run into any unexpected problems (e.g. space, harnesses...)?

- any (intermittent) problems with other instruments after installation ?

- did the G500 really fit within the former 6-pack-space, or did

you have to move other than the six ?

- did you replace your AI with a GAD-43 ?

- what back-up instruments were you required to keep ?

- is your autopilot (can't see it on pictures) connected to the G500 ?

- did you install the synthetic vision pack ?

- when displaying Jepp or Naco charts is the plane's position shown on the chart ?

- is the screen update rate sufficient when changing pages ?

- readability in adverse light conditions ... any problems ?

Thanks - AJ

[docket]

Quote: j3gq

Hi Parker, me again. Sorry I didn't see your kind response earlier. Let me start with a few questions ... which no Garmin dealer would ever be able to answer - did the shop run into any unexpected problems (e.g. space, harnesses...)? - any (intermittent) problems with other instruments after installation ? - did the G500 really fit within the former 6-pack-space, or did you have to move other than the six ? - did you replace your AI with a GAD-43 ? - what back-up instruments were you required to keep ? - is your autopilot (can't see it on pictures) connected to the G500 ? - did you install the synthetic vision pack ? - when displaying Jepp or Naco charts is the plane's position shown on the chart ? - is the screen update rate sufficient when changing pages ? - readability in adverse light conditions ... any problems ? Thanks - AJ

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: docket

I'll hijack this a little bit since I can answer a few of your questions.  I know Parker does not have an autopilot in his plane so he had no interface issues.  I have the G500 interfaced with a STEC 55X and I have the altitude preselect software ($2500) added to the G500 so I can select an altitude on the G500 and it will tell the autopilot to hold there.  It also gives me a flight director which I can't really figure out why I need but it is kind of cool.  The only problem my shop had on the install was that they installed the OAT sensor in a spot that picks up some engine exhaust.  They are going to have to relocate that. 

 

Correct, I don't have an autopilot, and Docket is accurate.  My probe is below my pilot side window

The G500 will fit in the 6 pack area and if it doesn't Garmin will provide a trim ring to surround the unit just in case.  The GAD-43 is only used (I think) to communicate with certain autopilots but if you have an STEC autopilot you will not need a GAD -43.  You are required, in all installations, to keep the airspeed, horizon and altimeter.  You can go with smaller backup instruments (or a full electric by Mid Continent) but the price of the smaller instruments will take your breath away.  Also if you go with the electric Mid Continent instrument you will have to supply a backup power supply. 

It fit easily in the 6 pack area and I bought the trim piece from Garmin.  Something in the range of $120-150.  It looks really good.  I looked at an electric AI, then heard the price from some on this board and stayed with my current setup.  I did not install synthetic vision.  This install was the absolute most I could afford.  Everything together, parts and labor, was just under $32k (G500, 430W, SL30, GLD69, PMA8000B.  That includes totally new wiring for the intercom and headset jacks.

The screen refresh/update rate is seamless and the unit is absolutely readable in all light conditions.  I think the screen is the best example of a screen out there right now.  Of course, given how quickly technology is moving out there I would not be surprised if something even better doesn't pop out in the near future.  Remember how quickly laptops changed once they gained traction in the marketplace.

Absolutely agree.  I flew east on my flight from the avionics shop to Don Maxwell and the sun was setting behind me and very bright on the screen.  No readability problems whatsoever.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Quote: j3gq

Hi Parker, I am interested in the same install for my M20J. Would you mind a few detailed questions on pricing, installation, what boxes you had hocked up with your G500, etc. Just if you do have the time ... Thanks - AJ