mikefox Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 I am considering upgrading to an Aspen EFD1000 Pro and a Garmin 530. I currently have old Narco radios and a Century 2000 autopilot. What has been the experience with the Aspen? I just read that Aspen is coming out with a box this summer to replace the attitude information sent to legacy autopilots, making the AI truly only a backup instrument - this sounds really exciting. Anyone know anything more about this? Thanks, Mike
Magnum Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 I have the Aspen Pro, Century 2000, 430W and KX155. The Aspen shows the tuned frequency of the Garmin but not of the KX155. GPSS works great with the Century, it is really smooth. If you want to get rid of your vacuum system you can buy a replacement for the Century AI: http://www.tghaviation.com/Castleberry-Lighted-Electric-Attitude-Gyro-p/504-0006-965.htm IMHO the Aspen is really worth the money. It is the best investment I made (besides the EDM830).
Parker_Woodruff Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 I would go for a G500 and a GNS430W if you were planning on using the GNS530W for an MFD type unit. If you weren't planning on using the 530W for its larger display, your thoughts may vary. The MFD portion of the G500 is right in front of your face, has better resolution should you decide to get XM WX, and the price difference between the 430W & 530W will almost pay for a G500 over the Aspen unit. So, in full, I would recommend: G500 PFD/MFD GNS430W GPSNavComm Garmin SL30 NavComm GDL69 if you want the WX. I got mine reman'd from Garmin at a pretty good discount. If you feel like replacing the audio panel as well, I would not buy a Garmin product, but would go for a PSEngineering PMA8000B for a much better price and greater functionality. But I'm somewhat biased. PS, I have yet to fly with the Aspen unit.
Magnum Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 The G500 looks really good (but I haven't flown one yet), but IMHO you have to pay at least 10 AMU's more. The unit costs more and the installation is more time consuming. And it doesn't work with non Garmin avionics. So if you want some backup, you have to buy another SL-30. Does it have battery backup? If money doesn't matter I think it'd be nice to have the bigger screens (esp. for approach charts).
docket Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 I did the G500 deal and like it. I have flown the Aspen unit and liked that as well. I think the Aspen unit is easier/cheaper to install so if $$$ is an issue I'd go with the Aspen. If $$$ is not a primary motivator the G500 is better in my opinion because the two screens have more real estate than two Aspens. If you want to see an approach plate on the Aspen it is going to be a lot of zooming in and out. With that said, you can't go wrong with either and with the Aspen (if you put in a backup PFD) I think you can get away from the standby instruments in the near future -- Garmin will not be able to do that. The Aspen guy was telling me that when I flew with him a few months ago.
Parker_Woodruff Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 Quote: Magnum The G500 looks really good (but I haven't flown one yet), but IMHO you have to pay at least 10 AMU's more. The unit costs more and the installation is more time consuming. And it doesn't work with non Garmin avionics. So if you want some backup, you have to buy another SL-30. Does it have battery backup? If money doesn't matter I think it'd be nice to have the bigger screens (esp. for approach charts).
PTK Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 Go with the Aspen. Its a no brainer in my opinion. Cost is the same as G500 but functionality is way ahead of Garmin. The only thing the G500 can say is that it is bigger. So what?! The aspen is perfect, and not too big. GPSS is included in the Aspen too. I guess you wouldn't need it if you had no autopilot but if you fly a mooney that does not have an autopilot you are not doing any serious flying anyway so you don't need a g500 or an Aspen! People buy these things thinking they will add value to their plane. Fact is a good (King) autopilot prefereably with FD in my opinion adds more value to a mooney than any G500 or whatever, Go for FUNCTIONALITY. Aspen all the way.
Parker_Woodruff Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 Quote: allsmiles GPSS is included in the Aspen too. I guess you wouldn't need it if you had no autopilot but if you fly a mooney that does not have an autopilot you are not doing any serious flying anyway so you don't need a g500 or an Aspen!
KLRDMD Posted April 11, 2010 Report Posted April 11, 2010 Quote: mikefox I am considering upgrading to an Aspen EFD1000 Pro and a Garmin 530.
Vref Posted April 12, 2010 Report Posted April 12, 2010 What about the new KFD840....? At first glance it looks not bad if you have already a Bendix/King A/P...The trouble with all EFIS's is the interfacing part with the NAV and Autopilot stuff. The KFD seems to tackle that issue as it is compatible with older legacy NAV's and A/P systems.. E.g. the F/D inputs older KX155 inputs etc.. I have a small AV80R and I love the simple interface in comparison to the Garmin units... IMHO easy human maschine interface...would be the most decisive factor for me, in stead off having plenty off features... I am carefully going to monitor the evolution of the KFD480 on the market.......... Experience feedback with this unit welcomed!
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