Message-ID: <053401c0afeb$5823f220$96c395cf@pavilion>
From: "John Barrett" <2thman@olympus.net>
To: <freemen@mediaone.net>,
	<Jimnordin@aol.com>,
	<RWolf99@aol.com>,
	"Lancair Mail List" <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
Subject: Re:  Boycott Garmin
Date: Sun, 18 Mar 2001 11:48:13 -0800
Reply-To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Mime-Version: 1.0

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I'll respond to twp points and questions raised in this email.

Rob Wolf wrote:

>However, you'd have to show me the numbers to prove
>that an SFS unit (how much are they again?  $20K? >$40K?) is cheaper than a
>$7800 Garmin 430.

I don't know what an EFIS 2000 two screen system sells for on the streets
now, because I bought some time ago and the pricing was lower.  However,
becuase we have to have the VOR/LOC/GS from another source to be IFR legal,
there is a requirement to purchase other hardware.  In this respect, Bob,
we're in the same boat with you.  The Garmin 430 (I paid about $6500) solves
all these needs and throws in a Comm radio.  If you bought all this stuff
box by box from King or anyone else, once again you'd have more junk on the
panel, more wiring and probably equal or more cost.

Jim Nordin wrote:

>You're putting a lot of responsiblitly on one box doing all this. Is that a
>better solution, really?

Jim you make a good point here and I've wondered about the reliability
factor.  However, as I've seen and flown the SFS EFIS and watched its
development, I'm nothing short of amazed at the redundancy and bullet-proof
nature of this system.  You might want to go to the
www.sierraflightsystems.com wewbsite and download the paint shaker/15,000
volt lightning video that was done at Brent Regan's company at Couer
d'Alene.  Awesome!

Both MFD's talk to each other but operate independently.  One goes down, the
other can do everything the two can do together.  If part of the system
fails, the computers continue to operate as well as they can with what's
left, including inertial nav to give position, speed and so on if the GPS
gives out and a multitude of other scenarios.  I plan to carry a hand held
GPS unit in the airplane in case I completely lose both MFD's somehow.
There are 2 1/4" steam guages including electric AH that will give useful
data for 9 to about 20 minutes in case of electrical failure, VSI, ALT, AS,
and Turn&Bank for emergency backup and to give the copilot something to look
at if he gets tired of looking accross to the other side of the inst panel.

I'll also have two batteries and two alternators with crossfeed capability.

In my imaginary concept, integrated receivers for the functions that Garmin
supplies, although built into or controlled by the SFS, would be virtually
independent for functionality - albeit, you might not be able to control
them or see their output if the screens went down.

Regards,

John Barrett
CARBINGE
"The World Hinges On Us"
http://www.olympus.net/personal/2thman/carbinge1.htm


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