Doug –
I’m also installing a 10”
Dynon Skyview this weekend to replace my Blue Mountain EFIS/One. I did
extensive research and narrowed the choices to Dynon and the new Grand Rapids
HRx. Grand Rapids appears to have the lead on integration with external
devices. I went with Dynon because the Skyview has been around for 2 years now
so the teething pains are out of the way, but it’s still new enough to be
supported for many years to come (I hope).
< Engine instruments will
be displayed on an E.I. MVP-50>
Why the separate system? The Skyview can
perform all your engine monitoring functions. It can also do fuel calculations
based on your flight plan (i.e fuel remaining at destination).
< I need a second Comm…>
Are you sure? The SL30 has monitoring
capability so you can listen to ATIS on the standby frequency while still
talking to ATC on the active frequency. The monitored frequency gets muted
automatically whenever there’s chatter on the active frequency. Dynon
doesn’t currently support remote tuning of the SL30, but it’s on
their ‘to-do’ list.
< … and a Garmin
Audio Panel… >
The audio panel is there to switch
multiple audio sources between the headsets and speaker. Very few of us build
an external speaker into our planes so there’s an entire row of buttons
that goes unused. With only two audio sources (the SL30 plus Skyview’s audio
alerts) having a gadget that can switch between multiple comms, navs, DME, ADF,
etc. is overkill. I have a 4-place intercom in my Legacy. That gives me three
extra audio inputs – the two unused rear passenger connections and the
music input. That’s more than enough for my needs.
<…I plan to do some very limited IFR flying.>
I looked into this as well. The Skyview
GPS will give you excellent situational awareness, and the SL30 will allow you
to do ILS and VOR approaches. But you won’t be able to do any GPS
approaches unless you have approach-certified GPS with the appropriate
navigation database installed. As of this writing that basically means the
GNS430 (which is being discontinued) or the newer GTN650. The new Grand Rapids
HRx will eventually have GPS approaches built in, with GPS position being
provided by their WAAS receiver. No Garmin needed, just a database subscription.
However, it’s not available yet. Since Dynon’s GPS also supports
WAAS I’m hoping they’ll come out with something similar at some
point.
Food for thought,
Adam Molny
Legacy #151, 16.6 hours and counting