REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS [heur]

Thu Mar 3 09:58:06 CST 2005

Have any of you guys considered Blue Mountain Avionics?  They have had
growing pains ... but I really believe the value is unbelievable and the
system works.  I am flying it now.

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Chuck Jensen
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 4:46 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS [heur]

Keith,

I think you'll like the setup.  GRT was going through the usual growing
pains but they seemed to have gotten out of the gate and up to near full
speed at least as well as, if not better then BMA.  I do wish they would
finish up their ARINC 429 software so the vertical bug would drive the
TruTrak A/P.  I suspect they are being particularly careful about the
vertical commands being bullet-proof.  Something about commanding the
plane to descend to a lower preset altitude at a predetermined descent
rate in IFR conditions has a smell of liability associated with it.

Steinair seems to be a safe choice.  He seems to be present/participates
on both the RVList and AeroConnection websites and no one seems to throw
brickbats at him.  Some of the things he posts even makes sense...which
puts him ahead of many, if not most.

I think you'll be happy with you choice.  If I were to make the decision
again, I'd do the same (though not at the same place).

Chuck

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On
Behalf Of KeithHallsten
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 12:04 AM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

Chuck,

I agree on the big map display.  As I wrote, I'm planning to use the
upper for PFD, lower for moving map.  I had planned to swap out the
moving map display for the graphical engine display at those times when
I want to look with more detail at engine parameters than the display on
the EIS provides.  However, the split screen on the upper is a pretty
good idea.

I just got a quote from Stein Bruch (www.steinair.com) on a dual display
GRT EFIS & EIS system for my Velocity.  He basically confirmed that you
have to use two multi-function displays.  The good news is that my
configuration (including fuel gauges, fuel flow transducer, pressure
transducers, thermocouples, OAT, etc.)  came out $435 less than GRT's
list prices, and includes free wiring harnesses!

Keith

	----- Original Message ----- 

	From: Chuck Jensen <mailto:cjensen at dts9000.com>  

	To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
<mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>  

	Sent: Wednesday, March 02, 2005 6:49 AM

	Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

	Keith,

	I pretty much dedicate the bottom display to the engine data
because I take my map stuff off the Garmin 480/MX20 combo.  But if you
use the lower display for the map, then you can do the split screen on
the upper and display the PFD left and major engine data (RPM/MP etc) on
the right.  The PFD, even on the split screen, is still plenty big to
show you a good horizon, airspeed and altitude.  When I've played around
with the map function on the GRT EFIS, I didn't care for the map
function on the split screen.  Maps are all about context, hence the map
on a split screen is like trying to drive a car looking through
binoculars.....okay, so you've never been stupid enough to try that, but
you can know that it's not easy because you loose reference to the
surroundings, which is what a map on a split screen does.

	In short, I don't see any advantage to a dedicated screen,
unless there is big $avings.

	Chuck

	-----Original Message-----
	From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org
[mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On Behalf Of KeithHallsten
	Sent: Sunday, February 27, 2005 4:21 PM
	To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
	Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

	Thanks, Chuck.  I had planned to mount the EIS 6000 in the panel
anyway, so when I'm using the lower display for moving map full-screen
I'll still have the basic engine information displayed.

	I had intended to use a "PFD only" dedicated display for the
top, but l need to confirm whether or not I can mix a multi-purpose
display unit with a single-purpose display.

	Keith

		----- Original Message ----- 

		From: Chuck Jensen <mailto:cjensen at dts9000.com>  

		To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
<mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>  

		Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 2:37 AM

		Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

		Keith,

		I have the dual GRT EFIS and both can be selected for
PFD, MAP, ENG or split screens.  I personally like the PFD on the top
and all my engine stuff on the bottom.  There is a soft-button that you
can 'lock' either unit to PDF, but I don't see any advantage.  The
buttons are big enough that they are easy to locate and push, even in
turbulence and without the problem of inadvertently hitting the next
door neighbor (button).  I also have the EIS 6000 LCD screen mounted on
the panel.  If it wasn't for infrequently resetting some value, I
wouldn't put it on the panel as it just eats up space.  Unfortunately,
when fuel is loaded, it is inputted thru the LCD unit, not the EFIS, so
you need access to the rectangular LCD computer unit--may as well mount
it.

		What would be great would be if the EFIS and EIS talked
both ways, so the fuel could be added thru the EFIS screen, but I think
the conversation only goes one way--kind like some relationships.

		Chuck

		-----Original Message-----
		From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org
[mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On Behalf Of KeithHallsten
		Sent: Saturday, February 26, 2005 12:01 AM
		To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
		Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

		Hmmm. .   I talked to the EFIS sales guy at Grand Rapids
about my intent about 5 months ago, and he said, "no problem".  I'll
have to look into this further.  Of course, my situation might be
somewhat different because I'm using their EIS 6000 for engine
monitoring.  I agree that flexibility is nice, but it also leads to more
complexity.  Then there's the $500. . . . 

		Keith

			----- Original Message ----- 

			From: Al Gietzen <mailto:ALVentures at cox.net>  

			To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'
<mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>  

			Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 9:38 AM

			Subject: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

			Keith wrote: 

			I'm also planning to use the GRT EFIS.  At this
point I'm planning a dedicated PFD on top, with a multi-mode Moving
Map/Graphical Engine Info/PFD under it.  My thinking is that I will
always want the primary flight instruments right in front of me, but if
that unit goes south, I can use the lower GRT display as a backup.  The
lower unit will usually be in moving map mode, except during leaning or
evaluating a potential engine issue.  The GRT EIS 6000 will provide
engine indications the rest of the time.  My backup moving map will be
the GPS (both panel-mount and handheld).

			I have the dual screen GRT setup, and also
intended one as dedicated display since I have a separate engine monitor
with will not display on their screen.  Apparently, you cannot have one
dedicated and one not dedicated with the two displays, and they charged
me the extra $500.  When questioned, they refunded $250.  I think it is
good to be able to use either screen for any display.

			Al

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