REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

Thu Mar 3 12:12:33 CST 2005

Keith,

Stein is a riveting guy, but we all have shortcomings.  RVs don't fly like they're mounted on rails but they will dogfight with the best of them.

Chuck

Do Not Archive

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]On Behalf Of KeithHallsten
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 12:52 PM
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

Chuck,

Yes, I think GRT is a bit more cautious than BMA, and that has some real benefits to their customers.

I have bought quite a bit of wire and electrical parts and tools from Steinair.  Everything has always been prompt and correct, and the prices are as good as I've seen anywhere.  I recommend them!  Stein is a hard-core RV guy, but he can be a big help to us 'glass guys, too!

Keith

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Chuck  <mailto:cjensen at dts9000.com> Jensen 
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders  <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org> list 
Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 3:45 AM
Subject: RE: REFLECTOR: GRT EFIS

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  <mailto:cjensen at dts9000.com> Jensen 
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders  <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org> list 
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  <mailto:cjensen at dts9000.com> Jensen 
To: Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders  <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org> list 
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  <mailto:ALVentures at cox.net> Gietzen 
To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders  <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org> list' 
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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