REFLECTOR: New Dynon Skyview EFIS

Tue Aug 25 09:10:14 CDT 2009

Dynon is a great company.  They stand toe to toe with GRT any day. 

I've had issues with both companys. 

If it can be fixed in software, both Dynon or GRT will do it, though
they both have limited resources and your specific problem may not be a
priority for them.  I actually returned a full GRT graphical engine
monitor for a refund because they refused to fix a software problem in
the next release, even though their web site and documentation said that
specific item was implemented and worked fine.  My luck of the draw that
my issue wasn't their issue.

I'd certainly be more comfortable buying a Dynon unit than a GRT, but I
think they both make good equipment and  basically stand behind their
products and you would be getting a long lived unit with great factory
support.

New hardware's compatibility with old hardware is always a problem. 
I've been on both sides of the bench on this issue.  Staying compatible
always limits what the new hardware can do.  Its a trade off that
usually involves  long and contentious meetings at hardware companies. 
It is never an easy decision to orphan a product, but sooner or later it
will happen.  The competition's technology will force the issue.

Whats important is that if you do happen to own a product that can no
longer talk to or be connected to the latest and greatest, the company
will continue to support your product as it stands.

Scott

Chuck Jensen wrote:
> Glenn, you point out one of the strengths of GRT.  With software
> upgrade, they tend to capture requested features quite rapidly and are
> always adding features that no one was expecting.  There's only been a
> couple things that took them a couple cycles to develop, before it was
> included.  The only time that a 'trade-in' was required is if a person
> decided to go to a new hi-res screen.  It's obvious why a trade in was
> necessary then.
>  
> Early on, GRT made a wise decision that Blue Mountain and apparently
> Dynon didn't appreciate.  GRT said they would not develop their own
> A/P, but would interface with the A/P from TruTrack.  GRT said that
> A/Ps aren't as simple as they look and that coming up with controlling
> software was far more difficult and challenging than most appreciate. 
> They would rather team/interface with a proven A/P than try to develop
> one of their own.   Sometimes, it's smart to 'tend to your knitting',
> GRT apparently understood that.
>
> Chuck Jensen
>
>  
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     *From:* reflector-bounces at tvbf.org
>     [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]*On Behalf Of *Glenn Babcock
>     *Sent:* Monday, August 24, 2009 7:16 PM
>     *To:* Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
>     *Subject:* Re: REFLECTOR: New Dynon Skyview EFIS
>
>     Dennis,
>      
>     I have a D10A and I really like it.  Very reliable.  I also have
>     the heated pitot, remote compass, and backup battery.  Lots of
>     free software upgrades have really improved functionality. 
>     Support has been excellent on production products.
>      
>     However, I'm not always impressed with Dynon.  It took them three
>     years to develop the heated pitot after it was announced.  They
>     announced an autopilot interface that would be useful for IFR, the
>     AP-76, then dropped it.  They don't support GPS Steering on my
>     GX-60 (it's too old!).  They don't have an upgrade path for the
>     current equipment, only a trade in offer.  Check out the Dynon
>     support forums and you'll find others who are not happy about
>     these and other things.
>      
>     Unfortunately, they seem to be continuing this trend.  The new
>     EFIS looks great, but think about all of the components you need
>     to make it work.  What GPS will you use with it and how will it
>     interface?  Want GPS Steering?  With Dynon you need a ARINC 429
>     interface module, and the current model doesn't work with the new
>     EFIS.  The new one is in development, but not for the initial
>     release.  Want XP Weather?  Maybe someday.  ADS-B?  Not in the
>     initial release.
>      
>     Bottom line: I count on the Dynon equipment I have, but never on
>     the equipment they plan to release.
>      
>     Regards,
>     Glenn Babcock
>     N697RG
>     www.lakenormanairpark.org <http://www.lakenormanairpark.org>
>      
>
>     *From:* Dennis Martin <mailto:dennis.doc at gmail.com>
>     *Sent:* Sunday, August 23, 2009 2:04 PM
>     *To:* Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list
>     <mailto:reflector at tvbf.org>
>     *Subject:* REFLECTOR: New Dynon Skyview EFIS
>
>     I'm dreaming about the future, but I saw an article about the new
>     Dynon Skyview EFIS supposedly available in December.
>
>     http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/news_technology_preview.html
>
>     Did anyone see their new products? Impressions?
>
>     I know a local pilot who tells me he loves his panel, but I've
>     never flown with him. A few questions for those who own (or have
>     experience) with Dynon panels:
>
>     1) How reliable is the equipment? Software?
>     2) Is the support as good as advertised?
>     3) Is there a competitive brand that you prefer?
>
>     Thanks in advance,
>
>     Dennis Martin
>
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