I’m planning to do something extremely similar: a dual screen light IFR panel (Garmin WAAS GPS only as well) with the VPX and PPS too, but with Dynon instead of Garmin for the rest. You’ll have quite a lot of panel for an S-21, but your reasoning is exactly why I want to do the same and it is going to serve you well. Can’t wait to see you dive into the install!
In my opinion you can never have too much information. Yes, a minimalist panel has it's place, but if planning to travel, give me tons of information. Looks great!
You might want to think of adding a physical ‘fun switch’ or AP power disconnect. The Garmin AP will have the safety ESP modes running in the background and it’s a little cumbersome to turn that off in the heat of battle. When it’s time for steep turns and high bank maneuvering you won’t want ESP intervention. Plus it’s a good backup for a quick additional AP disconnect if the one on the stick is acting up. I know it can all be done within the G3x and vertical power box…but sometimes you just want the AP off….for sure.
Very Nice first off... great looking panel. This is essentially is the same package I am considering. Second... Thanks for explaining in a more straight forward manner the component integration and networking. Without doing a lot of research, its confusing how each device interlocks with one another and all the redundancy involved with, say, the auto pilot controls and accessability across the stack so to speak. Really good video!!!
That's going to be a very cool panel. And designing the paint scheme looks fun too - back in the day (some forty years ago) we did that process with felt tips and lots of paper👍😄😄✌️
great work there man, I did a similar thing on my Eurofox, I basically copied Trent Palmer's cockpit pit so it's basically the same as his and very similar to yours. I'm still doing my training, but having and seeing an autopilot work really blew my mind, I had a Cessna 172R which had basic steam gages, so these new features in the Eurofox are incredible to say the least, I'm so excited to get to know the system better!
Beautiful, literally 98% exactly what I’m putting in my RV7. Although, as I understand it, you do not need the 245 for two comms. The G3X will handle up to two comms. But, the 245 is a cool device either way.
Thank you! I don’t think that’s right… “Of course, adding a second comm radio to the suite means you’ll have to buy an audio panel to switch between the two radios during transmit, and to separate the receiver audio.” www.aviationconsumer.com/accessories/cockpitaccessories/garmin-gtr200b-comm-bluetooth-ics/ Please let me know if you find something different. Good luck with your RV-7!
And I thought mine had all the doodads… Nice job Steve! I didn’t even know there was an option for auto wigwags. Those virtual circuit breakers are pretty slick to. Would also be nice to have a dome light. But hey I do have a TOGA button though🤣
@@CLEAREDDIRECT yes I’ve used the TOGO on practice approaches. Works great. I use the transponder ident on the GNX375 so as to clear up more space on the G3X’s
SaWeeeet. GREAT video. LOVE this set up. It is gonna ROCK when all set up. THANK YOU for sharing this info. This will be a BIG help as I redesign my panel in my Avid Magnum. 😊 Best regards from. CYQT 👍🇨🇦👍
Cool idea about the VR livery. What many people do is finding you plane model in a flight sim and then swapping out the livery for your own. Also gives you a nice idea how it looks in flight. VR is included with most sims anyway.
Thanks for the overview and explanation. Amazing panel! If you find yourself needing to complete an IPC, will you need to use a different aircraft for the precision approach requirement? (GPS WAAS is considered non-precision, even with LPV).
I’ve read that there is an AC being published next year that is actually changing the classification of LPV to be a considered precision approache instead of just APV.
A&P here, I also went all Garmin in old Turbo Glasair 1- r/g, same equment except I used GTN750XI and mr. Ross's SDS EFI & E- ignition. so far 18 mounts of very a complicated avionics installation. LMAO
Mike Gearon and I in Australia are ready to purchase the avionics pack. Any chance you could share your complete order and wiring diagram? Everything you layed out in the video. We are going to buy exactly the same kit. Also, did you get the landing lights from RANS? I came in late on this S21 build but Im catching up.
The good news is that it’s about 1/3 the price of the exact same avionics that are certified to put in part 23 aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Beech, etc). Plus I saved about 50% by installing it myself. Overall, non unreasonable…but probably not for a college student. Good luck with your studies and thanks for watching!
That aircraft livery VR design idea is super cool. Also, is there an advantage to a pitot-static mast rather than the standalone pitot tube and does it matter either performance or cost wise? I've always prefered buttons to touch screens, easier to press a button to get what you want if you're getting bumped around. Super annoying flying IFR struggling to input a frequency or flight plan on touch screen sometimes.
Also, I'm pretty sure one of the aircraft at my flight school has that GMC 507 (or GFC 500 I guess it's called) and it is very nice to use. Helped a lot with my cross country time building for commercial. Just kept it in heading mode and used my trusty e6b, plotter, and sectional chart to plan the way ahead.
Thanks for posting this. It’s almost the exact bill of materials I am planning on for my sling high wing. Did you look at the Garmin height advisor? Especially for backcountry flying. I think it would be handy. Also, those are pretty good looking switch rockers. What brand are they, or were they custom-made?
Thanks for watching! That sling is a looker! The Garmin Height Advisor didn’t exist when I built. Considering throwing one in. I def woulda if it existed when I designed my system. Good luck!
Of course. I realised the post date after commenting. Midwest panel builders did a video on the GHA as a retrofit, and it looks like it wouldn’t be too much work.
The Molex USB chargers...do you know if they are RF proof designed...in other words a lot of USB chargers are dirty they put out a lot of switching noise. It gets up the radio. Have you had a chance to test this yet?...Also where did you get them?
The G5 also gives me backup ADAHRS, pitot/static, and autopilot control. If I had a second GSU 25C, I think your argument would be valid. But here’s the beauty, it’s all up to the builder!
I am having my Mooney completely redone and I went with basically the same. However, only one G3x but two G-5s. Why because it the G3x gives up the ghost I can still get home with two G-5s. I had a Mooney Bravo with the G-500 and once I had all the indicators get the big red Xs! It turned out to be a software issue. Then another time big red Xs. Turned out to be the magnetometer went out of calibration. Luckily both times were close to home. But what if I am on the other side of the country? That would mean a commercial flight home then deal with the problem remotely and a commercial flight back. Not all shops and airports can work on TAA s. Also, with both of the red X situations the plane was down for over a month. This plane will be a commuter so I don't want the plane down that long.
The beauty of experimental is 1) I designed and wired the system which makes diagnosing issues a breeze, 2) I can fix it myself. If my G3X system gives up the ghost, I can get home on my single G5 + ForeFlight.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT IFR? I'm not sure if that is legal. But even if it is I would not want to put all my eggs in one basket. Or to rely on a ipad as my back up.
@@libertine56061. It is 100% legal. You’re talking about an emergency situation. Furthermore, all your eggs are not in one basket. You’re talking about a backup in an emergency situation. 2. Do you want to know how much I fly IFR in GA airplanes in the Pacific Northwest? Almost never. It’s merely to get me through a smoke or fog layer. But you do whatever is legal and makes you feel safe! I did.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT No, I am not talking about a emergency situation. I am talking about taking off with a non functional G3x. I still have two G-5s to get me home. I have some months of 10 to 15 hours of actual IMC. Using my plane as a commuter means dependability and redundancy is very important. If your requirements are different I completely understand.
The VR interface for paint scheme design is an awesome idea, thanks Steve! Did your graphic designer also create the CAD model for the S-21, or did RANS supply it? I’m right now working on a 3D model for my Kitfox build - initially it was with a view to making 3D printed/painted models, but doing it in VR makes so much sense! 😎 That’s going to be a super Garmin panel to fly behind - and help ‘acclimatise’ the next-gen ‘Children of the Magenta’ to all the benefits and pitfalls* of glass cockpits. After flying behind the Garmin 3000 for a few years, I can’t speak highly enough of the ergonomics of Garmin avionics 💗 💗 💗 Does your reversion (red map) switch function by swapping PFD and MFD functions between each G3X, or does it kill power to G3X #1 to force G3X #2 into a reversionary mode? Lastly, beautiful as your carbon panel is, how are its crash credentials? I’ve only heard carbon can be notorious for splintering and rupturing violently under overload - hence why many prefer to use imitation-carbon-wrap over aluminium panels, plasticky as that may be. - - - - - - - - - - - - * From experience, the SINGLE best piece of advice I can offer anyone flying a modern glass cockpits is ‘North-up on MFD map’ - or at the very least, selecting north-up at the first signs of GPS signal degradation, most often caused by a NOTAM’d military activity. The problem arises only after loss of GPS signal to the moving map - at that point, the map becomes frozen in the last-good track-up orientation. Thereafter, attempting to visualise successive (radar) headings on a non-north-up map can create an increasingly excessive mental workload/distraction, regardless of experience. I’d even argue that turning a track-up MFD map OFF and reverting to a mental model in that situation could be the safest thing to do. That said, now imagine the further additional workload a two-crew environment brings in the ensuing obligatory discussion - when neither of you are expecting a such a strong visual distraction from an otherwise very useful tool. Blue skies! 😎
Wow thanks for your great comment! First, the manual reversion function does not kill power to the left G3X. It simply turns the MFD into a PFD when the switch is flipped. Second, I couldn’t find a 3D model so I commissioned one. Lots of great gig workers on fiverr.com
I’m planning to do something extremely similar: a dual screen light IFR panel (Garmin WAAS GPS only as well) with the VPX and PPS too, but with Dynon instead of Garmin for the rest. You’ll have quite a lot of panel for an S-21, but your reasoning is exactly why I want to do the same and it is going to serve you well. Can’t wait to see you dive into the install!
Sweet! Would love to see how your Dynon install goes…Good luck! Starting the harness today whoooo!
In my opinion you can never have too much information. Yes, a minimalist panel has it's place, but if planning to travel, give me tons of information. Looks great!
Beautiful project, best in class! Like you said, feasible in an experimental, bravo!
Gracias! Lots of work left…
You might want to think of adding a physical ‘fun switch’ or AP power disconnect. The Garmin AP will have the safety ESP modes running in the background and it’s a little cumbersome to turn that off in the heat of battle. When it’s time for steep turns and high bank maneuvering you won’t want ESP intervention. Plus it’s a good backup for a quick additional AP disconnect if the one on the stick is acting up. I know it can all be done within the G3x and vertical power box…but sometimes you just want the AP off….for sure.
Great points! I sure appreciate it. I’ll take a closer look at doing that
Great video. Really love and appreciate the details you provide. Great camera work too. The quality of your videos is wonderful!
Well thank you!!! I’m glad you enjoy the quality. I’ll keep recording in 4K. It’s new to me :)
Very Nice first off... great looking panel. This is essentially is the same package I am considering. Second... Thanks for explaining in a more straight forward manner the component integration and networking. Without doing a lot of research, its confusing how each device interlocks with one another and all the redundancy involved with, say, the auto pilot controls and accessability across the stack so to speak. Really good video!!!
Thanks for the good feedback! Glad it helped. Super fun times ahead for you sounds like. Good luck!
That's going to be a very cool panel.
And designing the paint scheme looks fun too - back in the day (some forty years ago) we did that process with felt tips and lots of paper👍😄😄✌️
great work there man, I did a similar thing on my Eurofox, I basically copied Trent Palmer's cockpit pit so it's basically the same as his and very similar to yours. I'm still doing my training, but having and seeing an autopilot work really blew my mind, I had a Cessna 172R which had basic steam gages, so these new features in the Eurofox are incredible to say the least, I'm so excited to get to know the system better!
Awesome! I’m excited for us both! Thanks for the comment
Beautiful, literally 98% exactly what I’m putting in my RV7. Although, as I understand it, you do not need the 245 for two comms. The G3X will handle up to two comms. But, the 245 is a cool device either way.
Thank you! I don’t think that’s right… “Of course, adding a second comm radio to the suite means you’ll have to buy an audio panel to switch between the two radios during transmit, and to separate the receiver audio.” www.aviationconsumer.com/accessories/cockpitaccessories/garmin-gtr200b-comm-bluetooth-ics/
Please let me know if you find something different. Good luck with your RV-7!
And I thought mine had all the doodads… Nice job Steve! I didn’t even know there was an option for auto wigwags. Those virtual circuit breakers are pretty slick to. Would also be nice to have a dome light. But hey I do have a TOGA button though🤣
Thanks again for the clip of your sweet ride! Have you ever used the TOGA button (in the RANS)? Would you prefer IDENT? Still trying to decide
@@CLEAREDDIRECT yes I’ve used the TOGO on practice approaches. Works great. I use the transponder ident on the GNX375 so as to clear up more space on the G3X’s
Great vid. I use dual Dynon HDX.
Congratulations awesome stuff there. hello from Australia.
Awesome panel, nice gear.
Thanks, man! Love your channel. You helped me mount my tires on the Matco hubs...mentioned it in the vid.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT Thats awesome thanks. Yeah finally back at my build after 4 months of travel for work. 90% done, 90% to go.
SaWeeeet. GREAT video. LOVE this set up. It is gonna ROCK when all set up.
THANK YOU for sharing this info. This will be a BIG help as I redesign my panel in my Avid Magnum. 😊
Best regards from.
CYQT 👍🇨🇦👍
That looks amazing
Lol. Super cool. But to be honest, that table was what was really grabbing my attention. 😉
Nice job Steve, always a class job!
Thanks, Mike!
Cool idea about the VR livery. What many people do is finding you plane model in a flight sim and then swapping out the livery for your own. Also gives you a nice idea how it looks in flight. VR is included with most sims anyway.
Thanks for the overview and explanation. Amazing panel! If you find yourself needing to complete an IPC, will you need to use a different aircraft for the precision approach requirement? (GPS WAAS is considered non-precision, even with LPV).
I’ve got my 737 for that ;)
But I’m not sure! Great question.
I’ve read that there is an AC being published next year that is actually changing the classification of LPV to be a considered precision approache instead of just APV.
Nice panel (I know...that's what she said). Affordable upgrades is one of the best things about experimental aircraft.
A&P here, I also went all Garmin in old Turbo Glasair 1- r/g, same equment except I used GTN750XI and mr. Ross's SDS EFI & E- ignition. so far 18 mounts of very a complicated avionics installation. LMAO
Mike Gearon and I in Australia are ready to purchase the avionics pack. Any chance you could share your complete order and wiring diagram? Everything you layed out in the video. We are going to buy exactly the same kit. Also, did you get the landing lights from RANS? I came in late on this S21 build but Im catching up.
Hi Mike and Nic. Happy to help. Life is a bit crazy but I’ll send along soon.
Hard to figure out what flight capabilities you lose with the gnx over the gtn. Night flying for example, assuming need gtn...?
Put simply, the GNX adds an ADS-B transponder but doesn’t have COM & NAV.
As a college student, I don't even wanna think about how much that would cost in total.💀
The good news is that it’s about 1/3 the price of the exact same avionics that are certified to put in part 23 aircraft (Cessna, Piper, Beech, etc). Plus I saved about 50% by installing it myself. Overall, non unreasonable…but probably not for a college student. Good luck with your studies and thanks for watching!
That aircraft livery VR design idea is super cool. Also, is there an advantage to a pitot-static mast rather than the standalone pitot tube and does it matter either performance or cost wise?
I've always prefered buttons to touch screens, easier to press a button to get what you want if you're getting bumped around. Super annoying flying IFR struggling to input a frequency or flight plan on touch screen sometimes.
Also, I'm pretty sure one of the aircraft at my flight school has that GMC 507 (or GFC 500 I guess it's called) and it is very nice to use. Helped a lot with my cross country time building for commercial. Just kept it in heading mode and used my trusty e6b, plotter, and sectional chart to plan the way ahead.
Thanks for posting this. It’s almost the exact bill of materials I am planning on for my sling high wing. Did you look at the Garmin height advisor? Especially for backcountry flying. I think it would be handy.
Also, those are pretty good looking switch rockers. What brand are they, or were they custom-made?
Thanks for watching! That sling is a looker! The Garmin Height Advisor didn’t exist when I built. Considering throwing one in. I def woulda if it existed when I designed my system. Good luck!
Oh also, the rockers are from Aerosport Products. Great company
Of course. I realised the post date after commenting. Midwest panel builders did a video on the GHA as a retrofit, and it looks like it wouldn’t be too much work.
Price?
Good channel Freq!
Hey JB! How’s life?
@@CLEAREDDIRECT haha always the same. I’ll hit you up off line
@@johnbutler9012 beat ya to it 😎
The Molex USB chargers...do you know if they are RF proof designed...in other words a lot of USB chargers are dirty they put out a lot of switching noise. It gets up the radio. Have you had a chance to test this yet?...Also where did you get them?
Just Curious, what does it all weigh?
Did you look at approachfaststack for your wiring harnesses? Looks like a good plug-n-play option.
Nah, I always knew I wanted to wire this myself
Hey that’s cool! You’ll know what every wire is for!
I went dual Dynon HDX. Super easy to use.
can't wait to start building my rans s-21...will you help me
Sure let’s do it
You have the G5 for back up but the G3Xs both have battery back up and redundant GPS.... you have two of them, do you really need the G5?
The G5 also gives me backup ADAHRS, pitot/static, and autopilot control. If I had a second GSU 25C, I think your argument would be valid. But here’s the beauty, it’s all up to the builder!
ua-cam.com/video/M3sc_EW7zBg/v-deo.htmlsi=XG0WrT0EDlqICWQk
I am having my Mooney completely redone and I went with basically the same. However, only one G3x but two G-5s. Why because it the G3x gives up the ghost I can still get home with two G-5s. I had a Mooney Bravo with the G-500 and once I had all the indicators get the big red Xs! It turned out to be a software issue. Then another time big red Xs. Turned out to be the magnetometer went out of calibration. Luckily both times were close to home. But what if I am on the other side of the country? That would mean a commercial flight home then deal with the problem remotely and a commercial flight back. Not all shops and airports can work on TAA s.
Also, with both of the red X situations the plane was down for over a month. This plane will be a commuter so I don't want the plane down that long.
The beauty of experimental is 1) I designed and wired the system which makes diagnosing issues a breeze,
2) I can fix it myself.
If my G3X system gives up the ghost, I can get home on my single G5 + ForeFlight.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT IFR? I'm not sure if that is legal. But even if it is I would not want to put all my eggs in one basket. Or to rely on a ipad as my back up.
@@libertine56061. It is 100% legal. You’re talking about an emergency situation. Furthermore, all your eggs are not in one basket. You’re talking about a backup in an emergency situation.
2. Do you want to know how much I fly IFR in GA airplanes in the Pacific Northwest? Almost never. It’s merely to get me through a smoke or fog layer. But you do whatever is legal and makes you feel safe! I did.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT No, I am not talking about a emergency situation. I am talking about taking off with a non functional G3x. I still have two G-5s to get me home. I have some months of 10 to 15 hours of actual IMC.
Using my plane as a commuter means dependability and redundancy is very important. If your requirements are different I completely understand.
Why the back up battery first, then the master? Your on the ground, the second thing you do is the master, what function does the Back up first serve?
It tests it.
@@CLEAREDDIRECT Of course.... great SOP design. I am copying it.
Oh you & I can be friends!
Oh yea...that’s nuts.
Someones been watching too much mike patey! Haha 😄 🤣
Like a Mike Patey build , but less spastic.
Ha! Maybe less spastic, but nowhere as “experimental”. He’s a freaking genius
Makes me feel kinda silly for bemoaning aircraft spruce's prices on nut plates for my scratch built. Super nice......I'm a little jelly..
Trust me, I still bemoan spruces prices daily…and yet I still pay. Grrrrrr
Just discovered they have a small military/veteran discount which is nice
Drooling 🤤 🤤🤤🤤😂👍
If it’s worth doing, it’s worth overdoing
Love it. True!
Im a tech geek as well so my plane will be overkill and all glass, this day in time no reason to go old six pack
The VR interface for paint scheme design is an awesome idea, thanks Steve! Did your graphic designer also create the CAD model for the S-21, or did RANS supply it? I’m right now working on a 3D model for my Kitfox build - initially it was with a view to making 3D printed/painted models, but doing it in VR makes so much sense! 😎
That’s going to be a super Garmin panel to fly behind - and help ‘acclimatise’ the next-gen ‘Children of the Magenta’ to all the benefits and pitfalls* of glass cockpits. After flying behind the Garmin 3000 for a few years, I can’t speak highly enough of the ergonomics of Garmin avionics 💗 💗 💗
Does your reversion (red map) switch function by swapping PFD and MFD functions between each G3X, or does it kill power to G3X #1 to force G3X #2 into a reversionary mode?
Lastly, beautiful as your carbon panel is, how are its crash credentials? I’ve only heard carbon can be notorious for splintering and rupturing violently under overload - hence why many prefer to use imitation-carbon-wrap over aluminium panels, plasticky as that may be.
- - - - - - - - - - - -
* From experience, the SINGLE best piece of advice I can offer anyone flying a modern glass cockpits is ‘North-up on MFD map’ - or at the very least, selecting north-up at the first signs of GPS signal degradation, most often caused by a NOTAM’d military activity. The problem arises only after loss of GPS signal to the moving map - at that point, the map becomes frozen in the last-good track-up orientation. Thereafter, attempting to visualise successive (radar) headings on a non-north-up map can create an increasingly excessive mental workload/distraction, regardless of experience. I’d even argue that turning a track-up MFD map OFF and reverting to a mental model in that situation could be the safest thing to do. That said, now imagine the further additional workload a two-crew environment brings in the ensuing obligatory discussion - when neither of you are expecting a such a strong visual distraction from an otherwise very useful tool.
Blue skies! 😎
Wow thanks for your great comment! First, the manual reversion function does not kill power to the left G3X. It simply turns the MFD into a PFD when the switch is flipped. Second, I couldn’t find a 3D model so I commissioned one. Lots of great gig workers on fiverr.com