Excellent video, and I am doing basically what you are doing and a fair amount more. I am about to put my plane into Avionics upgrade and doing what you did and a bit more... However, my avionics shop is doing something a little different with my GI275's. I am going to have 5 of them (ADI/HSI/CDI/MFD/EIS). My installer came up with a better idea than to have my HSI be the backup to the ADI, he is going to make the MFD the Back for the ADI and that way I do not lose my HSI. One other thing that I have noticed on most GI275's that I have seen when you go to backup, the primary goes black... Yours seemed to stay active.
The HSI with the moving map option is good for a VFR day or night landing or low altitude flights because it shows towers, terrain and your proximity. You have to zoom in to at least 5 miles. I didn’t use that screen at first but now I do. When flying instrument approaches, familiar airports etc.. I leave it on normal HSI.
Great panel. We have a 67 260B. I wish we could get the G5s or the 275 to work with our altimatic III but installing the AP you have is a little too rich for my blood. Good videos!
HI Crazy, I think the GI275 with Auto Pilot interface is for folks that do not have a Garmin GFC500 Autopilot installed. I originally was going to put an STEC3100 in but that went a bit south so while my GI275 has the AP interface it does not use it. With the GFC500 the AP can be driven off both GI275s, so if my primary fails my back up will handle it. Mike
I believe the answer is no, regarding whether the bottom unit can “run” the AP. The AP version of the GI 275 contains the AP computer, so if your top unit fails fully, I believe you’ll lose the AP. But I’m looking forward to what you find out from Garmin.
I don't believe that the GFC500 requires the A/P version of the GI275 at all, most 3rd party autopilots do though. The GFC500 is wired to both 275s via CAN buss but I'm honestly unsure what the HSI reversion mode is capable of.
@@MerlinspopTBH I have the same set up as Mike with two GI 275s and the GFC 500. You’re correct that the AP version is only needed for non Garmin APs. The GFC 500 is native and doesn’t require that extra cost. And the 2nd AI (HSI in reversionary mode) will work with the GFC 500. But once in reversionary mode acting as the primary AI, you cannot change the page over to anything else like HSI or enhanced HSI. Mike would be using his 3rd MFD for those pages & functions.
Hey Mike! First time stumbling across your videos. We recently got dual GI 275s installed and a 530w as well. We’ve been having an issue maybe you can help. We haven’t been able to get the vertical guidance to appear on the HSI when doing an rnav approach. Any ideas?
@@joebubbsly3188 Morning Joe, sorry I don't have anything solid to suggest. I would hazard a guess that it is either a setting, or a wire is not hooked up properly, or you are not setting the approach up properly in the 530. Don't take the last part to heart, I have no idea how to operate a 530, I just know they are a bit more difficult from a buttonology standpoint. I really wish I could be of more help.
@@pipercomanche2506thanks for the quick reply! No offense taken haha. Brand new to both avionics. Thanks for the help. Might be calling the avionics shop.
@@christopherbrown1730 I did but unfortunately I bought my JPI engine monitor a few years prior to the 275 coming out. Sill thinking about changing them.
@pipercomanche2506 it just seems like the screen you said you were going to use is already on the GPS, and it might have been more useful to use it as an engine monitor. Avionics are varied and pricey. I am looking for a Comanche 250 right now and it has been a challenge to find the right combination of hours, exterior, and panel. Thank you for the response. I would love to have the glass panel and something like a EDM 930 to replace primary gauges. Yes, first world problems. I love the look of the flush mount you have on your gauges.
I have a 60 Comanche 250 all original panel. I’m old school I like the old style gauges. Any reason you think I should upgrade? Anything you think is the most important to upgrade? Do you really need auto pilot or is it just nice to have? Thanks really enjoy your Channell
Hi Ben, that's a lot of questions. I guess it boils down to what you would like automated in the plane. If you are strictly VFR and don't do a lot of long cross countrys where having some automation really helps. Then leave it as is. If however you would like to upgrade, then start with the Panel it will open up the center for a radio stack, then I would get a solid GPS and start building the panel out from there. Auto Pilot can be the last thing if you don't want much automation. Talk to you Local avionics shop to plan it. Have fun shopping. :-) Mike
Hi Pchansen, yes cost was one factor, with the G3x you would still need 1 275 or G5 as back up. Also I put them in when I thought I was installing the STEC Auto Pilot. When that went to Hades, they were already there. 😊
Good vid. Did you consider the flat screen? It seems like Garmin priced the screens to be fairly close to the 275s, oddly? Im sure there's logic but I can't see it just yet. I'd prefer these 275s over a screen install but need to see lower cost benefit to do so? Thoughts?
Hi TT, No I did not really consider it. I did not want to cut a new panel and pick up the cost for taking everything out & put it all back in. Also the GI-275s back each other up, so if one fails I can use the others. If I was starting from scratch I would probably go the big screen route.
Hi, yes when I was going to put in the STEC 3100 Auto Pilot it plays better with the 275s. I ended up with the Garmin GFC500 which would have worked fine with the G5s but the 275s where already installed. I will admit, I do like the 275s better and spent the extra $500 on Synthetic Vision which, even on the small screen, makes approaches easier.
Cool unit, but placing the control knob on the left instead of the right is an ergonomics fail. Most pilots fly with their left hand on the yoke and use their right hand to manipulate the avionics.
Hi Gary, I originally was going to install an STEC-3100 and the GI-275 works better with the 3100,unfortunately the 3100 did not work for me and I went with the Garmin unit. In the end, I could have kept the G5s.
@@pipercomanche2506 that’s right because you would have installed the 275 AI AP version to work with the 3rd party STEC before that nightmare. Got it! Sounded like that was a real pain in the butt process. But GFC 500 is smoooooooth so maybe better in the end
Great review. As to your course on the HSI, unless it’s in OBS mode or showing “green needles” (vhf nav) you probably can’t adjust the course that’s being commanded by the GPS. I’ve two going into my Baron as EIS’. Looking forward to getting it back in a few weeks.
I have to admit all of the new instruments are pretty impressive but I don’t think I could ever completely get rid of vacuum or pitot/static instruments. I wouldn’t want to be one alternator failure or failed electronic component away from losing everything. I guess that guy went through a cloud layer and landed on the beach with only his IPad.😀
HI G Davis, I understand where you are coming from and do have backups. Both 275's are battery backed up attitude indicators, so if I lose the top one the bottom automatically kicks in, I also installed a back up Alternator on the accessory pad that the vacuum pump came off of and finally there is the IPAD if everything else fails. Lets hope that does not happen. 🙂
I have it because the 1st Modern Auto Pilot I tried to install was the STEC 3100 and it did not work. Just another expense incurred because their auto pilot was not ready for prime time. :-(
I did , I put the 275s in when I thought I was going to go with the STEC 3100 Autopilot, but that turned into a fiasco so I went with the Garmin GFC500 and kept the 275s
@@pipercomanche2506 awesome! Hope we can meet up someday when I get my 250. I’d love to learn from you and safely fly the 250. Especially since I’ll be with my family in it. I’m an airline pilot who has been out of GA for years.
@@YouSoCouldHaveGotMe Enjoy it, the only kinda weird thing is landing (they like to float) and that is handled by being on the correct airspeed for your landing weight. Have fun. We have a Comanche zoom tonight if you would like to join let me know and I will send you the link
Great video! It’s about time to upgrade the panel in my Cherokee so I really appreciate this video and all the good info you’re passing along! 👍
Thank you for tutorial. Glad to see you have you plane back. Cant wait to see in flight tutorials. Merry Christmas!
Thanks Mike for sharing your avionics upgrade on your Comanch
Excellent video, and I am doing basically what you are doing and a fair amount more.
I am about to put my plane into Avionics upgrade and doing what you did and a bit more... However, my avionics shop is doing something a little different with my GI275's. I am going to have 5 of them (ADI/HSI/CDI/MFD/EIS). My installer came up with a better idea than to have my HSI be the backup to the ADI, he is going to make the MFD the Back for the ADI and that way I do not lose my HSI. One other thing that I have noticed on most GI275's that I have seen when you go to backup, the primary goes black... Yours seemed to stay active.
The HSI with the moving map option is good for a VFR day or night landing or low altitude flights because it shows towers, terrain and your proximity. You have to zoom in to at least 5 miles. I didn’t use that screen at first but now I do. When flying instrument approaches, familiar airports etc.. I leave it on normal HSI.
CRS will work when you put the GTN into OBS mode (simulated VOR course-to-station)
You can also double-check if the reversionary 275 can run the AP on the ground by powering off the main 275 with the AP engaged
Great panel. We have a 67 260B. I wish we could get the G5s or the 275 to work with our altimatic III but installing the AP you have is a little too rich for my blood. Good videos!
Thank you for the video. It is very helpful.
Great overview of the system
Thanks. Good job on the video.
Could you figure out the open questions about the backup steering the AP? I would be interested in that too. Thanks for th nice video!
HI Crazy, I think the GI275 with Auto Pilot interface is for folks that do not have a Garmin GFC500 Autopilot installed. I originally was going to put an STEC3100 in but that went a bit south so while my GI275 has the AP interface it does not use it. With the GFC500 the AP can be driven off both GI275s, so if my primary fails my back up will handle it. Mike
I believe the answer is no, regarding whether the bottom unit can “run” the AP. The AP version of the GI 275 contains the AP computer, so if your top unit fails fully, I believe you’ll lose the AP. But I’m looking forward to what you find out from Garmin.
I don't believe that the GFC500 requires the A/P version of the GI275 at all, most 3rd party autopilots do though. The GFC500 is wired to both 275s via CAN buss but I'm honestly unsure what the HSI reversion mode is capable of.
@@Nitrohog2006 I think you’re right…the AP version is for other APs. So many versions. Like toothpaste!
@@MerlinspopTBH I have the same set up as Mike with two GI 275s and the GFC 500. You’re correct that the AP version is only needed for non Garmin APs. The GFC 500 is native and doesn’t require that extra cost. And the 2nd AI (HSI in reversionary mode) will work with the GFC 500. But once in reversionary mode acting as the primary AI, you cannot change the page over to anything else like HSI or enhanced HSI. Mike would be using his 3rd MFD for those pages & functions.
Hey Mike! First time stumbling across your videos. We recently got dual GI 275s installed and a 530w as well. We’ve been having an issue maybe you can help. We haven’t been able to get the vertical guidance to appear on the HSI when doing an rnav approach. Any ideas?
@@joebubbsly3188 Morning Joe, sorry I don't have anything solid to suggest. I would hazard a guess that it is either a setting, or a wire is not hooked up properly, or you are not setting the approach up properly in the 530. Don't take the last part to heart, I have no idea how to operate a 530, I just know they are a bit more difficult from a buttonology standpoint. I really wish I could be of more help.
@@pipercomanche2506thanks for the quick reply! No offense taken haha. Brand new to both avionics. Thanks for the help. Might be calling the avionics shop.
Nice review. Did uou consider using the 275 to the right of the attitude indicator as a 275 engine monitor?
@@christopherbrown1730 I did but unfortunately I bought my JPI engine monitor a few years prior to the 275 coming out. Sill thinking about changing them.
@pipercomanche2506 it just seems like the screen you said you were going to use is already on the GPS, and it might have been more useful to use it as an engine monitor. Avionics are varied and pricey. I am looking for a Comanche 250 right now and it has been a challenge to find the right combination of hours, exterior, and panel. Thank you for the response. I would love to have the glass panel and something like a EDM 930 to replace primary gauges. Yes, first world problems. I love the look of the flush mount you have on your gauges.
I have a 60 Comanche 250 all original panel. I’m old school I like the old style gauges. Any reason you think I should upgrade? Anything you think is the most important to upgrade? Do you really need auto pilot or is it just nice to have? Thanks really enjoy your Channell
Hi Ben, that's a lot of questions. I guess it boils down to what you would like automated in the plane. If you are strictly VFR and don't do a lot of long cross countrys where having some automation really helps. Then leave it as is.
If however you would like to upgrade, then start with the Panel it will open up the center for a radio stack, then I would get a solid GPS and start building the panel out from there. Auto Pilot can be the last thing if you don't want much automation.
Talk to you Local avionics shop to plan it.
Have fun shopping. :-)
Mike
Out of curiosity, why the 3x GI275's vs a G3x? And difference in cost? (Other than still needing a backup)
Hi Pchansen, yes cost was one factor, with the G3x you would still need 1 275 or G5 as back up. Also I put them in when I thought I was installing the STEC Auto Pilot. When that went to Hades, they were already there. 😊
Good vid. Did you consider the flat screen? It seems like Garmin priced the screens to be fairly close to the 275s, oddly? Im sure there's logic but I can't see it just yet. I'd prefer these 275s over a screen install but need to see lower cost benefit to do so? Thoughts?
Hi TT, No I did not really consider it. I did not want to cut a new panel and pick up the cost for taking everything out & put it all back in. Also the GI-275s back each other up, so if one fails I can use the others. If I was starting from scratch I would probably go the big screen route.
Hey Mike - Did you replace the G5's with the 275's
Hi, yes when I was going to put in the STEC 3100 Auto Pilot it plays better with the 275s. I ended up with the Garmin GFC500 which would have worked fine with the G5s but the 275s where already installed. I will admit, I do like the 275s better and spent the extra $500 on Synthetic Vision which, even on the small screen, makes approaches easier.
Cool unit, but placing the control knob on the left instead of the right is an ergonomics fail. Most pilots fly with their left hand on the yoke and use their right hand to manipulate the avionics.
Agreed it is a bit annoying because your hand can cover the screen as you adjust it. Minor in the end but an error.
Any reason in particular you changed out the G5s to GI 275s.
Hi Gary, I originally was going to install an STEC-3100 and the GI-275 works better with the 3100,unfortunately the 3100 did not work for me and I went with the Garmin unit. In the end, I could have kept the G5s.
@@pipercomanche2506 that’s right because you would have installed the 275 AI AP version to work with the 3rd party STEC before that nightmare. Got it! Sounded like that was a real pain in the butt process. But GFC 500 is smoooooooth so maybe better in the end
Great review. As to your course on the HSI, unless it’s in OBS mode or showing “green needles” (vhf nav) you probably can’t adjust the course that’s being commanded by the GPS.
I’ve two going into my Baron as EIS’. Looking forward to getting it back in a few weeks.
I have to admit all of the new instruments are pretty impressive but I don’t think I could ever completely get rid of vacuum or pitot/static instruments. I wouldn’t want to be one alternator failure or failed electronic component away from losing everything. I guess that guy went through a cloud layer and landed on the beach with only his IPad.😀
HI G Davis, I understand where you are coming from and do have backups. Both 275's are battery backed up attitude indicators, so if I lose the top one the bottom automatically kicks in, I also installed a back up Alternator on the accessory pad that the vacuum pump came off of and finally there is the IPAD if everything else fails. Lets hope that does not happen. 🙂
You don't need the ADAHRS+AP 275 to work with the GFC500, only third-party autopilots. Hope your shop didn't sell you the pricier one for no reason!
I have it because the 1st Modern Auto Pilot I tried to install was the STEC 3100 and it did not work. Just another expense incurred because their auto pilot was not ready for prime time. :-(
how much for the entire package?
Hi Herschel, my wife can read this so we do not discuss how much I "Invested" in the plane. :-)
Wait I thought you had G5’s
I did , I put the 275s in when I thought I was going to go with the STEC 3100 Autopilot, but that turned into a fiasco so I went with the Garmin GFC500 and kept the 275s
@@pipercomanche2506 awesome! Hope we can meet up someday when I get my 250. I’d love to learn from you and safely fly the 250. Especially since I’ll be with my family in it. I’m an airline pilot who has been out of GA for years.
@@YouSoCouldHaveGotMe Enjoy it, the only kinda weird thing is landing (they like to float) and that is handled by being on the correct airspeed for your landing weight. Have fun. We have a Comanche zoom tonight if you would like to join let me know and I will send you the link
@@pipercomanche2506 yes please do
@@pipercomanche2506 got it! Thanks. What time CST?
Garmin-- over rated. You never own anything Garmin you'll always be buying up dates
Wait I thought you had G5’s