Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers
Online Community of Zenith Builders and Flyers
GRT Avionics Mini EFIS, Mini EMS
When I bought my Jabiru 3300 about 3 years ago, the GRT EIS6000 engine monitoring system was highly recommended. Thinking I was going "round gauges" otherwise, I went ahead at Airventure and bought one (got a great deal!) and installed it along with my engine installation. When I got serious about flight instrumentation, my A&P friend who has built 4 planes recommended the MGL Xtreme Mini-EFIS. I subsequently went with the Xtreme and have found it to be highly reliable, very legible, sunlight-readable, and now have upgraded it to drive an autopilot as well ... works great!
The GRT EIS6000 has also provided solid reliability for engine monitoring, but I'll be the first to admit that the display is looking a little dated in that it is mostly a black-on-green alpha-numeric readout - the only graphical depiction of CHT/EGT is so tiny and difficult to interpret that I never look at it:
Last year at Airventure, I was told that the EIS would come out in the future with an upgraded display for color graphical display of engine data. Today, I inquired of GRT about the status of the project. I was told that they already are taking orders for a new Mini EFIS (actually, 3 versions of Mini EFIS):
Later this year, a companion Mini EMS (engine management system) would be available (same bezel dimensions as Mini EFIS). No information on cost is yet available, but I was told the Mini EMS would be wiring/plug-compatible with the present GRT EIS systems and that they'll likely offer wiring harness extensions so you can easily relocate the Mini on the panel and also likely offer a trade-in program for owners of present EIS systems.
Just thought I'd put this info out there for those just starting think about panel design. The GRT and the MGL are the smallest EFIS/EMS's I've seen, so they would be ideal for those with limited panel space. I'm keeping my MGL XTreme because it's been a great unit and I've now got the AHRS and A/P integrated to it, but it will be very tempting to update to the GRT Mini EMS to achieve graphical display of the engine data and an updated look (The GRT Mini EMS and the MGL Xtreme are so close to the same dimensions that they'll still look like a matching set!). Worth a look if you're planning a new panel or upgrading an old one!
John
N750A
(Not affiliated with MGL or GRT - just obviously a satisfied customer!)
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Rodney Wren on
-
Now that's really interestng. So many cool things coming out in the avionics sector.
John, since you have the autopilot up and running, can you put a flight plan in your Ifly 720 and have the GRT follow the route?
-
Permalink Reply by John Austin on
-
Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I have the MGL Xtreme EFIS, not the GRT. If you put a route in the MGL EFIS, I "think" the A/P will follow it ... it definitely follows "direct" routes or altitude/heading bugs. The EFIS has its own internal GPS, navdata, and ability to store routes. It has a RS232 input for an external GPS and can use most of the common protocols to utilize the external GPS but the manual doesn't mention importing external routes. However, since it has its own internal GPS, I have never explored connecting an external GPS.
John
-
Permalink Reply by Clint L Gosch on
-
Very good info. I've recently been looking at the MGL manual online, lots of functions in a nice small form factor. Not ready to purchase anything yet, but I feel a good engine monitor would be an excellent investment.
-
-
I just missed that, my bad. So you input your "direct to" waypoint directly into the efis and I guess you use the Ifly to monitor your progress? I looked around the site last night for a picture of your panel, but couldn't find one. Could you perhaps post a picture?
Thanks
Rodney
-
-
Of course with a 750, a good deal of my flying is "low and slow" in our beautiful Sequatchie Valley, but most of my cross-countries are "direct-to" since I'm not flying IFR, approaches, etc. So, yes, you have the picture - I typically will input a destination waypoint and go direct. When you call up the A/P menu on the XTreme EFIS, it has the choice of "WPT" (waypoint) or "Bugs" (Altitude/Heading Bugs). If you push the WPT button, the A/P locks onto your present altitude automatically and proceeds to the waypoint. (You can later, if you wish, change the altitude by changing the altitude bug and it will climb or descend automatically and level-off at that altitude.) If you push "Bugs," it automatically sets your altitude and heading bugs to your current altitude and heading and follows them. MGL calls it a "Basic Autopilot" but I think that's pretty sophisticated!
I don't see any reason it wouldn't follow a route programmed into the EFIS (it'll store routes, too). But since it doesn't have GPSS/roll steering, I suspect the A/P might have problems with an acute course change to the next waypoint since I don't think it has waypoint anticipation, etc., but my Cessna 206 with a factory autopilot didn't manage acute turns that well, either! I'll try a route as soon as we thaw out and see what happens!
I sometimes input the waypoint into the EFIS and then let the autopilot fly it and just monitor on the iFly 720's moving map. Sometimes, I'll input the waypoint on the iFly and once on course, hit the "Bugs" on the A/P and let it fly it.
Here's an older pic before I moved the V6 comm radio and that's a cell phone cradle on the Ram mount:
Here's a pic after getting the iFly and moving the radio:
John
-
-
John, you sure have a nice airplane.
I was reading the installation manual for the GRT Sportsman EFIS and came across this statement when discussing hooking up the pitot system to the efis.
"Consider placing a water trap or drain in the lowest part of the pitot-static system to prevent water from getting into the electronics. Make sure the drain is of a high enough quality that it seals completely airtight when closed."
Did you incorporate a low point drain? Wonder what other folks have done too?
Thanks
Rodney
-
-
I have the MGL XTreme EFIS and the installation manual didn't have that caution, but it makes good sense! However, I'm a "fair weather flyer" - my IFR days are over (don't know if that's good or bad!) and my "baby" lives a life of luxury in a dry, insulated hangar. So, to make a long story short, I didn't put a water trap in, but for my situation, I don't think it matters!
John
(BTW, I've already decided that when that GRT Mini EMS comes out this year, I'm going to install a third sub-panel to the left of the EFIS and put the Mini EMS in that. Since it is plug-compatible to my EIS6000, I won't even have to have an extension ... it'll be in the same approximate location and plug right in. I always said I wished I had installed the third sub-panel, anyway. It's great to pull the panel out and have a large hole for access to behind the panel!)
-
-
Update!
What GRT told me about the Mini EMS in January has changed considerably! Both in discussions with GRT at AirVenture this summer and with Katie a week or so ago, the Mini EMS is on the back burner ... waaaaaay back! They now say no active development is underway or anytime in the foreseeable future. I do think they'll eventually come out with an EMS, but I "think" we're talking years, not months!
Consequently, I decided to get a MGL XTreme EMS with a RDAC XF interface. I've made it "plug compatible" by building two DB-25 connector harnesses to connect to my GRT connectors and then break the wires out from there for the RDAC, allowing me to do most of the wiring "on the bench" rather than in the airplane..
I'll likely do a informal review of the installation and post it as a new topic.
John
-
Permalink Reply by Adrian Anhood on
New from Zenith:
Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...
Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith:
Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.
Zenith Homecoming Tee:
Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz
Builder & Pilot Supplies:
Pro Builder Assistance:
Transition training:
Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!
How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com
Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.
© 2024 Created by Zenith.Aero.
Powered by
