D180 + AP74+ GTX327+SL40+ ????GPS

[rjcthree]

Hi all, first post here.  I have some of the major decisions made for my VFR RV-9A panel, with most of the HW already in hand(D180, AP74, GTX327, SL40) but I've decided and undecided a dozen times on my GPS choice.

My impression, after perusing the the forums here and at VAF, is that the Garmin 496 seems to have the bugs worked out with respect to the D180 and AP operation.

The AVMAP isn't there yet, the BK180 isn't there yet, no clue about the Lorance 2000.  

Seems like the decision makes itself.  What am I missing?

Rick 90432  :-?

 

[PhantomPholly]

I'm assuming you don't care about IFR operations?

If so, you have many choices even among the Garmins. If you want Weather and TFR and terrain info, you will need at least a 396. These are slower than the 496 and don't offer resolution as good, but can be found used for less money. The 496 is fine, but the 696 is better. Or, you could go with a panel mount unit - the forthcoming panel units from Garmin in the same size as the 696 look quite nice, and would clear you for IFR at a later date.

Another non-IFR answer would be to upgrade to the new Dynon unit when it comes out and get an inexpensive GPS receiver.

Start by asking yourself what you MUST have, WANT to have, and would LIKE to have. Next write down your budget. Then start comparing - the answer will emerge...

 

[rjcthree]

Clarification:

Night VFR ops for now. Weather is good, but not a must, I like the portables for the 'plan it at home' factor. The key to my question was about the recognized compatibility/interoperability with the rest of the panel, as I have little interest in plowing new ground.

696/etc is not out of budget, but I don't have the space in the RV9 panel, above the SL-40 and 327.

Long term(3-5 years), IFR upgrade, probably based on a next-gen Dynon replacing the D180, backed up by an SL-30 replacing the SL-40.

I'm leaning towards a 496 picked up from somebody trading up - hint, hint . . .

Rick

 

[rvmills]

Rick,

I'm among the (likely) many that have had good success with a very similar set to what you are describing. I have a D100, D10A, 2 SV-32 servos, and an AP-74, along with a Garmin 396, SL-40 and 327.

I've had good success with the 396 providing GPS track data to the DSAB'd Dynon EFISs, the AP with AP-74 tracks that GPS track well, and the 396 also can send radio freqs to the SL-40. Additionally the 327 gets altitude from the D100.

They are all features that it sounds like you are all very familiar with...just wanted to give you feedback that in my RV they all play very well together, and are working just as advertised. There are a few settings to tweak to make it so, but it has been very straight forward, and all work just as advertised, like they were made for each other (and they were! ). Very slick!

FWIW, the wx is a really nice feature too, VFR or IFR (and my RV is VFR)...been worth the "av lite" subscription I have...just MHO of course.

No experience here with the other GPS units, but just wanted to give you some good vibes on your proposed set up. Have fun!

Cheers,
Bob