Canadian JOY (do you actually have a name?)
I certainly understand your desire to have a product that exactly fits your needs, and one that is available exactly when you want it. My point about the instrument panel was that with the ever changing nature of electronics, the odds seem pretty well stacked against you. I certainly expect that Dynon will continue developing and introducing new products, and look forward to integrating them into my panel and systems, even if it does mean a panel re-layout. By the way, I have 850 hours on my RV in the past 4.5 years, so I too enjoy flying and have found time to do so, even with my various panel revisions.
Your inputs and desire for a different version of a product are understandable and quite reasonable, but the tone of your message that makes it sound like Dynon has somehow made a big mistake because it didn't easily meet your needs rubbed me the wrong way.
I too know about cost benefits and target markets. I was the Director of a division of an electronics manufacturing firm making data collection terminals as well as the director of marketing of a semiconductor company. I do understand cost controls, manufacturing and inventory issues. Comparing products with selling prices in the 50K to 100K range with a product that sells for $650 seems a pretty far stretch. I know what it takes to deliver a very high quality product in a very limited market and keep the price down to these levels. And one thing is sure, there are going to be customers that have needs you can not directly address. If I were to venture a guess based on reading these forums, that the HS34 in it's current configuration will address the lion's share of the market, that most others will find a way to make it work, and a very limited number will hold out until they offered a different version. I applaud Dynon's efforts to give us functionality unavailable anywhere else, and at these prices. It seems to me that these guys get it right, and I respect their decisions and products. However, as you said, these are my unique opinions.
Sorry about your not being able to get in that first flight. I can only imagine how frustrating that must be. When I first flew my RV it was a simply wonderful day. I can also understand your not wanting to tear into a new panel when the paint isn't even dry on the first. I remember when I finally bit the bullet and built my second panel, I made the decision then to make a panel that would be very easy to modify and change as new and exciting avionics became available. I guess I am a bit of an electronics junky and like to alway have the latest toys in my panel. I now have a panel that I can easily modify and add new "boxes" as they become available. Anyway, I hope your first flight is a wonderful experience, one that you will cherish for years to come, and I hope you will have many many hours of fun in your new creation. One thing we can agree on, watching avionics in the air is the final reward and one of life's true pleasures.
Best Regards,
Mel Jordan
Tucson