Analogue vs EFIS instrument panel

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

So with BB #32 getting some TLC at Kitplanes after a long break I need to start deciding on what sort if panel I would like to install. I have spent a lot of time on avcom, microlighters and even the team Kitfox website looking at various panels to see what I like - and all its made me realise is how much choice and variety there is.

This is what I have right now

pannel (600 x 452).jpg

I fly on a very nice Biz jet so am very used to EFIS screens etc. The plan for my Bushbaby is fun, recreational flying, the odd cross country and fly away. I spend most of my flying time looking inside and now want to enjoy looking outside BUT would like the ability to have modern compact instruments. Initially I thought I would opt to keep the BB a simple analogue panel with a few flight instruments, (airspeed, alt, vsi, ball), a Garmin 296 panel mount, MGL V6 radio and the engine gauges.
Something like this...

100_4462.jpg

I also liked this...

image4.jpeg

Then I saw Oom Boet's panel in his BB.

Panel JXF.JPG

BUT as we know, glass panels offer A LOT of versatility, light weight, simple and much more reliable. The weight reduction I believe from a pure analogue to a single efis screen is also quite significant. So I looked in to glass panel options using the MGL Extreme EFIS/EMS. Its really small, takes up no extra space but has a host of functions and screen options. So then I thought of MGL extreme, Mgl V6 and the panel mount Garmin 296.

image5.jpeg

Now i know the pics dont show the MGL screen, I am just using these pics for the "look".

Or maybe this, but with only a single screen and no back up analogue

image6.jpeg

So, not being new to flying this category of aircraft, please could you give me and advice, pointers, things you like or don't like about your instrument panel. How about some rough cost ideas? I realise its a personal preference but maybe maybe you have some insight I have not thought of.

Tell me what you think.

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

nobody has commented??

Damn, thats not like the Avcom chaps - normally everybody has something to say.

[DaveM]

I am going EFIS (MGL explorer lite - available in about 2 months) on my explorer build, with all the info displayed, ease of installation (as I am led to believe - never installed anything before) and price. you just cant beat it. This is what made up my mind. Although I still tend to believe that a tube and fabric taily should have analogue. I currently fly a sling 2 with both and generally prefer using analogue as I find it easier to for speed and Alt. but the MGL has pretty good simulated analogue gauges, so I will have the best of both worlds.

[stefan]

Looks nice but those circuit breakers under the MGL will not fit with the panel crossbar, it will cause your panel to sit too high. Rather install the switches to the right below the glove box. Same with the lighter sockets, they are too far right and too low. They will catch the crossbar behind the panel.

[DaveM]

They are just switches, was thinking of electronic circuit breakers, will move them to the right and the lighter sockets up. Thanks.

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

DaveM,

What's the cost of that EFIS screen?

I think the functionality of the EFIS screens is great but you tend to clutter the screen with TOO much info and can becoming distracting. My aerie is just going to be for fun and as such I don't want to become fixated inside the cockpit. Having said that though, I honestly think a small simple EFIS screen can do a lot for engine and flight instruments and probably weights less than a full analogue instrument panel.

Am enjoying the various inputs...

[DaveM]

Not sure of price yet as the model I want has not been released yet, the smaller one the discovery lite is about 20k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxoEwYMs0pQ
check the above link at 1:59

[paulw]

So with BB #32 getting some TLC at Kitplanes after a long break I need to start deciding on what sort if panel I would like to install. I have spent a lot of time on avcom, microlighters and even the team Kitfox website looking at various panels to see what I like - and all its made me realise is how much choice and variety there is.

This is what I have right now

pannel (600 x 452).jpg

If you have this already, what about just adding one glass panel only?
I like DaveM concept.
Mixed Analogue with one glass panel.

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

I have recently bought a garmin 296 which will go in the panel with a gizmo mount. Stefan suggested the MGL V6 for comms. And been looking at a 2nd transponder also here on avcom and waiting for a price on a 2nd hand MGL Extreme EFIS.

Slowly making progress - woo hoo

[DaveM]

had my Panel Laser cut.

The cut out on the right is the same size as an MGL explorer so I can add one at a later stage if desired. In the mean time it will be a cubby hole with the cover interchangeable with an IPAD mount. (still need to figure that all out)
The lower left 2.1/4 inch hole will have a slip and the Lower right will have a Analogue ASI the Transponder also has the ability to set display Alt, so I have dual ASI and ALT.

Any ideas on what finish to use, was thinking of carbon fibre covering or just painting white or black.

Haven't decided where to place the switches yet, they are switches with an LED above each one to show the status of the circuit as there is an electronic circuit breaker so they will either go below the EFIS if there is enough space or in the centre just below the 2.1/4 gauges.

[Jayson v Schalkwyk]

This is what I settled on...

[paulw]

No man!

You should have gone for this layout!

The next plane I buy will immediately get an instrument panel "pimp my instrumentpanel" looking like this (just cleaner)
<sigh>

cockpit.jpg