Dual G5's vs Aspen Evolution E5 vs Dual GI 275

TCABM said:
Eh, six of one/half-dozen of the other for me, but here’s my thought process.

1. If I was the OP and wanted to get rid of the current aspen, then I’d likely do 3x GI-275s and a GFC500. That gives me primary AI, HSI, and EIS that plays well with the existing GTN. If OP has the existing Moritz guages AND no engine monitor, that’s a lot of bang for the buck.

2. If I’m keeping the current Aspen, the G5 AI gives me everything I need while saving a few hundo and maybe limiting downtime in the shop, assuming budget is a factor.

3. If budget isn’t a factor, I’m heading for a complete redo with dual screen PFD/MFD, electronic AI, and no vac system.
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Ahhh...I see...a G5, if keeping the Aspen, allows removal of the vac system.
 
In addition to the reliability of no vacuum system, the biggest upside I see here is getting rid of the vacuum driven DG precession. I’m always second guessing it.
 
Why no love for a 7" G3X?

Later can go to 10" and keep 7" as MFD, EIS or right side PFD/MFD
 
I believe the G3X would still need a G5 or GI275 as a back up.

BTW - my plan is to add the dual GI 275's now, and in 3-5 years maybe add a G3X (or whatever they come out with at that time - G3Xi? ) and then have my GI 275's ready to serve as the required back up. As I only need one GI275 as back up, maybe keep the GI275 HSI because it's there already or sell it. Ask me in a few years.
 
Pinecone said:
Why no love for a 7" G3X?

Later can go to 10" and keep 7" as MFD, EIS or right side PFD/MFD
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The downside, for me, was that I would need a new panel cut whereas the GI275 or G5 was a drop in upgrade. If this was an aircraft I anticipate flying for 5+ more years I would have gone G500.
 
robin ardoin said:
The downside, for me, was that I would need a new panel cut whereas the GI275 or G5 was a drop in upgrade. If this was an aircraft I anticipate flying for 5+ more years I would have gone G500.
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And that - a new laser cut power coated panel front, along with the cost of the G3X and installation was beyond what I determined I wanted to spend at this time. I'm already leaning in a lot to put in dual GI 275's, a GTN 650xi, and a GFC 500.

Curious - what does the G500 do for you that the G3X wouldn't?
 
G500Txi Newer technology, more interfaces, better screen resolution, faster processor. My avionics tech said the G3X vs G500Txi analogy would be G5 vs GI275- both solid devices but more capabilities on the newer technology equipment.
 
And costs more.

G3X 10" - $11895

G500TXi 10" - $17305
 
When I was shopping, the shops and Garmin both agreed, if the panel is all Garmin, the G3X is great. If you need to interface a non-Garmin autopilot, the G500TXi is the way (only way) to go.

However, I had since found there are some other things where the G500TXi has some advantages. But I suspect the G3Xi or G4X, will fix those issues.
 
With a couple exceptions, G5 and G3x is digital interfaces-only. If say you want to hook up a KX155, you'll need GI275 or G500.
 
WDD said:
And what might those be?
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One area, it seems there is more flexibility with the G500TXi as to the EIS display. As in what is displaying on the strip and where.
 
zayerpaul said:
I just went through this same process and ended up deciding on the dual GI-275’s. My avionics guy did not recommend the aspen even though it does look to be very capable. The price difference was not that much for the 2 different Garmin products so I went with the newer units to future proof as much as I can. Also, with the dual GI-275’s, they can replace the entire 6 pack as primary instruments which will clean my panel up. I’m not ever going to do a Garmin autopilot because of the costs, but might do a trio unit if it ever becomes certified for my Beech Sierra. Here are the installed costs from my avionics guy:

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I’m in Panama City, Florida so the prices may be different in your area. I imagine that any of the 3 options will be awesome in an old plane like yours or mine though. Good luck.
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Who did you use in PC? I'm not too far down the coast over in Mobile.
 
I used Stark Avionics at ECP. Very happy with them and the new avionics. Here are some before and after pictures. The way the GNC355 and the Gi275’s talk to each other and push updates back and forth is very convenient. I also love that I can send the flight plans and changes back and forth easily between my tablet with Fore flight and the gps.

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FWIW - heard many good things about Stark. I got a great quote from them for my AP and GI 275 install but ultimately I went with a closer shop that folks said was as good as Stark.
 
Amelia said:
I’m going to replace my old autopilot with a Garmin 500. I had planned to install an Aspen 2000 pro max, but it won’t play well with the Garmin autopilot.
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The Aspen Pro MAX will play well with the GFC600, but not the GFC500. Some people I know have an Aspen and a GFC500 with an additional Garmin standby display (e.g. G5) driving the autopilot, but it means they have to make heading, altitude, etc. changes on both the Aspen and the Garmin display. Less than ideal, but some people find that acceptable.

Amelia said:
My mechanic and avionics guy don’t like the 3100 for some reason. They agree it is prone to troubles. .
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There are some concerns I have over the 3100, which I've summarized in my autopilot comparison video from 2022 - I believe those are still valid today, and shared by many shops I have talked to.

In a nutshell, the 3100 is very difficult to install correctly, which often results in multiple iterations of troubleshooting with the install shop before everything works. It cannot do a coupled go-around from an instrument approach. And the pre-flight checklist is 25 or 30 items long. The only advantage over the GFC600 is that the 3100 is approved for more airframes, so people take the 3100 when there's no other choice for their type of aircraft.

- Martin
 
That panel just looks wrong. :D

WAY too barren.
 
WDD said:
FWIW - I just sent the deposit for a pair of GI 275s and a GFC 500.

Two axis (no yaw damper) but I did spring for the electric pitch control.
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What shop are you using? What’s the lead time and estimated installation time?
 
Gardner, located at KFFC south Atlanta. Deposit sent July 15, install starts Oct 15, duration 4-6 weeks.

Adding dual GI 275’s, GTNxi 650, PS audio panel, and the GFC 500.
 
WDD said:
Gardner, located at KFFC south Atlanta. Deposit sent July 15, install starts Oct 15, duration 4-6 weeks.

Adding dual GI 275’s, GTNxi 650, PS audio panel, and the GFC 500.
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I have known Karl for a long time, I emailed them today, they’ve done work for me in the past. I’m hoping it won’t take a long time to get a couple GI 275’s installed.
 
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