Bonanza 540 install |
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skyking00a
Newbie Joined: 21 Mar 2015 Location: KSZP Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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Posted: 23 Apr 2015 at 1:07am |
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Hi everyone:
I've recently installed a IFD 540 in my S35. The 540 replaced a non WAAS 430. The airplane is equipped as follows: Stec 60-2 King Slaved HSI King Flight Director GMA 340 audio panel GTX 327 KX155 and KI 209 Overall I am very pleased with the 540. The install was easy to accomplish, requiring only the avionics to be moved down to make room for the new tray, moving the connectors on to the new tray and adding a WAAS antenna. I have a ST901 GPSS to install next and ordered a MLB100. I will also be installing a annunciator panel. I would post a photo but can't figure out how from the iPad. I have flown the unit approximately 10 hours since the install. I am thrilled with the unit. I am not satisfied with how autopilot tracks the GPS course in NAV mode, but believe it to be a problem with the AP. I'll get that sorted out after the GPSS is installed. Learning the unit has been relatively easy using the simulator and the manual. Mark King Santa Paula, Ca (KSZP) |
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oskrypuch
Senior Member Joined: 09 Nov 2012 Location: CYFD Status: Offline Points: 3061 |
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Yes, it is one sweet and powerful unit, and surprisingly easy to transition to. Avidyne did a really fabulous job with the user interface.
It is a delight, and huge step forward in function.
* Orest |
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AviSimpson
Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2015 Location: Lincoln, MA Status: Offline Points: 765 |
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Welcome Mark! We are happy that you are enjoying your 540 so far.
Sounds like the perfect case for upgrading to a DFC90...
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Simpson Bennett
Avidyne Corporation Product Manager |
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Gring
Senior Member Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Location: Kingston, NY Status: Offline Points: 734 |
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Mark, I have the 540 in my Bonanza with the KFC200 autopilot and it flies it very well. I did have to have my autopilot calibrated, but that was a factor of the autopilot / HSI / Flight Director, not a function/failure of the 540. The 60-2 in a Bonanza will tend to wander a bit on an approach, but should be steady in the enroute phase.
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skyking00a
Newbie Joined: 21 Mar 2015 Location: KSZP Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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Concur that the 60-2 needs calibration, will be doing that when I get St901 installed, some time in the next two weeks. Another issues is I'm not seeing the heading bug on the 540 - I'm wondering if I need to dig into the config page or is the HSI not providing heading i pit to the 540...
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Gring
Senior Member Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Location: Kingston, NY Status: Offline Points: 734 |
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So, a couple of things. The 60-2 has two heavy control boxes normally mounted in the tail of the aircraft. If you have a 33 or 35, you can gain almost .3-.4 of an inch of CG if you upgrade to a newer autopilot. You may consider this with respect to the cost to overhaul or calibrate the unit. In addition, a ST901 installed is 4k new, combine all of that and you are a long way into an aspen install which gives you GPSS anyway and a path to upgrade to a DFC90. Just sayin.
You won't get the heading bug without heading input, and I don't see anything in your equipment list that would give you heading input (at least easily).
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ddgates
Senior Member Joined: 12 Aug 2011 Location: Deer Valley Status: Offline Points: 1100 |
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Why wouldn't the HSI give him heading and bug?
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David Gates
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Gring
Senior Member Joined: 30 Dec 2011 Location: Kingston, NY Status: Offline Points: 734 |
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Only certain HSIs have the analog x,y,z outputs.
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roltman
Senior Member Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Status: Offline Points: 173 |
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Using magnetic heading synchro inputs are part of 10.1.0.0 update. Again this won't be the heading bug, only magnetic heading. This will only work if you have synchro outputs on your HSI (as Gring states not all HSI's have this). In addition it needs to be wired up per the 10.1.0.0 install manual.
As for the 60-2, if tuned up and the Turn Coordinator is within spec it's a solid AP. That said, I had my roll servo, pitch computer and turn coordinator all OH'd in the last year.... Sigh. I also installed the ST901 when I got my IFD540s, and it's one of those items I regret not doing when I upgraded to WAAS 7yrs ago. Edited by roltman - 24 Apr 2015 at 4:54pm |
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chflyer
Senior Member Joined: 24 Jan 2013 Location: LSZK Status: Offline Points: 1028 |
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Wow, either that is a huge installation cost or the ST901 has gone way up in price or both. When I had mine installed in 2003, the ST901 unit alone cost just $1000. |
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Vince
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roltman
Senior Member Joined: 04 Aug 2011 Status: Offline Points: 173 |
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I paid under 1000 for mine last fall including install. Bought it 2nd hand from a guy doing an aspen install. |
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skyking00a
Newbie Joined: 21 Mar 2015 Location: KSZP Status: Offline Points: 10 |
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The 901 install is going to be real straight forward, the unit is essentially pre wired and ready. I bought it 4 years ago but never installed it. The heading bug question is a little baffling, that's going to take a little reasearch.
Any clue how I can post photos from iPad on here, I'd like to get some input on a new panel layout I'll be doing once the 540/GPSS is sorted. I have new virgin panels from Beech so I can correct 50 years of hacking on the present panel.... Yep, I'm aware of the those electronic bricks for the 60-2 back aft. This airplane really never has anyone in the back, we do take long trips but never come near gross or the aft limit. Appreciate all the good comments! |
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AviJake
Admin Group Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Location: Lincoln MA Status: Offline Points: 2815 |
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Yes. Click the icon circled in red. That expands your icon list and you should see an icon of a tree picture that will allow you to attach images. |
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Steve Jacobson
sjacobson@avidyne.com |
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