Lots of Avidyne planes for sale with Entegra EX5000 display. What is the upgrade path/cost for those systems? Are you dead in the water if Avidyne goes out of business?

I don't doubt they fly fine, just curious what are options and costs?

For PFD I believe you can go Garmin, can't remember which version without researching. For the MFD, beside the Garmin, more and more are going to an IPad Pro, someone makes a kit to mount it in the same opening, takes a kit to add engine monitoring for pistons, not sure about turbines

You can also buy a warranty program for something like $2-3k for 3yrs to cover both as well. I can get more details if you really want to investigate.

Oh, G600 is the same size of Avidyne PFD?

I think Avidyne is planning on being around for a while, and they are a good value right now. If you want to spend the money, I think there is now a touchscreen G500txi upgrade path for Avi planes. That is just from what I have read on MMOPA. I would certainly confirm with a P46T savvy avionics shop to confirm.

Yes, as of a couple months ago there is a complete upgrade path for a full Garmin panel. The only component not available is the Garmin autopilot, your limited to STEC 1500 or 3100. I've read the full panel replacement is about $150k, but I don't have any first hand knowledge.

Avidyne turned over service and support of the Entegra EX5000 series PFD/MFD units to a vendor next to their own shop in Melbourne FL. Avidyne is still the primary contact for this support, but it does add an extra layer and an extra day each way.

https://pilotsupport.avidyne.com/kb/art ... t-process/

It's a shame the DFC90 never made it to this airframe. Would have been a great combo for the Avidyne birds at a pretty cost effective price point, especially if using Stec servos.

It is our understanding that Avidyne is on sound ground financially but in this business things can change. Regarding upgrades- on my 2006 Avidyne equipped Meridian I have installed two new GTN650 NavComms, the new Genesys 3100 AP and the GTX 345 Transponder with ADS-B in and out. I also upgraded the other transponder to the ES330 for ADS-B out as a backup.
The Avidyne panel has available a warranty program for all three screens, two PFDs and one MFD that is well worth the investment for peace of mind. Warranty is multi year and transferable.
If you are hell bent on replacing the Avidyne panel Garmin just got approved to replace the panel with new screens- the 600 series models. It's a significant investment if you replace everything however if you already have WAAS enabled NavComm and autopilot the cost is less.If you go with a different AP you are also looking at new servos. If you go with the 3100 the servos stay and you get an extended warranty on them as well.

Brian is spot on. I have the Avidyne with dual GTN-650 in my plane as well. If you want more info on the Garmin upgrade you can PM me with an email. The file is too big to attach here.

The DFC90 IS available on the PA46 as a direct replacement to the STEC55X that was installed on Avidyne Entegra equipped Ms.

At this very moment I'm parting out a 2009 Matrix that was up-graded to DFC90 .

DFC 90s can go in the Meridian? P46T?

I do not believe that the DFC90 (which I had in my Avidyne Cirrus and loved it!) is certified for the turbine PA46. Only the pistons. I also thought that the Garmin engine information system was now available for the Meridian along with the GFC600 autopilot but I could be wrong. However, the Genesis 3100 is a solid digital autopilot that will partner up with the TXi screens.

In short, I think the Avidyne Meridians are a solid value ... and I didn't have an issue with either the avionics or the service (I used the Avidyne 550/440 combo in the Cirrus). However, having the ability to upgrade to Garmin is a nice peace of mind thing that wasn't available until recently. But don't underestimate the cost of a full new Garmin panel - I think it's something north of 200k at present.

EIS for the meridian is available now. Not yet for the GFC600