Username Protected wrote:
Looks great. How did it work out interfacing the Stec Autopilot with the G500? The remote Garmin control knobs make it really nice to use. I am guessing this eliminates the small Stec LCD altitude preselect panel?
With the engine controls in flying positions can you get to the knobs on the Avidyne?
I always wonder why avionics shops put the ELT remote as far from the pilot as possible?
The Stec interface is excellent (my first impression). Yes, it eliminates the dedicated Stec display for ALT preselect (ST-360). I have that for sale in another thread if you need one
Alt preselect and vertical speed are chosen by dialing them in with the GCU485 knobs or using the G500Txi touch screen. Easy. Once selected depress the VS and ALT buttons together on the Stec head and that initiated the climb / descent with Alt capture. All of this made possible with the GAD43e box. I came from dual G5’s with a GFC500 and Avidyne navigator. This setup with the S-tec integration is every bit as capable and smooth, and having a GTN instead of an IFD allows the AP to capture and fly the glide path on approaches.
We chose to put the Avidyne screen at the bottom since it’s dedicated for radar only and requires minimal button use during flight. Also, during most phases of flight all 6 levers should be pulled back enough to be out of the way anyways. The $ to put a non Garmin radar onto a Garmin screen was just not something I wanted to spend. I haven’t even started to learn the radar yet as I’m focused on the transition to glass first.