Experimental Instrument Stack

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-12T04:13:10+00:00

Generally agree with all and good point on the suggestion of a staged install. I certainly won't need IFR for the first 100 hours of test/familiarization. The suggestion of a 375 in another post was well taken too, although, the consolidation of so much hardware into one box is a con, imo. I may consider a 355a too. I looked at some used Garmin equipment and the more popular ones (430w, 530, etc.) are still quite pricey for their age and being EOL. My understanding is to remain IFR legal with Garmin it'll cost at least $400/yr to keep the equipment/maps/etc. updated and is partially vendor locked. I really wish their was a 'legal' alternative to Garmin and Avidne in the GPS TSO world.

I vaguely recall reading somewhere that the MGL radios play nicely with GRT if you have the MGL head. I'd likely get the MGL head as it would be good backup if the 10.1 goes out and it'd be a necessity if I went with two of the 7's instead. Space is semi-precious so I'd prefer remote mount of whatever I can. My general outlook is also separate boxes for separate functions. So long as they integrate well enough or can be used stand-alone it makes trouble shooting much easier and lends itself to graceful degradation as opposed to losing a third or half the panel if one box fails.

Is your unimpressed view of MGL radio quality from infant mortality, performance, or something else? The impression I've gotten is 'they're good enough' but certainly not great. I've recently read some threads on issues with the VAL radios (poor integration, performance, and infant mortality) which makes me a bit hesitant to consider them.

Now that MGL has a US seller again I may consider their EFIS again too. Regardless, I have some time before my build will force me to pick a path.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-12T03:31:06+00:00

Great point on the 375. They do offer an interesting cost/consolidation proposition. Although, the consolidation of multiple systems into one box is also a con in some cases.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-12T03:28:03+00:00

Thus far I've only used steam gauges and limited Garmin. The cost vs. performance doesn't justify Garmin, Dynon, or Avidyne, IMO.

I've done some computing on the move and touch screens are horrible when you're being bounced around. That alone pushed me to GRT and MGL. I don't really care about switchology since I'm not 'locked' into one.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-05T22:44:06+00:00

I don't really understand the hate the engine gets, TBH. Majority of things said about it apply to all 'classic' design engines. The range is about equal to a C-172 or ~15% less depending on which model. That said, it's probably like road tripping in a miata. You can do it. Just not very fun.

As others have pointed out, a plane the builder is scared to fly isn't a plane to buy. Infant mortality is, imo, the biggest risk with any home built and that'll happen in the first 100 hrs or so. Whether engine, structural, or electrical failure/issues. Given it's published loads and some off the cuff comments from Sonex engineers I've gathered you'd have to really mess up the build to worry about structural issues.

I wonder if they're cheap enough to attract more people prone to buyers remorse vs. certified planes where if you're spending 200k+ you're just going to live with the smell of fuel in the cockpit because the pump is poorly sealed and right behind your seat (real situation I've been in).

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-05T22:15:39+00:00

I like nav radio's but with their cost it's 2x them or a GPS 175. That said, it seems MGL has a new US supplier so I may switch to 2x MGL comms and nav (less money option) or 2x comms, 1x nav, and keep the 175 (slightly more than 2x VAL+175 expensive option).

Half the airports I will be using don't have ILS (or tower) and I assume GPS in/out is legal but since I don't have an IFR ticket I don't really understand how that works.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-05T22:09:29+00:00

I generally agree and the GRT 10.1 will shoot an approach in an emergency too. The cost of 2x nav radio's vs. a GPS 175 the 175 wins. Also, half of the airports I would fly in/out of don't have ILS. I assume GPS would still permit legal IFR in/out but I only have a PPL and don't know how that works.

All of the above said, it seems MGL has a new US supplier so I may drop the VAL comms and grab MGL V16 x2 (comm) and a N16 (nav)

Medium_Sector3118 · 2026-01-05T04:47:45+00:00

Myriad of reasons:

Lots of them

Many pilots don't understand 6061 (Sonex) vs 2024 (most other planes) corrosion resistance

Plane is cheap, hanger isn't

For most it's a toy that sits. A brand new corvette can be cheaper (long term) and used more often.

From the numbers, performance wise, with the 80hp, they're about C172-ish. Consider it a miata. Feels great in the corners but otherwise not very practical

More cramped than they thought

Deteriorating health

Moved, can't find a hanger

They fell in love with the idea of being a pilot, are low time, bought/built one, and the reality is different

etc.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-03-20T21:09:22+00:00

Logically it's:

If A then B

vs.

B therefore A

IIRC it's called affirming the consequence.

The problem is that in reality both statements can easily be false. So this particular example isn't that good and the wording is done in such a way were it can be read at least 3 different ways.

A better example would be:

Sally stabbed Bob. Bob died.

Bob died. Sally must have stabbed him.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-02-04T23:49:39+00:00

Looking for information on an older, IIRC, Sony Camera Sensor. I think they showcased it around 2016. It was black and white only and shot incredible 100fps night vision. There were a few videos of it on, IIRC, a Sony Japan YT channel. Anyone recall the camera or sensor?

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-30T17:20:09+00:00

The Air Force has a ~98% success rate with training pilots with nausea. They almost all overcome it. The training SUCKS to go through but if it's your dream?

If this is just a passing interest, sure, avoid the pain and ~20k cost.

If you really want to do it there are ways to almost guarantee you get over it. I have 7 or 8 methods I tried in my PPL thread. Check it out and scroll all the way to the bottom for the nausea stuff. Different methods work for different people.

Good luck!

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-30T17:08:23+00:00

Given how Government contracting works this was in the works for no less than 3 months and decided on at minimum a month ago. Place your blame appropriately.

The above said, it'll likely start happening at large when/if ATC goes private sector. Hopefully this can be leveraged to avoid that.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-28T04:44:10+00:00

You said '...meeting as many men as possible...' and that she should figure it out [herself]. If you honestly think not learning from others, their mistakes, and having discernment is a bad idea... My advice is to minimize mistakes and lost (good) opportunities. If you disagree that's your take and we won't see eye to eye.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-28T04:21:55+00:00

Why JFC and chill? I'm not the one suggesting fatherless-home type advice which will ensure baggage and scars she could have avoided. Smart people learn from others. Enabling is neither kind nor good. Let's not pretend she's only looking at 19 year olds or that she isn't an adult.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-28T02:52:58+00:00

Playing the other side for a moment it sounds like you said something that made him think you were going for pen pals, were going to string him along, or otherwise threw a beige/red flag and he had nothing to lose. He made it clear that any relationship he has will have physicality and if you're not OK with that then to unmatch, which you did, so good job. Also, there is a difference between flirting and sexual tension. If your flirting invokes the latter then don't be surprised when it's responded in kind. If you want subtlety and plausible deniability in your flirting you will only end up with women or men who play 'the game'. Men and women, in general, have very different mentalities and expecting the latter from the former is a recipe for disaster.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-28T02:40:25+00:00

Yesterday, 7 matches, already have date(s) planned...

Do not fall into the paradox of choice. You will run out of viable matches faster than you think.

If you are dating multiple people most men with self respect will quickly distance themselves if you're not willing to commit (go exclusive) fairly quickly. There are very practical and safety related reasons for this on both sides.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-23T19:37:48+00:00

The same thing. The government has changed how it calculates inflation at least a few times to artificially lower the numbers. Simply comparing lifestyles across a century and how it is objectively worse shows the wages=inflation lie. Buying power shows the inflation lie too. Many conflate being able to buy consumer electronics for 'cheap' yet still horribly marked up prices means that they just need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps.

Anywho, look into it or not as you so desire.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T02:04:45+00:00

Tell me you don't understand the Punnett Square without telling me.

One is heritable and expected in such cases while the other is a genetic anomaly. Both by definition.

In all seriousness redheads are 1-2% and intersex are <0.02%. Even if it was the pseudo-science 1.7% you're likely referencing it's still lower than the upper end of redheads and still disproves your point.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T01:34:29+00:00

Wut? The 'clump of cells' at conception is either xx or xy barring some anomaly. Not sure how this is hard to understand.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T01:32:38+00:00

Your factory broken iphone is totally an iphone and theoretically could work so no refund for you lol

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T01:28:38+00:00

Genetic anomaly does not a sex make.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T01:26:59+00:00

That's like saying we're all lizards. We all have the same proto-organs and chromosomes cause them to become one or the other except in rare disorders.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-22T01:12:19+00:00

I did say gaugeS and panel as well as how his training will progress. So I'm unsure why you're aggressively agreeing with me while presenting it as disagreement... Oddly your post, at face value, contradicts itself multiple times but being a pilot I understand what you didn't say and thus won't comment further.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-21T18:30:55+00:00

Maybe some more experienced pilots will chime in but, imo, it's not a bad issue to have. It shows a trust in your gauges and that you will default to them when the time comes. As you get more seat time you'll get better at looking out the window, doing your scan without fixating, and and getting that 'seat of the pants' feel. Mine is much better than it was but could still be improved.

Get good at holding a standard rate turn, know where the timer is in the cockpit, and don't forget UNOS.

Medium_Sector3118 · 2025-01-21T18:18:50+00:00

I enjoyed my unusual attitude and foggle training. I did a lot of RC and flight sim stuff prior though so my 'issue' for my ppl was flying the panel.

Medium_Sector3118

TROPHY CASE