That’s a pity.

Howabout the Garmin G500 TXi ?

Which unfortunately is twice as much.

And probably twice as old.

I was thinking about installing two GI275s to replace the Attitude & Heading Indicators. But then the guy at the avionics shop pointed out that’s almost the same price as one G3X. Hmmm, I was waiting for Avidyne to put the GI275 on their STC, which they just did. I appreciate that. I know it costs a lot of money, so thank you. So now I have the dilemma, should I wait and hope that Avidyne puts the G3X on their STC. Or should I install GI275s…. 

GI 275 -10 + -20 = $8,628

G3X + GSU 25D = $12,548

That price doesn’t include the magnetometer, etc. Installation labor is more for the G3X too. 

I agree generally with what has been said.  Aspen units are unreliable and I don’t trust the failure modes.  These are not a good choice if IFR is going to be flown.  Right now, the G3X series provides the most value for the installation of a PFD, and interfaces with almost all the autopilots.  If your airplane is on the STC list, the GFC500 is also the best value for an autopilot. 

Avidyne really needs to offer a PFD and the DFC90 autopilot servos. I’d choose that over any of the other offerings.  Make the PFD like the R9 PFD or a large IFD where it has a combination of buttons and touch screen.  

Does the Avidyne IFD550 STC authorize connection to a Dynon SkyView HDX ?

The STC that came with my IFD550 says it can only interface with items specified in paragraph 2.3 of the installation manual. I don't have the latest install manual. Is there anything from Dynon in there?

That Dynon appears to be a good product at half the cost of the G3X. It has more pixels than the G3X too. However it won’t drive a Century autopilot. 

THE EDM 960 has a some nice features. I'm an A&P/IA and many parts of the JPI are more robust. 

Simple connection between JPI and Avidyne. So far happy with the JPI during engine runs and alerts.

We had already purchased the JPI since we didn't know if we were getting the GDU1060 in time. 

(Glad we got the GDU600 though since Aspen C3 was not as friendly with the GFC600, unless you have the Max which is not certified yet for C3 aircraft) 

We had bought the C3 Aspens first since I couldn't get the G600 in a timely manner but then one came available so Now I have a Full ASPEN C3 for sale. ($20K worth).

I'm an MEI as well. We currently use Jeppesen in all aircraft but maybe I should take a look at Garmin since subscriptions are getting into the Thousands. One reason for the GSB15 is to do a single load from a single point and charge the iPad using USB-C.  Another friend has a similar setup in his 421 but with all Garmin and he has had problems with downloads GTN750 etc. (Could be user error too?) Not sure if he's using Flight Stream since you can load via the 275 on a USB stick via the cable. Since the GI275 is Class III it's over $7.5K each. This ASPEN works out nice since it is a stand alone system with ADC/AHRS etc. and a total backup for the Copilot. The Aspen was only $5K. While in Class III mode (> 6K weight), the GI275 is FIXED in ADI standby mode so we cannot use the HSI or any other features it can provide. Very expensive ADI at this point. Can't even control the A/P or XPDR in this mode. 

BUT I wanted to remove the old gages etc so we purchased it to get rid of the other instruments.

It's been a long year restoring this 421C but it will be probably one of the cleanest ones around. 

atomsite wrote: Perhaps someone could kindly post paragraph 2.3 of the IFD 550 installation manual. Then I will know what the authorized interfaces are per the STC.

Reach out to Avidyne Support, I'm pretty sure they'll provide you with a copy.