Settling on a layout : 1/24/05

After much consideration, and a hard look at the budget, I am leaning towards a panel organized around the GRT Avionics EFIS Horizon. I am very impressed by the capabilities of this unit, and it offers the best set of overall features for the least amount of money. The engine information from the EIS4000 is integrated into the PFD, making it unnecessary for a costly external engine monitor. Here's the layout I am planning. I have installed a composite instrument panel which allows me to organize the panel and make everything look really nice.

The main panel (the one in front of the pilot) will contain the following:

• GRT Avionics EFIS Horizon Series One
• Trio Avionics Autopilot
• Vertical Card Compass
• Indicator lights for low voltage, engine monitor alerts, and EFIS warnings
• Trim Indicators (although I'm not really satisfied with this part of the layout yet)

The Avionics panel will contain three items:

• Garmin GPSMap 196 handheld GPS, flush-mounted in the panel, linked to the EFIS & Autopilot
• Garmin SL-40 Com radio, linked to the EFIS for frequency control
• Garmin GTX327 Transponder, linked to the EFIS for altitude encoding

The right panel will contain the following:

• GRT EIS4000 engine monitor, linked to the EFIS
• PS Engineering PM501 intercom, linked to the SL-40, the EFIS for audio warnings, and an entertainment jack (for the iPod).

There will be four switch groups, organized logically according to their function.

• Group One: Ignition - Keyed Magneto/Start switch, Master, and E-bus Bypass
• Group Two: Fuel Boost Pump Switch
• Group Three: Lights - Position, Strobe, Landing, Cabin, and panel dimmer
• Group Four: Flaps w/position indicator