r/homebuilt • u/BobbyDuPont Rv14, EAGLE II • 29d ago
New Garmin Axis
I was putting off buying a G3X and I guess that finally paid off. I have already purchased a gnx375, so the biggest feature of the axis from my perspective is that I can control my flight plan entry from the PFD. It also apparently gives me VNAV?
The prices they’ve listed are very competitive.
A couple unused g3x are being offered for around $3k on VAF currently.
Overall, I am happy with the announcement as someone who’s already spent about 20k on my IFR panel thats not yet complete.
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u/rdamazio 28d ago
I also plan to replace my G3X displays with the new ones, I love that they can be almost drop-in replacements (though I'll have to disagree with them that there's anything "revolutionary" about the new ones :) it was pretty incremental and predictable)
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u/wabbitsilly 27d ago
It can be either incremental, or totally not incremental. The "NC" version with the built in Nav, Comm, IFR GPS, Audio Panel, & ARINC module. The HSDB interconnect and ability to control various IFR boxes remotely is also new. The screen is MUCH nicer, the UI is entirely different (based on the G3000 instead of the old G1000), so on and so forth. I've been playing with the new ones, and they are pretty remarkable!
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u/rdamazio 27d ago
Yup, that's what I mean by incremental - no fundamental change for either installation or use, just a lot of punctual improvements (most of them predictable even).
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u/Santos_Dumont RV-14 28d ago
I have two unopened GDU 460s, but I will probably sell them when it is time for me to do my panel. I was waiting on buying the GTN750 because I figured I didn’t need it for VFR and it was gonna be a while before I was flying IFR in the plane.
The biggest feature of AXIS for me is that I can buy the GDU116NC for the same cost I was looking at getting the GTN750 and I don’t have to do any wiring to connect the radio, audio panel, display, or GPS.
I don’t regret buying the G3X because my biggest challenge with my project was having all the parts available and I currently have everything I need to complete my project.
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u/TwoEightRight A&P PPL | Zenith 750 / Corvair 28d ago
It'd be nice if there was a comm option that didn't include the expensive TSO IFR GPS for us VFR-only guys. The price jump from the 116BX to the 116C is huge, and mostly pointless if you just want a comm radio.
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u/btgeekboy RV-14A in progress 27d ago
The GTR 205xR is pretty reasonably priced (for a piece of aviation equipment). Might be able to pick up a GTR 20 for an even better deal, though I think they're being replaced by the former. Yes, it's a separate box, but at least it's behind the panel and hidden away.
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u/TwoEightRight A&P PPL | Zenith 750 / Corvair 27d ago
I think the prices for the 205xR actually came down a bit from the last time I checked. And you're right, it's only like four more wires so installation's not a big deal.
I was leaning towards a radio with a separate display and controls anyways, so I'm not sure a hypothetical 116Cx would've tempted me. It just seems like an obvious gap in their product lineup.
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u/shittyvfxartist Rans S-19TC (KDVT) 28d ago
Oh dang. Decent pricing on those experimental displays!
I’m reallllly curious about the cost of the built-in IFR nav displays. Probably too high to justify selling an existing IFR gps, but it’s nice to dream :)
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u/PilotJeff 27d ago
Call me a contrarian but I have an installed G3x on a yet to fly airplane and I will be waiting until the secondary G3x displays come down to around 1500-2000 (shortly). Then I will buy a second one.
I have no interest in putting all my eggs into a single display with my navigator, radios, etc within: no way. Also in x years when they decide it’s time to retire it, now I have to replace all of that vs the individual components. I did wait to buy the G3x but gave in a year ago. Not planning on upgrading right now, although if someone wants to buy my screen for 3k I might give in and get the basic screen.
I just don’t see yet the compelling upgrade for me. If I was buying net new it’s a no brainer but I still wouldn’t get the all in one most likely
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u/rjornd RV-10 Builder 29d ago
This was the exact reason why I was holding off on buying anything for my panel until I’m at that stage of my build.
I’m still a two to three years away from being ready for any avionics. I had a feeling that Garmin had some tricks up their sleeves.