Sport Aviation Avionics Builder Offers Surprising Versatility

The major GA Avionics manufacturers continue to impress us with the capabilities they cram into today's instrument panels... for a price... but just as impressive are the efforts of a number of sport aviation avionics manufacturers to keep such capabilities priced at affordable levels.

After several years of development, MGL Avionics has rolled out the XTreme mini EFIS ... a functional primary flight display (PFD), engine monitor, fuel computer and basic GPS built into a compact package. It mounts in a standard round 3 1/8" hole (offset) and boasts a bright 4.3" diagonal sunlight readable display.

The XTreme can be used as a PFD or PFD/Engine monitor, depending on the application. It can be used as primary instrumentation or as a backup gauge to a large EFIS. The XTreme includes a built-in GPS that is used for Ground Speed, Range Calculations and as a backup/control to the AHRS and will soon include a basic GPS Navigator via a free software update. Direct To, and Basic Route navigation will be supported (no moving map). 

The basic unit has been introduced at a special price of $1,000, and includes the built-in GPS and antenna. To add a full AHRS package, another $1,260 is required. Without the attitude sensor the XTreme will still display a GPS-derived bank angle (no pitch information), so it can be used without AHRS sensors if necessary. If engine monitoring is required, an RDAC (Remote Data Acquisition Computer) must be added (starting at $160) and also a full complement of engine and fuel sensors.

A PC-based program that simulates the functions and setups of the XTreme is available for familiarization with the mini EFIS before and after purchase.

FMI: www.mglavionics.com, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews