Panel Update Feedback?

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Fly7gcbc

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We are updating our panel in our 1970 7GCBC. We would like to update with IFR panel for training and marginal VFR. Currently we have a glideslope and an outdated GPS. I saw the new Citabria glass panels and I was surprised to see only one Comm?

We like old school gauges, but we at least need an IFR GPS. We were thinking of Garmin GPS comm, nav/comm and a new transponder.
We need new engine gauges too (EGT, CHT, Oil Temp and Pressure)? Suggestions?

What you all think of the all glass panel and get rid of the gauges and vacuum pump?
 

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Is the 7GCBC certificated for IFR? If not, a single comm will probably be fine.
 
I would install a garmin GNS 355 and keep the Kx155 as a backup comm. Over time replace the AI and DG with AV-30’s. It’s fun spending other people’s money! Lee
 
If you are up for it financially definitely go all electric whether that is a large pfd and mfd or just a couple of g5”s or the gi 275. Vacuum pumps gotta go.
 
Love the big glass panels in a Bonanza or Piper, but IMO doesn't look right in old school airplanes. Rag and tube deserves round gauges. But the new modern electronic round gauges are a nice option to preserve the steam gauge look without the weight and bulk. Here is a look at mine:

New Panel (2).webp
 
Sorry for the off topic question but it's about instruments.......how many of you fly night VFR without an attitude indicator? I never thought about it and intended to fly night VFR with my 7ECA but I saw a comment about an attitude indicator being generally necessary and wanted to ask for opinions. Thanks
 
Bartman said:
Sorry for the off topic question but it's about instruments.......how many of you fly night VFR without an attitude indicator? I never thought about it and intended to fly night VFR with my 7ECA but I saw a comment about an attitude indicator being generally necessary and wanted to ask for opinions. Thanks
Click to expand...

I don't know if it is "necessary", but it is definitely nice to have. If you travel at night, sooner or later you are going to find some unexpected clouds. When that happens, knowing you can easily hop on the AI is a good comfort factor. Flying is all about leaving yourself an out when things don't go as planned.

Back in the days of vacuum pumps and steam gauges, it made sense to try and make do with a TC and VSI. But new electronic AI's are so cheap, light, and simple; it's kind of a no brainer. My RCA was $1500 used plus one hour of labor to install: 4 screws, power, and ground. It is much lighter and less bulky than the 42 year old TC it replaced, and a hell of a lot more trustworthy.

Pic below was approaching Oklahoma City at night, at end of XC from Hattiesburg MS. I planned to depart at noon, but got distracted by last minute work calls and minor mechanical issues, and wound up taking off at 1500. By the time I reached Hope Arkansas to fuel up, it was almost dark, and I flew the last 2 hours to OKC at night. Never been to Oklahoma, hadn't flown at night in probably 2 decades, and hadn't flown into Class C in years. When I started tallying up all the reasons to stop for the night, having the AI was a vote in favor of pressing on.

PXL_20201118_011503019.NIGHT.jpg
 
I have about 8000 hours at night. I think the biggest risk at night is engine failure. Now if I have to do a cross-country for a student at night, it is scheduled for a full moon over a route I know like the back of my hand.
 
Depends on where you fly. Accidental cloud entry, even for 10 seconds can be a major problem. Once you get spacially disoriented dials start spinning. Night flight if you are not instrument proficient in rural areas will make you happy you have an AI. Flight over water with a cloud layer above or 5 mile visibility will eventually cause mild disorientation. AI is critical.
 
I never really thought about it and was going to make it a habit post-COVID to fly up to my old EAA chapter for meetings each month. Not that big a deal being that it's only forty miles or so but I guess I'll just have to pay closer attention to weather and planning without the AI. Thanks for the replies.

Can't argue with you about that $1500 AI Ed.
 
Fly7gcbc said:
We are updating our panel in our 1970 7GCBC. We would like to update with IFR panel for training and marginal VFR. Currently we have a glideslope and an outdated GPS. I saw the new Citabria glass panels and I was surprised to see only one Comm?

We like old school gauges, but we at least need an IFR GPS. We were thinking of Garmin GPS comm, nav/comm and a new transponder.
We need new engine gauges too (EGT, CHT, Oil Temp and Pressure)? Suggestions?

What you all think of the all glass panel and get rid of the gauges and vacuum pump?
Click to expand...

I'm thinking I would look into a Garmin GNX 375 (IFR GPS and ADSB transponder in one), Keep the 155 til it quits, then buy a garmin GNC 255 to replace it. In the hole that you don't have a transponder in anymore, get a Garmin GTR 200b.

Another option for GPS is the Garmin 175, with a Trig TT22 transponder in an old engine gauge hole.

As far as engine gauges, I went with an EI CGR-30p, and so far I'm happy with it. got rid of everything old and breaking, into a nice neat package.

Down the road, or now, I would replace the vacuum system with electrons. I like G5s, but I'm a simple man, others like the busier AV-30 or 275 from Garmin. Pick what you fancy. Reduced maintenance, and shed a few pounds.

For my 7GCBC, I'm thinking the AV-20, but I'm only putting it in there as a "oh S&#*". If I were using it for training or for real, I'd go with something full size.
 
One of the Cubs has a GTR-200B in it - wanted to go fancy. It is worse than the GTR-200 in picking up stray RF noise.

Other than that, these are good radios. Putting one in the J4 next week.
 
how many confused hours of surfing the Garmin site does it take before it starts to make sense? went snooping around a few times but it's anxiety inducing. makes me hope Oshkosh or Sun N Fun will be back in 2021 so I can go see things in person.
 
I've got the CTR-200 in the 7, great radio, not a single problem, The built in intercom is flawless so far
 
Ours are flawless except on 125.7, which is almost the exact difference between two SoCal approach frequencies. When both controllers key their mike, we hear every word. Fortunately, the tower blasts through, and we miss no clearances.
No other comm radios are that sensitive. Garmin doesn't care. Still, good radios.
 
Fly7gcbc said:
What you all think of the all glass panel and get rid of the gauges and vacuum pump?
Click to expand...
Would definitely lose the vacuum pump. The 182RG I was renting a few years ago had a Garmin 430 GPS/Comm in it and it was easy enough to get used to. The Comm being co-located in the GPS worked well and wasn't awkward. Maybe a transponder/Comm would be a good compliment to get the 2nd comm without overbuilding the avionics stack?
 
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