AV30C with Magnometer install, wanting to add an AV30 HSI

k9medic

k9medic

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Just picked up and AV30C along with a magnometer to install in my rental plane. Now thinking I want to go ahead and add the HSI too.

I have a 430W in the plane now so it will just need to interface with that.

I am a bit confursed though as to what else I need to buy. Along with the second AV30, it looks like I need to buy the AV-HSI adapter too if I am correct.

Can anybody confirm this?
 
Recommend you download and review the AV-30 installation manual. Appendix A has wiring diagrams for various configurations of devices. I don't see anything about an "AV-HSI adapter" anywhere in the documentation.

BTW, recommend you install an OAT on your existing AV-30. It is a good increase in functionality, especially when combined with MAG and GPS input.

Also consider getting an AV-Link for your second AV-30 if you have ADS-B In via WiFi. The traffic display is super useful enroute.
 
I've been through the manual several times.

This is what I am referring to - https://uavionix.com/general-aviation/av-30/add-ons/av-hsi/

"This device interfaces with the AV-30 to provide essential course and glideslope guidance for both ILS (Instrument Landing System) and LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) approaches. Equipped with three ARINC 429 channels and four serial ports, the AV-HSI PMA not only connects to a variety of GPS navigators and NAV/COMM radios"
 
You are correct.
The only aspect I'm not sure about is the regulatory one. Not sure if you're allowed to use the HSI AV-30 in place of your DG, using it as a combined DG/HSI. If that's not your intention, you should be good to go.
 
k9medic said:
I've been through the manual several times.

This is what I am referring to - https://uavionix.com/general-aviation/av-30/add-ons/av-hsi/

"This device interfaces with the AV-30 to provide essential course and glideslope guidance for both ILS (Instrument Landing System) and LPV (Localizer Performance with Vertical Guidance) approaches. Equipped with three ARINC 429 channels and four serial ports, the AV-HSI PMA not only connects to a variety of GPS navigators and NAV/COMM radios"
Click to expand...

Ok. Yes. To have an IFR-legal HSI, you need the AV-HSI.

If you just want a pseudo-HSI without vertical guidance for VFR, or a DG for IFR, you don't need the HSI. There is an HSI view, but the lateral deviation does not scale with range.
 
Yup, the AV-30 by itself can display VFR-only lateral guidance from your 430 using RS-232. If you want to use the AV-30 to display IFR capable guidance and glidepath/glideslope you'll need to use the AV-HSI.

uAvionix makes all their manuals freely available on their website. Make sure you're using the latest manuals. Rev Q is the latest for certified. https://uavionix.com/support/av-30-c/
 
I am also in the same situation, first installed one AV-30-C as the AI, now looking to replace the current vacuum driven DG/HSI with another AV-30-C with the AV-HSI dongle. I was advised you must have an external Av-MAG, and also the AV-Link to wirelssly update the firmware, plus an AV-APA to connect a legacy STEC-50 AP.
Debating if it is just easier to replace the vacuum system with a GI-275 in HSI mode, which will talk to the 430 and STEC-50 rather seamlessly. I think the cost difference would be within the noise all said & done.
 
I recently installed two AV-30C's in my Arrow. The installation included the OAT probe, AV-MAG, AV-HSI, and AV-LINK. My GPS navigator is the Avidyne IFD-540, and my A/P is the TruTrak Vizion. This is the wiring diagram. Although not shown on the diagram, the AV-LINK plugs into the 15-pin connector on the AV-HSI, and the harness with the 15-pin connector then plugs into the AV-LINK. I absolutely love this setup. [Note - this diagram is for information only. Use the diagrams from the installation manual and other appropriate data specific to your individual setup.]
1763664987994.png
 
pburger, Paul Burger: thanks for posting a wiring diagram for a "working" system (yes, one must always follow the manufacturers' published data.) You are using an AV-Link in the system; I thought it was not yet approved for certified aircraft? Can it simply be removed following the update?
 
av8en1 said:
pburger, Paul Burger: thanks for posting a wiring diagram for a "working" system (yes, one must always follow the manufacturers' published data.) You are using an AV-Link in the system; I thought it was not yet approved for certified aircraft? Can it simply be removed following the update?
Click to expand...
The AVlink was approved in 2024. The AV-HSI was approved in 2025. As soon as the AV-HSI was approved I pulled the trigger on the upgrade. I cannot be happier with the setup. The integration is amazing. I love all of the information available - OAT, TAS, winds, etc. I get traffic on the AV-30, but honestly, I already have it on my iPad and on my IFD-540. So, for me, the traffic on the AV-30 really adds nothing. I don't think I've ever used it, other than to make sure it works. I'm not using the AOA yet. One of these days I'll go up and do the necessary calibration for that and then see if I want to keep it enabled.
 
Here are a couple of views of the traffic view and the pseudo-HSI view without the HSI adapter. The traffic view can be set up to display your GPS course, waypoints, and bugs. Conversely, the Nav view can be set up to display traffic, so they are functionally identical with minor differences.

I really like having traffic on my Nav view. One less thing to scan. Plus it's fun zooming the display in on a bogie like a little fighter plane radar.

The HSI adapter gets you 3 things. First, it shares data across both devices, so you can get the same OAT, heading bugs, baro, and a few more things. Second, it enables the HSI lateral deviation to scale with range, which is a requirement for IFR approaches. Third, it provides a CDI view with vertical and lateral deviation.

The AV-Link adapter gets you 2 things. First, wireless connection to an ADS-B In for traffic display. Second, wireless firmware updates. uAvionix does frequent updates, at least twice a year, and they usually add good features, so you'll want to keep up. I wired a dongle to each device to do a wired update, which is just as easy, but I will say I was amazed on a trip last fall when I was able to update with my phone during a lunch stop.

I fly aggressive aerobatics with mine and have no problems staying oriented through a 10 figure sequence. Really good devices and great company. That said, if I had a Garmin IFR GPS, I would probably bite the bullet and go with the GI-275 for the better Nav data integration.

PXL_20250926_194509698.jpgPXL_20250926_194533747.jpg
 
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Ed Haywood said:
If you have updated the firmware, you can display traffic on the AV-30 DG/Nav/HSI view instead of switching to traffic view, which is handy. One less gizmo to scan.
Click to expand...
Hmmm... I just did the latest firmware updates. I guessed I missed this new feature. I'll check it out!
 
Hi. This is a very helpful thread. I am leaning towards 2 AV30-C IFR package with AV-HSI, AV-Link, Av-Mag, OAT, to go with my currently installed 430W in a Cessna 152 The San Francisco bay area shop recommends a similar dual GI-275 installation since more robust. Initial shop estimates including vacuum removal are ~17k for the AVs and ~19k for the GI275s. The plane flies light IFR. The analog CDI and DG both failed. I could also just replace both but those are not cheap either.

Would appreciate your thoughts and any updates on how your AV30 IFR package installations are working out so far.

Clarence B
 
The beauty of the AV-30 is that it doesn't trap you in the Garmin dealer ecosystem.

The quote for the install does seem a bit steep, though. No idea what the labor rates are in the SF area, but my first reaction was that it should be at least 30% less.

Find a decent A&P that would allow you to assist and you can install them for a lot less than what your quote is.
 
For serious IFR I would probably go with the GI 275. One day that 430 is gonna give up the ghost, and the capabilities of the 275 to integrate with newer Garmin GPS units are impressive.

For an aircraft that is mostly VFR but you want basic IFR capability without a huge investment, go with the AV30 but find a more reasonable installer. $17K is bonkers. You could do it under supervision for half that cost.
 
I have the dual AV-30Cs, AV-MAG, AV-HSI, AV-LINK, and I added an OAT probe. I think the materials were about $6K. I did the installation under the supervision of an A&P, so I saved quite a bit on installation. Having done the installation, I'm guessing 40 hours would be reasonable for a shop that knows what they are doing. I'm no expert, so I'll definitely defer to actual Avionics installers for a more informed labor estimate.

I'm very happy with the installation. This is one of the best upgrades I've done to my plane (New paint 2013, Avidyne IFD-540 2014, TruTrak Vizion A/P 2018, dual AV-30s 2025).
 
pburger said:
I have the dual AV-30Cs, AV-MAG, AV-HSI, AV-LINK, and I added an OAT probe. I think the materials were about $6K. I did the installation under the supervision of an A&P, so I saved quite a bit on installation. Having done the installation, I'm guessing 40 hours would be reasonable for a shop that knows what they are doing. I'm no expert, so I'll definitely defer to actual Avionics installers for a more informed labor estimate.

I'm very happy with the installation. This is one of the best upgrades I've done to my plane (New paint 2013, Avidyne IFD-540 2014, TruTrak Vizion A/P 2018, dual AV-30s 2025).
Click to expand...
Depending on the setup, that sounds about right...they're a great solution for many customers. We're a Uavionix dealer / installer and we're happy to help.
 
Thank you. Very good to hear that the installation is working well. Still looking at options.
 
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pburger said:
I have the dual AV-30Cs, AV-MAG, AV-HSI, AV-LINK, and I added an OAT probe. I think the materials were about $6K. I did the installation under the supervision of an A&P, so I saved quite a bit on installation. Having done the installation, I'm guessing 40 hours would be reasonable for a shop that knows what they are doing. I'm no expert, so I'll definitely defer to actual Avionics installers for a more informed labor estimate.

I'm very happy with the installation. This is one of the best upgrades I've done to my plane (New paint 2013, Avidyne IFD-540 2014, TruTrak Vizion A/P 2018, dual AV-30s 2025).
Click to expand...
Thanks for the PIREP on the AV-30Cs. I have the same basic setup with the G430W and a Trio AP, similar to Truetrak. Was wondering how you like the AP interface off the AV-30s? I’ve been considering the G5s (long in the tooth), or the Aspen E5 (been reading about a lot of RSM issues). Tough to make a decision.
 
Rcmutz said:
Thanks for the PIREP on the AV-30Cs. I have the same basic setup with the G430W and a Trio AP, similar to Truetrak. Was wondering how you like the AP interface off the AV-30s? I’ve been considering the G5s (long in the tooth), or the Aspen E5 (been reading about a lot of RSM issues). Tough to make a decision.
Click to expand...
The AV-HSI module supports the TRIO and the TruTrak, so you should be able to use the AV-30s without the need of a toggle switch the same way I do. Functionally, I love it. I have the choice of a heading bug or GPSS. The AP control is done from the top AV-30 (the AI): you have click the main button repeatedly until you get to the AUTOPILOT menu. I often click too fast and click past AUTOPILOT. Then click, click, click, again until I click past it a second time. I'm getting better at it. You then scroll through choices of OFF, HDG BUG, or GPSS. I'm not sure how the Trio handles mode changes, but when I switch from one mode to another via the AV-30, The TruTrakgoes into track mode (holding current track). I then tap the MODE button on the TruTrak to activate the selected mode (GPSS or HDG BUG). If I had unlimited funds I probably would have put in a GFC-500, but I'm very happy with the TruTrak and the AV-30s. Definitely some great bang for the buck.
 
I have two AV-30C units that I installed myself communicating with a 430W. Surprisingly easy to install and even easier to update. The most time consuming part was making the harness. I am now considering adding the AV-HSI and AV-APA but will probably use Approach Fast Stack to make the harness.

Does anyone have experience using this setup on an S-TEC 50 autopilot?
 
JEM68 said:
Does anyone have experience using this setup on an S-TEC 50 autopilot?
Click to expand...
I'm interested in this too. Thinking about removing the heavy King HSI and replacing with the AV-30 to control the S-TEC 50.
 
k9medic said:
Just picked up and AV30C along with a magnometer to install in my rental plane. Now thinking I want to go ahead and add the HSI too.
Click to expand...
Why did you buy a magnetometer if you were going to use it as a AI? My understading is that it's only needed for the AV-30 in DG mode.
 
Yep, I was about to tell him that. If it's installed in a Standard category aircraft it has to be locked to either AI or DG, no scrolling to either one. So for AI the DG tape on top would work fine without a magnetometer getting great info from the 430 or a GPS, but if you plan to install another AV-30 as DG then you'll need the magnetometer.
 
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