2002 Harv
Pre-Flight
Anyone run an Apolo GX-50 IFR aproach GPS?
I have a 618 Boat anchr and want to replace it the cheep way.
John
I have a 618 Boat anchr and want to replace it the cheep way.
John
I like it, especially for the price. We've got GX60s in both of our club aircraft (just an added COM transmitter). Apollo menu logic is more button pushing (soft and hard keys) than the knob twisting found in the Garmin products. The map stays relatively uncluttered and the amber LCD is easy to see day and night. Also has some cool features like arc assist (fly an arc around any waypoint/navaid). The one thing it doesn't have is SIDs/STARs....but while on the topic, is the GX50 a decent box (assuming it's properly installed and certified)?
...but while on the topic, is the GX50 a decent box (assuming it's properly installed and certified)?
I fly behind a GX55 in an Archer when the 182 and its 430W are away. It's a decent box (enroute/terminal), but it shore ain't no 430. Kinda like comparing a Hyundai to a Lexus (or for you, Spike, I guess that'd be a Caddy. )
As far as the install, part of the issue is the annunciation of certain modes. I have a Midcontinent MD40 in my panel, which has all the lights inside of the CDI (it's the one on the lower right of the first page of this PDF).
-Rich
Basic question: is IFR operation with a GX50 reasonably intuitive?
Best I can describe it is even having known it once, I couldn't fumble my way through the menus without reading the book (again).
Joe
Not for me.Ah, not intuitive, then.
Guess that explains why this EE doesn't mind the GX-- then. HP rulez! (well, their calculators anyway)The GX50 software is kinda derived from the old GNC 300. Kinda like having a reverse polish notation calculator. I was always lookin in the book....
I'm pretty sure a KLN-94 will fit easily into the same space as an Apollo LORAN, and it's easier to use with a much nicer display than the GX-50. Ask your shop to quote you one of those, too, and see if it isn't right in the same ball park as an approach-certified GX-50 installation.The thing is, if I can get something to fit in the same location as the Apolo 618 (tray change or not) then I wouldn't have to move everything in the stack.
If you can use the 90B, the 94 is a piece of cake -- they took the 89B and 90B and fixed all the stuff about which the users complained.I have experience with the 90B so the 94 shouldn't be much of a strech.
Did a 10-day IR course in a 180 Cherokee with a 300XL -- wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Non-intuitive, complicated, and limited screen.While we are at it.... 155 (or300)XL anyone?