Most Simple GPS Solution

[N1230k]

I am currently restoring a 1946 Luscombe that has been in storage since 1973. This is and will remain a VFR only plane and I want to keep the retro looking panel. I am even toying with the idea of finding a 1946 Ford pickup to restore and match paint between the two.

I will be adding electrical because I can, I don't want to hand prop, I miss flying at night, and I live near DFW so I kind of need a radio and transponder. I do not need a moving map for my mission (local, VFR, occassional 2-3 hour cross country, and maybe teach my now grown daughters to fly). And I simply do not have space or budget for a full navigator box and again, priority is to keep the simple panel and Mark 10 eyeballs outside. It is impossible to future proof a plane, but I just cannot justify the cost or space requirements of a Nav/Com unless the FAA has said VORs will outlive me (let's hope for 30 years on that last). Does anyone know or heard any rumor on how long VORs will remain operational? A small (simple) GPS would be nice to have but I cannot find any "current" GPS/Coms without going to a full blown navigator complete with color moving map which again, I do not want, I do not need, it will ruin the retro panel - and anyone familiar with a Luscombe knows there is no place to put one anyway.

Ergo my problem, for which I need suggestions - what is available on the market now, to give me Radio, Transponder, and minimal nav. If it contributes to my ADS-B solution that is bonus. If not, I am planning a Tail Beacon anyway. I WILL NOT MOUNT AN IPAD AND STRING WIRES VELCRO DEVICES ALL OVER THE FREAKING CABIN! So, please provide a different suggestion. I am ONLY interested in panel mounted or remote mounted solutions. I apologize if that comes off snarky, but I have spent hours searching on this forum, it seems a knee jerk solution everyone offers is either get a used Garmin 430 or "mount your iPad". There simply must be a better option.

A KLX-135/135A or the Apollo GX60/65 would be almost perfect (a basic GPS NAV plus Comm) but these are 25-30 year old boxes with no support. Does anyone make a current box that fits this niche? With VOR going away, I would think that this solution would be in every avionics manufacturer's catalogue, but I can't find one. The search did lead me to radios with built in 2-place intercom (the Icom A220T or the Trig TY96) which kind of supports my opinion that there is a market for what I want. Why isn't there a GPS/Comm slide in replacement for older Nav/Coms? Just plug and play with the existing CDI? I digress . . .

I could pair the Icom A220T or the Trig TY96 with a transponder, put a VFR chart or two in the glove box and have "enough". But I keep coming back to the future problem - I want to do this once - minimal nav equipment near DFW would be handy,after retirement my bride and I may fly further, and I do have to be mindful I will not live forever. I want my blood and sweat to keep this plane flying, not result in her going into storage for 50 years a second time.

Is there a simple GPS that has an internal CDI that would be able to hide in plain sight on a retro panel when near or under the Class B airspace?

Any fellow 8A/E drivers here that want to share pictures of your panel solution, advice - both retro and modern panel pics would be appreciated. I need ideas.

Last, anyone have experience with the older GPS/Com boxes want to share your thoughts? I have found a KLX-135 that is new in the box, manufactured in the early 1990's never installed. It would fit my needs, but . . . do these things just get old and die if not used?

 

[GeorgeC]

GNX 375 + GTR 205 and done.

 

[bradg33]

GTR205, a GDL50/51/52 and an iPad. Why bother with a panel mount GPS on a VFR only classic airplane?

You don't want any of the Apollo units. For one, they're no longer supported. Second, database support is challenging due to data card size. And third, the screens tend to fail and can't be replaced. I installed an end-of-life GX60 in a Twin Bonanza about 10 years ago, kept it 2-3 years. Glad I removed it, it was turning into a boat anchor.

 

[AV8R_87]

I know you said no ipad and wires, but installing a panel-mount moving map in a VFR-only plane is on the same level as installing new chandeliers in a haunted house.

There are ipad mounts that install relatively flush in the panel. Do that gor a mini. Power can then be routed through the panel from a dedicated converter, and much easier to add a fan for cooling.
A Stratus or Stratux (the latter could be also mounted under the panel, with only the antennas exposed) will give you what you need for GPS position and traffic.
Couple that with a TailBeacon and a GTX 327 and you're set.

Otherwise, you'll either end up with an unsupported panel mount (like a Garmin 400-series), or an expensive (Garmin 375, Avidyne 440) or very expensive (Garmin 650/750) solution. Is this trip really necessary?

Radio, pick your poison, new or used? Good options either way, depending on how much you want to spend.

 

[MackMooney]

gnc355 and stratus/gtx345/335 etc.. -- my favorite
gnc375 and gtr 205 /215 -- get adsb in also with this one without any extra devices

 

[asicer]

Does anyone know or heard any rumor on how long VORs will remain operational?

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ato/service_units/techops/navservices/gbng/vormon

The search did lead me to radios with built in 2-place intercom (the Icom A220T or the Trig TY96)

And the GTR205/GNC215. Between those, I would put the Icom at the bottom of the list. I've heard the connectors can be problematic. The TY96A and the GTR205 are pretty much dead even in price.

Is there a simple GPS that has an internal CDI that would be able to hide in plain sight on a retro panel when near or under the Class B airspace?

The GNX375 has an internal CDI but it is kinda small. I'd imagine you'd be following the magenta line more than the CDI.

 

[asicer]

gnc355 and stratus/gtx345/335 etc.. -- my favorite
gnc375 and gtr 205 /215 -- get adsb in also with this one without any extra devices

I'd prefer the GNX375+GTR205 combo. Both have color screens. GNC355+GTX345 is 1 color screen and 1 monochrome screen.

 

[M20K]

Put in the panel what you want to put in to keep it as "retro" as you want. (No real need for VOR if you don't want to put it in.)

Then get either a iPad Mini or iPad Air running ForeFlight and a Sentry Mini (or some similar Garmin Pilot setup). You can use either a lapboard/kneeboard or a yoke mount for the iPad (I prefer the yoke mount) and the Sentry can be attached up on the dash or front window, it just needs a good view of the GPS satellites (so not the side window under the wing). Granted, you're not supposed to "navigate" with any of the EFBs, but when flying VFR, who cares if you have a little better situational awareness from the moving map. And with this combination, you can take advantage of traffic, Wx, NOTAMs, etc., etc. that you have access to.

And if you're just out tooling around where you know the area real well, you don't have to pull out the iPad. But if you're taking a longer tip or you need to go through the Class B for some reason, you've got that extra help with the traffic and the moving map.

 

[GeorgeC]

An iPad of any sort is too beaucoup for my 140; the OP's Luscombe is even smaller. VHB > Velcro. I use my phone or an aera 660. YMMV.

 

[rockyfatcat]

Put in the panel what you want to put in to keep it as "retro" as you want. (No real need for VOR if you don't want to put it in.)

Then get either a iPad Mini or iPad Air running ForeFlight and a Sentry Mini (or some similar Garmin Pilot setup). You can use either a lapboard/kneeboard or a yoke mount for the iPad (I prefer the yoke mount) and the Sentry can be attached up on the dash or front window, it just needs a good view of the GPS satellites (so not the side window under the wing). Granted, you're not supposed to "navigate" with any of the EFBs, but when flying VFR, who cares if you have a little better situational awareness from the moving map. And with this combination, you can take advantage of traffic, Wx, NOTAMs, etc., etc. that you have access to.

And if you're just out tooling around where you know the area real well, you don't have to pull out the iPad. But if you're taking a longer tip or you need to go through the Class B for some reason, you've got that extra help with the traffic and the moving map.

+1 for foreflight on the iPad with the sentry unit. The Sentry will give you GPS and carbon monoxide detection. Together they will give you a backup EFIS display and moving map. Your period correct day VFR steam gauges are nice for a museum display, but foreflight on an iPad will give you real situational awareness.

I fly under class B airspace and the Foreflight display helps keep me out of controlled airspace, and shows traffic on screen.

 

[Dana]

Not wanting to disturb my plane's old school vibe is one reason I use a phone or tablet for VFR navigation, and a handheld COM radio (which has VOR but I've never used it). Another reason, of course, is that I'm cheap. Phone on a bicycle mount for local flying, tablet on a kneeboard if I'm going farther. No electric in my plane, I don't mind hand propping and don't need a transponder.

You can use either a lapboard/kneeboard or a yoke mount for the iPad (I prefer the yoke mount)

No yoke in a Luscombe, it has sticks.

 

[M20K]

No yoke in a Luscombe, it has sticks.

Oops... guess that makes sense for that plane. So a lapboard would probably be even easier.

 

[bbchien]

Aera 660 with a skydock snap in panel mount.

 

[N1230k]

The GNC355 is an absolute non-starter. I stated up front that I do not want a moving map. And I am trying to find the most basic navigation equipment, because 100% of my flying will be by looking out the windscreen. The only reason for any electronics onboard is because I live under a Class B shelf.

I do you want to think everyone else for the input. After reading the link on VOR MON I can put a Trig 56 on the short list. But I hadn’t considered an iPhone on a ram X-mount until I saw George C’s photo. My previous plane was a Cirrus with all glass, so my opinion of iPads and mobile device devices is based on what was available back in 2005.

 

[MackMooney]

unfortunately, there aren't any current gps/comms without map, they just don't exist. guessing you'll just have to stick with an ipad

 

[Ed Haywood]

GTR-205 comm, GTX-345 ADS-B in/out, and smartphone running your EFB of choice for Nav. To save some bucks, GTX-335 and portable ADS-B. Be sure to install a dual USB port.

 

[GeorgeC]

GTR-205 comm, GTX-345 ADS-B in/out, and smartphone running your EFB of choice for Nav. To save some bucks, GTX-335 and portable ADS-B. Be sure to install a dual USB port.

I got a 335, necessitating the use of a portable for ADS-B in. I wish I'd gotten the 345 if only to have one less thing floating around.

... I hadn’t considered an iPhone on a ram X-mount ...

You can see the mount itself in this pic. It's a RAM-B-238U mounted with VHB tape. I use the x-grip for my phone. I also have the RAM mount for my Aera 660.

 

[N1230k]

I got a 335, necessitating the use of a portable for ADS-B in. I wish I'd gotten the 345 if only to have one less thing floating around.

I don’t really want ADS-B, but again where I live mandates or I will have to negotiate my way out of the metroplex by car just to get to my airplane so that I can get out of the metroplex.

Anyone on the forum used the king KT 74 with a KTG 150R? At first glance, I haven’t had my coffee this morning, it appears that this would be by far the least expensive solution and the wireless sending unit would transmit ADS-B in data to my phone. No crazy wires running around, no antenna up on the dash. And it’s 1090ES, I don’t think I need that or that it matters for me, but if I wanted to sell the plane to somebody who had the intention to take it out of the United States, that might make some difference. Plus the king KT 74/KTG 150 R combination cost less the G335 and substantially less than the G345.

 

[GeorgeC]

I'm based under a bravo as well. My avionics forklift upgrade was a buy-once-cry-once affair and a drop in the bucket compared to TCO over a few years. Ain't nothin' cheap about an antique taildragger. @Mtns2Skies

Also, friends don't let friends fly King.

 

[Dana]

I do not want a moving map. And I am trying to find the most basic navigation equipment, because 100% of my flying will be by looking out the windscreen. The only reason for any electronics onboard is because I live under a Class B shelf.

Being close to a class B is where having a moving map is really useful.

If your plane doesn't (yet) have an "engine-driven electrical system", then technically you don't need a transponder or ADS-B unless you want to actually enter the B. Whether you're comfortable with that or not is up to you (I'm fine with it where I am). Even a starter, if powered by a total loss battery, won't trigger the requirement, unless an alternator is also installed. I believe there is an STC'd starter for small Continentals adapted from a cordless drill.

My "avionics" are pretty unobtrusive:

 

[Ed Haywood]

I got a 335, necessitating the use of a portable for ADS-B in. I wish I'd gotten the 345 if only to have one less thing floating around.

Same, but the 345 is not cheap.

 

[N1230k]

I'm based under a bravo as well. My avionics forklift upgrade was a buy-once-cry-once affair and a drop in the bucket compared to TCO over a few years. Ain't nothin' cheap about an antique taildragger. @Mtns2Skies

Also, friends don't let friends fly King.

I am trying to avoid my last Avionics nightmare. My '05 Cirrus had everything from the factory:the Entegra 5000 suite, traffic, weather data-link, engine monitoring, twin 430's, autopilot, XM radio/music . . . you name it, we had it all. Until ADS-B jacked up everything. The 430's were non-WAAS. Avidyne 440's were WAAS and a slide in replacement . . . so we thought. $20K for two new navigators, but I got a good trade in for the 430's. Slide the 440's in was easy, but WAAS required new antennas (add $$). Then - surprise, this change required a $6K software upgrade to the MFD and still do not have ADS-B in or out but I am ready for the $6-8K solution that the FAA had said would cost the average owner $1500-3000. All told, the cost was close to $40K when done, added zero capability rather it degraded (ADS-B in is raw data, the XM subscription comes with extrapolated data that is clearer, faster, and better) and all this increased my insurance on top.

The upgrades did not cause a divorce, but expending that kind of change on a plane did not help and after it was all done, less than 25 hours flight time with the new stuff - plane is sold and I AM JUST A LITTLE BITTER ABOUT THE ADS-B/AVIONICS DOWNGRADE!!! The only bright side of it all is the divorce. That was an upgrade worth the $40K, but a story for another day.

I have to go back, apologize for the "snarkyness" above and as much as I am hating the idea - I must revisit the suggestion of a GNC205/GX375 combo. Putting pen to paper and doing the math, it is starting to look like the only viable option. I have room for a Transponder and a Radio - nothing else. There simply is not sufficient space for a used 430 and a transponder (unless the Xpndr is remote mounted). Notwithstanding, that option will cost about the same as one Comm + Transponder + Tail Beacon. I thought about a Stratus ESG or Trig WASS integrated transponder and Comm which is about same cost as either of the other choices when it is all said and done.

So far three options all pencil out close the same money (one of them requires some used equipment to get there) and at least on paper, each is 75% of a 205/375 combo. And I looked again at the King setup I had decided this morning was the solution . . . I think my eyes saw the price, my brain had a momentary seizure and moved the dicimel point. It is not half of the 375, it is 4 times the 375. So, friends do not have to stop friends from flying King, none of my friends can afford it.

I started with a project, the plan was to restore it, budget was on the high end of what it would cost to buy one flying but I would have a fresh O-235 (my airframe has the STC) when done. Now I am looking at $11K (a 25-30% cost overrun) just for a freaking ADS-B solution, that I again point out was promoted before Congress as costing the average owner $1500-3000. Also, a look at the log books shows this little girl left the factory with a "Nova-Tech VHF and Omni Head". Logbook entry says it was removed during dissassembly for storage in 1973. Somehow, I think going NORDO is not an option becasue I am not "adding" electric as I had originally thought.

 

[N1230k]

I know you said no ipad and wires, but installing a panel-mount moving map in a VFR-only plane is on the same level as installing new chandeliers in a haunted house.

There are ipad mounts that install relatively flush in the panel. Do that gor a mini. Power can then be routed through the panel from a dedicated converter, and much easier to add a fan for cooling.
A Stratus or Stratux (the latter could be also mounted under the panel, with only the antennas exposed) will give you what you need for GPS position and traffic.
Couple that with a TailBeacon and a GTX 327 and you're set.

Otherwise, you'll either end up with an unsupported panel mount (like a Garmin 400-series), or an expensive (Garmin 375, Avidyne 440) or very expensive (Garmin 650/750) solution. Is this trip really necessary?

Radio, pick your poison, new or used? Good options either way, depending on how much you want to spend.

I think you summed up the problem well - but I have no transponder and no radio. But as I discovered looking through the logs this morning, she left the factory with electrics and a radio - they were just stripped out before proloned storage 50+ years ago. Now those would be boat anchors, if I still had them. So panel mount makes no sense and destroys the nostalgia of the old plane, low and slow, casual flying done by stick and rudder. Although the Luscombe is smaller than the Taylorcraft or Cessna 140, "Sticks" were the deciding factor, so it came down to a Cub, Champ/Citabria, and the Luscombe and only the Luscombe is all metal (important if I cannot get hanger space - still on wait lists at multiple airports).

But on the other hand - a radio + transponder + tailbeacon + stratus with iPad is going to push close enough to the cost of a panel mount solution that it starts to make sense. Plus, it has been suggested by a non-pilot friend - "can't you just find a glove box door like the one on the right side, use it to cover the radios when you are not flying". Voila - nostalgic appearance is saved and with a little creativety, I can get that little door to fold down and slide under the radios out of sight and mind during flight. The only clue that the plane has anything modern in it would be headset jacks and the antennas outside (hide the chaneliers so the ghost don't think I am too bougie).

 

[flyingcheesehead]

I am currently restoring a 1946 Luscombe that has been in storage since 1973. This is and will remain a VFR only plane and I want to keep the retro looking panel.

Awesome. More people should do this! I can't afford it so I have a boring new airplane.

I am even toying with the idea of finding a 1946 Ford pickup to restore and match paint between the two.

Even cooler!

I live near DFW so I kind of need a radio and transponder.

my mission (local, VFR, occassional 2-3 hour cross country, and maybe teach my now grown daughters to fly).

Ergo my problem, for which I need suggestions - what is available on the market now, to give me Radio, Transponder, and minimal nav. If it contributes to my ADS-B solution that is bonus.

Transponder, com, and navigation. These days, the only kind of navigation that makes sense to install is GPS as everything else is going away except for emergencies, and is much harder and less convenient to use.

I know you don't need/want a moving map, but nobody makes a GPS without one any more - Once you've made the GPS, it's pretty trivial to add the moving map to it these days, and that's what the market demands.

The Garmin GNX375 is a small unit and doesn't have a huge screen that will take over the panel, AND it has the transponder built in. The GTR205 is a com radio with a built in audio panel and similarly small.

Does your plane have a glove box you could mount these in to hide them when you're not flying? Can you post some pictures of the panel as it is today?

I WILL NOT MOUNT AN IPAD AND STRING WIRES VELCRO DEVICES ALL OVER THE FREAKING CABIN!

Understandable - I've seen "installations" like that that mess up the look of the plane/panel much worse than installed stuff.

Is there a simple GPS that has an internal CDI that would be able to hide in plain sight on a retro panel when near or under the Class B airspace?

I think you're picturing more of a CDI that has a GPS built into it? I've seen older ones where there was a CDI with a Nav radio built in, but unfortunately I'm not aware of any with GPS built in.

I have found a KLX-135 that is new in the box, manufactured in the early 1990's never installed. It would fit my needs, but . . . do these things just get old and die if not used?

Yes. Electrolytic capacitors tend to leak when they get old (20+ years), and the (very acidic) electrolyte will eat through traces on PCBs and wreck whatever the device is. I have already had my KX165 recapped to prevent it from dying too soon.

Also, friends don't let friends fly King.

This. Honeywell/Bendix-King has reached the point where I swear they have a customer prevention department. I can't get their stuff out of my plane fast enough.

I have to go back, apologize for the "snarkyness" above and as much as I am hating the idea - I must revisit the suggestion of a GNC205/GX375 combo. Putting pen to paper and doing the math, it is starting to look like the only viable option.

It's a powerful and relatively cost-effective combo for what you're trying to do, and well supported. I think you'd be happy with it.

Plus, it has been suggested by a non-pilot friend - "can't you just find a glove box door like the one on the right side, use it to cover the radios when you are not flying". Voila - nostalgic appearance is saved and with a little creativety, I can get that little door to fold down and slide under the radios out of sight and mind during flight. The only clue that the plane has anything modern in it would be headset jacks and the antennas outside (hide the chaneliers so the ghost don't think I am too bougie).

This is definitely the way to do it! Hide the screens, provided that doesn't put them in a position where they're difficult to use in flight.

 

[Dana]

Probably not the approach or look you want, but look at the panel Stevie Triesenberg (youtube) did on her C-140 restoration. She installed modern round glass instruments in a very retro looking panel; it actually looks quite nice.

 

[Llewtrah381]

Consider an Aera 660 as your GPS (add: panel-mounted in an Airgizmos), a Trig TY91 radio, Trig TT22 (or 23) transponder, and Garmin GDL50R. Pretty much the panel in my gyro.

If you really, really don’t want a moving map (a decision I suspect you’ll “revisit”), put the 660 either on the ADI or traffic page.

The TY91 is great. Can monitor a second freq, mounts in a 2 1/4” hole but the “main” box can be mounted remotely. Similar story for the TT22 for 2 1/4” and remote-mounted box. Being able to monitor a second frequency is basically 80%+ of having a second radio - a huge help.

The GDL50R will be a minor compromise. While I personally prefer the non-R, the R can be wired so as to power up when the Master goes on and the box can be hidden. But the 50 gives ADS-B In plus ADAHARS to the Aera.

With these, you can put state-of-the art instruments in small holes on a retro panel and mount the main boxes where you want.

The Aera has been great. It’s my “glass panel” in the gyro. You won’t regret having a moving map, especially around Class B but if you don’t want it, choose a different page.

Plus the above is a cost-effective setup. Doesn’t give you a Nav or CDI but that’s not a huge loss, IMHO.

 

[MackMooney]

hmm, can you do the labor yourself? avoid a lot of the cost? as you have no current wiring, i'd think it might not be difficult to do the whole thing on a bench and install it as a unit.

In case you need, CAMM avionics at sphinx did my autopilot, i'd def recommend them

 

[N1230k]

Awesome. More people should do this! I can't afford it so I have a boring new airplane.

Been there, it is a great feeling, every pilot should be privileged to try it at least once.

Yes. Electrolytic capacitors tend to leak when they get old (20+ years), and the (very acidic) electrolyte will eat through traces on PCBs and wreck whatever the device is. I have already had my KX165 recapped to prevent it from dying too soon.

Whew, glad I started asking questions before buying.

It's a powerful and relatively cost-effective combo for what you're trying to do, and well supported. I think you'd be happy with it.

This is definitely the way to do it! Hide the screens, provided that doesn't put them in a position where they're difficult to use in flight.

Beautiful thing about the Luscombe - the panel is small, can’t even get a std 6-pack on gauges, rather they arch across the panel with the second row stagerred, but sticks not yokes make everything accessible.

It will eventually look something like this if I get a blank, the current panel has the holes equal spaced and arching a little which I think adds character. Turn-Bank is top center between AS and ALT, three holes on second row hold RPM, VSI, Oil Temp/PSI and an empty hole (no Artificial Horizon and no DG)

 

[Ed Haywood]

Consider an AV-30 while you are allocating holes. If you ever wander into clouds you'll be glad you had it. It can be configured to a vintage style.

 

[N1230k]

Probably not the approach or look you want, but look at the panel Stevie Triesenberg (youtube) did on her C-140 restoration. She installed modern round glass instruments in a very retro looking panel; it actually looks quite nice.

I found part 1 but not the second video. But, I have a picture in my head of round LCD gauges and how it would look, after seeing a couple she had in the V-Tail and I can certainly see the appeal.

I had considered a couple Uvonics AV-30s in this project for a short time. But as I get closer to having to buy a blank from Univair or prepare to strip, paint, and etch this panel - I am forced to narrow my choices and commit.

 

[Dana]

I found part 1 but not the second video. But, I have a picture in my head of round LCD gauges and how it would look, after seeing a couple she had in the V-Tail and I can certainly see the appeal.

Try this one:

If I had to add electronics, I think I'd be looking at a Uavionix AV-20 and tailbeacon, and maybe a Becker radio, both of which fit in round holes.

 

[WDD]

Another POV.
1) Snap a picture of your current panel and post it up.
2) Maybe put your transponder in the glove box. As VFR, you'll never reference or change it in flight. Then get a simple Garmin Com radio. I would skip getting a Nav radio.
3) You mentioned (I think) wanting a GPS Nav solution. If so, the only options are to get a device that can show a moving map. You could however get a GNC 355 and just keep it on the home screen. Honestly, if you really want to forgo GPS navigation, forgo being alerted to other traffic, no have ADSB weather, etc., then just get a simple radio, hide the transponder, and be done.

 

[N1230k]

Try this one:

If I had to add electronics, I think I'd be looking at a Uavionix AV-20 and tailbeacon, and maybe a Becker radio, both of which fit in round holes.

I have to agree, that panel looks good. I could see putting the 205/375 in the glove box (or as my friend suggested, putting them on the Pilot side behind a removable (retractable) glove box door and then in the future adding some instruments like the ones she used (maybe even set up for them now so later is just buy, and do the cosmetic part).

 

[Jim Logajan]

You should consider a tailBeaconX, not a tailBeacon, because the former satisfies both transponder (mode S) and ADS-B out requirements. Then install either an AV-20 or AV-30 in the panel to control the transponder. Add Trig TY-91 radio and you're done.
The AV-20 is cheaper and adequate for VFR and does provide non-certified attitude indicator for emergencies. The AV-30 can act as certified AI, DG, and MFD with the push of a button under VFR. Add OAT and external magnetometer for maximum utility. In MFD mode can be programmed to accept and display ADS-B In traffic from any ADS-B receiver supporting GDL-90 over WiFi (I installed a wingtip nav light/SkySensor for my plane) though you would need to install the AV-Link wifi adapter.
Attached is a picture of my upgraded panel for IFR on a 1956 C-172. I think the changes preserve the classic look.
From left to right the AV-30s are configured as MFD, HSI, and AI. If you install one AV-30 you could toggle between display modes. There's a GNC 355 nav/com that's not relevant to your goals along with a CGR-30P engine monitor. Not visible are AV-HSI (basically a smart communication hub tying various systems together), AV-Link, OATs (one feeding the AVs and one feeding the engine monitor).

 

[N1230k]

First, I like what you have done with the 172. Without getting too far afield, the TailBeacon X will fullfill the Transponder role completely? A/C Spruce has a TailBeaconX with AV-30 combo for $4150 and that is pretty much "just a transponder" in every other scenario. After yesterday, I had relegated myself to the GNX-375/GNC-205 combo as my only viable (and surprisingly least expensive) solution for turning a 25-30K plane into a 25-30K plane with ADS-B.

 

[Tom J]

Yes, the TailBeacon X is a full function transponder/ADS-B out, as long as the AV30 or AV20 is in the panel to control it.

 

[Jim Logajan]

First, I like what you have done with the 172. Without getting too far afield, the TailBeacon X will fullfill the Transponder role completely? A/C Spruce has a TailBeaconX with AV-30 combo for $4150 and that is pretty much "just a transponder" in every other scenario. After yesterday, I had relegated myself to the GNX-375/GNC-205 combo as my only viable (and surprisingly least expensive) solution for turning a 25-30K plane into a 25-30K plane with ADS-B.

What Tom said - it's a transponder, an ADS-B out, a tail light, and vegetable masher.

 

[bbchien]

I suggest the glove box, and an AERA 660 in a skydock .....behind the glove box door so it gets ships power....
Beautiful what you have done there.....

 

[l8evator]

On my Luscombe, we put the Narco 11 com radio and transponder behind the left glove box door. That door is held in by spring clips and is removed and stowed during flight. The PTT is on the left stick and the headphone jacks are located down on the gear box centered between the seats.

Nav 1 is an index finger in direct contact with a sectional chart. Nav 2 (when required) is a WalMart sub $100 8 inch android tablet running Avare and strapped to a thigh on a small kneeboard. ADSB-in is by Stratux via wireless to the tablet. So, no wires except the headsets and it looks fairly authentic on the ground.

Good luck with the restoration;

 

[N1230k]

I am hung up on the Tailbeacon-X at the moment. Again, VFR only so I do not care about LPV approaches, I don't need a moving map but minimal nav would be nice to have for longer trips in the future. Right now, my best (least expensive while leaving a route to upgrade if I change my mind) route will be an AV-20/Tailbeacon-X combo with a GNC-205 radio and call it done. (The GNC-205 finally won out because of bluetooth - I can pipe music in without any wires).

My question is this - if I were to get the AV-30 as opposed to the AV-20, can the Tailbeacon-X's GPS signal be used for VFR nav purposes. In other words, let's say I decide to fly to the Bahamas (not likely but the one scenario I can conceive where a simple chart and a watch will not meet my needs) could I toggle up the CDI page on the AV-30 and somehow tell the Tailbeacon-X to give me lateral guidance to Nassau? Basically, if the answer is "Yes" then the AV-30 would make more sense than the AV-20. But if the answer is "No" the AV-20 can be fit in a small hole, I leave everything else in place, add a VHF radio, and I am done. That leaves $$$ for gas, hotels, and $100 BBQ (5 GPH and no database subscriptions means even with inflation I can still get have a $100 lunch).