MGL 8.5 iEFIS Lite installed in RV-6
After 19 years of flying and several years of MGL's Xtreme usage I decided to upgrade to the Explorer 8.5" EFIS. Since this is a retro fit, the 8.5 was the largest that would fit with existing panel "stuff" that I did not want to change. Since I was removing the Xtreme EFIS, I already had the SP-6 and SP-7 installed; however, I did have to move the SP-7 AHARS as it interfered with the installation of the two 2.25" instruments (airspeed and altimeter) I deemed necessary for back-up. This provided me with dual AHARS.
I already had the CAN bus installed so that was a relatively easy electrical change since I also added the RDAC (finding space behind the panel was not). Now this is where things got a little complicated since I also wanted to retain my existing VM1000 and EC100 (Vision Micro products). You ask why, well it is like an old friend that you want to maintain a relationship with.
Since there are different signal requirements for the VM1000 and the RDAC, I found it simpler to install some dual sensors, oil pressure, fuel pressure, current sensor and oil temp ( the oil temp will require me to modify my remote oil filter mount for the second temp sensor) Sounds like a lot of work but relatively simple to do except for the oil temp.
The information displayed along with knobs and buttons are features I really like on the iEFIS as well as the minimal connections to it. This is where the CAN Bus really shines and there is no specific order you have to install the connected options, just don't forget to install the 120 ohm resistor on the last device.
When it gets to the software configuration, here is where I find it challenging. Those of you who love programming may find it "fun" but there is terminology I find difficult in understanding and the various map options that can be installed, modified to your liking etc, etc, etc. I just want it to work like Foreflight and it would be ice to be able to transfer a flight plan via bluetooth or WiFi from Foreflight. I knew what I was buying so I accepted the fact that it doesn't do that, just thought it would simplify my life.
The other thing I found needs improving is the installation and configuration documentation. Maybe it's just me, but I found it difficult to follow and lacking in the clarity of instruction, again it was the software part not the hardware. Also, you have to search around for various software and update locations on their website. Some comes from USA based location and some from South Africa. I hate calling Matt at MGL for every little thing that frustrates me. With that said, I called Matt who walk me through a number of items I was having issues with and got them taken care of. Matt also asked that I send him a picture of screen and he would remove items I was not using and send me a new screen file. Now things are good and still hoping for a Foreflight transfer of flight plans.
Well that's my take on installing the iEFIS Lite in my RV-6 and here are pictures of the panel.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9w2vmbb53rmulok/IMG_0186.JPG?dl=0