diamondaviators.net

My 2002 DA40 still has its original VM1000 engine monitor. While it still performs nominally, the VM1000 is essentially unsupported. Rather than wait for it to fail, I'm planning to replace it with a new JPI EDM930. JPI has advised that doing this will require field approval from the local FSDO using the FAA Form 337.

Have any other DA40 VM1000-equipped owners gone this route (either to an EDM930 or some other engine monitor)?

I know a couple who have done it in Canada where there is no such thing as a 337, i.e. they didn't do any paperwork other than a log entry. I don't know if it's entirely legal, but they are very happy with the JPI.

The fuel probes seem to have given them the most trouble, I believe they needed an adapter of some sort to make them work.

I have done the VM1000 to JPI EDM930 on both of my pre-g1000 40s. While I am not a fan of JPI as a company after the experiences I have had with them, the installs went fairly well. The DA40 is indeed on the STC AML for the EDM930. https://www.jpinstruments.com/wp-conten ... an0001.pdf
The only issues we had were with the fuel senders on the DA40. There is some unit that goes in-line that they claimed we did not need in the DA40, and went round and round with them about it before they sent us one to try. Of course it fixed the issue, so they did end up sending us a second one. The entire install ended up taking about 2 weeks longer than it should have because of this issue that they kept claiming was caused by the install. But other than that they work pretty well. I would maybe look at the EI MVP-50. If I had it to do over again, I would likely go that route. We have CGR-30Ps in all of our DA20s and LOVE them. Really cleaned up the DA20 panel. And EIs customer service is excellent.
If you have any questions feel free to message me.

Jonathan- What did you have to do to the panel to fit in the JPI 930? As near as I can tell, the hole where the VM1000 is installed is too small. Thanks. Bernie

Update - after a month or more of arm wrestling with JPI, gave up and made the decision to go with the EI MVP50, now on order. After install, I'll advise on how it went.

blsewardjr wrote: ↑Sat Apr 16, 2022 7:38 pm Jonathan- What did you have to do to the panel to fit in the JPI 930? As near as I can tell, the hole where the VM1000 is installed is too small. Thanks. Bernie

We had to cut a new piece for the panel. The VM is a different shape, taller but not as wide. So we cut a piece and fit it over the old panel on just that side. Painted black, looks really good, you have to know it wasn't original to really notice it.

I am interested in replacing the VM1000 - sometime. My worry is that I could get stuck somewhere with a VM1000 malfunction and have no way to remedy the situation except by getting someone to install a new system on the spot. I've had my eye on the MVP50. I hope the install goes well for BuzzB.

I've been flying with my MVP-50P engine monitor now for about a month. Incredibly pleased thus far. Aside from no longer worrying about what might happen if the old VM-1000 went bad and couldn't be repaired, I now realize that it was giving incorrect numbers, especially with regards to CHT's. I had always needed to reduce climb rate and increase fuel flow to keep CHT from exceeding 400F. Now with the new monitor it's clear that the old monitor's CHT's were at least 20 to 40F higher.

With the new monitor installed, I've done GAMI tests and in-flight MAG check tests, and sent the results to SAVVY for analysis. I've always preferred to cruise slightly LOP, and the MVP-50P makes finding the LOP "sweet spot" (best nm/gal) very easy. The detailed info in the monitor's recorded data is pointing to a few tweaks that would lead to even better performance. But for now, I'm appreciating the ability to climb faster, cruise at optimal efficiency, and hopefully spot any engine issues sooner rather than later. It's great flying now with an engine monitor designed in the 21st century!

BuzzB wrote: ↑Sat Nov 19, 2022 11:34 pm Now with the new monitor it's clear that the old monitor's CHT's were at least 20 to 40F higher.

Think about this. Two sets of data points. Which, if either, is correct?

Congrats on the new MVP-50P! How are the new fuel gauges working and did you have to take the wings off to access the tanks? Also, does the MVP-50P fit into the old VM1000 hole or was some panel mod required? If you are happy with the install I would be interested to know the name of the shop that did the work. Thanks!