Steam DA40 to Glass

[steve_falconer]

I’m looking at shop and avionics recommendations and to hear lessons learned/wisdom of others to advise for a panel upgrade. I currently have a standard 2003 steam panel with GNS430/530 paired to an HSI with a KAP140. I’d also like to replace the VM1000. The only upgrade has been a PS Engineering PMA450 audio panel that I’m happy with and a GDL-88 for ADS-B in/out (with Flightstream 210). Realistically, it seems like Garmin has the best support, integration, and connectivity; but I’m not against having Avidyne or other hardware.

I reached out asking a local shop for advice to upgrade to GI275s and was surprised that a G500 was not a lot more expensive.

I want a capable IFR panel, but don’t need overkill redundancy. I love Foreflight.

What do you recommend that fits?

Here are my initial thoughts:
1. G500 TXi - 10 inch display with EIS (use Garmin Pilot/Foreflight as backup)
2. Retain TC for KAP140 needed
3. GTN650 Xi - NavComm/HoS
4. GNX375 - (2nd) GPS Navigator/Transponder to replace
GTX337 and GDL88
5. GTR20 2nd Comm Remote Radio
6. Retain PMA450B Audio Panel
7. Hard mount for iPad on right side of panel for additional
8. Backup (G5/GI275/RC Allen “4 pack equivalent”)

Is this a good approach? I think it fits and GTN 750 wouldn’t and works. I think this allows the G500 to display ADS-B traffic annd weather data annd integrate with the KAP with GPSS. Other ideas/concerns/thoughts?

[Rich]

Have you done the paper-dolly exercise to ensure all this stuff will fit? Remember the G500 requires a standby "four-pack" so you need space for those also.

[steve_falconer]

Rich, I haven’t done the exercise yet but was asking to see if anyone else has actually upgraded to glass. I will add a backup G5 or RC Allen for the 4 pack. Thank you! Edit coming….

[Lance Murray]

I will look again at your post when I have time but in my opinion the steam gage airplanes are a great choice. You can upgrade them however you want and they are lighter with better Cg. It’s a good choice

[steve_falconer]

Thanks Lance. I love mine. The only big avionics limitation is support for other autopilots due to composite work, but my KAP140 has been pretty solid. Logbook history shows a fair number of TC and roll servo replacements over 20 years, but it works great now with a little wiggle I’ve gotten used to.

I’ve started looking at upgrading to a G500 TXi with EIS to replace VM-1000 and 5 pack (still need TC for KAP-140) and add a GI-275 driven by my GNS530W/430W and will fall back to two GI275s if cost/scope creep becomes too much of a concern. I engaged Savvy for help finding an experienced installer with DA40s and help manage the process. I’ll share what I learn and the outcome. Work may not begin until next year.

[Rich]

If you look at my panel you will see I semi-upgraded, using an Aspen E5. But I prefer to use my iPad/Foreflight for stuff like approach plates, SVT, traffic, etc. Integrated via the FS210 I had installed a few years back, it's like having a glass panel with but with more frequent SW/feature updates and considerably cheaper chart/nav data updates. (GNS NAV Data is still required, of course). GPSS came along with the Aspen (as it would using other HW) and gave a new lease on life for my KAP140. I haven't had a hiccup in the latter since 2004. So far my original TC has avoided the problems others have experienced (as have I in C-172's way back when).

Caveat: The Aspen install has one hassle kind of unique to Diamonds regarding the RSM installation, if you want its full functionality.

BTW, in case you didn't know, the KAP140 was used for several years post-steam gauge so many of our G1000 brethren are also locked into this AP.

[Ed McDonald]

FYI, the Diamond Pilots Association is creating an upgrade survey for Diamond aircraft owners. It is being beta tested and will be publicly available on the DPA website soon. We will announce it on DAN as well as the DPA website.

[steve_falconer]

Looking forward to it. I’m a member of both.

[steve_falconer]

Another steam gauge upgrade option installed by Alex Stockdale from LAC Avionics at KSJC. G500 Txi PFD and GI275. Still using my GNS530W/430W with GNX327 and GDL88 for ADS-B In traffic and weather. It required some reasonable panel work and blind mounting the TC required for the KAP140 to the right side. I still have room for a Garmin EIS GI275, but it’s not supported unless I swap out fuel senders from capacitive to resistive due to limitations of Garmin certificates hardware currently available. I put in a new inverter and battery into the VM1000 to get more life out of it until Garmin eventually supports allowing me to collect engine monitoring data, too.

[blsewardjr]

Steve- It looks great. I had looked into the G500 TXi but was put off by my avionic shop's estimate of north of $25K so went with the Aspen. Good to know about the G275 EIS and fuel tanks. I had been looking into that as a possible replacement for my VM1000. However, having just added a Surefly mag and a Hartzell composite prop, I think my days of "improving" my 2003 DA40 are done. Will now concentrate on just replacing things when they break (as my #2 cylinder is now threatening to do.) Bernie