uAvionix AV-30-C

[mmcmillan2]

Ghostflyer, thanks for the reply! The AV30c doesn’t seem to give you standard rate turn indication, is that correct?

[cessna170bdriver]

Ghostflyer, thanks for the reply! The AV30c doesn’t seem to give you standard rate turn indication, is that correct?

I seem to remember that the FAQs on the AV-30 on Aircraft Spruce specifically say it does not have turn rate information. I don't know if that is a future upgrade, but I would more seriously consider it if it was. My heading indicator and turn coordinator are both tango uniform so I'd like to find something that would do both.

[ghostflyer]

While I wish that Garmin was paying me for this ,but the G5 has a lot going for it . There are numerous “bits” that can be added on later and it’s very easy to match it with other Garmin instrumentation. It’s simple to install but effective in operation. It’s sales speak for how popular it is . If ordering it from Spruce also get the loom for the G5 at about $50 extra . Makes installation a breeze . .

[mmcmillan2]

Ghostflyer, thanks for the reply! The AV30c doesn’t seem to give you standard rate turn indication, is that correct?

I seem to remember that the FAQs on the AV-30 on Aircraft Spruce specifically say it does not have turn rate information. I don't know if that is a future upgrade, but I would more seriously consider it if it was. My heading indicator and turn coordinator are both tango uniform so I'd like to find something that would do both.

After some research, I found that a turn coordinator could be substituted with a second attitude indicator with ball for IFR flight. So, then the rate indicator feature wouldn’t be needed. It seems if I keep my original vacuum AI, I could add a digital AI with ball and backup battery and be legal (with no need for turn coordinator or turn and slip). Or ditch the vacuum AI, and add two digital AI units with batteries. I’m just brainstorming for future upgrades.

[4583C]

Thanks for all your comments guys. I haven’t pulled the trigger yet but I think this is the way I want to go. Brian tell your A&P folks are waiting for your comments after you actually fly the new install. I’m sure that will speed things up!
Larry, beautiful work on the overlay and thanks for your comments.

[brianm]

It took a few months but I finally got to fly behind my AV-30. The DG precesses faster than I would like, but I hear there is is software update coming "any day now" that should help. You can configure three display layouts and cycle between them in flight. My first tries are attached, haven't decided if I want to change anything yet.

Basic attitude, DG, bus voltage and baro setting:

av30_basic.jpg

Basic display plus airspeed and altitude:

av30_cruise.jpg

The whole kitchen sink:

av30_everything.jpg

[c170b53]

I see its indicating temp, which probe was used and where was it mounted please.?

[brianm]

The probe is a Davtron C307PS. The Davtron manual recommends installing two feet out from the wing root on the bottom surface of the wing. With my metallized ragwing it wasn't convenient to place it there or anywhere further out, so I ended up putting it about six inches out from the root in the left wing.

[4583C]

Brian thanks for the pics and answering Jim’s question which was my next question. I ordered the AV30 and tailbeaconX in April and it doesn’t look like I’ll get until August. The AV30 has been out of stock but they won’t give the discount on the pair unless they ship at the same time and the STC for the tailbeaconX hasn’t been approved yet.

[mmcmillan2]

BrianM, that looks nice!

[brianm]

I've flown about 40 hours behind the AV-30-C at this point. I figured I would post my impressions of it just in case anybody finds it useful. My 170 is VFR only and I am using the AV-30-C in the attitude indicator configuration as a replacement for my venturi-driven attitude indicator, directional gyro, and turn-and-bank indicator. The only thing that it doesn't provide compared to the three instruments it replaced is rate of turn. I'm hoping to see that in a future software update but I don't miss it. Net weight savings was around 10 lbs. In general it works as advertised. I have not tried the "probeless AoA" or audio alert features.

My only significant concern was that the heading precessed or drifted badly. If a mechanical DG was half as bad I would refuse to fly IFR with it. This seemed to be a common issue among AV-30 owners. I am happy to report that the recent version 2.1.2 software appears to have fixed it. I've flown a few hours since the update and it seems to be holding heading quite well. Still, I would be hesitant to use an AV-30-C in DG mode as a primary heading reference in an IFR aircraft.

Finally, a tip for those who are installing an AV-30. The installation manual tells you to leave pins 8 and 15 unconnected (MFG serial in and out). The service bulletin for upgrading to software version 2.1.2 directs you to wire a female DB9 connector to those pins. Even if your unit comes with the latest software version, there will inevitably be more updates in the future. You will save yourself some hassle down the road if you or your avionics shop install the DB9 connector during the initial install and route it somewhere readily accessible.

[AWilson]

Ghostflyer, thanks for the reply! The AV30c doesn’t seem to give you standard rate turn indication, is that correct?

I seem to remember that the FAQs on the AV-30 on Aircraft Spruce specifically say it does not have turn rate information. I don't know if that is a future upgrade, but I would more seriously consider it if it was. My heading indicator and turn coordinator are both tango uniform so I'd like to find something that would do both.

After some research, I found that a turn coordinator could be substituted with a second attitude indicator with ball for IFR flight. So, then the rate indicator feature wouldn’t be needed. It seems if I keep my original vacuum AI, I could add a digital AI with ball and backup battery and be legal (with no need for turn coordinator or turn and slip). Or ditch the vacuum AI, and add two digital AI units with batteries. I’m just brainstorming for future upgrades.

I realize this is an old thread but it is still relevant so I thought I would ad to it. I just don't get it. I have a turn and slip and a directional gyro. Both original to the aircraft, and either not working or ready to go belly up. I want to replace my vacuum system. Meaning remove these 2 instruments. The rest of my panels flight instruments are AS, Alt, vert. The AV-30's still don't give turn rate. So how can 2 units as stated in the post above solve the problem and allow you to remove the turn and slip? What am I missing?
The RC Allen Mini 6 or the RCA-2610 provides turn rate info. See picture below. The bottom bar is how they depict the turn rate. I was thinking an RC Allen unit and a AV -30 (with magnetometer)in DG mode would be an ideal combo. I am looking for insight from the forum. If 1 or 2 AV-30's would do the trick, great.
Oh, I am talking VFR only.

[brianm]

For VFR operations you don't need any rate of turn indication. Or attitude, or directional gyro. You need a compass and a slip/skid ball (inclinometer). You presumably already have a compass and the AV-30C is certified to replace slip/skid.

I do a fair amount of night and XC flying which puts one at an increased risk of encountering inadvertent IMC or spatial disorientation, so it was important to me to have basic attitude instruments. I don't really care about redundancy because it is for emergencies, I don't intend to go into the clouds. A single AV-30C was the best price that gave me everything I wanted and legally needed.

FWIW, rate of turn is available on the experimental AV-30E. It was released with firmware 3.0.0 back in July 2024. Supposedly it is "coming soon" for the AV-30C. Now, it is possible to install the experimental firmware on the certified hardware. Do with that information what you will.

[AWilson]

Thanks Brianm. I appreciate the insight. So when Uavionix says you cannot remove the turn coordinator they are talking in the context of IFR?
That is great news about the eventual (hopeful) addition of the rate of turn on the C. I looked at the simulator for the E and sure enough it is there. So 1 AV-30C to replace my DG. I still need to fill the hole once the turn and slip fails!

[brianm]

The installation manual says "Installation of the AV-30-C (Dedicated AI mode) as the primary source for attitude and slip. Installation replaces the existing stand-alone vacuum or electrically powered attitude indicator." I see how that could be interpreted as you cannot remove the turn coordinator. The thing is, for VFR flight the 170 doesn't require a turn coordinator in the first place, it only requires a ball. My mechanic agreed with my logic that since the AV-30C in AI mode provides a certified slip indication it meets the requirements and he was happy to remove my turn coordinator and sign the paperwork.