No used DA62 for sale

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CFIDave
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by CFIDave »

MackAttack wrote: Sat Feb 20, 2021 2:48 pmThe keypad is also nice just from a buttonology/useability perspective, but of course it's not essential.
We *never* use the center armrest GCU476 FMS keypad, because:

- it's awkwardly-placed
- the G1000 never seems to be in the correct mode to input alpha/numeric data into the right PFD/MFD fields, so you always have to hit extra buttons to switch to the correct input mode.
- it's just as fast and easy to enter radio frequencies by spinning knobs on the PFD/MFD
- with the FlightStream 510 wireless SDcard now enabled, it's much easier to enter or change flight plan waypoints using your iPad running Foreflight or Garmin Pilot, and then have the changes wirelessly synchronize with the NXi flight deck. The iPad has become an essential touchscreen keypad that mounts easily using the DA62s optional A-pillar RAM mounts, making the harder-to-use hardwired armrest keypad redundant.

If I were buying new again, I'd save the $22K.
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MackAttack
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by MackAttack »

that's interesting! I've never been a big fan of all the button-pushing and knob-spinning in the G1000, so my assumption was that the keypad would be a big help. I get how that might not be so IRL, and that the iPad would be easier with the 510 connection - thanks!
Jroseund
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by Jroseund »

CFIDave wrote: Sat Feb 20, 2021 3:17 am
1. The big change was Legacy G1000-->G1000 NXi in April 2017, which also included fuel gauges being added to the AUX tanks, heated static ports on fuselage, availability of the optional GCU476 FMS keypad in the center armrest, and GTX33ES transponder-->GTX335R transponder.
(Later avionics upgrades included GTX335R-->GTX345R and FS510 enablement, then NXi Phase I-->NXi Phase II with GIA64Ws and new GMA1360 audio panel with Bluetooth and 3D audio.)

Because so little has changed, the best value might be to buy a 2016 DA62 with Legacy G1000 for less than $1M and spend $100K to upgrade it to NXi Phase II -- so it's equipped similarly to a new $1.4M DA62. But 2016 models are hard to find, too.
Hi Dave,

Is the FS510 only compatible with the GTX345R? I take it the fuel gauges added for the AUX tanks and heated static ports are from the avionics upgrade or actual physical add on to the airframe?
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CFIDave
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by CFIDave »

There was a software update for NXi Phase I DA62s that came out early last year (2020) for adding the GTX345R that *also* enabled the FS510 card. You don't have to update the transponder if all you want to do is add the FS510. (There are aircraft owners flying outside the US ADS-B ground station network who might not want a GTX345R upgrade; the GTX345R is still an extra-cost option on new DA62s.).

The AUX fuel tank gauges and heated static ports must be physically added for Legacy G1000 DA62s to be upgraded with NXi avionics. That's why it's a $100K upgrade.
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by Jroseund »

Thanks Dave!
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Kerry
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by Kerry »

Dave, I agree with you completely. I have one of the first batch of DA62s with the G1000 NXi, so the keypad was an option. I love gadgets, but it seemed only marginally useful and I knew when Flightstream 510 was available, the keypad would never be used. Then there's the $22,000. I'm glad I didn't order it.
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NDCDA62
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Re: No used DA62 for sale

Post by NDCDA62 »

Well, despite having ForeFlight, I would not be without my GARMIN Keypad. Worth every cent and really easy once you get used to it.
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