Aspen Install Questions

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blsewardjr
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Aspen Install Questions

Post by blsewardjr »

Since my HSI gyro is going I have decided to switch from installing a single Garmin GI-275 AI to the Aspen EFD1000 Pro Max. (Better in my view than dual GI-275s). My avionics shop has asked me a couple of questions that I'm hoping those of you with any flavor of the Aspen can answer.
1) Where did you put the ACU? I suggested the floor under the primary instruments, but I don't know if it will actually fit there.
2)For those of you with an RSM inside the wing (including any dual or triple installations that also have it elsewhere), does the emergency GPS work or does the wing block the signal? (Not critical for me, just nice to have). Same question with the OAT -- Aspen install instructions apparently say to leave it turned off.

Thanks much. Bernie
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Rich
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by Rich »

In my plane the ACU replaced the remote gyro for the HSI and reused its shock mounts. It's under the rear seats.

The RCM (including OAT) is mounted on top of the fuselage on a kind of blister. They said that the GPS function would not work inside the wing (which doesn't matter just yet). The wing skins do have a layer of carbon fiber, so maybe that's true. The OAT would likely lag real OAT if inside the wing, but I don't know by how much. But I still have the other OAT anyway, so that lag would probably not be all that big a deal.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Rich
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by Rich »

Some hangups I had in my E5 install so watch for them:

1. When removing the old AI, they also removed the emergency battery switch altogether. This would leave me with no floodlight at all. I caught it and had them reinstall. Clearly they were not familiar with the DA40, at least our early generation. The emergency battery pack (those 28 AA's) now will power just the floodlight when/if activated. This is the expected outcome of this installation.

2. I needed to retain the turn coordinator as a backup to remain IFR legal. This did happen, but the technician wrongly created a placard saying the plane was now VFR only. I pointed out the relevant reference in the installation manual and this was corrected.

3. They failed to calibrate the OAT function. The procedure is described in the installation manual and I went ahead and did it myself.

I am happy with the outcome, though. I feel like IFR and autopilot operations are incrementally improved in several ways, even given I still have the ancient and much-maligned KAP140. :D
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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blsewardjr
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by blsewardjr »

Thanks for the tips! I flew behind an Aspen today in a C172 so got a chance to see it in flight. It will meet my needs. My maintenance shop has an RSM on hand so plan to have mechanics open up the wing and see if it will fit in my DA40. I know it did not in yours, but it appears to have in other DA40s.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Rich
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by Rich »

I figure the RSM would fit, but with some gyrations getting it in and out. Aspen advised against it and I'm good with where it wound up. But getting the adapter goodie fabricated was a chore and added significant delay.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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blsewardjr
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by blsewardjr »

Would the fabricator of your adapater consider making another one?
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Rich
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by Rich »

blsewardjr wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 3:35 pm Would the fabricator of your adapater consider making another one?
I would think so. It is a printed piece. I'll see if I can get contact info (it was a subcontract to the shop that installed it).
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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blsewardjr
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by blsewardjr »

Thanks, Rich. I looked into the space where the Bendix King magnetometer goes. In my DA40 there is a solid wall as you described that borders the inboard part of space over the inspection plate. Not clear if the RSM would fit there. In any case, after consulting my local avionics guy (who's a former engineering professor), I think the best way to proceed is the rear fuselage adapter so I'll be interested in what you uncover.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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Rich
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by Rich »

blsewardjr wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2021 1:21 pm Thanks, Rich. I looked into the space where the Bendix King magnetometer goes. In my DA40 there is a solid wall as you described that borders the inboard part of space over the inspection plate. Not clear if the RSM would fit there. In any case, after consulting my local avionics guy (who's a former engineering professor), I think the best way to proceed is the rear fuselage adapter so I'll be interested in what you uncover.
Unfortunately, this is the response I got from my shop:

I have the drawings for it. But, as I pointed out when I gave it to you, I designed it, and purchased it. So, all the fabricator did was make the file I provided.
If I put it out there it could draw the wrong attention. As I had to get a blessing from Diamond as to the particulars.
It's not a production part but, more of a prototype.


Here's what the adapter looked like before painting and final installation. What the picture doesn't show is that there is some special work to the holes that are drilled in the fuselage to properly seal them.
Aspen Wedgie.jpg
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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blsewardjr
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Re: Aspen Install Questions

Post by blsewardjr »

Thanks for checking. I expected such a response given our regulatory/litigious times. I will see if the avionics shop is up to doing this.
Bernie Seward, IR, AGI
2003 DA40 N377DS
KCHO Charlottesville, VA
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