GDL 69A in New DA62

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Bryce
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GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Bryce »

I am needing to finalize my options on my 62 order and got thinking. Diamond is charging $12k for the GDL 69A to have an XM music and weather subscription. Ignore the fact that I'm getting the active weather radar for a minute. Also ignore that you can buy an install an XM receiver very cheap. As I understand from someone I know who installs these units, they are easy to install into a G1000 aircraft after the fact. They can be bought brand new for about $4,500 or used for about $2,000. Labor to install one is about $2,000. Is there something special about the G1000 system in the DA62 where it can't be simply added after the fact for less than half the price? Are others ordering their DA62 with the GDL 69A in them?

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Steve
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Steve »

Bryce:

I'm no expert on DA62 equipment, or the G1000. But I am confused as to why someone who can afford north of $1.5M for a new airplane would have someone start tearing into it to install equipment to (maybe) save less than 0.5% of the purchase price. Plus time on the ground to get it installed, potential issues with warranty of the install work and possibly the unit itself (if used). Penny wise but pound foolish?

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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Bryce »

Steve,
Good point. In all fairness, it's a simple harness that plugs into the avionics rack, so you're not tearing anything apart. Now that I think about it, you would have to install an intenna too, so that makes it not realistic to do after the fact. I am fortunate to have a lifetime subscription on my GDL in my G36 Bonanza, but I find myself using weather more than the music. That's also why I ask if people are buying the GDL 69A when they also have the weather radar.
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Soareyes »

I have both the GDL69A and ADS-B in my DA42.

I don't listen to XM music but the next buyer might want it.

Sometimes one or the other "Takes a spell" as my mother in law used to say. Nice to have a back up available. XM weather shows fine detail farther out. You can't have too much weather information.

Other gadget choice: I did decide to not install an active traffic unit, relying on ADS-B only for that.
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by chili4way »

This will come down to FIS-B weather vs. SXM weather product differences and what these mean to your flying - especially since you'll have weather radar on board.

If you want everything possible, SXM is worth it despite the additional upfront cost, weight, and subscription fees. Since you'll have a Bluetooth audio panel and probably an iPad - you can store plenty of music on the iPad, so the entertainment value is marginal (unless you're devoted to one of the SXM stations or programs.). And there's always the "resale" argument.

In my not-FIKI DA40NG, I opted to skip the GDL 69A. Internet weather on the ground, combined with airborne FIS-B weather updates on the G1000 NXI MFD and my iPad (ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot), has been good enough for me.
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by janders »

I have the 69A and the wx radar in my 62 and I use both. The radar give you a good view of the wx and groud clutter ahead of you and the SXM radio is nice for getting a good picture of not just wx radar from ground stations, but also all the other weather products provided. And occasionally some SXM music.
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Boatguy »

Another consideration for the OP is when he expects to get his radar.

The GWX75 is not yet certified so most planes are now being delivered "radar ready" rather than taking delivery with the GWX70 which was discontinued by Garmin a few years ago. NXi Phase 3, which includes the GWX75, has been "we expect certification in two quarters" for a couple of years. When it will actually be certified is simply unknown. I got the GDL69 to fill in until the GWX75 actually arrives.

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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by MackAttack »

Ditto here
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by Bryce »

I'm getting it "radar ready" and hopefully the wait for the GWX75 (then software update for the 80, or 800, or whatever the number is) isn't very long after. Now that I think about it, I use the other weayher features of the GDL69A more than I use the imagery. Sounds like you guys do the same.
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Re: GDL 69A in New DA62

Post by MichaelM »

Also having my 62 delivered "radar ready" hoping for the GWX 75 and will use XM as the primary source of weather until we get it. I prefer the XM Weather over the ADS-B data. I've had better luck getting the XM Feed on the ground just prior to departure. XM also covers some of Canada and in to Mexico. The onboard RADAR is a great tool, but I like to supplement with Satellite to see what is behind me and to either side, in case what is ahead of me isn't looking that great.
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