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Thread: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2023
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    Stillwater, MN
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    Default Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    Apologies for this basic question, but I've been searching for days with no clear answer; so I'll try here.
    I'm swapping in a Rotax 915 in my 7SS and figure it's a good time to upgrade the panel.
    Current panel is:
    Dynon D180 EFIS
    Garmin SL40 coms
    Garmin GDL 50 ADSB
    Garmin aera 660 gps
    Garmin GTX327

    I'd like to swap out the D180 for a G3X and have it be the engine monitor too, but I'm having a heck of a time trying to figure out all the little pieces and add-on's I'll need to integrate the engine and just use the EFIS. I'm fine leaving the coms and xpdr in their stand alone state.

    Can anyone point me in the right direction on what I'll need? Basically I want the info the D180 and the aera 660 displays all in one clean unit with the Rotax engine info.
    Here's what I'm wanting the g3x to do.
    airspeed
    alt
    heading
    gps navigation
    adsb in
    OAT / Windspeed and direction arrow thingy when I'm flying.

    Is there a wizard on some website? I tried the aircraft spruce website, but they're assuming a level of knowledge about the parts I just don't have and with the price of these add on's and options, I want to buy what I need and not more than that.

  2. #2
    Super Moderator desertdave's Avatar
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    Jun 2019
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    Scottsdale AZ
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    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    Call Stein at Steinair. They are one of the board sponsors and super knowledgeable. He helped me lay out my entire avionics package and it all integrated perfectly and started right up.
    He is at Sun & Fun now but call when he is back.
    https://www.steinair.com
    Dave
    KitFox 6 Taildragger
    912 ULS
    Whirlwind Prop
    Garmin G3x
    All around nice guy

  3. #3
    Senior Member Kitfox Pilot's Avatar
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    Spring Garden Illinois
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    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    This is a huge question you ask as you will learn when you start putting this all together. As far as the engine is concerned, you will need a gea24 to display engine FADEC information onto the g3x. The engine is already wired, and this is a pretty simple task as far as wiring goes.

    I second Steinair for Garmin info.

    https://sarasotaavionics.com/vfr-package-25 have vfr and ifr packages that you can look at and see what you need to finish out what you are wanting to do.
    Last edited by Kitfox Pilot; 04-05-2025 at 07:06 AM.
    Harlan and Susan Payne
    Flying FarmFox STI Kitfox N61HP
    Rotax 915is, Airmaster prop.
    https://www.youtube.com/@KitfoxPilot/videos

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    Quote Originally Posted by Kitfox Pilot View Post
    This is a huge question you ask as you will learn when you start putting this all together. As far as the engine is concerned, you will need a gea24 to display engine FADEC information onto the g3x. The engine is already wired, and this is a pretty simple task as far as wiring goes.

    I second Steinair for Garmin info.

    https://sarasotaavionics.com/vfr-package-25 have vfr and ifr packages that you can look at and see what you need to finish out what you are wanting to do.

    Thanks for this info. I did the wizard for the quote from them, so hopefully it comes back in my range.

    I'm trying to see if a G3X is possible or if I need to do a stand alone engine monitor. I'm pulling money out of the market and the recent hit has deleted my once comfortable avionics budget. I reached out to see what the real cost of putting this G3x in my KF7 will be. I'm comfortable wiring (was an avionics tech in a previous life) but trying to figure out the real cost of this upgrade. 6-8k could be reasonable, but 15-20k and I'm just going to start looking for a stand alone monitor. I'd rather be flying the Dynon d180 I've with a separate monitor than sitting in the hanger telling myself I "need" a G3X with the panel torn apart.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2021
    Location
    Chico, CA
    Posts
    95

    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    Running the engine monitoring through the G3X is possible, but like Harlan mentioned you'll need the GEA 24 to display the information on the G3X.
    When I quoted out a full Garmin system three years ago it was around $10,800. Not sure what it would be now.
    Jason B.
    Kitfox S7 STi
    Dynon | 915is

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Dec 2019
    Location
    Idaho
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    136

    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    I think it'll depend a lot on what you mean by a "full" G3X system. For a minimal "full" system I think you'd need
    G3X
    G3X Config Module (for saving config info)
    GTR20 Remote radio
    GPS20 Waas GPS (ADSB needs this)
    GSU25 ADAHRS
    GTX345 ADSB In/Out Transponder
    GEA24 Engine Information System
    GAP26 Pitot Tube
    GTP59 OAT
    GMU11 Magnetometer

    The config module, ADAHRS, magnetometer and OAT sensor are combined together in what Garmin calls "LRU Standard Kit".

    For Autopilot you'd just need to add 2 or 3 GSA28 servos.

    Almost all the components need an "install kit" which contains connectors etc.

    Optional items could include
    Audio Panel
    Panel Mounted AP control head
    Panel Mounted Radio control head
    AOA indicator

    The 915is has all the engine sensors included except for fuel pressure. The GEA24 is needed to convert the Rotax engine CANBUS info packets into
    a format that the G3X understands. You would not need an external engine monitor.

    I've spoken with Garmin support several times during installation and they were extremely helpful. Garmin does require a paid subscription for map
    updates whereas some other brands provide that for free.

    Victor
    Building SS7
    915iS
    Garmin G3x

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Aug 2023
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    Stillwater, MN
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    Default Re: Garmin G3X > Rotax 915??

    I really appreciate everyone chiming in on this one, it's been very helpful.

    I got a quote back from Sarasota Avionics at $8300 for the stuff I'll need based on what ya'll provided.

    Now, outside of the connector kits what have ya'll found to be the real cost to build the harness and make everything work together. Truthfully, I'm not sure I'll be able to swing a 10k investment in avionics so I might need start planning for a stand alone engine monitor. This recent market adjustment has wiped out all my fancy avionics and prop budget from my airplane account.

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