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<< Lancair Builders' Mail List >>
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Aaron,
Looks very interesting for all of the reasons you mention. Now that you
bring it to my attention, I am going to make a point to see them at
AirVenture. You asked for downside. These are not definite, but they are
thing potential issues that run through my mind...
1) I agree with the installed base issue. I would like to see significantly
more of these flying. Does he plan on getting FAA certification?
2) Various forms of technical support for computer technology is what I have
been doing since 1984. As much experience with computer crashes and
software/hardware bugs as I have, I do have some reservations about
replacing most of the panel with this one device. He addresses this in his
Questions & Answers page. More history and installed base would go a long
way to reducing this concern. I am glad to hear he did not base the OS on
any form of MS Windows, Linux, etc. The fact that the whole system is
dedicated to this function helps simplify the system significantly. This in
turn simplifies the number of permutations that need to be tested in the QA
process. In the absence of installed base and history, I would want to know
more about the QA process (what was tested and how).
3) How solid does his business look? If he goes out of business, there goes
your updates. This is true of any company, but if the updates stop, the
equipment will almost certainly need to come out of your panel. I would not
be as worried about a company that has been around longer.
4) What about post sales service and support (beyond the DVD subscription).
I like the fact that boot code is in flash memory. I assume that boot code
updates can be installed in flash memory if needed. I also like that
post-boot software updates can be included on the monthly DVD. As software
revisions are needed, they are installed automatically next time you start
up with the new DVD. This helps insure you are always using the latest
software provided you are using the latest DVD. So... the DVD has more than
just the latest sectionals and nav charts. What happens if the hardware
needs service? Do you need to remove the unit from you panel and send it in?
5) In the Question section of the website, it mentions the backup
instrumentation you should have in case of failure. I would definitely
design my panel so that I could fly even if the EFIS system failed in
flight. That starts reducing the weight, cost, and space benefits you point
out. You mention $10,000 for a dual panel system. The way I interpret what
he says is that would not be a totally redundant dual EFIS system, it would
be a second display to the one system? If the failing component was the LCD
display, the second display would have you covered. If the main EFIS system
failed, neither screen will help you out. I do like the fact that you could
run the unit with NiCad battery backup for several hours. That would help
cover you in the event the aircraft's electrical system failed.
Those are my concerns... It is very interesting.
Don Parsons
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LML website: http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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