TSO'd vs Non-TSO'd

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:30 am

Hi Guys!

I'm playing with the XPanel 5000 software (which is really cool) and trying to plan out my panel. This software actually has the prices of the different avionics that are out there. The price difference between the TSO'd and Non-TSO'd stuff is incredible. What's the deal with and what are the limitations with Non-TSO'd stuff?

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 12:07 pm

Smitty,

Most TSO'd products are identical to non-TSO. The cost diff is their cost for certification amortized over a period of time. The beauty of being the "manufacturer" of our aircraft and the fact they are experimental means we are not required to use TSO'd components...but you already knew that.

I have also been playing with XPanel...I want to try the collaboration feature. How bout we "swap" designs and comment for each other?

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:18 pm

Hi Bret,

I only have the trial copy of the software right now. Looks like it is on sale now for $29.95. I may have to get a "bonified" copy. I'll get back witcha' on that. Here's what I have so far. Oh, I just noticed I forgot to put a tach in the mix. Dang it!

The total cost so far is $6,243. Not bad...

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 2:45 pm

Shoot, you have a long way to go...Mine so far is $36,480 (retail)...
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cjensen · Post by **cjensen** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:00 pm

smithhb wrote:Shoot, you have a long way to go...Mine so far is $36,480 (retail)...
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OMG!!

$36k in your panel!! I feel sheepish...

Mine is a little higher than Smitty's at $11,372 for this-

smittysrv · Post by **smittysrv** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:32 pm

I went through the menu in the XPanel software and picked out non-TSO'd stuff for everything but the radio, gps and transponder. It made a HUGE different in the overall price.

Here is the Internet Version of the software:

http://www.xpanelsoftware.com/XPanelWeb/XPanel.aspx

ptrotter · Post by **ptrotter** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:19 pm

The only TSO'd items you need for an experimental plane are a transponder and ELT. Nothing else needs to be TSO'd, so you might as well save any money you can and get non-TSO'd stuff where possible.

4kilo · Post by **4kilo** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:42 pm

ptrotter wrote:The only TSO'd items you need for an experimental plane are a transponder and ELT. Nothing else needs to be TSO'd, so you might as well save any money you can and get non-TSO'd stuff where possible.

Paul,

This statement is mostly true, but there are a couple of exceptions:

If you want to use GPS for enroute or approach navigation, your GPS equipment must be appropriately TSO'ed. If you have non-TSO'ed GPS, you can use it for "situational awareness," but not for IFR navigation.

Nav and anti-collision lights must meet TSO standards. Because the equipment does not need to be TSO'ed, you the builder are responsible to make sure that your lights meet this requirement. So far, I have never heard of an inspector requiring a builder to demonstrate compliance with the TSO standards, but it is there in the rules.

Pat

svanarts · Post by **svanarts** » Fri Jun 22, 2007 11:30 pm

smittysrv wrote:Hi Bret,

I only have the trial copy of the software right now. Looks like it is on sale now for $29.95. I may have to get a "bonified" copy. I'll get back witcha' on that. Here's what I have so far. Oh, I just noticed I forgot to put a tach in the mix. Dang it! The total cost so far is $6,243. Not bad...

That's a good price for a panel planner. I may have to check that out.

smithhb · Post by **smithhb** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 8:46 am

Hey all,

I spoke with Fabian (Affordable Panels) yesterday and he can take your design in XPanel and laser cut it for you. For the $$time$$ this is a great option.

Here is my current leaning...

The *discounted* price for my panel is around 20K.

captain_john · Post by **captain_john** » Sat Jun 23, 2007 6:08 pm

Bret,

Nice design!

I really like it!

CJ