Anyone upgrade to AXIS ??

[Meconiates]

So I have a FX3 build on order that is coming off the line with G3X and I am trying to figure out the most cost effective way to upgrade to AXIS - either via CubCrafters factory or an avionics shop post delivery.

Anyone upgrade their G3X to AXIS? If so, can you share who you used and costs involved?

Separately is anyone running a GTN650 on their Carbon Cub ?

 

[Neal]

A friend had an FX-3 with a GTN 650, but there isn't enough space for the radio if you have comm on the right side.

As to the AXIS, bluntly, I'm over it. The G3X is perfectly fine. When it first came out I of course wanted it and first reached out the Midwest panel builders as I watch them on YouTube. That was a never ending back and forth where I just gave up. Prior to Oshkosh it was clear, I wanted them to upgrade my plane, I offered to be the first FX-3 for them, two were ahead of me. They said they'd have an estimate by whenever (prior to OSH) and that didn't happen. I get it, they're busy prepping for OSH I presume. I waited until after OSH and reached out to them. They said they'd gladly send me the panel. I don't want the panel! I want the plane upgraded. The conversation ended there, it was futile, I have no idea why I couldn't communicate with them offering to fly my plane up and have it upgraded.

So I reached out to CubCrafters via parts I think it was asking about the upgrade. It was me and one other xcub at that time and they said they'd get back to me. Never heard from them.

So I've given up and probably a good thing as again, the G3X is perfectly fine. I no longer have any desire for the AXIS or the troubles it may bring being new, and having a perfect airplane that is just going to have something go wrong in the process.

If I were you and HAD to have it, I would not take delivery until it was done. It will go to the service hangar and they will do the upgrade and when done I'd take delivery. They do the mods after production that you may want. They've upgraded their own planes, no reason they can't upgrade yours. It's just a matter of whether you want to pay the price. I'd also keep the GDU-465 and sell it. You could probably get 3-4K for it.

 

[Meconiates]

So I just spent upwards of $500k on a brand new FX3 and so I am getting AXIS one way or another. I have been trying to get a reasonable upgrade offer from the factory but so far that’s been elusive.

To give some context, I am already getting a full Garmin IFR avionics package costing $60,270, including the G3X GDU 465, Garmin autopilot, GNC 355 GPS/COM, G5, GTR 20 remote COM and GTX 45R remote transponder.

Initially I asked to swap out the G3X with a AXIS 116NC to pick up NAV COMM radios. The hardware difference is around $19k but they quoted me $31k which sounded high.

So then the factory then suggested that they swap out the G3X for AXIS 116BX and swap out the 355 for a 650. The difference in hardware cost for those swaps is around $7,700 but somehow their “upgrade” quote ballooned to $37k which they can’t explain. I sent emails over the weekend but it’s been crickets since….

To be honest, I am a bit disappointed because I have been asking about AXIS since Oshkosh and here we are in mid October, about 1 month from my expected delivery date and this is still up in the air. And to add insult to injury, they said any AXIS upgrade would further delay my plane by an additional month. How is a drop in screen replacement a month of work ???

So I think at this point I need to find a good Garmin avionics shop that can do this for me after delivery. If anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate any referrals.

 

[Neal]

I don't know it's just a screen replacement, I think there is more behind the panel that needs to be handled. CubCrafters knew this was coming, they should have offered everyone on the line at OSH and after the opportunity to upgrade and sign a NDA if required not to mention the AXIS.

CubCrafters' pricing is insane, no doubt about it. My BRS was 17K. It's over 30K now.

I'll take a J-3 please

 

[Neal]

I suggest trying Midwest Panel Builders and maybe you can make better progress with them.

 

[lrobichaux]

The G3X is perfectly fine.

After several weeks of going down the Axis rabbit hole and getting all excited about the cool features, I've since come to the same conclusion. I've decided to spend that money somewhere else.

A friend had an FX-3 with a GTN 650, but there isn't enough space for the radio if you have comm on the right side.

The GTN 650 would serve as the second comm, but it's my understanding that there's not enough room for the AP controller. I checked on that option with my NXCub and losing the AP controller was a no-go for me.

I am already getting a full Garmin IFR avionics package costing $60,270, including the G3X GDU 465, Garmin autopilot, GNC 355 GPS/COM, G5, GTR 20 remote COM and GTX 45R remote transponder.

This is the exact panel I have in my NXCub and my EX-3. I'm really happy with the IFR capabilities of this panel, and I do not see where a 650 would add anything.

So I just spent upwards of $500k on a brand new FX3 and so I am getting AXIS one way or another.

100% agree! I would literally tell them that they need to slot in the Axis at NO ADDITIONAL COST!

So I think at this point I need to find a good Garmin avionics shop that can do this for me after delivery. If anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate any referrals.

Trevor at Tech Aero in Denton, Texas is awesome. He does all my avionics work and would be happy to discuss an Axis panel with you.

Initially I asked to swap out the G3X with a AXIS 116NC to pick up NAV COMM radios.

Just my two cents, you do not need (and will not miss) nav radios. The FX-3 is an amazing backcountry adventure plane and you will be flying VFR the vast majority of the time. For those times where you need to fly IFR and shoot an approach, a WAAS GPS which get you to LPV minimums is equivalent to (or better than) an ILS approach. Just one person's opinion.

 

[Meconiates]

At a bare minimum I am going to swap out the G3X with an AXIS 116BX. The difference in hardware is a just a few thousand. Having a NAV radio falls into the "nice to have category" but certainly not worth spending $20k+ for.

 

[ve6yeq]

I'm currently in the wait-and-see camp - maybe when the AXIS system has time to mature.

AXIS is missing features (e.g., SiriusXM Weather) that are important to me in Canada, where there is no ground-based "ADS-B" weather. NavCanada has greatly reduced ground-based navaids (VOR, DME, NDB, etc.), so a Nav radio isn't very useful for someone who does not fly high. Also, if the G3X Touch software continues to be supported and evolve, I don’t see a reason to upgrade in the near term.

 

[Neal]

AXIS is missing features (e.g., SiriusXM Weather) that are important to me in Canada

This is solved by adding the GDL51R with connector per Midwest Panel Builders which is $900.

 

[ve6yeq]

As of my last check, support for the GDL 51R is scheduled to be added in a future AXIS software update...

 

[Cactus Charlie]

As of my last check, support for the GDL 51R is scheduled to be added in a future AXIS software update...

At least on person at VAF reporting GDL 51R working with latest Axis software version.

I do not see enough advantage to Axis to justify the work of changing from GDU 465 to any Axis DU. If it was a new build then the IFR Axis DU with integrated COM and IFR navigator may be tempting but I already have that capability with my current avionics fit.

From my perspective Axis is just another reason for Garmin to delay a G3X Touch software update.

 

[Neal]

In my opinion, AXIX is needed. The G3X is ancient in technical perspective, it has a slow processor as those of us with GNC navigators can compare. The display is old too compared to newer panels (like new TV's or computer monitors). I think from a resale value standpoint, it's going to play in. People will want the latest tech. It's amazing to me what some aircraft owners and companies focus on. So much attention is drawn to shocks, yeah, stupid shocks instead of the plane, the powerplant, the avionics. Cars now sell based on their tech, in the older days it was IFS, brakes, transmission, engine. Now it's the number of USB ports Oh, is it type c?

I'll continue watching how this evolves. I am content with my G3X but if I feel the need for a new toy to spice up my non backcountry flying life, it's something to consider. I should probably get a rotax too for the huge mountains in VA haha. Sorry, I couldn't help myself, the FOMO is real when watching others make a decision. What I admire most are the vintage cubs, when people stop diddling with the gadgets and just enjoy aviation. We get consumed by avionics and other complex things that we lose perspective on the joy of flight. My $.02.

 

[TailwindsJJ]

So I just spent upwards of $500k on a brand new FX3 and so I am getting AXIS one way or another. I have been trying to get a reasonable upgrade offer from the factory but so far that’s been elusive.

To give some context, I am already getting a full Garmin IFR avionics package costing $60,270, including the G3X GDU 465, Garmin autopilot, GNC 355 GPS/COM, G5, GTR 20 remote COM and GTX 45R remote transponder.

Initially I asked to swap out the G3X with a AXIS 116NC to pick up NAV COMM radios. The hardware difference is around $19k but they quoted me $31k which sounded high.

So then the factory then suggested that they swap out the G3X for AXIS 116BX and swap out the 355 for a 650. The difference in hardware cost for those swaps is around $7,700 but somehow their “upgrade” quote ballooned to $37k which they can’t explain. I sent emails over the weekend but it’s been crickets since….

To be honest, I am a bit disappointed because I have been asking about AXIS since Oshkosh and here we are in mid October, about 1 month from my expected delivery date and this is still up in the air. And to add insult to injury, they said any AXIS upgrade would further delay my plane by an additional month. How is a drop in screen replacement a month of work ???

So I think at this point I need to find a good Garmin avionics shop that can do this for me after delivery. If anyone has any recommendations I would appreciate any referrals.

What other options are you getting in terms of Engine wheels brakes and shocks?
I built an EX3 full IFR with G3X and am loving it - I too would have gone with Axis if I did it again but with that said - no way would I upgrade to Axis at this point as I see zero advantages to pulling stuff out and replacing with an unproven ( long term) system. If you are in the Northeast you should talk to Nexair but not sure if they work on cub types.

 

[Meconiates]

What other options are you getting in terms of Engine wheels brakes and shocks?
I built an EX3 full IFR with G3X and am loving it - I too would have gone with Axis if I did it again but with that said - no way would I upgrade to Axis at this point as I see zero advantages to pulling stuff out and replacing with an unproven ( long term) system. If you are in the Northeast you should talk to Nexair but not sure if they work on cub types.

CC363i engine (186 HP, EIS, Injected), prop governor
• Unpainted, uncovered gear legs
• ACME 3X3 Titanium gear & cabane
• Grove 6" wheel & 1.75" brakes
• Alaska Bush Wheel 31”
• HD Tread on Tires
• ACME Pro Series shocks
• Braided stainless brake lines
• Safety Cables, Atlee Dodge
• ACME Stinger tail suspension
• ABI 3200 tailwheel

I reached out to Nexair, Griffin and Lancaster and got quotes back frim Griffin and Lancaster. I am surprised that Nexair hasn’t sent me something. Maybe they are too busy installing AXIS into higher priced jobs and can’t be bothered with a small cub job.

Looking at the quotes, I don’t think it makes sense to spend $25-30k for just a NAV radio. So my plan is to simply swap the G3X with a AXIS 116BX and call it a day. If the Cub Crafters factory can give me a reasonable upgrade price for the swap, I will have the factory do it, but I have been getting the silent treatment thus far.

If that doesn’t come together I will probably have Lancaster do it. The upgrade cost should not be much over $5500 as the cost to install is pretty much what I can sell the G3X for.