Simple Upgrade for Old Cirrus Owners Eases Wiring Hassles

A new package for the Avidyne Vantage12 line will allow Cirrus operators to make the jump to modern avionics easier than ever before, replacing their old Entegra systems with modern 12-inch glass panels.

The upgrade is about as simple and as easy as they can make it now, allowing those with a technically vintage Cirrus from 2000 to 2008 to revamp their flight deck with minimal wiring fuss. The EZ Installation Kit, as Avidyne calls it, provides a prewired adapter harness that mates up directly to existing Entegra wiring, with optional pre-cut panels and overlays capping off the final installation for a touch of factory-made class.

That's a pretty big jump for those still flying with the old Entegra panels. The Vantage series offers high-res, touch-capable PFD and MFD panels that integrate nicely to Avidyne IFD-series nav units and DFC autopilots. That may balloon the overhaul with some added costs for those who want everything to match, but as a standalone upgrade the Vantage is still a nifty improvement over the older panel. Reversionary mode, split screen, synthetic vision, and full compatibility with all configurations of factory Cirrus engine instruments and gear offer the same QoL benefits expected of any modern glass panel. Jeppesen charts can be added to the suite too, for those who like them.

The base MSRP of a dual Vantage 12" display setup, with a single ADC for the Cirrus will sit at $33,000 with an Entegra core return. Adding a second magnetometer and ADC add $9,500, while the EZ Adapter Kit comes in at a suggested price of $2,100. The precut panels come with a tag for $250, and overlays at $150.

FMI: www.avidyne.com