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GNS430 repair

My GNS 430 (non WAAS) has just developed a slightly milky horizontal band on the screen which takes about 20 minutes to develop after start. The detail on the screen is still readable but my fear is that this is a sign of an impending total screen failure. The unit is 10 years old and is the 12v/28v specification which I understand is still supported by Garmin.
Is there anyone in the UK who specialises in repairing the GNS430 or should I go with Garmin’s fixed price fault repair offer? Also can anyone advise whether it is worth biting the bullet and going for the WAAS upgrade? I don’t have an autopilot and rarely do an ILS to minimums, let alone have a need to fly precision GPS approaches.

You could call Navcomm Avionics Ltd at Bournemouth 01202 578866. I have no idea if they do Garmin stuff but they are one of the last remaining “avionics box” repair shops anywhere, and reportedly they are competent.

Administrator
Shoreham EGKA, United Kingdom

I’d recommend the Garmin fixed price repair. I had mine done last year (it is of a similar age) and it came back like new. I get the impression they don’t actually repair them, just replace the innards. Make sure you get the correct (non-WAAS) price.

The WAAS upgrade is a lot more expensive and involves more than just the box upgrade to be able to fly LPVs. It’s probably worth doing if you had one of the early 28v boxes that are no longer supported by Garmin under a fixed price repair.

I sent my NAV/COM 1 to Garmin for a sensitivity issue in reception. It came back like new. Don’t know what they did to it apart from replacing the radio card, but it almost looks like they changed the LCD display and gave it a good clean. 1100 €

LFPT, LFPN

I am not sure I agree. The W upgrade is more expensive, but it gives you much more than just SBAS glidepath.

It also gives you:

  • A much more accurate final approach, even on LNAV approaches (increasing sensitivity as opposed to 0.3nm tramlines),
  • RNAV 2 rather than RNAV 5 in ENR mode,
  • a sharper screen,
  • higher refresh rate,
  • dotted lines on fly-by waypoints,
  • better warning of how to anticipate a fly-by turn,
  • better altitude resolution;

I am sure I have forgotten some other stuff.

Also, on a W conversion you get new crisper knobs; I am not sure that you do on a standard repair.

The resale value on both the box and the aircraft will be greater. You may not require glidepath, but many people buy aircraft with the avionics they want, they do not want to buy a project. Most people want SBAS (EGNOS/WAAS) capability.

If I had a 430 requiring work, it would not occur to me not to upgrade to a W.

And a word of warning. There are hints abroad that Garmin is beginning to wind down its capability and desire to fix and upgrade these very old boxes. It is much more in their interests to ship 650s. Also, the 8.33 situation has made old GNSs attractive and most people getting a 430 will want a W, also increasing demand. So you might want to do this sooner rather than later.

EGKB Biggin Hill

…I’ve remembered another one. You can put hugely more waypoints in a W flightplan than a non-W.

EGKB Biggin Hill

Thanks for your replies and recommendations. Have just spoken to Garmin and they more or less told me that the WAAS upgrade is the only way to “future proof” support for the 430. The RRP for the upgrade is $3995 and has to be ordered through a dealer. As the 430W needs a different antenna that is included in the price.
I also asked about the new dual G5 AI/HSI and was told they are working on EASA approval of the STC which they expect sooner than later. Looks like it is going to be an expensive year!

Even though your hand is forced, you will be better off

EGKB Biggin Hill

and the W box supports Garmin “Connext” – i.e. FlightStream connection to/from Garmin Pilot – the easiest way to enter or change a flight plan.

Glenswinton, SW Scotland, United Kingdom

I’m with Tim and Jacko – upgrade to 430W. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Spending too long online
EGTF Fairoaks, EGLL Heathrow, United Kingdom
11 Posts
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