Garmin is the only option??? I know that there are several people in Europe who are down on Avidyne, and they have been slow with EASA approvals. I operate N-reg and was an early adopter of their IFD line of GPS/NAV/COM units and am quite positive about them. Per info from AERO, it seems that EASA cert is imminent.
As an early IFD adopter I did have some teething problems but those now seem resolved and I’m very enthusiastic about the functionality and intuitiveness. Their customer service is very good and they are obviously working very hard to ensure that the products perform as expected. My IFD540 and AXP340 have been installed for just over a year.
In any case, I completely disagree with the previous statements that Garmin is the only choice, unless the work absolutely needs to be done within the next month or so (in the case of EASA-reg). N-reg installation of the IFD540 has been available for about 21 months. They say that thousands of these units are now installed. There are a couple threads on this forum about the equipment.
I suggest that anyone in the market for new generation avionics take a look at their corporate forum to get a no-holds-barred customer view of the products. I can’t imagine this type of open exchange being allowed by Garmin, and give Avidyne a lot of credit for being so open with the user community. Any negative comments towards Avidyne need to be taken in that context.
Consider me a happy customer, very pleased with my choice. I currently have the following installed in my C172: IFD540/IFD440/AXP340. The latter includes ADS-B activation.
Vince
“Have you any idea about the upgrade cost? Is the 430W plug compatible with the 430? (Except for the additional antenna, of course.)”
Yes it’s totally compatible with existing wiring.
I think the upgrade was $3000 last time I was involved in getting one done.
wigglyamp wrote:
The older GNS430 (28V) is no longer repairable. However, they are not scrap if they fail, as Garmin offer a fixed-price upgrade to a 430W (dual voltage).Have you any idea about the upgrade cost? Is the 430W plug compatible with the 430? (Except for the additional antenna, of course.)
The GNS430 MM is referenced in this thread
It is also readily found online, along with manuals for loads of other stuff.
wigglyamp wrote:
You could have one bench-tested if the workshop has it on their Part145 C rating and access to the bench maintenance manuals. I don’t believe Garmin have ever released the bench repair data to the field, but could be wrong.
The maintenance manual (board level) also offers instructions for board replacement, calibration, alignment and testing of the complete unit.
“Sure, but one could also have a unit bench tested.”
You could have one bench-tested if the workshop has it on their Part145 C rating and access to the bench maintenance manuals. I don’t believe Garmin have ever released the bench repair data to the field, but could be wrong. Garmin won’t bench test and release an original 28v 430 unit themselves any more.
wigglyamp wrote:
In the case of issuing a Form 1 for an early unit, this is possible by a Part 145 who is removing it in a serviceable condition from an aircraft with a current C of A. There needs to be an approved procedure in the company’s MOE. It normally requires carrying out a functional check against the installation/maintenance manual, doing a paperwork check to ensure any mandatory requirements (ADs) have been addressed etc.
Sure, but one could also have a unit bench tested.
The older GNS430 (28V) is no longer repairable. However, they are not scrap if they fail, as Garmin offer a fixed-price upgrade to a 430W (dual voltage). Garmin forward-purchased sufficient parts prior to end of production to guarantee at least 13 years support. Therefore, as it went out of production in 2013,the life of some units will be at least 26 years, and lots will go on much longer as they’re incredibly reliable.
In the case of issuing a Form 1 for an early unit, this is possible by a Part 145 who is removing it in a serviceable condition from an aircraft with a current C of A. There needs to be an approved procedure in the company’s MOE. It normally requires carrying out a functional check against the installation/maintenance manual, doing a paperwork check to ensure any mandatory requirements (ADs) have been addressed etc.
You can still have the unit bench tested, verified and issued an EASA Form 1.
That was my question. Can firms other than Garmin itself issue a Form 1 for a GNS430? The MM for the 430 is almost devoid of information.
Stampe wrote:
I was flying a warrior yesterday fitted with one of the earliest KN430 at least ten years old if I remember correctly I,m told its no longer repairable
Some of the older GNS series are no longer supported, that is correct.
Peter wrote:
And if you want a drop-in replacement, there are plenty on Ebay. You can’t drop it in officially into a G-reg (no way to get an EASA-1 form if Garmin no longer service the unit;
Why??? This is totally incorrect. The unit is no longer supported as some components have become obsolete. You can still have the unit bench tested, verified and issued an EASA Form 1.
