GNS-430W = Too cool

[AirBaker]

3 weeks of downtime
~$4k
and one pretty nifty box.

The processor inside is WAY faster. On the Nav position page, the coordinates zip by. Scrolling the moving map is significantly improved. The terrain page is pretty cool as well.

The neatest part though, dial up the RNAV 16 approach into Bullhead city. LNAV +V pops up.

I now have it crossfilled into the 396. Punch in the flight plan and pow...

 

[flyingcheesehead]

3 weeks of downtime
~$4k
and one pretty nifty box.

The processor inside is WAY faster. On the Nav position page, the coordinates zip by. Scrolling the moving map is significantly improved. The terrain page is pretty cool as well.

The neatest part though, dial up the RNAV 16 approach into Bullhead city. LNAV +V pops up.

It is a heckuva nice box isn't it? Updates nice and quick now, works wonders if you have GPSS (will fly holds and PT's now)...

We spent the $600 about a year and a half ago to get the terrain upgrade on the 430. Oh well, it's only money.

One of the best things about the 430W, tho... All of us "cloud busters" have no doubt thought about the dreaded scenarios that would require us to take an ILS all the way to the ground. However, what if there's no ILS nearby and you're on fire or something? The 430W gives you that ability at almost any airport. Sweet!

 

[TangoWhiskey]

Here's a pretty good table of the differences between the 4/500 and 4/500W series:

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/cgi-bi...=serve&item=/Avionics/Garmin/WAASUpgrade.html

 

[One Short]

We spent the $600 about a year and a half ago to get the terrain upgrade on the 430. Oh well, it's only money.

You can get a terrain upgrade only for the 430? What does that involve?

Barb

 

[TangoWhiskey]

You can get a terrain upgrade only for the 430? What does that involve?

Barb

0.5 AMU

http://www.gulf-coast-avionics.com/...Garmin/GNS-430_530_Terrain_Awareness_Upgrade/

 

[One Short]

0.5 AMU

http://www.gulf-coast-avionics.com/...Garmin/GNS-430_530_Terrain_Awareness_Upgrade/

Hmmm, sounds interesting but I'm not sure if I want a screen that is always yellow and red.

Barb

 

[flyingcheesehead]

You can get a terrain upgrade only for the 430? What does that involve?

As I recall, it was a software-only upgrade. $600 and half a day. It's some extra peace of mind anyway. If you ever fly IFR, just get the 430W upgrade, it's well worth it. VFR only, well, 600 bucks is cheap in the grand scheme of airplane things.

Here's what it looks like going down the Chicago lakeshore at 2000 feet: