GTN 650 WAAS
- Thread starter ScottK
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poadeleted20
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I've trained a few clients with a 650 in their plane. Very nice system -- easier to use than the 430, bigger screen, better visuals, has the airways.
jordane93
Touchdown! Greaser!
Like Ron said, its a very nice system. Although sometimes when its a little bumpy my fingers don't cooperate with the touch screen. Go download the GTN simulator off of the Garmin website. its free so just play around with it and see if you like it
asgcpa
En-Route
Very nice. I took an IFR training flight to Green Bay and Madison last week in a Dakota that has one. Much easier to use than the 430 it replaced. As Ron said, it plugs in all the waypoints on the airways. Just an easier more intuitive unit I think. If you are going to get one, for about 4,000 more you can get the 750 with the larger screen.
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Scott@KTYR
I wonder how a pilot can operate the touch screen buttons during rough turbulence.
When bouncing around the knobs on a 430 or 530 help steady my hand to input date.
When bouncing around the knobs on a 430 or 530 help steady my hand to input date.
poadeleted20
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It's an acquireable skill with practice, and unlike the 430/530, there's no chance of breaking off a knob.
ScottK
Pre-takeoff checklist
I downloaded the simulator this morning. It seems very easy to maneuver through the pages and options. Like someone mentioned, I would be a bit concerned about operating the touch screen in turbulence, but if I read correctly, the knobs still work like other units as a backup.
poadeleted20
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You did not read correctly. The 650/750 do not have all the other knobs.
ScottK
Pre-takeoff checklist
The simulator did allow frequency changes with the lower right knobs as well as touch screen input. I guess that was about it then.
flyingcheesehead
Touchdown! Greaser!
You're thinking of the King units - They can be operated either entirely as a touchscreen, entirely with buttons and knobs, or any combination of the two. Too bad their UI is absolutely terrible.
Garmin, you need to use the touchscreen, even in turbulence - But it's got a little ledge at the bottom of the screen to prop your hand on if needed.
timwinters
Ejection Handle Pulled
Have you ever heard of that happening? I haven't.
I too would be concerned about a touch screen in the bumpy crud. I had a 696 for a while, but sold it and went back to my 496 for this same reason. Thankfully I hadn't sold my 496 yet.
asgcpa
En-Route
On my trip to Green Bay the turbulence was pretty substantial at lower altitudes. I steadied my right had on the unit and had no issues in the turbulence, and I'm not a fan of turbulence.....
N747JB
Final Approach
It takes a little getting used to, but it's a great unit, the touch screen isn't too bad, unless it's really bumpy! The knobs are good for changing frequencies, if a 750 will fit it's a little easier to use. IMO.
The knobs are good for changing frequencies, if a 750 will fit it's a little easier to use. IMO. 
Fearless Tower
Touchdown! Greaser!
It takes a little getting used to, but it's a great unit, the touch screen isn't too bad, unless it's really bumpy!
I haven't used a 650/750, but while I had my doubts about touch screens, I have found no real issues with Garmin Aeras touch screens. If it is bumpy enough to cause problems with the touch screen, it is probably bumpy enough that it will take a little extra time with a 430/530.
AdamZ
Touchdown! Greaser!
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Adam Zucker
Just spoke to a pilot who said he had his recalled.
BillTIZ
Final Approach
The 650/750 does have one rotary knob in the lower right corner. Whichever freq is highlighted (comm/Nav) can be changed by rotating the knob.
There are "grab rails" on each side for thumb/finger grip to stabilize the forefinger operation on the touch screen.
I've flown the 750, they have big touch buttons, normal turbulence may not be an issue.
There are "grab rails" on each side for thumb/finger grip to stabilize the forefinger operation on the touch screen.
I've flown the 750, they have big touch buttons, normal turbulence may not be an issue.
430/530 series can swap data cards so if you have 2 gps units you may use 1 subscription and rotate the expiring card between your 2 gps units.
The GTN series cannot swap data cards.
The data subscription cost for the GTN is something you should investigate prior to making a decision between 430/530 and GTN. The cost to maintain legal subscription is not the same.
The GTN does have airways which is a gripe I have had with the 430 lacking airways.
The GTN series cannot swap data cards.
The data subscription cost for the GTN is something you should investigate prior to making a decision between 430/530 and GTN. The cost to maintain legal subscription is not the same.
The GTN does have airways which is a gripe I have had with the 430 lacking airways.