"smackey" wrote in message
m...
I'm thinking of getting a GNS 430 and the GTX 330 put in my plane. I
have a couple of questions that I would really like some answers to:

1. My aero radio people tell me that they think the GTX 330 display
is always up on the map. I.e., I can't declutter or eliminate it if I
want to, say while flying an instrument approach and not really
needing/wanting the mode-s traffic info on the screen. True?

I believe this correct, but I have not tried to remove the traffic.

2. I assume that the traffic warning in the mode-s will not alert to
traffic if I'm not in a mode-s area, and/or there are aircraft only
only squaking mode-c or other. In other words, if I'm fling along out
in the hinterlands (a frequent occurance) where there is no mode-s,
the traffic warning is nonexistent!! Wouldn't I do just as well with
a portable Monroy, or similar, traffic alerter?

It only where the TIS service is provided. Otherwise you are back to where
you are now. The Monroy and other units will work in non-TIS areas with
aircraft with an operating transponder. However, unless you move up to the
more expensive units (Ryan and BF Goodrich) you do not get relative bearing,
just distance and relative altitude. Much better than nothing, but bearing
would be so much nicer.

jerry