I agree with you on the need to replace software, hardware and processor(s).
However, I think it will happen eventually. Being in the system engineering
field, this looks like a typical requirements screw-up. I'm not surprised
since only the most mature development shops do it well. I won't put the
blame on Garmin entirely (definitely part of the blame is on them) until I
have more info as to what facts about WAAS thay had available to them during
the 430/530 design phase. But I think they will have to put out the WAAS
upgrade lest they want a class-action lawsuit on their hands.

It sucks but realistically, how many airports have LPV approaches without an
ILS somewhere? Then compare that list to what you will realistically fly;
then pare it down to to chances of requiring the 250ft DH to break out of
the ceiling. I'd think anyone would come up with a very short list of pilots
this would impact.

That being said, it STILL bums me out!

Marco Leon


"Tom Fleischman" k wrote in
message
news:2005060714500516807%bodhijunkoneeightyeightju nkatmacdotcom@junkjunk...
On 2005-06-06 18:13:06 -0400, (Dane Spearing)
said:

According to Garmin's product literature, the GNS 430 and 530 are
"WAAS-upgradeable", yet there is no information as to when this
upgrade might be available. Does anyone have any other information
on this?

It will never happen. Those are obsolete boxes already. Garmin will put
all it's eggs into the not-yet-WAAS-ready G1000 and the
already-WAAS-capable GNS-480.

To upgrade the 430/530 involves building a completely new box; a major
software, hardware, and processor upgrade. It ain't gonna happen as
long as they've got their hands full getting the G1000 up to speed.