Install a Garmin GNS430 or an "Apollo" GNS480 ?

As a point of reference, I asked a Garmin rep yesterday as to their plans
for WAAS and terrain for the 430. They expect to offer the terrain
(non-TAWS) in about 8 weeks time at a price of $500. They need to make a
physical change to the unit (a new map board) and upgrade the software.
Garmin wants to first make sure they can deliver the TAWS upgrades to the
530 to meet compliance dates. As for WAAS, they are targeting 1st quarter of
next year at a price of $1,500. This will require a processor change and
software upgrade. I don't remember him mentioning any other hardware
changes.

So to get WAAS and terrain, the 430 becomes comparable to the 480 in price
($1,000 difference). What the 480 will lack in terrain and VFR mapping
features, it kinda makes up for in victor airways and a slightly larger
screen. My own opinion is that the user interface is not as intuitive as the
430 and it doesn't fit the user-friendly strategy that Garmin has
captialized on. I bet the engineers are working on an upgraded UI for the
430 and 530 that will include the handful of benefits the 480 offers. Think
about it, if the 430/530 had victor airways and once it's upgraded to WAAS,
what does the 480 have over the 430/530? IMHO, I think the 480 is more in
danger of being nixed than the 430.

Marco Leon
N36616




"Roy Page" wrote in message
nk.net...
I was all ready to install a GNS 430 but now feeling that a GNS 480 may be
a
better option.
Although more expensive, I am getting the impression that the GNS 480 has
significant advantages.
It seems that UPS stole a lead on Garmin with their WAAS approved unit.
Now with Garmin owning the brand and the UPS unit being budged as the
Garmin
AT GNS 480 I am not sure which unit to install.
Will Garmin upgrade the 430's display and software to give it WAAS
capability or will they just upgrade the GNS 530 and leave the 430 a poor
relation ??
Over to the group to help me decide - Install a 430 or 480 ?

Roy Page [N5804F Archer II]
Beloit Ohio 44609

Just keep in mind that they have been saying Terrain & WAAS for years. I'll
believe it when I see it.

Rant mode off, {|;-(

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


N326DK

They have been showing both for quite a while, it is the FAA that is holding
things up.

Mike
MU-2

"Victor J. Osborne, Jr." wrote in message
...
Just keep in mind that they have been saying Terrain & WAAS for years.
I'll believe it when I see it.

Rant mode off, {|;-(

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


N326DK

I understand Victor's apprehension but the fact is that Garmin is installing
TAWS on the 530's as we speak (or type). Anyone out there have it done? I
imagine most of the people laying out the dough for a TAWS upgrade are doing
it as a business necessity.

Marco

"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
k.net...
They have been showing both for quite a while, it is the FAA that is
holding
things up.

Mike
MU-2

"Victor J. Osborne, Jr." wrote in message
...
Just keep in mind that they have been saying Terrain & WAAS for years.
I'll believe it when I see it.

Rant mode off, {|;-(

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


N326DK

I think that they start later this week. All turbine powered aircraft
certified with more than six passenger seats are required to have TAWS by
early 2005 (I forgot the exact date.) Mine is scheduled to go soon.

Mike
MU-2

"Marco Leon" mmleon(at)yahoo.com wrote in message
...
I understand Victor's apprehension but the fact is that Garmin is
installing
TAWS on the 530's as we speak (or type). Anyone out there have it done? I
imagine most of the people laying out the dough for a TAWS upgrade are
doing
it as a business necessity.

Marco

"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
k.net...
They have been showing both for quite a while, it is the FAA that is
holding
things up.

Mike
MU-2

"Victor J. Osborne, Jr." wrote in message
...
Just keep in mind that they have been saying Terrain & WAAS for years.
I'll believe it when I see it.

Rant mode off, {|;-(

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


N326DK

Mike Rapoport wrote:

I think that they start later this week. All turbine powered aircraft
certified with more than six passenger seats are required to have TAWS by
early 2005 (I forgot the exact date.) Mine is scheduled to go soon.

Mike,

Just curious, what's the installation going to cost?

As an interesting study in regulation logic, your airplane, and many
even smaller than it, are required to install terrain avoidance. The
100,000 lb. 4-engine, 250 kt monster I fly at work isn't. Doesn't have
turbines.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

"Scott Skylane" wrote in message
...
Mike Rapoport wrote:

I think that they start later this week. All turbine powered aircraft
certified with more than six passenger seats are required to have TAWS by
early 2005 (I forgot the exact date.) Mine is scheduled to go soon.

Mike,

Just curious, what's the installation going to cost?

I forget but it by far the cheapest TAWS installation availible.


As an interesting study in regulation logic, your airplane, and many even
smaller than it, are required to install terrain avoidance. The 100,000
lb. 4-engine, 250 kt monster I fly at work isn't. Doesn't have turbines.

OK, we give up. What is it? DC-6?

Mike
MU-2


Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

I'm not talking about the full TAWS required for turbine operators. I mean
the $500 right-side data card upgrade that's been promised for years. I
know the lawyers had to get over the issue of next of kin suing any time
someone did a CFIT. But come on; three years of "It'll be available next
quarter."

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


wishing he bought an Avidyne

The issue is still getting the FAA to certify it. It will be out soon after
TAWS.

Mike
MU-2


"Victor J. Osborne, Jr." wrote in message
...
I'm not talking about the full TAWS required for turbine operators. I
mean the $500 right-side data card upgrade that's been promised for years.
I know the lawyers had to get over the issue of next of kin suing any time
someone did a CFIT. But come on; three years of "It'll be available next
quarter."

Victor J. (Jim) Osborne, Jr.


wishing he bought an Avidyne