Playing with the Garmin GNS430/530 WAAS simulator

Peter R. wrote:

A couple of differences I noticed right away is that the WAAS upgrade will
provide a graphical turn line on the moving map for the non-compulsory
waypoints along the approach. Additionally, the GPS will begin flashing a
countdown-to-turn with heading message, followed by a "turn now" message.

The 480 does this as well (in addition to going "ding" at the turn now
point).


The hold was also pretty slick. The GNS430 with WAAS depicted the hold
entry on its moving map, along with another "turn to a heading" message
count-down. At the course reversal of the entry (in a parallel or
tear-drop entry), the GPS again provided a turn-to heading countdown
message and a graphic on the moving map.


It's even more fun if you have a GPSS autopilot. Watching the thing
fly the holds and PT's by itself always amazes me.

Ron Natalie wrote:

The 480 does this as well (in addition to going "ding" at the turn now
point).

Yes, that would be a nice feature. It is somewhat distracting to have to
look down at the unit. However, the count-down feature is nice, since one
look at the GPS and the count-down can be taken over mentally.

It's even more fun if you have a GPSS autopilot. Watching the thing
fly the holds and PT's by itself always amazes me.

My aircraft is also equipped with GPSS so this feature will be interesting
to test and eventually use.

--
Peter