Is WAAS worth $3K?

[Hondo]

There seems to be some doubt about how much longer Garmin will support the 430W.

 

While not yet mentioned or certified (expected in 2014), is there any reason not to consider the Avidyne IFD440?

[Earl]

There seems to be some doubt about how much longer Garmin will support the 430W.

 

While not yet mentioned or certified (expected in 2014), is there any reason not to consider the Avidyne IFD440?

I had not seen this product but went and looked at it.  Very nice features, etc. but the $15K price tag, even for a plug and play is too rich for my blood.

[Hondo]

Earl, their last offer was for 9300.  http://www.avidyne.com/landing/ifd.asp

 

Initial offer was about 8500.  After each offer expired, they made a new offer for a few hundred more.

[Earl]

Update on the issue.  Took the airplane to an avionics shop and they pulled the KX165 and bench tested it.  Seemed OK.  Then we put a replacement one in and tested it and it did not spike the load when I keyed the mic.  Thought we had it solved but when I flew it home it did it again although not as bad as with my old radio but it still shuts the autopilot down when the mic is keyed.  So now we are thinking maybe an antenna wire problem since the antenna had been replaced by another shop.

 

So we are onto plan B which is to get the wiring for the antenna replaced and see if that solves the problem.  Very frustrating.  Will also get the WAAS upgrade while it is being repaired and hopefully will be set for a while......until something else breaks.  

[Earl]

OK, finally picked up the Mooney from Georgia Avionics yesterday and all is joyful.  Turns out the shielding around the antenna cable from my #2 navcomm was frayed which caused the spike in volts when I transmitted.  Was a painful project to run new cabling but I needed the cabling for the 430 redone anyway to make the WAAS switch.  So nice to have a fully functioning #2 again and one that doesn't kick off the autopilot when I transmit, not to mention being heard loud and clear.

 

As for the WAAS upgrade it too went without a hitch.  Now I will need to go back to my IFR magazines and read all those WAAS articles that I have skipped over the last several years.  Plan to fly next week with my CFII to shoot some WAAS approaches and get familiar with the new capability.  Looking forward to it!

[Mooneymite]

I love stories with happy endings!