Avidyne IFD 540

[laytonl]

I'm sure this has already been discussed but what's the opinion of the IFD 540?

I presently have a GNS 530W, 330S, and a GDL-88 for ADS-B.  I got a call for Avidyne today saying this is a direct plug n' play box and a simple swap out.  The Avidyne deal is $6,200 with a trade-in of the 530.  Supposedly the IFD 540 will provide connectivity to Foreflight without the need for Flightstream or other gizmo

Any thoughts?

 

lee

[KLRDMD]

Just now, laytonl said:

I'm sure this has already been discussed but what's the opinion of the IFD 540? I presently have a GNS 530W, 330S, and a GDL-88 for ADS-B.  I got a call for Avidyne today saying this is a direct plug n' play box and a simple swap out.  The Avidyne deal is $6,200 with a trade-in of the 530.  Supposedly the IFD 540 will provide connectivity to Foreflight without the need for Flightstream or other gizmo. Any thoughts?

I got a quote on a 540 today too. I asked about swapping out my 530W and 430W for a 540 and 440. The difference was $10,000. That was broken down as 540 for $13,650 with a trade value of $7,800 for the 530W (net $5,850) and 440 for $10,150 with a trade value of $6,000 for the 530W (net $4,150). I don't know if he made me a better deal than it would be since there are two radios involved.

[Drew_Wagner]

The Flightstream is 2 AMUs installed max. It is amazing and works as advertised. I installed it and the GTX345 and couldn't be happier. Fire up the 530, open foreflight and its all there. Make a change in the panel and boom it asks if you would like to load. Change the route in FF and you can beam it to the 530, victor airways and all. It has completely changed my flying experience.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[carusoam]

Lee,

They have all been positive responses.

Their sales guy has been doing a great job of discussing their products and updates and integrations.  

Haven't heard much since KOSH.  They must be busy.

Plug and Play has been very helpful for people that had the G products already.

search for Simpson Bennet, the Avidyne guy...

Best regards,

-a-

[LANCECASPER]

I pulled out a 530W and a 430W out of an Ovation and replaced them with an IFD540 and an IFD440. Well worth it. The screens are much higher resolution, the touch screen pinch and zoom brings it into the 21st century. The software upgrades keep making the boxes much more capable. They have built in wifi and bluetooth. 

Avidyne's position is that the owner can do the swap by their instructions and make a log book entry. I put in an AXP340 transponder to make it ADS-B out so on the IFD540 I had it installed.

I liked the IFD540 so much that on the next airplane on a panel upgrade I chose the IFD540.

 

Before

After

[Rustler]

Lee--

I removed a GNS650 and a KT74 ADS-B out transponder and installed an IFD540, the Avidyne transponder and their ADS-B in receiver. It is a very neat installation, and using the IFD540 is a real joy. Enhanced software (v 10.2) is due out sometime soon, and it will greatly enhance the unit. Avidyne has a very active forum that includes a section devoted to the IFD540/440.

[1964-M20E]

I replaced a KLN94 with the 540 and I like it.  Since you have the 530 install would be minimal maybe some avionics shop work to add some features.  I can't speak to the foreflight.

 

You most likely will not be sorry for the upgrade.  WASS is nice if you do not already have it and it that case you might need a new GPS antenna.

[laytonl]

Thanks guys. Lee

[freff]

About a year ago I replaced my Garmin 430 with a IFD540.  I love the 540.   it is easy to use, anticipates your needs, and makes it quicker and easier to enter flightplans.  I also gained terrain awareness, obstacles, audio alerts, bluetooth, wifi, and new features keep coming with every release free of charge.  I have no regrets at all since moving from Garmin to Avidyne.  Avidyne also has a great web forum for customers to discuss the products which is also monitored and interacted by Avidyne employees.

[Tony Armour]

Removed a 530 and installed a 540, no way I would go back. Not sure about the connectivity with Foreflight. Flight plans are so easy to do or edit why mess with an iPad. Shortly after I added GPSS, pretty awesome flying approaches now.

[M20Kid]

I've never had any G* products in my airplane (am I the only one??) but I recently installed the 540 and 340 along with the MLB100 (SkyTrax now, I think) and have been very happy.  A friend has a G430W and when I fly with him the radio looks its age.  Not bad mind you, just not current generation.  Avidyne did a great job with the 540 and tech support is easy to get if there are any issues.  If you have the chance I would make the switch.