Garmin Magic...

[Jeff_S]

I took a test drive at Sun-n-Fun yesterday, and I will say this: while nice and glitzy and very powerful, I found the user interface to be quite a handful. Like any new computer software, there's always some time involved to learn how to use it. And maybe folks familiar with the aera series will adapt more quickly because it places heavy emphasis on using the Home button to start most procedures.

Since I have a 480, I was most curious about how you can assign airways, which it does well...again, once you get a handle on the user interface. One thing to note for anybody who has a 480, the two systems will not speak to each other for cross-fill. A fantasy I have is to put in a G500 and take out the MX20, the old KLN89b and the KX-155 and substitute a GTN650. All this would work, but the two GPS boxes would be independent of each other.

Anyway, I picked up the PC simulator so I'll play around with it out of curiosity, if nothing else.

[thinwing]

I finally ,after a solid year of practice and real imc use feel confident in the 430/530 interface.It is not at all intuitive (like the 750 is supposed to be.The thing about not being able to directly program in a victor airway has been my biggest iritation.There is a program availble from airway planner.com(no I have no relationship to co.)and what it is ,is a pdf file listing every intersection on every victor airway in the us.Now,when i get a clearance to a victor airway ,I or my copilot looks up victor # and simply load in the compulsary intersections that make up all the twists and turns of an airway without having to unfold a chart...It has made a big difference and the program I carry on my iphone or ipad...kpc

[flyboy0681]

A review of the GTN I read today said that Garmin elegantly tackled the issue of airways. Simply punch in the identifier and it will take you there.

[PTK]

The Gtn 750 is an awsome box.  Big and hi res that it serves as an MFD as well.  It makes the G500 redundant.  I for one am glad I waited.  It is true magic in my opinion.  If the plane has an HSI already there is no need that I see t be buying "glass" 

My Mooney, as many others, have the KCS 55A with HSI.  The HSI is electric so I do not see any need for a PFD!  Install the GTN 750 and MAYBE an electric AI and I'm done!  I say maybe on the AI because with some proactive maintenance the vaccuum pump can be replaced on a set schedule.   Say every two or three years because an AI is cheap compared to a PFD.  I think people who jumped on the "glass' bandwagon paid too much!!  The GTN 750 is cheap in comparison.  It is a WASS GPS Nav com and MFD and the latest technlogy at that.  A 530W with an MFD cost more!  

[DaV8or]

Played with the GTN 750 demo unit at the avionics shop yesterday. Very nice unit. Love it. Those buying it will not be dissapointed in it's operation. Reliability has yet to be seen. It is a big step forward and will be the new standard. It's the sort of box Bendix/King would have to had introduced to get ahead of Garmin. Too late now, Garmin will continue to dominate.