Garmin 430 repair rumors - Finally finished??

[KSMooniac]

Those of you worried about G's behavior with these old boxes should send them to Bevan instead, seriously.  They replaced a COM board in my 430 last fall and I got to watch some of the magic.  They are able to open these up and fix issues just like Garmin, but without the flat rate tyranny or other zero-tolerance (thought) policy.  They have carcasses to pull spare parts, which is what big G is doing with their repairs too.  

[LANCECASPER]

2 minutes ago, KSMooniac said:

Those of you worried about G's behavior with these old boxes should send them to Bevan instead, seriously.  They replaced a COM board in my 430 last fall and I got to watch some of the magic.  They are able to open these up and fix issues just like Garmin, but without the flat rate tyranny or other zero-tolerance (thought) policy.  They have carcasses to pull spare parts, which is what big G is doing with their repairs too.  

It makes complete sense. Most people that own a 25-30 year old car that was high-end in its day aren't going to the OEM dealership to get it serviced anymore. There probably isn't anyone there that still knows how to work on it anyway. They go to an independent shop who is probably owned by a factory trained mechanic that started his own shop. They get a great result without paying for the high overhead of the dealership. If I had a 430, Bevan is where i would send it. If I had a 750Xi out of warranty I would send it back to Garmin.

I don't disagree with Garmin's policy since they know what their fixed costs are and when they divide it by the number of units they service every year, their shareholders expect them to make a profit. At least they are letting everyone know in advance. I still have yet to read a post over the years where someone had Garmin service something and the person thought they had been ripped off. Naturally with their facilities they are going to be more expensive. But their flat rate charge was transparent and it seems that this is too.

[Shadrach]

On 1/5/2024 at 1:51 PM, SQAUWK1202 said:

I would encourage anyone who has an issue with a GNS unit to pull it out and install a GTN650 OR GTN750

Nice informative first post by an account created on Friday, specifically to reply to this thread.

[phxcobraz]

Bevan did a great job repairing my KX155 when it had issues. I will send my 430W to them if it needs it some day. Based on how many units are out there and being dumped in working order, I suspect parts will be available for quite some time. Just like the Mooney parts that are no longer in production but somehow we stay flying. 

That said, eventually I will swap out to something else, the IFD440 seems to be the ticket unless you were already planning a panel update and go for something like a 355/650/750.

[Ibra]

There are so many G430, G430W, G530, G530W around that I would not worry what Garmin thinks or does with support as long as they keep database updates 

Then, plenty are coming into the market with GTN and NXI upgrades, so lot of spares around…I am more worried about my home TV repair support, there is a new model every week  

Edited January 9 by Ibra

[phxcobraz]

17 hours ago, Ibra said:

There are so many G430, G430W, G530, G530W around that I would not worry what Garmin thinks or does with support as long as they keep database updates 

Then, plenty are coming into the market with GTN and NXI upgrades, so lot of spares around…I am more worried about my home TV repair support, there is a new model every week  

The advantage there is you can get a 65in TV for $300 now, instead of $10,000+ for aviation GPS/NAV/COM units.

[Pinecone]

19 hours ago, Ibra said:

There are so many G430, G430W, G530, G530W around that I would not worry what Garmin thinks or does with support as long as they keep database updates 

Then, plenty are coming into the market with GTN and NXI upgrades, so lot of spares around…I am more worried about my home TV repair support, there is a new model every week  

Just to be clear, NXi upgrades only affect the availability of non-NXi G-1000 systems.  And there is still support from Garmin for those.

Having flown with G-1000, GNS-400, GNS-430W, GTN-650 and 650Xi, the new stuff is much better than the old stuff.

Like worrying that your tube, CRT TV cannot be supported versus getting a new OLED flat screen.

 

[Nokomis449]

I upgraded from a 430 to an Avidyne IFD440 a few years ago when ADSB compliance was looming.  I sold my 430 to a good friend at a good price after trying to convince him that it wasn't worth the money and effort installing such old technology.  But he likes it and we're still friends so no harm no foul.  As for the IFD440, here's a quick PIREP for those needing a 430 replacement: DO IT!
Mine wasn't exactly a slide-in replacement because the Garmin wasn't WAAS, so I required a new WAAS antenna.  Plus, to take advantage of some of the nifty features a few new wires are required between the 440 and the audio panel and maybe a wire between the new Avidyne ADSB-Out and audio panel so it can give me altitude alerts.  Here's things that were game-changers for me: 

Flight plans can be pushed and pulled between Foreflight and the 440, even in flight.  So if you get a re-route in the air and are better at making the update in FF and pushing it to the panel, it's possible.  Also, it's handy planning the route at home on FF and pushing it to the panel at the airport.  This feature is the reason I reluctantly switched from iFly to Foreflight, as iFly could not do the push-pull with the panel and had no clear roadmap to implement it.  I think Garmin can do this too, but I believe it requires additional network hardware to be installed and Avidyne does it natively without exploiting my wallet.

 The IFD100 app (CrApple products only) is another fantastic feature.  The free app is the equivalent of having an additional IFD (or two) but with a much larger screen.  It runs the identical software as the panel IFD and can do anything the panel mounted IFD can do, including load radio frequencies (but not flip-flop them - that was an FAA requirement).  It has the same databases loaded as the panel-mount (as long as there's a "seat" available).  To be clear, it operates as an *additional* IFD, and not just a mirror of the one in the panel.  And if you have two iPads, you can sit at home with one iPad running the free "IFD Trainer" app, which pretends to be a panel-mounted IFD of your choice, and the other iPad can be running the IFD100 app which allows you to practice loading plans, flying routes, loading/flying approaches, etc.  Plenty of bang for your free buck there.

The IFD has both touch screen and knobs to do most everything, whereas Garmin is touch only.  Touch screen entry is great in smooth air but dicey in turbulence, so you have the knobs for better control.  Additionally, the IFD comes with a small Bluetooth keyboard that allows direct entry of flight plans, frequencies, flight calculators, etc.  If you can txt at highway speeds, you can Avidyne in rough air with the Bluetooth keyboard.

The Avidyne will act as a WiFi Access Point for other devices (Foreflight, IFD100, Stratux, etc.) or it can connect to your own Access Point (Stratux, etc.).  I have a Stratux as an AP.  The IFD440 connects to it, and shares the weather and traffic to the IFD100.  Foreflight on the 2nd iPad also connects to the Stratux and can therefore push/pull to the IFD440.  

Other Honorable Mentions include customizable data fields and easy USB updates.  The Avidyne way of doing things is a different workflow concept that might seem a little odd at first, but the more you learn it the more intuitive it becomes.

Yes, there's a (my opinion) downside.  Avidyne strictly adheres to the "official" METAR colors for reporting stations, which is different from the commonly used Green=VFR,  Blue=Marginal, Red=IFR, etc.  Since I'm used to the common way, I use Foreflight for METAR display.  I'm not aware of another product or website that uses the "official" colors, but I guess kudo's to Avidyne for sticking to the official protocol.

So that's my PIREP on the IFD440 installation.  I've had it a few years and a few hundred hours and very happy with my choice.

[Fly Boomer]

6 hours ago, Nokomis449 said:

So that's my PIREP on the IFD440 installation.  I've had it a few years and a few hundred hours and very happy with my choice.

Before reading your post, I would never have considered the 440 if my 430 crapped out, but now I will.  Very nice write-up!

[dkkim73]

When I was plane-shopping, I came across this video by Martin Pauly about the 440/540 features from a Garmin viewpoint:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=m_BSKxNhjJU

I also thought it was a well conceived product line. Disclaimer: have not used Avidyne personally, tend to "think" Garmin, so in a way this was even more interesting.

HTH,

David

[MBDiagMan]

The 430 is a great tool.  I have one in both planes and they have both served me well.  The aftermarket will keep them in service for a long time to come.  Garmin has done a good job to support the family for as long as it has.  Is there more up to date technology out there? Of course, but not everyone can afford eight or ten thousand bucks every time a new generation of technology comes along.

Thanks Garmin!

[Pinecone]

10 hours ago, Nokomis449 said:

I upgraded from a 430 to an Avidyne IFD440 a few years ago when ADSB compliance was looming.  I sold my 430 to a good friend at a good price after trying to convince him that it wasn't worth the money and effort installing such old technology.  But he likes it and we're still friends so no harm no foul.  As for the IFD440, here's a quick PIREP for those needing a 430 replacement: DO IT!
Mine wasn't exactly a slide-in replacement because the Garmin wasn't WAAS, so I required a new WAAS antenna.  Plus, to take advantage of some of the nifty features a few new wires are required between the 440 and the audio panel and maybe a wire between the new Avidyne ADSB-Out and audio panel so it can give me altitude alerts.  Here's things that were game-changers for me: 

Flight plans can be pushed and pulled between Foreflight and the 440, even in flight.  So if you get a re-route in the air and are better at making the update in FF and pushing it to the panel, it's possible.  Also, it's handy planning the route at home on FF and pushing it to the panel at the airport.  This feature is the reason I reluctantly switched from iFly to Foreflight, as iFly could not do the push-pull with the panel and had no clear roadmap to implement it.  I think Garmin can do this too, but I believe it requires additional network hardware to be installed and Avidyne does it natively without exploiting my wallet.

 The IFD100 app (CrApple products only) is another fantastic feature.  The free app is the equivalent of having an additional IFD (or two) but with a much larger screen.  It runs the identical software as the panel IFD and can do anything the panel mounted IFD can do, including load radio frequencies (but not flip-flop them - that was an FAA requirement).  It has the same databases loaded as the panel-mount (as long as there's a "seat" available).  To be clear, it operates as an *additional* IFD, and not just a mirror of the one in the panel.  And if you have two iPads, you can sit at home with one iPad running the free "IFD Trainer" app, which pretends to be a panel-mounted IFD of your choice, and the other iPad can be running the IFD100 app which allows you to practice loading plans, flying routes, loading/flying approaches, etc.  Plenty of bang for your free buck there.

The IFD has both touch screen and knobs to do most everything, whereas Garmin is touch only.  Touch screen entry is great in smooth air but dicey in turbulence, so you have the knobs for better control.  Additionally, the IFD comes with a small Bluetooth keyboard that allows direct entry of flight plans, frequencies, flight calculators, etc.  If you can txt at highway speeds, you can Avidyne in rough air with the Bluetooth keyboard.

The Avidyne will act as a WiFi Access Point for other devices (Foreflight, IFD100, Stratux, etc.) or it can connect to your own Access Point (Stratux, etc.).  I have a Stratux as an AP.  The IFD440 connects to it, and shares the weather and traffic to the IFD100.  Foreflight on the 2nd iPad also connects to the Stratux and can therefore push/pull to the IFD440.  

Other Honorable Mentions include customizable data fields and easy USB updates.  The Avidyne way of doing things is a different workflow concept that might seem a little odd at first, but the more you learn it the more intuitive it becomes.

So that's my PIREP on the IFD440 installation.  I've had it a few years and a few hundred hours and very happy with my choice.

FYI, you can do all that with current Garmin stuff also.  May need a few more bits.

But it does look like a smart move to the 440 if you have a 430 that needs replacing and that is all you want to do.

[LANCECASPER]

10 hours ago, Nokomis449 said:

I upgraded from a 430 to an Avidyne IFD440 a few years ago when ADSB compliance was looming.  I sold my 430 to a good friend at a good price after trying to convince him that it wasn't worth the money and effort installing such old technology.  But he likes it and we're still friends so no harm no foul.  As for the IFD440, here's a quick PIREP for those needing a 430 replacement: DO IT!
Mine wasn't exactly a slide-in replacement because the Garmin wasn't WAAS, so I required a new WAAS antenna.  Plus, to take advantage of some of the nifty features a few new wires are required between the 440 and the audio panel and maybe a wire between the new Avidyne ADSB-Out and audio panel so it can give me altitude alerts.  Here's things that were game-changers for me: 

Flight plans can be pushed and pulled between Foreflight and the 440, even in flight.  So if you get a re-route in the air and are better at making the update in FF and pushing it to the panel, it's possible.  Also, it's handy planning the route at home on FF and pushing it to the panel at the airport.  This feature is the reason I reluctantly switched from iFly to Foreflight, as iFly could not do the push-pull with the panel and had no clear roadmap to implement it.  I think Garmin can do this too, but I believe it requires additional network hardware to be installed and Avidyne does it natively without exploiting my wallet.

 The IFD100 app (CrApple products only) is another fantastic feature.  The free app is the equivalent of having an additional IFD (or two) but with a much larger screen.  It runs the identical software as the panel IFD and can do anything the panel mounted IFD can do, including load radio frequencies (but not flip-flop them - that was an FAA requirement).  It has the same databases loaded as the panel-mount (as long as there's a "seat" available).  To be clear, it operates as an *additional* IFD, and not just a mirror of the one in the panel.  And if you have two iPads, you can sit at home with one iPad running the free "IFD Trainer" app, which pretends to be a panel-mounted IFD of your choice, and the other iPad can be running the IFD100 app which allows you to practice loading plans, flying routes, loading/flying approaches, etc.  Plenty of bang for your free buck there.

The IFD has both touch screen and knobs to do most everything, whereas Garmin is touch only.  Touch screen entry is great in smooth air but dicey in turbulence, so you have the knobs for better control.  Additionally, the IFD comes with a small Bluetooth keyboard that allows direct entry of flight plans, frequencies, flight calculators, etc.  If you can txt at highway speeds, you can Avidyne in rough air with the Bluetooth keyboard.

The Avidyne will act as a WiFi Access Point for other devices (Foreflight, IFD100, Stratux, etc.) or it can connect to your own Access Point (Stratux, etc.).  I have a Stratux as an AP.  The IFD440 connects to it, and shares the weather and traffic to the IFD100.  Foreflight on the 2nd iPad also connects to the Stratux and can therefore push/pull to the IFD440.  

Other Honorable Mentions include customizable data fields and easy USB updates.  The Avidyne way of doing things is a different workflow concept that might seem a little odd at first, but the more you learn it the more intuitive it becomes.

Yes, there's a (my opinion) downside.  Avidyne strictly adheres to the "official" METAR colors for reporting stations, which is different from the commonly used Green=VFR,  Blue=Marginal, Red=IFR, etc.  Since I'm used to the common way, I use Foreflight for METAR display.  I'm not aware of another product or website that uses the "official" colors, but I guess kudo's to Avidyne for sticking to the official protocol.

So that's my PIREP on the IFD440 installation.  I've had it a few years and a few hundred hours and very happy with my choice.

I had a 2000 Ovation which had the 530/430. When the Avidynes were introduced I got an IFD540 for $10,000 and an IFD440 for $9000. I sold my 530W for $8000 and my 430W for $6500, so it made the upgrade a no-brainer to get new features, new warranty, etc. I really enjoyed the Avidynes and later decided to put an IFD5550 in a Bravo I owned. Avidyne takes very good care of their customers. I still get invites to their evening meal/party at Oshkosh every year.

[Greg Ellis]

Do the Avidyne 540/440's play nice with the Garmin G5's and the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot?

[Nokomis449]

29 minutes ago, Greg Ellis said:

Do the Avidyne 540/440's play nice with the Garmin G5's and the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot?

I can't speak to those particular instruments, but I left in the Garmin glideslope when I switched and they talk seamlessly.  It also talks to my S-TEC 30 and AV-30.  Avidyne's business model (my opinion) is to play nice with anything that communicates with a standard non-proprietary protocol.  

[EricJ]

35 minutes ago, Greg Ellis said:

Do the Avidyne 540/440's play nice with the Garmin G5's and the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot?

My Avidyne 540 drives my dual G5s just fine.   I've seen similar installations with a GFC500, but no personal experience.   I'll +1 that the Avidyne is a wonderful piece of equipment.   

[pirate]

My IfD540, 2G5’s and GFC500 work excellent together. 

[Mooney in Oz]

On 1/19/2024 at 5:03 AM, Greg Ellis said:

Do the Avidyne 540/440's play nice with the Garmin G5's and the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot?

I have a G3X, G5, GFC500, IFD540 & 440. They all work fine together.

Although the IFDs now have VNAV, the only function the GFC500 won’t do is capture the VNAV path despite the path indicating so on both the G3X and G5. This is no big deal as all you need to do is control the VNAV path by setting the descent rate info from the IFD displayed VSR and adjust the vertical mode wheel on the MSP.

[LANCECASPER]

Here's the real scoop:

"Despite false rumors and misinformation that the hugely popular Garmin GNS-series navigators are at the end of their service life, Garmin says that 99 percent of GNS users can keep using their units. Moreover, the Garmin factory will still continue to support common repairs and refurbishments as it has for the past 25 years."