New Garmin Radios

[Will.iam]

Another price gouging garmin does is for chart subscription $399/yr where as dynon chart subscription is $100/yr. If only that autopilot would get certified. Almost seems like the FAA is intentionally dragging it out like someone is personally not prioritize the signoff like what happened to 100GL it’s ridiculous.  

[PT20J]

In my panel, I installed a G3X, GFC 500, GTN 650Xi and a GNC 255 (predecessor to GNC 215). Why a second Nav/Com? If the GTN fails, the G3X GPS can be used to navigate. It’s not certified IFR, but it works fine and will get me to the IAF. I can fly to my destination or alternate and shoot a ILS. The G3X GPS will provide necessary GPS aiding to the GFC to allow a coupled ILS or VOR approach. 

[jamesm]

I guess my biggest problem is that I am a hardware guy stuck in the software world. I have both the GNC255(VOR,ILS NAV/COM) and GNC355(GPS/COM).

As newer technology comes out so does the components short life cycle  that goes into them. The GNC255 has given me no trouble and I believe that the mic gain are controlled  by old school potentiometer with some software adjustments. The GNC355, I have had some problem with the Mic gain issue, this all set through software setup. It is different for the Mic gain adjustment than I am use to, when I ran the sound board at church. One day I was extremely fortunate  when I called into Garmin,  I happen to speak to one of designer of the GNC355. He knew exactly what my problem was and was able to give me a  fix / workaround .  What was happening with GNC355, I would set the mic gain through software setup  something like +6db or +12db and Com transmission  was fine but when I flew somewhere and say I went to lunch shutdown the plane. But when came back after lunch startup the plan the mic gain would return -12 DB ( or what ever minimum level was) but  no body could hear me transmit. This could be huge problem depending on what airspace you fly in. This was  real head scratcher  of a problem since I had two different unit acting the same way couple different people inspected all  my wiring all  and the quality cables connectors ,coaxes and workmanship no problems found.  Supposedly there a real small percentage with this problem  I was lucky enough to get 2 of them. Since then  Garmin  has fixed the mic gain issue through a firmware update.  I think I had one first ones off the line. I have very little complaints  about either of the units.  At time there wasn't very many choices  for new NAV/COM's.  but with High priced Avionics, certified requirement and short life cycle for electronic components obsolescence makes hard to fork out money when what you have works.

For what it's worth,

James '67C