N2897M
Well-Known Member
It's been 15 years since the launch of the UPSAT CNX 80 FMS, a brilliant piece of hardware that would later become an unwanted stepchild of Garmin. I fell in love with this unit years ago, and still see it as a formidable contender. It does everything I need for a GA FMS to do, without the fluff of today's offerings (I do not care for touch screens or all-in-one solutions - just not for me). The GNS 480 to me has the perfect interface.
My aircraft is currently equipped with a Garmin 430W/Aspen combination, and I am seriously considering an upgrade to the GNS 480. Yes, an upgrade
Plan would be to swap out the 430 for the slightly larger 480.
My only concern is support. I realize that Garmin has officially discontinued the product, but also understand that the latest software does integrate with ADS-B solutions (mine is the G430 / 330 ES transponder). Based on my research, I believe the GNS 480 software is stable in its final form. Is NavData support a concern?
For those who currently fly behind the 480/CNX 80, how do you feel about the future of this product? Are you concerned? What would be your advice to someone wanting to enjoy this wonderful unit so late in the product cycle? Have you acquired a second unit as "insurance"? I would really like to take the pulse of current owners.
(Again, not interested in the GTN series or even Avidyne - would rather keep my 430. Nor am I worried about resale value as this is for me, not the next owner).
Thanks for the reality check.
My aircraft is currently equipped with a Garmin 430W/Aspen combination, and I am seriously considering an upgrade to the GNS 480. Yes, an upgrade
Plan would be to swap out the 430 for the slightly larger 480.My only concern is support. I realize that Garmin has officially discontinued the product, but also understand that the latest software does integrate with ADS-B solutions (mine is the G430 / 330 ES transponder). Based on my research, I believe the GNS 480 software is stable in its final form. Is NavData support a concern?
For those who currently fly behind the 480/CNX 80, how do you feel about the future of this product? Are you concerned? What would be your advice to someone wanting to enjoy this wonderful unit so late in the product cycle? Have you acquired a second unit as "insurance"? I would really like to take the pulse of current owners.
(Again, not interested in the GTN series or even Avidyne - would rather keep my 430. Nor am I worried about resale value as this is for me, not the next owner).
Thanks for the reality check.
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