Garmin 430W, what databases do I need?

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Jamie Kirk

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JamieK
New plane has a dual 430W setup with the MX20. Previous owner only purchased East Coast charts and I live on the West Coast. I have no airport information once I crossed New Mexico.

Do I buy the Jeppensen or Garmin? Or do I need to buy both? From my Garmin account they are suggesting:
United States Standard OnePak
View Coverage Details
Includes Navigation Data, Terrain, Obstacle
Covers: GNS 430W, GNS 430W

Or do I want the option with FlightCharts?

Do I then need to buy the Jeppensen Charts as well?

Or do I just need to do the Garmin One Time Update on the 430Ws?

I also need to buy the GMX200 database subscription? It says 'The FliteCharts database contains digital depictions of terminal procedure charts, including departure, arrival, and approach procedures. For certified devices, FliteCharts will no longer function 180 days after the expiration date.' so if I do the one time update it won;t work after 180 days?

At almost $2,000 a year it seems like there has to be an either or optiop, why do I need both?
 
Just get the nav database, doesn’t matter which, just pick the cheapest one.

Also I head something about using one update for two GNS, something about VMs and updates or something, no idea what that’s all about and I’d never recommend trying to cheat such as stand up company as Garmin or jepp lol
 
Sarcasm..I love it. Interested in this one too as it looks like I will be installing a 430 soon.
 
I use the OnePak annual for a 430W and 530W. For plates I use the Premium upgrade it provides to Garmin Pilot on my iPad. Should be about $650(plus the Garmin Pilot Base subscription). No idea on the GMX200

I think their system might be buggered, as I'm not getting the OnePak options for my renewal, you may have to call them.
 
OnePak should handle both your navigators + GP, if you use that. Jep would require individual subscriptions IIRC.
 
Do I need the subscription or can I just buy the 1 time update?
 
Jamie Kirk said:
Do I need the subscription or can I just buy the 1 time update?
Click to expand...

Are you flying IFR with GPS approaches? If so, you need the subscription.

You'll also need a special card programmer for the NAV databases -- and the Jeppesen one is different from the Garmin one.
 
No IFR, but going to start my IFR training this winter.
 
So, the terrain db is fine (earth doesn't change that much)

You might want to do a 1 timer for your VFR stuff and then go subscribed when you'll be needing the updates. I don't know the price diff. might be better to subscribe earlier than your need.
 
Ravioli said:
So, the terrain db is fine (earth doesn't change that much)

You might want to do a 1 timer for your VFR stuff and then go subscribed when you'll be needing the updates. I don't know the price diff. might be better to subscribe earlier than your need.
Click to expand...

What I do not understand is why do I need the Garmin & Jeppesen?

1 time update $129, subscription $649.
 
@Jamie Kirk You do not need both. mostly (I think) people pick their poison.

You're not IFR so Flitecharts shouldn't be a consideration until you know how to compare the plates.

The subscription gives updates every ____ days (28 I think) for your two navigators and a portable. Probably worth $500.
 
Rob is right. You don't need both. The 430 has two cards - one for Nav data and one for terrain data (the cards cannot be interchanged). Garmin provides the terrain data. Once upon a time, only Jeppesen provided the nav data. Then a couple of years ago, Garmin got into the nav data business for the 430. The Garmin data is virtually identical and at an appreciable discount. (I say virtually the same because there is at least one difference that I know of -- it has to do with whether ILS/LOC approaches are a single or separate approaches).

Depending on how long you plan to stretch your IFR training, I'd start the subscription with your training. Getting in the habit of ensuring that you have current databases is good -- law of primacy and all that...

Hope that helps.

Keep in mind, the online user interfaces for both products are not that great.
 
Definitely get the Garmin one Pack as stated earlier. 12 months of Nav, obstacles, and terrain cost the same as a 2-3 updates. Terrain data changes about every 2 years and nav and obstacles are always changing. At least get all three for the first update if doing one time update.
 
Garmin is cheaper for nav databases,which is what you need to be navigation compliant. You might consider installing a one time terrain and obstacle database every few years if looking to save money. I think I remember my last full US nav database annual subscription being $299? I was spending more than that with Jepp to get Eastern US only. You will need to purchase the Garmin card programmer to load data. Although pricey, a second nav card makes it easier to keep up with updates.
 
Jamie Kirk said:
What I do not understand is why do I need the Garmin & Jeppesen?

1 time update $129, subscription $649.
Click to expand...

That sounds high to me. IIRC, my Garmin Nav and obstacle was less than $500 for the year. Jeppeson was more expensive.

As previously recommended, get a one time until you need it for actual, then get an annual subscription. You can do instrument training without currency. If you actually use it for IMC approaches then you need it current.
 
Remember, if you're planning on working on your IFR in actual, you need to have the nav updates. If you're starting your IFR soon, you might just want to bite the bullet and get the subscription.
 
James331 said:
Just get the nav database, doesn’t matter which, just pick the cheapest one.

Also I head something about using one update for two GNS, something about VMs and updates or something, no idea what that’s all about and I’d never recommend trying to cheat such as stand up company as Garmin or jepp lol
Click to expand...

Gosh if one person were to try that, could that still work today in 2020?
 
x0veN said:
Gosh if one person were to try that, could that still work today in 2020?
Click to expand...
There is no need to spend big bucks on a Nav database update. There are folks that can set you up for one-time update for 60.
 
timotb said:
There is no need to spend big bucks on a Nav database update. There are folks that can set you up for one-time update for 60.
Click to expand...

You have my attention....and maybe my $60. Who are these folks?
 
Garmin is cheaper for the 430 W. Get a one time for now for VFR flight. Then you will have an account set up. Then when you need to be IFR legal, get an annual subscription. Not sure how it will work with two 430W units, but I fully expect that Garmin will want to charge a subscription for both. Keeping only one updated would be sufficient. When you’re flying in actual, you might find that it would warrant having updated databases on both, but that will be a personal decision.
 
Just to summarize:
  • for IFR, only the navigation database is legally required to be current — a subscription is the most economical way to do that
  • no need to subscribe until you start your IFR training
  • Garmin and Jepp are alternatives, and Garmin is cheaper
  • the GNS 430W display isn't capable of showing FlightCharts, so don't bother with them
 
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