Garmin GNS 750 vs Avidyne IFD 540

[chemgeek]

If my GNS430 tanks and/or becomes too expensive to repair, I'd have to seriously consider a slide in replacement IFD 440. The modern screens are much higher res than the 430 screens. Shoot, even the Lynx NGT9000 screen is higher res than my 430.

BTW who provides the database updates for the Avidyne units? One nice thing about the Garmins is that they recently drastically reduced their database prices compared to Jepp.

 

[Bryan Kahl]

If my GNS430 tanks and/or becomes too expensive to repair, I'd have to seriously consider a slide in replacement IFD 440. The modern screens are much higher res than the 430 screens. Shoot, even the Lynx NGT9000 screen is higher res than my 430.

BTW who provides the database updates for the Avidyne units? One nice thing about the Garmins is that they recently drastically reduced their database prices compared to Jepp.

Avidyne database updates are provided by Jeppesen. When you purchase your IFD you can get a free 60 day Jeppesen trial and we're working some other things to make the prices more competitive.

Thanks,
Bryan Kahl
bkahl@avidyne.com

 

[chemgeek]

Avidyne database updates are provided by Jeppesen. When you purchase your IFD you can get a free 60 day Jeppesen trial and we're working some other things to make the prices more competitive.

Thanks,
Bryan Kahl
bkahl@avidyne.com

Thanks for the info. Is it correct the IFD440 plays nice with the Lynx NGT9000 for WX display? This is the one thing that my GNS430 won't do, but to be honest, the WX display on a tablet is much better anyway. The direct Lynx WX display is OK, too.

The other Q. is how well the IFD440 plays with dual G5s. I assume the communication protocols are indistinguishable between the GNS430 and IFF440. I'm seriously thinking of ditching my vac system.

 

[lancie00]

I've owned equipment built by JD, Massey Ferguson (now owned by Agco) and Fiat (owns Case/New Holland). All of them make good equipment, and all of them break down....only difference is the JD guys will never admit to it!

As for Chevy, biggest pile of crap vehicle I ever owned was a GM product. The best truck I've ever owned (and still do) is a 04 Dodge diesel, followed closely by an 08 Chrysler Apsen, neither are the most refined, high end vehicles, but trouble free and reliable.

I swore I'd never buy another GM product, but after test driving a bunch of crossovers we ended up buying a Buick Enclave, so far we love it.

Rambling I know, but making a point that if we limit ourselves to just who has the largest market share we'd never have options. I'm extremely happy with my IFD440, for me it's been a wonderful upgrade over the 430w, and offers many features that the 650 just doesn't have.

I have no problem with other brands as I'm sure they work well. I'm only saying that when I spend my money, it's going to be on the largest market share items. They're the largest for a reason. Now, if a company comes out and makes a comparable product for half the price, I would definitely have to do some research, but I don't think we're going to see that in the GA GPS market any time soon.

 

[GBSoren]

I have no problem with other brands as I'm sure they work well. I'm only saying that when I spend my money, it's going to be on the largest market share items. They're the largest for a reason. Now, if a company comes out and makes a comparable product for half the price, I would definitely have to do some research, but I don't think we're going to see that in the GA GPS market any time soon.

I completely understand your point, and it's very valid for sure. In my situation I did save a considerable amount money by going with the Avidyne IFD440. First off they offered more on trade in than I could sell my 430w for locally, and much more than Garmin offered. Second, and more importantly, I could do the swap myself. No need schedule shop time, no cost (other than my time), and virtually no downtime for my plane, it took me about 3 hrs to save config pages and enter those into the IFD440.

I don't know what a typical 430w to 650 upgrade costs, but I understand it's a full install not a simple slide in replacement so I wouldn't doubt it did only cost me half what going to a Garmin 650 would have been.

For me, added bonus of the IFD100 app makes it almost as good as going to an IFD540 or Garmin GTN750, which likely would cost more than double what I paid.

 

[lancie00]

I completely understand your point, and it's very valid for sure. In my situation I did save a considerable amount money by going with the Avidyne IFD440. First off they offered more on trade in than I could sell my 430w for locally, and much more than Garmin offered. Second, and more importantly, I could do the swap myself. No need schedule shop time, no cost (other than my time), and virtually no downtime for my plane, it took me about 3 hrs to save config pages and enter those into the IFD440.

I don't know what a typical 430w to 650 upgrade costs, but I understand it's a full install not a simple slide in replacement so I wouldn't doubt it did only cost me half what going to a Garmin 650 would have been.

For me, added bonus of the IFD100 app makes it almost as good as going to an IFD540 or Garmin GTN750, which likely would cost more than double what I paid.

That makes complete sense. I probably would have done the same thing.

 

[Chip Sylverne]

Does Avidyne require one go to a dealer for a full install, Like Garmin, or can a 440 be installed by an AP/IA and the warrantee remain intact?

 

[bcool]

I have 2 G5's (AI & HSI) in my Archer, working with the IFD540...they work great! One oddity, though...when I turn on the master to check my beacon during the preflight, sometimes when I turn off the master the G5s stay on (usually they go into the 45-seconds until shutdown power-off mode)...weird.

 

[Jim_CAK]

Thanks for the info. Is it correct the IFD440 plays nice with the Lynx NGT9000 for WX display? This is the one thing that my GNS430 won't do, but to be honest, the WX display on a tablet is much better anyway. The direct Lynx WX display is OK, too.

The other Q. is how well the IFD440 plays with dual G5s. I assume the communication protocols are indistinguishable between the GNS430 and IFF440. I'm seriously thinking of ditching my vac system.

We just bought the Avidyne 440 and the Lynx and are waiting on the install. Both the Avidyne rep and the Lynx rep confirmed weather can be displayed on the Avidyne. We could not do this with the 430. I also liked the Lynx as a second display screen dedicated to traffic and weather. It makes the transponder a useful part of the the avionics stack rather than an expensive device that holds a 4 digit number.

 

[chemgeek]

We just bought the Avidyne 440 and the Lynx and are waiting on the install.

You will like the Lynx. You can dedicate its screens to WX and traffic, while using your navigator for nav info only. The Lynx will also send WX and traffic to your tabet device via wifi which is superb.

 

[sardonux]

@Glenn C did you find the answer you were looking for? If you'd like to know more about my experience (I recently upgraded to dual IFD540s) I am happy to share. If you are somewhere near the mid-Atlantic, I am based out of KJYO and happy to take you out for a flight to experience the IFDs as well. Once you work them in flight, especially under workload, you'll understand why many of us are very bullish on them.

Regarding the value/market commentary, (1) I don't think anybody can realistically predict "futures" on something like the used market value of one versus the other, so I (personally) wouldn't spend a lot of energy trying to predict; (2) Avidyne has enough market share that they shouldn't be going anywhere. The market is big enough to support them, and they are a strong player in the non-Garmin market.

I (personally) like their interface and have had exceptional support for the rare occasion I needed it. My avionics shop, as well as others whom have seen my aircraft in recent time, have nothing but positive remarks that concur with my own experience. If you would like to see pictures:

 

[Jesse Saint]

I just got an extra IFD540 on the shelf that I need to move. Contact me at jesse@saintaviation.com if you are interested. I would like to move it soon. It's new-in-box and highly discounted.

 

[Jesse Saint]

Any A&P/IA can install the Avidyne. It also plays with the G5 just as nicely as the Harmin navigators.

 

[Do-it With Dan]

I was looking to put the 650 or 750 in my new panel, now you've got me thinking Avidyne.

Sardonux, that's a beautiful panel you have. Those Avidynes look great!

 

[Buck Rizvi]

Any A&P/IA can install the Avidyne. It also plays with the G5 just as nicely as the Harmin navigators.

+1 on Avidyne + G5. I LOVE mine!

Not sure about those Harmin navigators, though. I hear they’re finicky ;-)

I must say, I do like having the dedicated switches (Proc, nearest, freq, etc.). I use those babies A LOT when flying IFR.

 

[Glenn C]

@Glenn C did you find the answer you were looking for?

I'm still working on things. I lean towards the Avidyne but my installer made me a pretty good quote for the Garmin. Bryan Kahl put me in touch with a sales rep that said he'd get back to me after the holiday and I'd like to hear his pitch. Also, it looks like they are starting another trade in program for the 430W's like mine so that could be a huge factor in the decision as well. In the meantime, I did ask a few questions and got a few answers back, Here they are in case it helps someone else


Does the IFD integrate completely with the Aspen 1000 pro?
Yes it does

Does the IFD work with the Cessna 400B autopilot?
Yes it does

Will it get traffic and weather information from the garmin transponder?
Yes it will

The JPI currently feeds it's fuel computations to the 430, will it do the same to the IFD?
Yes it will

Can the 540 function as a display for a digital airborne weather radar?
The IFD can support the RDR2000 and RDR2100 Digital radar

Is Jeppsen the only source for charting? The annual subscription isn't too bad, but a single trip kit for a vacation to the islands becomes pretty outrageous.
The IFDs are a Jeppesen based subscription. We provide 60 days of subscription free service after the unit is installed

Are there audio alerts that feed into the PS engineering panel?
The IFDs will provide audio alerts for terrain awareness, altitude alerts, and approach call outs

Thanks for your offer. Your panel looks nice, what kind of plane is that?

 

[arnoha]

I ended up going with Garmin GTN 750 for my panel. I had a KLN 94 before, so no savings there...I'd have to completely rewire no matter what. What drove me to Garmin over Avidyne, which I did consider, was really the display. The Garmin has the bigger, brighter, higher resolution display. Add to that that Avidyne has an odd system for ADS-B In/Out, with two boxes, one for Out and another for In, and the GTN 750/GTX 345 made more sense in my plane. Oddly, the quotes I got for Garmin, in my case, were also cheaper.

If I had a 430 or 530, the math would be pretty different. In that case, the Avidyne would be far more tempting. Garmin hegemony doesn't please me, but in my case it made the most sense.

 

[Buck Rizvi]

I'm still working on things. I lean towards the Avidyne but my installer made me a pretty good quote for the Garmin. Bryan Kahl put me in touch with a sales rep that said he'd get back to me after the holiday and I'd like to hear his pitch. Also, it looks like they are starting another trade in program for the 430W's like mine so that could be a huge factor in the decision as well. In the meantime, I did ask a few questions and got a few answers back, Here they are in case it helps someone else


Does the IFD integrate completely with the Aspen 1000 pro?
Yes it does

Does the IFD work with the Cessna 400B autopilot?
Yes it does

Will it get traffic and weather information from the garmin transponder?
Yes it will

The JPI currently feeds it's fuel computations to the 430, will it do the same to the IFD?
Yes it will

Can the 540 function as a display for a digital airborne weather radar?
The IFD can support the RDR2000 and RDR2100 Digital radar

Is Jeppsen the only source for charting? The annual subscription isn't too bad, but a single trip kit for a vacation to the islands becomes pretty outrageous.
The IFDs are a Jeppesen based subscription. We provide 60 days of subscription free service after the unit is installed

Are there audio alerts that feed into the PS engineering panel?
The IFDs will provide audio alerts for terrain awareness, altitude alerts, and approach call outs

Thanks for your offer. Your panel looks nice, what kind of plane is that?

Here's my Cherokee Six 300 with Avidyne IFD 500, Avidyne AXP340 ADS-B, dual Garmin G5's, and PS Engineering 450A audio panel. G5's work perfectly with my old Piper AutoControl III and will support either the TruTrak or Garmin autopilots when I'm ready for an upgrade.

Pardon the retro blue. It grows on you.

 

[Hank Gibson]

I have used both extensively. Both are awesome products. Moving up from a 430W, the 750 is easier to learn. IFD 540 has a steeper learning curve, but has some cool features (hybrid touch screen is handy in turbulence). Regardless of whichever you get, get some training from someone who knows what they are doing. There are far too many pilots who get a new GPS and don't get any training, then don't realize all the system can do!

 

[Hank Gibson]

And your shop steering you toward a 750 because they hadn't installed an Avidyne before is silly. Go with what you want. If they don't know how, fly your plane somewhere to someone who has done a few.

 

[arnoha]

Here's my Cherokee Six 300 with Avidyne IFD 500, Avidyne AXP340 ADS-B, dual Garmin G5's, and PS Engineering 450A audio panel. G5's work perfectly with my old Piper AutoControl III and will support either the TruTrak or Garmin autopilots when I'm ready for an upgrade.

Pardon the retro blue. It grows on you.

Heh...the home field elevation plus your user name really give away where you are. Of course, it's also displayed on the GPS navigator...

 

[Glenn C]

G5's work perfectly with my old Piper AutoControl III and will support either the TruTrak or Garmin autopilots when I'm ready

It looks like you still have your old artificial horizon in there which from my understanding is why your old analog auto pilot still works. The new ones you mentioned are digital so they are native and would work well when you're ready

 

[AdamZ]

Good chatting yesterday Glenn, As you know I have an Avidyne IFD 540, AXP 340 and MLB100 AND a G5 for my AI. I am happy with them all.

 

[Buck Rizvi]

I have used both extensively. Both are awesome products. Moving up from a 430W, the 750 is easier to learn. IFD 540 has a steeper learning curve, but has some cool features (hybrid touch screen is handy in turbulence). Regardless of whichever you get, get some training from someone who knows what they are doing. There are far too many pilots who get a new GPS and don't get any training, then don't realize all the system can do!

I got my ticket in ‘92 and stopped flying for 25 years, so I missed the meteoric rise of Garmin GPS and didn’t “cut my teeth” on a Garmin 430 or 530.

Started flying again, bought an airplane, and got my Instrument rating this past year (2018).

During that time, I bought an Avidyne IFD 550 for my Cherokee Six and have been using a RealityXP GTN 650 (which is excellent) when I fly my X-Plane + VR simulator, so can provide a relatively balanced perspective.

My thoughts:

If you’re not already expert on any GPS nav/com, the Garmin and Avidyne are probably a wash in terms of learning curve. For cool icons, Garmin wins hands down. If you’re already familar with a Garmin 430/530 (which I’m not), I’d bet there’s a familiarity factor “built in” for most pilots who were brought up on these, so I’d give the edge to Garmin for those folks.

The dedicated + line select physical buttons on the IFD are an advantage and reduce workload. Fly an instrument approach or make a nighttime arrival in bumpy weather (ask me about my recent Midnight arrival at Teterboro) and this can be really helpful.

For training, I would give the Garmin GTN’s an edge because of the availability of excellent simulation software for programs like X-Plane (RealityXP).

I totally agree that modern GPS nav/com training IS A MUST. Books, courses, and simulators are a big help. Take it from someone who failed their first instrument checkride because I wasn’t as familiar with my equipment as I should have been!

 

[Buck Rizvi]

Heh...the home field elevation plus your user name really give away where you are. Of course, it's also displayed on the GPS navigator...

You found me!

 

[Buck Rizvi]

It looks like you still have your old artificial horizon in there which from my understanding is why your old analog auto pilot still works. The new ones you mentioned are digital so they are native and would work well when you're ready

Yep, I kept the old AI for the old autopilot (Garmin requires it for G5 GPSS support) and as an IFR backup. It’s comforting to have her sitting there even though I have 2 battery backed up G5’s, synth vision in my Avidyne IFD550, and a Stratus 2S connected to ForeFlight.

 

[Buck Rizvi]

And your shop steering you toward a 750 because they hadn't installed an Avidyne before is silly. Go with what you want. If they don't know how, fly your plane somewhere to someone who has done a few.

I was watching an excellent documentary on Netflix called “The Bleeding Edge” about shenanigans going on the medical device industry (replacement hips, knees, etc.).

A medical device sales rep was told by one Doc (aka Shop Owner):

“You have the best product, but the other guys take better care of me.”

It’s hard not to be biased when you’re bank account is involved!

 

[CC268]

GTN750

 

[Glenn C]

Here's my Cherokee Six 300 with Avidyne IFD 500, Avidyne AXP340 ADS-B, dual Garmin G5's, and PS Engineering 450A audio panel. G5's work perfectly with my old Piper AutoControl III and will support either the TruTrak or Garmin autopilots when I'm ready for an upgrade.

Pardon the retro blue. It grows on you.

My son Ethan used to be a line guy with Journey's and he says he knows you. Gave you a big thumbs up! Such a small world.

 

[arkvet]

Buck, we have near identical panels. I do love my setup as well.

 

[Buck Rizvi]

My son Ethan used to be a line guy with Journey's and he says he knows you. Gave you a big thumbs up! Such a small world.

Hey Glenn, I miss Ethan. A fine young man! How is he coming along with his training?

 

[Buck Rizvi]

View attachment 70435 Buck, we have near identical panels. I do love my setup as well.

Hey Brent,

A beautiful panel, indeed! Ain't it nice to read MP and RPM off the JPI?

I like how you have the Stratus mounted. Is there a 3rd party bracket for that? Any issues with reception down there?

BTW, I was just flying near KMEM back in October heading back to Boulder. I also picked up my lab pup from a friend in Oxford, MS not long after.

The last time I was in Mississippi was when I was stationed in Biloxi 35 years ago (Keesler AFB)!

 

[sardonux]

Thanks for your offer. Your panel looks nice, what kind of plane is that?

@Glenn C it's a '63 Cessna 182F. If you're ever in the DC area, hit me up. Based outta KJYO (Leesburg, VA).

 

[Chuck Buchanan]

I am in the process of acquiring a 1981 Saratoga. I have a budget for an all metal panel, twinGarmin G5’s, and am contemplating a JPI-930. Has anyone converted a PA-32 to a JPI-930? What was your installed, fly away price?

 

[arkvet]

Hey Brent,

A beautiful panel, indeed! Ain't it nice to read MP and RPM off the JPI?

I like how you have the Stratus mounted. Is there a 3rd party bracket for that? Any issues with reception down there?

BTW, I was just flying near KMEM back in October heading back to Boulder. I also picked up my lab pup from a friend in Oxford, MS not long after.

The last time I was in Mississippi was when I was stationed in Biloxi 35 years ago (Keesler AFB)!

Yes, the information on that JPI is awesome. Having preset alarms on basically every engine parameter makes it essentially impossible to miss early signs of trouble.

The 3rd party bracket is 3M industrial strength Velcro. lol. Works like a charm. Pretty hard to pull off actually. Reception would be terrible down there but I have both the external antennae (ADS-B and gps) installed and ran up to the glare shield. All hidden. The power cable is neatly routed over to a plug in USB port in the cig lighter plug. It turns the Stratus on/off with the ships power (setting in foreflight). Never a need to touch the Stratus.

From KMEM to Boulder you definitely passed near my home drone

 

[Buck Rizvi]

Thanks, Brent. Looks like I need to buy those optional ADS-B and GPS antennas for my Stratus. I stopped "smokin' 'em if I got 'em" after leaving the military, so my cigarette lighter is definitely available to dedicate to the Stratus.

 

[Glenn C]

Hey Glenn, I miss Ethan. A fine young man! How is he coming along with his training?

He's doing great. Just left this morning for a new job as an FO on a Shorts 360. He's on his way and we couldn't be prouder!

 

[Glenn C]

@Glenn C it's a '63 Cessna 182F. If you're ever in the DC area, hit me up. Based outta KJYO (Leesburg, VA).

I will. Always looking for an excuse to go somewhere

 

[Glenn C]

I got my ticket in ‘92 and stopped flying for 25 years, so I missed the meteoric rise of Garmin GPS and didn’t “cut my teeth” on a Garmin 430 or 530.

Similar here. I have a general aviation background but for the most part I haven't flown anything that didn't come out of a Boeing factory for the last 30 years. I feel like rip van Winkle as I re-enter the GAosphere. Garmin, who's that and where's my Narco navcom at? While my son loves it, I never quite mastered the g430w so not a lot to unlearn .

I took Jesse Saint up on his Avidyne for sale offer and should have an IFD 540 waiting for me when I get home. The book from Amazon is already waiting.

February will bring an avidyne, an Aspen, and a new Garmin nav com to replace my familiar touchstone King 170, and a whole lot of new ****e to learn!

 

[Buck Rizvi]

He's doing great. Just left this morning for a new job as an FO on a Shorts 360. He's on his way and we couldn't be prouder!

That's badass! I'm friends with a Fedex pilot and he likes having passengers who never complain! The Shorts 360 looks like fun!