![]() |
I installed a IFD540 in my Mooney and as I move along I will be installing another in my RV7. I LOVE THE IFD540.
|
Avidyne IFD
We have installed a lot of IFD440's and IFD540's
I have both a GTN650 and IFD540 in my RV-10 and have extensive experience with both units. I find that almost everyone that I take flying in the RV-10 show up wanting a GTN650 and after using both units in flight change to the IFD540. 1. The Jeppesen NAV database cost is exactly the same for both units. The IFD540 will display Approach plates and they cost more. I only update the NAV data since all 3 of my EFIS screens have the plates. 2. Both units will control an Autopilot and give you GPS LPV approach capability. 3. The IFD has dedicated buttons that are extremely handy in turbulence. 4. The IFD has a dedicated Frequency button that I use all the time. 5. The IFD has a really nice Bluetooth remote keyboard that has become my standard way of entering data. 6. The IFD has built in Bluetooth and WiFi 7. The IFD has a touch screen that supports multi-touch for pinch zooming. I am currently flying the new Avidyne software with Synthetic Vision and it is pretty cool. Rob Hickman Advanced Flight Systems Inc. N402RH RV-10 |
Jepp Pricing
Jeppesens pricing for the Full US IFD Suite (NAV, Obstacles, Charts & Terrain) is $1,012. This covers all Avidyne products in the aircraft (for you dual IFD owners or IFD & EX series owners)
|
great units
Have been teaching an owner with new Avidyne... he pulled the Garmin 430 and 530. I like the software. And a free CD is available to create an avionics simulator on your PC. It does all the procedures. It took minimal time reading the POH and I feel comfortable being a right seat CFI-I with the new avionics.
|
Quote:
I did nearly side-by-side comparisons between the IFD540 and GNS530. To say the Garmin user interface was difficult to master would have been an understatement. The Avidyne unit is light years ahead in terms of user interface. While I could afford neither the 530 nor the 540, I did come away having learned a valuable lesson. My brain likes an FMS-style user interface. This knowledge is what has made me happy in my decision to buy the navigator I could afford, a GNS480, as its user interface emulates an FMS. |
App store
Avidyne has put the IFD app in the App store for free. Load it on your IPAD and you can play with it and really understand the difference.
Vic |
Quote:
That will really give you the best apples to apples comparison (after actually flying behind both that is!) |
Quote:
Quote:
End user firmware updates User defined holds Ability to fly radius to fix type approaches Ability to load another approach while flying a missed approach segment Dynamic curved flight plan segments based on speed Animated NEXRAD for those that have weather receivers Real time fuel range rings LPV+V support Advanced airway navigation including preview capability Remote control/integration capabilities with the G3X Touch Some of these newer features added have really pumped up the GTN's capabilities! |
Thanks for the pointer to the iPad app for the IFD. I grabbed it (not in a wierd way) and am looking at it combined with the pilot's guide.
The more I learn about the GTN650 the more I am leaning away from it and towards the IFD. Their demo app probably didn't have, for me, the effect they intended. |
No matter what brand or model your leaning toward, I would make the suggestion to not put too much weight on the simulators. Almost always they are behind and not as nice as the real thing.
Highly suggest getting your hands and eyes on both actual units for the best comparison. |
| All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:33 AM. |