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06-15-2016, 04:07 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Hampshire, IL
Posts: 276
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I installed a IFD540 in my Mooney and as I move along I will be installing another in my RV7. I LOVE THE IFD540.
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Ed Martin
Bluskydtl
RV7
DKB
Donations 1/19 & 6/19
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06-15-2016, 04:47 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 706
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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
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06-16-2016, 06:51 AM
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Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: MA
Posts: 3
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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)
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06-16-2016, 10:14 AM
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Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Prescott, AZ
Posts: 1,614
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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.
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"Kindness is never a bad plan."
exemption option waived. Donation appropriate.
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06-16-2016, 01:27 PM
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,291
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flightlogic
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.
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THIS statement is the real reason to buy an Avidyne navigator!
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.
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06-16-2016, 01:39 PM
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Super Moderator
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Locust Grove, GA
Posts: 2,626
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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
__________________
 Vic Syracuse
Built RV-4, RV-6, 2-RV-10's, RV-7A, RV-8, Prescott Pusher, Kitfox Model II, Kitfox Speedster, Kitfox 7 Super Sport, Just Superstol, DAR, A&P/IA, EAA Tech Counselor/Flight Advisor, CFII-ASMEL/ASES
Kitplanes "Unairworthy" monthly feature
EAA Sport Aviation "Checkpoints" column
EAA Homebuilt Council Chair/member EAA BOD
Author "Pre-Buy Guide for Amateur-Built Aircraft"
www.Baselegaviation.com
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06-17-2016, 07:49 AM
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Hastings, MN
Posts: 582
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vic syracuse
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
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Garmin has the GTN simulator on the app store for free as well.
That will really give you the best apples to apples comparison (after actually flying behind both that is!)
__________________
Ed Kranz
RV-10 N829EC - Flying
First Flight: 8/29/15
KSGS - Fleming Field, South Saint Paul, Minnesota
YouTube.com/GoodPlaneLiving -- Build Timelapse and Travel Videos . . GoodPlaneLiving.com -- Build and Travel Blog
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06-17-2016, 12:30 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newport, TN
Posts: 7,496
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy Prevost
I'm having good experience with the IFD-540, which only sort-of answers your question. I chose it because it was a slide in replacement for my 530W, and because I found the user interface to be far superior.
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While making the IFD a slide in replacement for the most popular IFR navigator series ever was a good move, comparing them to the GNS series is kinda like comparing a modern computer to one from 15 years ago. Yeah they are both computers but much has changed in between design cycles. Having used both the GNS and the GTN, my thoughts are that comparing the IFD to the GTN is more appropriate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironflight
snip...
Vic did a nice comparison article in the August issue of Kitplanes, which should be hitting the streets soon (if it isn't out there already).
Paul
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I have not seen this article (just looked online and it is not posted yet) so I hope that the comparison includes the latest features for the GTN series like:
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!
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06-17-2016, 01:09 PM
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Twin Cities, MN
Posts: 1,565
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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.
__________________
Brad Benson, Maplewood MN.
RV-6A N164BL, Flying since Nov 2012!
If you're not making mistakes, you're probably not making anything
Last edited by ChiefPilot : 06-17-2016 at 01:13 PM.
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06-17-2016, 02:53 PM
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newport, TN
Posts: 7,496
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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.
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