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  #1  
Old 01-31-2018, 11:37 PM
RicoB RicoB is offline
 
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Location: Glendale, CA
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Exclamation avidyne ifd440

Here is my dilema. Don't know if I should upgrade the GNS430 to 430W or trade in for a IFD440! Any inputs? Any real world comparisons and reviews? Thanks Any Used IFD440?
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  #2  
Old 02-01-2018, 02:55 AM
AusFlyingBear AusFlyingBear is offline
 
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Location: Christchurch New Zealand
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I don't have first-hand experience here but I've had discussions with some locals that have both Avidyne and Garmin Systems. They would recommend the Avidyne. Overall it's much cheaper than Garmin as most optional extra's on the Garmin are included in the Avidyne. The Avidyne system is also a little more intuitive than the Garmin.

http://www.avidyne.com/landing/ifd54...50-compare.asp
http://www.avidyne.com/products/ifd/...e-compare.html
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  #3  
Old 02-01-2018, 05:58 AM
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rleffler rleffler is offline
 
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Obviously, the 430W will be less expensive than purchasing a new Avidyne. How long do you need the GPS to work in your aircraft? The 430 is end of life and superseded by the GTN series. When will Garmin stop supporting it? You may find yourself in a few years having to replace the 430W anyways?

Total cost of ownership will be better with the Avidyne, but you have a big hit year one. The Avidyne has more capabilities, especially if you have a non-Garmin EFIS.

It really comes down to what your budget will allow.
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  #4  
Old 02-01-2018, 07:44 AM
Canadian_JOY Canadian_JOY is offline
 
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If you already have experience doing the twist-push-twist-push dance with the 430 then the user interface is a moot point. If, on the other hand, you haven't yet programmed your brain to think like a 430 software designer's brain, then the user interface becomes a very large consideration.

The Avidyne wins hands-down when it comes to ease of use. The 430 will feel like an old DOS computer while the Avidyne will feel much more like a modern Apple device.

I've mentioned on this forum previously my little experiment with IFR navigators conducted at Oshkosh when Avidyne first came out with the IFD540. I walked up to the demo unit and started pushing buttons with the intent of creating and activating a flight plan. I had never touched either an Avidyne or a Garmin 400/500 unit before.

In short, I had a flight plan up and running on the Avidyne in five minutes or less, while after 30 minutes on the GNS530 I still hadn't figured it out and had given up in disgust and walked away.

There simply is no comparison in terms of ease of use. The GTN-series boxes are getting a bit better but still are no match for the intuitive operation of the Avidyne navigators.
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  #5  
Old 02-01-2018, 11:04 AM
RicoB RicoB is offline
 
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Reading all the replies looks all positive reviews on the IFD440. Now it?s matter of finding the best trade in deal out there! Are there different models of the 440? Some sites have a are to choose a model or add ons?
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  #6  
Old 02-01-2018, 11:10 AM
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ChiefPilot ChiefPilot is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RicoB View Post
Reading all the replies looks all positive reviews on the IFD440. Now it?s matter of finding the best trade in deal out there! Are there different models of the 440? Some sites have a are to choose a model or add ons?
No, but there are options. I believe WiFi/Bluetooth is an option, for example - not sure.

The mistake I made was looking at the IFD540. It has those options built-in, came with a small keyboard ("thumboard") that looked cheesy but works even better for putting in a flight plan or updated route, and the screen is amazing.

One option to think about is weather/traffic. Unlike Garmin products, the IFDs will take ADS-B weather and traffic in GDL90 protocol, which means you can connect a stratux via serial line.

This is a screen shot of my IFD, with the weather/traffic being delivered by a stratux box:


Check on eBay; the IFDs will show up there from time to time.
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  #7  
Old 02-01-2018, 11:33 AM
tomww tomww is offline
 
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Location: uk
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RicoB View Post
Reading all the replies looks all positive reviews on the IFD440. Now it?s matter of finding the best trade in deal out there! Are there different models of the 440? Some sites have a are to choose a model or add ons?
Im just putting one in my 7.

You can get some very good trade in deal for the 430.

I got the all the bells and whistles on my IDF440. WiFi, Bluetooth, keyboard, terrain wotsits. Very pleased so far.
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  #8  
Old 02-01-2018, 12:04 PM
RicoB RicoB is offline
 
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No one is selling a used ifd440. Must be a great unit! But I will keep checking like you said Chiefpilot
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  #9  
Old 02-01-2018, 12:26 PM
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Guy Prevost Guy Prevost is offline
 
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I can't answer your question about the IFD440 directly, but I flew different airplanes for years that were equipped with 430W and 530Ws. I earned my instrument rating behind those devices.

I fly behind an IFD540 now and am amazed at how much easier and more efficient it is to operate. When you add in the Bluetooth keyboard and the app that gives you a full iPad screen that mirrors the head unit, the difference becomes even bigger. Those advantages would be greater still on the smaller IFD440 sized unit.
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  #10  
Old 02-01-2018, 01:11 PM
emuyshondt emuyshondt is offline
 
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Location: Leander, TX
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I have an IFD540 in my plane. I would not go to a Garmin product if I had a choice. I have used 430's and also G1000 and I don't know what the engineers were thinking with their control logic.

I recently did an IPC in somewhat rough turbulence. The availability of buttons to push made it bearable. At first I tried just the touch interface using the bezel to steady my hand. It kind of worked, but was still significantly more difficult than pushing buttons. On the other hand, when the weather is smooth, a touch interface is very fast. The IFD units give you both interfaces. The old Garmins had just knobs, the new Garmins just have a touch interface.

Not long ago, I saw some IFD's for sale over on BeechTalk. I can't remember if they were 540s or 440s.
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