Garmin Aera 510 Review

bgaston · #1 06-07-2010, 01:30 PM

Just purchased a new Garmin Aera 510. We are very pleased with display, functions and features. On our most recent cross country, the Wx feature helped us steer clear of some weather and made the trip much more enjoyable. The touch screen works great. We choose the 510 over the 560 to save some bucks ($700). We decided looking out the wind screen at the taxi ways was safer than " Safe Taxi " Also, the data base includes adequate airport information without paying extra for the AOPA Directory.

apkp777 · #2 06-07-2010, 01:33 PM

How was the screen visibility in sun? I have mine installed in the panel, but haven't really used it much yet. However, while taxiing around (all I have done so far) it seems a bit dull.

bgaston · #3 06-07-2010, 01:38 PM

We installed ours on a Ram Mount and swing the unit for the best viewing.
We also have a shade on the canopy.

Brantel · #4 06-07-2010, 01:43 PM

I have found the display just fine for an RV panel in the Sun. I do not have a Sun shade yet.

I have been flying for a couple weeks now with mine and I usually climb up into full sunshine and since I am like a fish in a bowl, I have had this thing at every possible Sun angle possible and I have never had a problem seeing the display. I wear cheap polarized sunglasses most of the time.

I have my 510 in the top of the radio stack which is centered more or less in my panel. I did have an angle adaptor because it made my prior 296 easier to see. I am not sure the 510 would need it but it was already there so I left it.

The 296 was horrible when you were off axis with the screen...The 510 does not seem like it is as bad off axis.

Word of warning though... The Aera units suck the battery much faster than the X96 series. With the XM antenna attached it sucks it really fast!!! Might be a concern if you are using the GPS as a third level backup...

bhester · #5 06-07-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brantel

I have found the display just fine for an RV panel in the Sun. I do not have a Sun shade yet.

Brian, I really wanted to check out your GPS Saturday, but after being out in the sun all day, I just wanted to get into some cool air. It was 40 something up at 12,500 and it felt good :-)

I'm glad you guys talked about the cost differance between the 510 and 560. I don't think Safe taxi and AOPA directory is worth $700. That savings will just about get you weather for two year won't it? I'll be looking hard at a 510. I figure Oshkosh will have them about $100 off and I think Spruce will honer that price over the phone if so I might get one.

638RS · #6 06-07-2010, 08:08 PM

I understand the 510 has lower resolution than the 560. Is the difference noticeable? Is the display plus the other features worth the additional 700.00?

ksauce · #7 06-07-2010, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 638RS

I understand the 510 has lower resolution than the 560. Is the difference noticeable? Is the display plus the other features worth the additional 700.00?

The actual screen resolution is the same between the 510 and 560. The difference is the resolution of the terrain database. In other words, the terrain will look less blocky on the 560. Everything else will be identical between the units.

Snowflake · #8 06-07-2010, 11:07 PM

I'm finding my Aera 500 (same screen as 510/550/560) to be a little hard to read when the sun gets behind me, shining on the screen. I have it mounted front and center on my panel, because that's where the previous owner had the 296 mounted. When/if I re-do the panel i'll move it to a more central location, and probably add a sunshade of some sort.

I find it's worse with my sunglasses on, or with the tinted visor on my helmet down.

bgaston · #9 06-08-2010, 07:55 AM

Just a note to those who haven't done an update, a data cable plug can be found behind the battery cover

knuther · #10 06-08-2010, 01:14 PM

i have been flying my area 500 for the last 3-4 months... and i love it ... the biggest reason i purchased it was for the terrain option... and i like how she yells at me when i am in a slip or descending to fast.. Sink rate ///Sink Rate.. pull up..

Or when i am in an area i haven't been and get and audio alert and it puts the little radar on screen of where the tower is in reference to me..

Generally i like it for the awareness it provides.. i have found direct high noon glare to suck a little but overall its a pleasure to work with..