Which older IFR GPS?

[Brantel]

Another thread has me thinking about the fact that it may be cost effective to install an older IFR gps for things like legally substituting for ADF/DME and for legal direct clearances, not so important for map but if it has one that is great.

Knowing that some of the older Garmins are dead as far as database updates and some issues with the clocks inside etc.

What are some of the best options for an older Garmin GPS to be used in this manner?

[N395V]

I really liked the KLN 94 but it's price has remained relatively high. The KLN 89 or 90 should do what you want at a reasonable price.

[Garage Guy]

Originally Posted by Brantel

Knowing that some of the older Garmins are dead as far as database updates and some issues with the clocks inside etc.

Jeppesen still supports many of the older Garmin and Apollo units with database updates http://www.jeppesen.com/personal-sol...ion/garmin.jsp. Though who knows how long they will keep doing that.

If you really want to go with Garmin and not King, there are quite a few options there, depending on if you want IFR approach capability or just enroute and terminal, GPS/comm or just GPS, etc.

--Paul

[Brantel]

I want one with approach capability and would consider a GPS/Com. Not really stuck on Garmin but that is my preference.

[Dave Cole]

I think some of the best choices are Garmin NOH (Newly Overhauled) units. For example, the Garmin GNC 300XL TSO GPS/COM for $3,150 form ACS is a high resolution IFG certified unit. If you don't need the COM, then the GPS 155XL TSO is only $2,795. And, since these units are certified for IFR, you can use them for enroute, arrival, and approach navigation, provided that your installation includes the required annunciators and switches.

[Garage Guy]

Also Garmin offers flat-rate repair and 'yellow tagging' of many of their units. For GNC 300XL's and GX60's and the like it's in the $500 range. See http://www8.garmin.com/support/outofwarranty.html. If you can find a broken one for cheap, this can be the way to go.

Edit: Useful to know that while that Garmin page says "RMA must be obtained through an Authorized Garmin Aviation Service Center", if you can convince them the unit is for your experimental, for example by giving them an N-number, they will deal direct with you.

--Paul

[az_gila]

One GX-55 is on e-bay now for you to track an actual price

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Apoll...1%7C240%3A1318

Data cards are still supported, and they can be IFR approved, but not for approaches.

[ddurakovich]

The "A" models are IFR Enroute certified, and the "B" models are approach certified.

[JHines]

Originally Posted by N395V

I really liked the KLN 94 but it's price has remained relatively high. The KLN 89 or 90 should do what you want at a reasonable price.

I second the KLN89 (KLN89B is the IFR version). Has a small monochrome moving map. I flew IFR behind one for a couple of years - perfectly adequate for enroute and approaches.

Anything King uses proprietary database info and will cost about 20% more per year to keep the database updated, compared to Garmin.

King stuff is reliable, but tends to have sky-high repair costs. With current prices, if you go with an 89 or 90, and have any problems, you'd probably be better off junking the unit and buying another one.

[kentb]

GPS and Com. Approach Cert.

Keep in mind that you will need to have an annunciator and current database to use IFR.

Kent