Garmin 250XL upgrades

[ROBERT DAVIS]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this. Can I get upgrades for the Garmin 250xl or is it to old??

Thanks in advanced

Robert Davis

[gbrasch]

I get them for mine in my Tri-Pacer, I use the Garmin SkyBound program....hope this helps. Glenn

[Mel]

Updates are available as the 250XL is current production.

[rvbuilder2002]

You can do database up-dates but they are expensive. The less often you do it, the more it costs per update. I just checked into updating mine and a single one time update is $275. This does not include the SkyBound USB adapter for the data card that can be purchased for $50.

[GOEZ]

I just went through the process of updating an old 250XL database. I got the Skybound G2 adapter directly from Jeppesen ... $50 + UPS charges or you can try to just borrow one. The full North American database was $115 via internet download for a one-time update. After waiting for the adapter and setting up the JSUM software, the process seems to work quite well.

Note to suppliers : As stated in other threads, please DO NOT use UPS to Canada. While I understand they work well domestically, two weeks transit and $40 to ship an envelope across the border is ridiculous!!! Their "brokerage charges" are way out of line with other carriers. A friend just had to pay ~$95 for an item worth ~$500 ... FedEx charges a flat $8 and the post office a flat $6 for the same service.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by GOEZ

I just went through the process of updating an old 250XL database. I got the Skybound G2 adapter directly from Jeppesen ... $50 + UPS charges or you can try to just borrow one. The full North American database was $115 via internet download for a one-time update. After waiting for the adapter and setting up the JSUM software, the process seems to work quite well.

Note to suppliers : As stated in other threads, please DO NOT use UPS to Canada. While I understand they work well domestically, two weeks transit and $40 to ship an envelope across the border is ridiculous!!! Their "brokerage charges" are way out of line with other carriers. A friend just had to pay ~$95 for an item worth ~$500 ... FedEx charges a flat $8 and the post office a flat $6 for the same service.

Where did you buy it for $115?
I just double checked on the Jeppesen web site http://jeppdirect.jeppesen.com/main/...scriptions.jsp and the North America is $335. Just the complete USA is $285.

[GOEZ]

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002

Where did you buy it for $115?
I just double checked on the Jeppesen web site http://jeppdirect.jeppesen.com/main/...scriptions.jsp and the North America is $335. Just the complete USA is $285.

I found their website somewhat difficult to navigate and find the various options. If you go to the "How to Purchase" page, there is a link to their pricing catalog. This catalog shows the various one-time costs.

Note that the one-time updates are not available for online purchase. You have to call their order line and they add the item to your account to be downloaded via JSUM. I confirmed with their order desk that this is the only way to obtain the one-time updates.

It's your choice whether to keep a VFR database current (i.e. subscription) or to just do the occasional one-time update. The system appears to work fine with a database that's quite out of date, even by several years. Since I'm only flying locally and really not using the map for new-to-me areas, I chose to only update when there are significant changes in the local control zones and/or restricted areas.

[Mel]

Originally Posted by GOEZ

It's your choice whether to keep a VFR database current (i.e. subscription) or to just do the occasional one-time update. The system appears to work fine with a database that's quite out of date, even by several years. Since I'm only flying locally and really not using the map for new-to-me areas, I chose to only update when there are significant changes in the local control zones and/or restricted areas.

That's how I do it also. I update my 250XL one year and the 495 the next. That way I always have a database that's within a year.

[rvbuilder2002]

Originally Posted by GOEZ

I found their website somewhat difficult to navigate and find the various options. If you go to the "How to Purchase" page, there is a link to their pricing catalog. This catalog shows the various one-time costs.

Note that the one-time updates are not available for online purchase. You have to call their order line and they add the item to your account to be downloaded via JSUM. I confirmed with their order desk that this is the only way to obtain the one-time updates.

It's your choice whether to keep a VFR database current (i.e. subscription) or to just do the occasional one-time update. The system appears to work fine with a database that's quite out of date, even by several years. Since I'm only flying locally and really not using the map for new-to-me areas, I chose to only update when there are significant changes in the local control zones and/or restricted areas.

Thanks....

[chrispratt]

Interesting timing. I have a Garmin 250XL and a 496. I used to subscribe to the Jeppesen yearly database for the 250XL at about $275 per year but I found I didn't fly cross-country enough to justify the expense. Last night I tried to do a one-time update (getting ready for OSH) and found the same difficulty with the Jepp website reported by others - not user friendly. So instead I updated the 496 NavData base from the Garmin site for $49.95 plus tax. Since I fly with both systems, one updated system should be good enough (my autopilot will track either unit) and the 496 update is a lot cheaper (and holds more data) than the one time for a 250XL.

FYI, the obstacle database update for the 496 is also $49.95 plus tax on the Garmin site. Hope that helps.

Chris