Power connector for Garmin 400/420/430

[rmhou at yahoo.com]

I want to build a power cable so I can practice using my Garmin GNC
420W at home. I called Garmin and was told that I can order their
$125 connector kit to build my cable.

The GPS side uses a 78-pin connector that looks like a D-subminiature
78-pin connector. Mouser has them for around $10. But Garmin tech
told me that their connectors are not "computer connector" but
"aviation connector"; at $125, it sure feel like aviation grade and
price.

Would this work: http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=EP%2fj%252b8r7ekpZnvjQQH3iWQ %3d%3d

Thanks in advance.

Robin Hou

[Marco L]

"rmhou at yahoo.com" > wrote in message
...
>I want to build a power cable so I can practice using my Garmin GNC
> 420W at home. I called Garmin and was told that I can order their
> $125 connector kit to build my cable.
>
> The GPS side uses a 78-pin connector that looks like a D-subminiature
> 78-pin connector. Mouser has them for around $10. But Garmin tech
> told me that their connectors are not "computer connector" but
> "aviation connector"; at $125, it sure feel like aviation grade and
> price.
>
> Would this work:
> http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=EP%2fj%252b8r7ekpZnvjQQH3iWQ %3d%3d

Have you tried these two other options?
1. You can use Garmin's simulator available for free. It is the same
software as the real thing and you can choose from different 400-series
flavors
2. Buy Reality-XP's 400W add-on to MS Flight Simulator for $40.

Marco

[Bill]

On Mar 30, 2:50*pm, "rmhou at yahoo.com" > wrote:
> I want to build a power cable so I can practice using my Garmin GNC
> 420W at home. *I called Garmin and was told that I can order their
> $125 connector kit to build my cable.
>
> The GPS side uses a 78-pin connector that looks like a D-subminiature
> 78-pin connector. *Mouser has them for around $10. *But Garmin tech
> told me that their connectors are not "computer connector" but
> "aviation connector"; at $125, it sure feel like aviation grade and
> price.
>
> Would this work:http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=EP%2fj%252b8r7ekpZ...
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
> Robin Hou

Robin, The connector isn't anything real special. The one on the
COM does have some special
high current pins.


The commentators are correct. The sim will do everything but VOR-LOC
simulation. You would
have to hook up a lot of stuff to make the box do it!! Maybe a whole
airplane.

Bill Hale