As I've expressed before in this group, I believe that the 480 has a handful
of benefits over the 430/530 functionality set. However, being only a
"handful," these can be incorporated into the 430/530 software relatively
easily. As part of the WAAS upgrade for the latter boxes, they will receive
a new processor, new software, and (if purchased) a new map chip that will
be part of the $500 terrain option. The WAAS upgrade mandates the vertical
guidance and faster processor in its TSO so the only major GNS 480 benefit
would be the airways capability in the flight planning function. I'm not
100% familiar with the 480 functionality but from what I know/heard/read,
the airways is the only major difference.

I predict that we'll see airway capability in the 430/530 WAAS upgrade. If
Garmin does this, what you have left is a legacy box that is essentially the
same as the 430 and 530 but isn't as user-friendly, doesn't have terrain,
and does not have VFR map features. Sure the 480 has a transponder interface
but I don't see it being easier than punching the numbers in the GTX
327/330.

I think the box will be "officially" supported by Garmin and Jeppesen but I
wouldn't expect to see the terrain option or any other significant software
upgrades after the most recent CNX-80=GNS480 upgrade.

Marco Leon




"N2SX" wrote in message
oups.com...
I know this has been discussed and discussed here, but I wanted to
share some information that I just received from the company that
produces a few excellent training computer programs for avionics.

Some background - I flew a cherokee 180 with a 430 for about 5 years.
This year I moved to a Lance and put in the cnx-80 and mx-20. I have
flown the heck out of that plane this year, so I have a good bit of
flying time with both the 430 and cnx-80 (it is in the shop now getting
"upgraded" to a 480).

I purchased the cnx-80 over a 430 (which I was very familiar with) for
the same reasons that have been expressed here before - airways,
vertical appraoch guidance, faster processer (and thus better response
time), etc. Being used to the 430, I did have some transition time
getting used to the cnx-80, but I am as, if not more, comfortable with
the new box as I was with the 430. I think the "overkill" or too
complex arguments have been a bit overstated.

Now my point, I have used the autopilot and lightning educational
software from Electronic Flight Solutions. I thought I knew everything
about those systems, but was surprised by how much I learned. So I
inquired about a 480 trainer. I was told that there were no plans for
that b/c the expectation was that the 480 would not be around much
longer. His argument was that once the $5,000 waas upgrade for the
430/530 is released next year, garmin would likely dump the 480.

He sais the 480 was just too complicated. As I indicated, I strongly
disagree with that. What do you think? What are the implications for us
cnx-80 owners with such a short-lived product?

Elton Dodson
Lance 2SX