N2SX wrote:
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?

What do I think? I think since Electronic Solutions offers training material for
the 430 and not the 480, it is in their interest to promote the impression that
the 480 won't be around much longer.

Unless you work for Garmin, it's all speculation.