If you mainly want a DME/ADF replacement and to use for occasional RNAV
approaches, do you really need either the 430 or the 480? You can buy a used
IFR GPS for less than half of what either of those boxes cost new and get
all of that stuff and save some money to solve other problems. Neither box
will do you any good if the plane is on the ground because you don't have
the money to repair a cylinder.

If you're thinking about throwing real money around, why not buy a used 430
and get yourself a GTX-330 and get TIS while you're at it? That's useful in
VFR, too. As for support, the GNS-430 base is too big for Garmin to not
support. But, if you're buying new, I can't see any reason to not buy the
480.

I would not want to have only one NAV/COM radio for serious IFR. If they're
tearing up the wiring have them put a connector so you can plug your
handheld COM into the external antenna- you'll get much better reception.
You do have handheld radios, don't you? My #1 oh-$#@! IFR scenario is an
electrical failure, particularly in a middle-aged 172. Handheld COM and GPS
running on batteries are the best insurance.

-cwk.

"Hankal" wrote in message
...
Just looked at my approach plates. Very few have NDB approaches, some are
VOR
DME, some require ADF. More and more now are GPS.
Since I can use the GPS instead of DME for Some VOR approaches, is it not
wise
(prudent)
to get an IFR certified GPS now?
Should it be a Garmin 430 or a 480? The cost of the 480 is about 2 grand
more,
but I could use it for ILS approaches.
My ADF is useless and I am contemplating a GPS in the place on the panel.
I have never flown a GPS approach.
My finances are low, but my life does have a high value. So says the MRS.
You can email or put your thoughts and suggestion here.
Hank 172 driver