396 plus COM or GNS x30???

Dan Luke wrote:

"three-eight-hotel" wrote:

I just did a quick search and found an overhauled GNC300XL for about
$2600 (and saw another for around $2300), which like you said, gives
me
COM, DME and GPS approaches!


Bewa the GNC300 will require the installation of external
annunciation, etc. which will add considerably to the cost. The 430
does not require this. Make sure you get estimates from your avionics
shop for various installations before you commit to anything.

Excellent advice.

Five years ago I went with the older, used GPS idea. After the fact, I
wished I'd gone ahead and gotten a 430.

I was headed down that path. In fact I bought nearly everything I needed
on eBay (except I couldn't find an annunciator). I hauled it all down to
the avionics shop for an estimate and, as usual, I was shocked. We had a
long talk--pros, cons, etc--and I ended up putting in a 430. If you
explore this you may be surprised at the final cost--integration is a
beautiful thing.

I sold everything I had bought back on eBay except for a KX-155 which
became my second nav/com, a KI-206 indicator and a couple splitters. I
did end up spending more money but I haven't regretted the decision at all.

--Rick