Steam DA40 to Glass

[DerekM]

Another strategy is to simply wait. Do nothing more than fix your current gear if it breaks or you absolutely have to. Older avionics maybe aren’t as interesting as new but they’re reliable, easier to use and ForeFlight gives me all the modern touches. Is a strategy of maintain it until you can’t a bad one? I have a 2003 da40 with 530/430. My only upgrades are a 530W and adsb in/out. I’ve saved tens of thousands and a bunch of time researching / installing / trouble shooting and I don’t see anything wrong or something I can’t do with my instruments and foreflight. Actually I prefer that I have a six pack steam gauge in addition to the electronics. The other benefit of this strategy is you may end up with even better avionics by waiting.

[Rich]

I'm with Derek, here. I did put in an Aspen E5, which works fine with my 530W/430W and KAP140. One strategy I might undertake is to pick up a 430W that has been replaced and keep a spare. That's "true" plug and play

I don't have "glass envy", especially touch-screen on the panel. As with Derek, having FF, FlightStream and the Aspen I see no significant increase in utility to be gained right now for expending multi-tens of AMUs.

[steve_falconer]

Been happy so far. My AI failed in December, so I’d considered that a discount to the upgrade and there is still some value in the HSI to offset some costs. I’d thought about the Aspen to save money, but had a few shops who’d put in a lot of them telling me it was right to do in the past and not so much anymore. I love that I can hold off upgrading the GNS430W/530W and still get ADS-B in traffic and weather from my GDL-88 displayed. Knobs on both sides make touchscreen optional. I find ForeFlight helpful for updating flight plans through the existing Flitestream 210, but I’m not really looking at the iPad for situational awareness, weather, or airport info. But it’s still outstanding for preflight and backup. The large screen makes the G500 TXi MFD/PFD split screen is really nice. But those with the G1000 already know times two.

At least people have a working config to point to and know it can fit.

[Rich]

I'm happy with the Aspen, as it gives me a couple of things the G5 won't. But full-function RSM installation was a pain. And here's a potential downside: If it were ever possible to install a GFC500, the Aspen would have to go. It's Garmin-gizmo limited and this is unlikely to change.

[blsewardjr]

Now that it's been shown to be possible, I would probably go with the 500 TXi if it was possible to add a GFC500. Would prefer the G3X Touch, but that's even larger.

[steve_falconer]

G3X is the same size as G500 TXi. 10.6 inch installed in the picture. G3X is focused on Garmin only support with the G500 TXi having wider support for other products. And there are differences with certificated and experimental support with the G3X. The capacitive fuel senders are supported with the experimental firmware for the associated EIS, but not for certificated required for a Diamond.

[DerekM]

This is excellent info, thanks. I don’t understand why the one installation upgraded and kept the 530w/430w. I thought the whole reason to upgrade is the 530/430 is no longer supported by garmin with new parts if it breaks. Why upgrade to something that still needs them in your panel or can you swap them out for something else later?

[Rich]

This is excellent info, thanks. I don’t understand why the one installation upgraded and kept the 530w/430w. I thought the whole reason to upgrade is the 530/430 is no longer supported by garmin with new parts if it breaks. Why upgrade to something that still needs them in your panel or can you swap them out for something else later?

It's a question of how much of a $$$ hit you're willing to swallow at one time. And they're still working fine for now.

[steve_falconer]

Yes, $$$. I’ll eventually upgrade to probably a GTN-750 and GTX375 and blind mounted 2nd comm to replace the 530w/430w, GTX327, & GDL88.

[jwx96]

Garmin is still supporting the the 530W/430W as of today. I just got mine back from the flat rate repair on each. I had some blurred lenses, sticking buttons and a broken fan on the 430W. The cost was low compared to replacement and they work great for me. Hopefully I’ll get a few more years out of them. Garmin will probably run out of parts this year and that’s when the support will stop.