Just a head's up for anyone who updates Garmin NAV databases using the FlyGarmin website...

I had time to kill today so I figured I'd update the NAV database which was several years old. Went to the website, scrolled down to my 396 on the account, purchased the download, and then, when prompted, hooked up the Garmin to the computer and thought I was done.

Wrong...

I'd forgotten that I'd sent my 396 in for service about 18 months ago, and rather than repair, they switched it out with another unit. Ooops, the ID and unlock codes didn't work. Of course customer service isn't open on the weekends, so I gotta fight with them on Monday to get my $$$ back.

On the "new" 396, I had to register the unit to my account, then purchase new software specific to this box. From that point it was dirt simple and took all of 60 seconds to update everything.

Gump

Ya...I'm not too happy with Garmin. I bought an Aera 500. It came with one free update so I updated it...only for it to expire two days later. I could'nt figure out the period between updates.

Not impressed

I about shit my pants when I priced the database updates last month. $250-400 for my 496. I don't need terrain, just nav data for updated freqs, ID's, and stuff. Had a CTAF change recently that confounded me when no one answered on 122.8 (7S5)

I guess I should keep a more recent sectional on hand

northernguy wrote:Ya...I'm not too happy with Garmin. I bought an Aera 500. It came with one free update so I updated it...only for it to expire two days later. I could'nt figure out the period between updates.

Not impressed

I heard that the AERA 500 would stop working when the database expired. Is this true?
Pete

My 500 has never quit working. Just uses the expired database.
David

Mine works fine with an out of date database. I'm not going to update it because even the updated one showed incorrect airspace information around the Winnipeg Terminal Control Area.

I looked into it and the TSO (Technical Service Order) for VFR GPS units don't reguire them to provide accurate aviation data or even accurate navigation data ! This is why there is a discalimer that they are a "supplement" to normal navigational equipment...including the map and compass I guess. This is not the case for IFR TSO'd GPS units. IFR units must provide accurate information if the unit offers such information.

Maybe we are asking too much from our VFR GPS units? They perform many if not all the same functions of an IFR TSO'd unit so it's natural that our expectations might be too high. I guess this explains the cost difference between an IFR and VFR GPS?

I updated my Aera 500 last year at Airventure, $125. Dropped it off at the Jeppson tent, picked it up a hour later, all ready to go.

Prior to this it worked just fine on the expired database, too.

I too was appalled at the price of updates from Garmin. Equivalent to buying a new unit every four years for the 560. So buy a new unit, get the free updates for one year, let the database expire, use the expired database for 36 months, then repeat....I was all for a dedicated aviation GPS at the time I bought it, but now I might go the Ipad route...

Just the other week I updated the Nav data base on my 2 yr old 696. It was my 1st paid update beside the freebee initial update. I had a trip to Canada & thought it would help, since my Canadian chart was older. I got a new chart too while in Canada.

I think I'll let it go for a while again.

What's needed is some good old school competition. Garmin is the big fish in the small pond. I was seriously considering a new stack for my wagon, but the price is hideous. Garmin is pricing themselves right out of all but the high end market. It's only a matter of time before some enterprising individuals recognize the opportunity to introduce an affordable nav package to the masses. Till that happens, ForeFlight will do just fine.......

THe big culprit here is not actually Garmin, but rather Jeppeson. They resell public data at absurd prices. THey make it sound like your getting a deal if you wrap 3 devices, they know like 10% off the subscription price, but somehow, they get to pick the three devices. They raped us for the paper subscriptions, now, they gang rape us with all the devices, each needing a subscription.

Until our ultra-intrusive, mega-ineffecient government changes how "certified" aircraft components are allowed to be sold, don't hold your breath for viable competition to Garmin.

Reason #1,455 that I will never own a "certified" aircraft.