Mindstar GNS?

[Egbert Drenth 250]

Hi,

 

I'm considering to buy the Mindstar GNS 430/530 package.

On the web site however, there is absolutely no information provided about the product/functionality...

No detailed information, no manual, no images, no video. (If there is, they have kept it secret very good)

And, as surplus, no return policy.

The description says: The Mindstar GNS430/530 is a flight sim gauge that simulates 1 or 2 Garmin GNS430s or GNS530's

To what extend simulates it the GNS430/530???

 

Normally this lack of information indicates lack of fuctionality and/or quality.

Does anyone has the Mindstar GNS gauges, and are they any good?

(Both graphic wise and functionality)

I don't mind to fork out $50 but at least I want to know on exactly what I spend/spill my money on.

 

thanks for your help,

Egbert

 

[vonmar 121]

Also, look here:

 

http://forum.avsim.net/forum/712-the-mindstar-aviation-forum/

[hesynergy 67]

And look at my comments on Pilotedge...

 

Regards,

Chas

[Rimshot 1,131]

I'm also on the fence to get this as I miss my Reality XP Garmins in Prepar3D. I e-mailed them about the realism. I was curious about the map page for instance. Does this have roads and railroads? In my mail I assumed it wouldn't have, because the Mindstars are based on the default FSX/Prepar3d GPS system. My assumption was never confirmed.

This e-mail exchange took place almost two months ago. The Mindstar person (no greetings or introduction in the mail, so I have no clue whom I was corresponding with) also spoke of a video that they would get up on Youtube soon. Haven't seen it yet.

Mindstar doesn't seem to keen on selling their product to us. I won't purchase until I have access to a full featurelist.

And look at my comments on Pilotedge...

 

Do you have a link?

[Bert Pieke 7,584]

Also consider the Flight1 GTN 650/750 units... they are the newer Garmin line, replacements for the GNS series.

[vonmar 121]

Also, there is a subscription to the Navdata that needs purchasing for Mindstar Garmin .. I do not know what the extra cost $$ is.

Is there Terrain and Obstacle data also ??

WAAS, LPV approach?

Need to see a features list to be sure.

 

Edit:

Rimshot :

"I e-mailed them about the realism. I was curious about the map page for instance. Does this have roads and railroads? In my mail I assumed it wouldn't have, because the Mindstars are based on the default FSX/Prepar3d GPS system. My assumption was never confirmed."

 

Sorry to hear that ... as product support is a very important.

[Rimshot 1,131]

Also consider the Flight1 GTN 650/750 units... they are the newer Garmin line, replacements for the GNS series.

 

I was expecting this response from you Bert, I've seen you leading people in the direction of the Flight1 GTN before   I also intend to purchase these, but I still want to be able to use a GNS stack as well.

[Egbert Drenth 250]

Also consider the Flight1 GTN 650/750 units... they are the newer Garmin line, replacements for the GNS series.

 

I have but decided not to do:

• Nav data can not be updated, unless you pay several $100's
• Extra investment required for world wide data
• Expensive + a surplus for P3D users.

 

 

Mindstar doesn't seem to keen on selling their product to us. I won't purchase until I have access to a full featurelist.

 

I don't know either, but like you I won't fork out $90 (incl nav data) unless I know what I'm paying for.

[Bert Pieke 7,584]

Whatever floats your boat.

 

The gtn units are superior in every way.. IMHO

[hesynergy 67]

I'm also on the fence to get this as I miss my Reality XP Garmins in Prepar3D. I e-mailed them about the realism. I was curious about the map page for instance. Does this have roads and railroads? In my mail I assumed it wouldn't have, because the Mindstars are based on the default FSX/Prepar3d GPS system. My assumption was never confirmed.

This e-mail exchange took place almost two months ago. The Mindstar person (no greetings or introduction in the mail, so I have no clue whom I was corresponding with) also spoke of a video that they would get up on Youtube soon. Haven't seen it yet.

Mindstar doesn't seem to keen on selling their product to us. I won't purchase until I have access to a full featurelist.

 

 

Do you have a link?

Look for the forum, search mindstar, hesynergy

 

C

[zinny 1]

Looking to see what the map looks like , here are some

 

http://forum.avsim.net/topic/452992-font-size-in-gns530-screen/page-2

 

I own the Mindstar 530 and took Bert's suggestion to check out the GTN 750 and now I own and use the GTN 750

 

Thanks again Bert

[Dean33 69]

Nav data is $40 for quarterly updates. You need this for SIDS and STARS.

 

I've owned Mindstar four months in P3d. Support is ok but sometimes a little blunt.

 

One known problem it crashes P3d on changing aircraft - not yet fixed. Otherwise seems a good unit that works well.

 

Integration in Panel can be challenging at first.

 

There is a great video series in A2A Cherokee Google KPSP KOXR

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vLrKuL6l3yM

[Appliance 51]

Egbert perhaps you could pm forum member WarpD, the very droll Ed Wilson, who is a Mindstar person.  <_<

[z06z33 763]

Whatever floats your boat.

 

The gtn units are superior in every way.. IMHO

Yea but the screens are too big I was gonna get them but they don't look good in the planes I fly (Steam gauges)

[Egbert Drenth 250]

Thank you all for the replies.

Based on these replies and on information / support expereinces of actual owners, I decided not to buy the Mindstar packages.

 

So the alternative is the Flight1 GNS650.... Have to think about that for a while ^_^