Paying for Database Update

[jet46 0]

Suppose I wanted to pay Garmin or Jeppesen for a single update cycle to the 430.  Garmin has a single cycle US database priced at $129 which would probably last me a few years so I'd be willing to buy it.  Not having a real unit, does anyone have experience with Garmin or Jeppesen software to know if you can buy and then download the files into the trainer?  Or is their software locked down and hide the actual database file away?  What would the logistics be of getting the purchased data into the trainer?  Thanks!

[DavidP 1,411]

I had a real world GNS in a previous aircraft and now a GTN 750/650 (see my Avatar) in my current one, so these are my experiences.

I had a Jeppesen subscription for the 530, as Garmin didn’t service my region. It was economical but I had to purchase and use a special adaptor for the actual 530 datacard.

I currently use Garmin for my GTN’s, however these are locked to the actual serial number for the units.

So, without a real unit I’d be careful before pulling the trigger and buying.

 

[jmdriskell 178]

Maybe I'm wrong but I fail to see why someone can't come up with a gauge that replicates the GTNs and uses Navigraph or other current input.  The Garmin trainer is just that, a trainer that uses an outdated database.  The first time I realized this, I deleted that application and started navigating using VOR, NDB and other tried and true methods that we used in the real world.

Jim Driskell

[JRBarrett 3,076]

12 hours ago, jmdriskell said:

Maybe I'm wrong but I fail to see why someone can't come up with a gauge that replicates the GTNs and uses Navigraph or other current input.  The Garmin trainer is just that, a trainer that uses an outdated database.  The first time I realized this, I deleted that application and started navigating using VOR, NDB and other tried and true methods that we used in the real world.

Jim Driskell

XP-11 has a default GNS-430/530 emulation that is “sort of” like the real unit, but not perfect. It does use the standard Navigraph XP database, which is a big plus.

The reason the Garmin trainer is used for the RXP GTN is because for all intents and purposes it is a real Garmin GTN (in software form). Trying to build a emulation of a real GTN with all the same functionality that the trainer offers, while undoubtedly possible with enough development time, would probably not be cost-effective. I doubt that a developer would ever be able to sell enough units to recoup their costs.

Edited July 4, 2020 by RXP
[some of the content removed]

[fppilot 4,371]

34 minutes ago, jmdriskell said:

Maybe I'm wrong but I fail to see why someone can't come up with a gauge that replicates the GTNs and uses Navigraph or other current input.  The Garmin trainer is just that, a trainer that uses an outdated database.  The first time I realized this, I deleted that application and started navigating using VOR, NDB and other tried and true methods that we used in the real world.

Jim Driskell

The Garmin GTN Trainer was recently updated and contains a database that is less than a year old.  October 2019). See image below.  Now. Question. How did this topic in the RXP, FSX/P3D, GNS forum now switch to taking issues with the GTN series?  Do you seek help?  Or are you just venting about Garmin?  In all respects these RXP simulators, as does the Garmin Trainer base engine, replicate the real world gauges.  If you gain proficiency and then take a right seat ride in an aircraft equipped with Garmin GNS or GTN gauges you could amaze the pilot you are with.  Been there, done that.  Numerous times.

In regard to databases, where do you fly?  Can you recite a number of changes in the database(s) since less than a year ago that affect where you fly?  I fly in and out of a pretty good number of general aviation airports and cannot identify an airway or procedure that has changed.  I use FltPlan.com as my planning site and have their FltPlan.Go iPad app live as I fly the sim.  Their database is up-to-the-minute current, and I have found no conflicts with these sim gauges.


 

[DavidP 1,411]

44 minutes ago, jmdriskell said:

and started navigating using VOR, NDB and other tried and true methods that we used in the real world.

That's OK, as I learned in the pre-GPS world as well, however moving forward NDB's and VOR's are disappearing as the world changes to GNSS navigation. As an example, my state of Australia (although Victoria is relatively small) has 2 VOR's and 6 NDB's in the entire state.

The new MSFS looks as though it will have an up to date and updatable database, so this will be more prevalent moving forward.

[Bert Pieke 7,585]

4 hours ago, jet46 said:

Suppose I wanted to pay Garmin or Jeppesen for a single update cycle to the 430.  Garmin has a single cycle US database priced at $129 which would probably last me a few years so I'd be willing to buy it.  Not having a real unit, does anyone have experience with Garmin or Jeppesen software to know if you can buy and then download the files into the trainer?  Or is their software locked down and hide the actual database file away?  What would the logistics be of getting the purchased data into the trainer?  Thanks!

As you can see on the forums, this is possible, but if you are willing to live with recently expired navdata, you can save your money..

Send me a PM with where you fly and with your email address..

[RXP 2,338]

@jet46 Hi, you might want to start with the dedicated discussion which gives tons of hints and info, and start reviewing the recommended posts at the top, to the letter:

 

@JRBarrett Hi, I needed to remove some of the content not relevant in the RXP Support Forum.

 

12 hours ago, fppilot said:

I fly in and out of a pretty good number of general aviation airports and cannot identify an airway or procedure that has changed.  I use FltPlan.com as my planning site and have their FltPlan.Go iPad app live as I fly the sim.  Their database is up-to-the-minute current, and I have found no conflicts with these sim gauges.

 

This is strong a misconception in our community that DB must be up to date otherwise is not valuable. There are other misconceptions which are remaining strong like you have to run everything as-admin. Thank you for sharing your experience, this is definitely good information for all!

Edited July 4, 2020 by RXP