Finally some competition for the GNS430/530

[kwmoore]

...the CNX80 from UPSAT. For an initial overview, see

http://www.avionicswest.com/archive/cnx80.htm#2003

[n2099x]

I have been waiting for the CNX 80 to come out. I have one on order, and am hoping for a early May delivery.

Glen

[kwmoore]

It looks like an impressive unit, with GNS430 capabilities plus a few extra nice-to-have features. If I were doing a panel now I would be very tempted by their "deluxe IFR stack:" including audio panel, MX20, CNX80, SL30, and remote transponder, all interfaced with each other. See

http://www.upsat.com/cnx80_gen.shtml

and click on the "stack options" tab.

So far no TIS capability though, but I suppose that's coming.

[n2099x]

I'm looking at the deluxe IFR stack with the SL70 transponder in the panel. I have to measure to see if I have room for both the GX55 that I currenty using and a SL70. If not I will go with the SL70R (remote).

Glen

[n2099x]

I took 99X to VAL Avionics in Salem Or. yesterday. The UPSAT factory is in Salem and VAL does their prototype work. I got the VIP CNX80 introduction. I spent about 2 hours with Wayne at UPS getting a demonstration. The CNX80 is one cool piece of equipment. One of my favorite features is being able put in a waypoint and it will tell you what victor airways go there, if you select one it automatically enters all of the intersections. There is also a female voice that reminds you of MAP, alt deviations, and a couple other things. My problem with the SL70 transponder was entering the codes, they fixed that by being able to enter your transponder code from the CNX80. When you are in the transponder mode the smart keys are number keys so it's just four key strokes. It also sends signals to your auto pilot five times faster making for smoother operation. Combined with the MX20 it's an awsome system.

Glen

[kwmoore]

The airways feature that you describe sounds really nice, and I wonder why Garmin has never done this with their GNS430/530 software.

[Michael]

I read about this new package several weeks ago and it is something I would do if I had not already done the 430/MX20. What really looked nice was entering your approach (or any other published procedure) only once. Currently I have to select and enter my approach on both the 430 and MX20 separately. That's a lot of buttons to be pushing. You just can't beat the sharp display on and MX20.

Michael

[kwmoore]

...like making a 430-to-CNX80 discount swap-out offer for owners of the 430/MX20 combo? There are a significant number of them and I'll bet that for the right price, many would switch.

[n2099x]

I don't think you will see a sales promotion untill they fill all of their current orders. UPS also said that on 7-10-03 the FAA was releasing 750 WAAS precision GPS approaches. I guess we will see if this happens or not. If it does, and UPS has the only GA WAAS approved GPS I wouldn't expect a discount for a while.

The weather download software is scheduled to be released in June using WSI as the provider.

They don't have any plans for a cheaper traffic alert system. You can go with Ryan, BFG, or their ADSB all of which are expensive.
But they are working on an interface for the MX20 and the Garmin 330 transponder to show traffic on the MX 20. I think thats what he said, does that make sense to the Garmin owners.

Glen

[n2099x]

The CNX 80 is now available. 99X was already wired and tested so all I had to do was go pick it up. I took a little while to get everything programmed. But it all works great. The MX 20 now has a split screen option that’s really cool. I have been studying the training materials, which has helped. There are so many functions it will just take time or a class to learn them.

Glen:)