Garmin 430 vs. KLN90B

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Hi, this will be my first post here after viewing the forum for a long time.

I work as a CFI flying Cessna and Piper singles. In the Cessnas we have KLN90B GPS with long expired databases, while the Pipers got IFR current 430s.

As much as the 430 is a nice and fairly userfriendly GPS with a big moving map, the KLN for some reason give me the impression of beeing a more professional unit, though harder to program.

I was wondring if some of you out there with experience form both units could share your opinions on which one is the most capable .
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The 430 is a much better unit. Most operators I have heard of would rather have the garmins. Just because its harder to doesn't mean its more professional. really you want something that gives you the information you want, and do is so you can understand it and use it effectively.
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I love the G430. The only other /g experience I have is a KLN94
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As everyone here has said, the GNS430 is the more user friendly GPS between the two. I have used both, and prefer the Garmin. The full-color moving map spoils you, number one. And all of the software is logically programmed, so if you were really in a brain fart mode...you could figure it out!

Now, I have been using the newere version of the KLN GPS - the KLN94 with the 5 inch display unit, and I am starting to come around with the King equipment...slowly but surely.

My heart is stuck on the Garmin equipment though...

Lax
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I've used the KLN89, 90, and 94, as well as the 430.

The 430 is leaps and bounds above the KLN series, ease of use being only one factor.
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Quote: I've used the KLN89, 90, and 94, as well as the 430.

The 430 is leaps and bounds above the KLN series, ease of use being only one factor.

I agree here, I have used the KLN 94 and the KLN 89B and the Garmin 430/530. The Garmin product line is a much better product line, it helps reduce work load, by not having to push buttons on the GPS during the approach, is logically programed, and if you have used one it is much like the other models. The King equipment seems to have a different programmer or programing style for each model, and does not seem to carry anything over to the next model. Although I believe that the KLN 94 is learning from Garmin and may catch up soon to the 430, and make a better product with the next model.
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We operate the 90B almost exclusily in our fleet of PC-12s. I love the box and would be lost without it. A couple of managed PC-12s have the 400 or 500 series in them and they are OK but I still like the 90B. I guess we are spoiled though, because we have it hooked up to both EFIS and a nice KMD-850 MFD.

I guess folks just like what they are used to; I have been using that box for almost 4 years now and can program it with my eyes closed.
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Quote: We operate the 90B almost exclusily in our fleet of PC-12s. I love the box and would be lost without it. A couple of managed PC-12s have the 400 or 500 series in them and they are OK but I still like the 90B. I guess we are spoiled though, because we have it hooked up to both EFIS and a nice KMD-850 MFD.

I guess folks just like what they are used to; I have been using that box for almost 4 years now and can program it with my eyes closed.
We have a similar 90B setup in our Citation with it auto-steered to the HSI and interfaced with a KMD-850. Works just fine and I don't feel I'm lacking for any information. I can update it with a laptop via an internet download. All that in a unit that's been around for at least 10 years - longer than that as the straight 90. Not too shabby.

Plus, the sim we train in at FSI has a 90B in it as well, so there is no time lost figuring out something different when we go to recurrent.

I have to admit at this point that I have never even seen a Garmin in use, but I obviously do not feel the pull to upgrade to one anytime soon because the 90B is perfectly useable.
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I have a Garmin 480 in my private airplane. Fantastic box. Operates and has the same features that are in the FMS on an MD-11...........
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I have used both extensively in our sales fleet. I prefer the Garmin, although the KLN series will give you the same info. With both, the more you use it the more comfortable you get with it...
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