View Full Version : Quick answer,Swapping garmin 250XL to 430 easy?
Hi Guys
A quick question, Im trying to find out if swapping out a garmin 250XL to a 430 model is aeasy change. I mean in terms of installation. Will the plugs, wires and so fit or will it put the heli down for a long time?
I have called a couple of avionics shops but their reply is just sloooooow.
Mr Edd
Phil77
4th Jun 2007, 15:10
Being no expert I believe the difference in their physical dimensions should answer your questions
(cutout new slot in panel, swap out the rack and... no, I don't think the connections are the same - I mean, they would loose money if they would be compatible?! :\ )
If you plan to get a "W" unit you may need even a different antenna cable to use WAAS.
I stand to be corrected.
250XL:Physical Specifications
Size:
Unit: 6.25 x 5.64 x 2 inches (159 x 143 x 51 mm)
Rack: 6.32 x 6.79 x 2 inches (161 x 172 x 51 mm)430:
Physical & Performance:
Unit dimensions, WxHxD: 6.25"W x 2.65"H x 11.0"D (15.9 x 6.7 x 27.9 cm)
Thanks for the reply, we got the rack space to fit it regarding the diff dimensions eventhou they are different.
What i mostly wondering is about the connectors, if we need to change thoose switching from the 250XL to the 420.
If it's the same or if we need thoose changed to?
Hi.
If I remember coorectly the 250 rack has a serial connector but I donīt know if the 420īs have that same serial connector!
Are you getting the 420 or 430 version with NAV/LOC?
Really how complicated can it be. The antenna COM/GPS must be the same and then you only need swap connectors! Itīs 30 minute job not including the fabrication of the instrument panel for the larger rack.
willybear
5th Jun 2007, 07:53
Hi
The J1 connector on the back of a 250XL is 37 pin (I think) and the J1 connector on the back of the 430 is 50 pin, plus the pin outs are different.
It can be done but you will need new connectors and the pin out information.
TTFN
helicopter-redeye
5th Jun 2007, 10:50
If the 430 was going to be used to drive a K55 HSI or CDI (or VLOC indicator) then it will take longer and be more complex than swapping a 250 GPS COMM for a 430 GPS COMM.
If you are just doing the latter then it's not got a lot of purpose. (But Mr Garmin sez 'thankx')
If the former then I would think a good avionics engineer should be able to complete the work in 3 days (remove one/ fit other/ run wiring loom to arial/ test/ restore)?
May depend on type of helicopter in question thou'?
Thanks guys.
And u are right, just spoke to a avionics company. And the connectors don,t fit, re.wireing needed. Gosh damn it why change it!!!
Why we wold like to swap is because with the 420 we can shoot precision approaches = bye bye awful ADF :).
Keep the blue side up fellows...
I think you need the 430 (Not 420!) for approaches!
Yes hooking it up to run flight director will complicate matters, but it still may be worth it. Itīs good equipment.
Sry i ment non-precision, that u can shoot with the 420.
Sounds on the avionics guys that itīs gonna cost almost half the price of a new gps to swap :yuk:......
Feel like doing the only correct IFR , follow the roads:}