Garmin GNS530W card update in Iceland (!)
 

Any ideas? FBO doesn't know, so not a great start clearly!

Thanks, Sam.

Sam

What's the problem? Do you not have the card reader you need? Database subscription?

Need to swap out the Europe database for the USA one, and it's a special card reader (typical Jeppeson)!

Yes. AFAIK there isn't a way to write the data to the card other than using the dedicated card reader and the card has to be in the 430 to use it.

The only easy option I can think of is if there is a flight school or local owner there who uses 430s? I am 99.9% sure that the same reader works with both WAAS and non-WAAS cards.

Beyond that, I think you are looking at finding someone here or in the US who has a reader and can source spare cards and load and send them to you. One possibility might be Alec at RGV who might possibly have cards available.

I used to have two sets of cards for my 430s but gave them away when I upgraded my 430, but it's not impossible that someone here might have a similar set up and be willing to help.

Not much help I'm afraid, but the best I can think of..... :(

Actually, I think the card readers are different WAAS and non-WAAS - go figure!

About to talk to Garmin in Reykjavik - but I suspect they're great with running gadgets and fishing - but not so hot on aviation! :-)

The plane gets there this afternoon, and continues for Greenland first thing tomorrow - so if it doesn't get done in Iceland then it ain't gonna get done before NYC!

Sam,

A Plan....[if it helps] Call Harry Mendelsson in Edinburgh. He has USA/Worldwide data cards for the entire GNS 400/500 series.

....Max can tech-stop Edinburgh Airport, it's on the way to Wick.

I know, we thought of that! At the end of the day it's not a critical item (the ipad is more important!). If it can be done en route then great, if not, no stress (we can also do it easily in Canada or northern US...).

Cheers, Sam.

the card reader is the same, its the card thats a different size between WAAS and standard. The standard has the green label data cards and the WAAS has the white label. The white label cards have a lot more memory but they are both programmed in the same unit. I have the unit here but thats not much help to you in iceland......

Actually, though, that is very helpful - thanks!

We found a place at BIRK that can do it, yayy! Feel free to get in touch if you think it could be useful for you in the future.

In the meantime, Max is doing the ferry right now (with live tracking):

https://www.facebook.com/TheFerryPilotdotcom/

Fly safe, Sam.

Glad you found a solution!!

I must admit to having had the slightly mischievous thought that perhaps somewhere out there there is an Intrepid Aviatrix with a 430 in her plane who could fly to your rescue.... :hmm: :)

Behave! :-)

Are you updating same database, different time period or different database, same time period? If the first, don't sweat it and, if the second, take both with.
We generally take two cards and swap them over in Iceland...........always have the reader to hand and a capable laptop.

We're changing from European to USA. The two cards option is of course there, but given that the plane will need the USA database after the ferry it makes sense to just have it done 'permanently' now. We've found a solution, though, so problem solved!

Thanks for the help...