milt1492
Member
I have noticed, as I've checked out the hundreds of panels here on VAF, that many RVers have installed both a 430W or 530w and SL30. My question is why both?
I'll provide a little background on to why I am curious about this. Last night while I was working, I was trying to come to terms with the mission that I will most likely be flying when I finally decide to take the plunge and purchase that -7 or -8 kit. My particular mission will be mostly VFR day/night type flying, but SOP when I was in the Air Force was to file IFR every time we stepped to the airplane. Besides, flight following is one of the most useful tools, with the exception of my own two eyes, that I have experienced while flying. I know that you can request it if flying VFR, but it just makes sense to file IFR, and then cancel if you decide to. I also like knowing that if the poop were to hit the proverbial fan, I would be able to make it home, or back the closest suitable runway.
Anyway, I kept thinking, "the 430W/530W does the same as the SL30 with the added benefit of the certified GPS, so why should I install both?" Is it simply for redundancy, or is there another reason that I'm missing. My thought is if it is for redundancy, wouldn't just a simple backup COMM unit be sufficient?
If I'm way off base here please let me know, and I will defer to the braintrust.
I'll provide a little background on to why I am curious about this. Last night while I was working, I was trying to come to terms with the mission that I will most likely be flying when I finally decide to take the plunge and purchase that -7 or -8 kit. My particular mission will be mostly VFR day/night type flying, but SOP when I was in the Air Force was to file IFR every time we stepped to the airplane. Besides, flight following is one of the most useful tools, with the exception of my own two eyes, that I have experienced while flying. I know that you can request it if flying VFR, but it just makes sense to file IFR, and then cancel if you decide to. I also like knowing that if the poop were to hit the proverbial fan, I would be able to make it home, or back the closest suitable runway.
Anyway, I kept thinking, "the 430W/530W does the same as the SL30 with the added benefit of the certified GPS, so why should I install both?" Is it simply for redundancy, or is there another reason that I'm missing. My thought is if it is for redundancy, wouldn't just a simple backup COMM unit be sufficient?
If I'm way off base here please let me know, and I will defer to the braintrust.
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