Brian,
I have lots of uncertainty around the packages.
1. When you say cheaper G3X bundle, are you refering to the North America database bundle for $149.95, which includes Flight Charts? What is the alternative?
2.When you have current Flight Charts on the GTN7XX and the G3X, when selecting an coupled approach on the GTN, is the chart displayed on the G3X from its own database or pushed from the GTN? Can the G3X display any charts from the GTN that is not in its database? The reason for the question is if you have expired flight charts in the GTN and current Flight charts in the G3X, which is displayed on each unit?
Thanks.
Johan
1. US Database Bundle $149.95 Including Garmin Navigation, Obstacles, SafeTaxi, Airport Directory, FliteCharts, IFR/VFR Charts, and Terrain (9AS) databases.
Pretty much the least expensive option to get it all for the G3X only (won't help you at all with a GTN). This includes the Garmin Nav database. The one with the Jepp Nav database cost more.
2. All devices must have their own database. There is no sharing of databases between the GTN and the G3X. A chart displayed on the G3X comes from its own internal database. A chart displayed on the GTN comes from its own database.
I don't have a GTN7XX unit but if the chart is current on the G3X and expired on the GTN, I imagine you would get 2 different chart revisions at the same time. You would have to ask someone that has that combo or talk to TeamX to be sure. My GTN650 does not display charts so I have never encountered this situation.
To me, the best deal out there for a US pilot that flys IFR and wants to keep everything updated and has a G3X and a GTN is for you to go with the United States Standard + FliteCharts OnePak $799.00 Including Garmin Navigation, Obstacles, SafeTaxi, Airport Directory, FliteCharts, IFR/VFR Charts, Terrain, Basemap, and Frequency databases. Also includes Garmin Pilot Premium Upgrade.
If you want the least expensive route and only want to keep the Navigation database updated on the GTN but everything updated on the G3X, I would go with the US Database Bundle $149.95 for the G3X and add the Navigation Only Subscription for the GTN for $299. This however does not include the Garmin Pilot Premium upgrade.