Mailing List lml@lancaironline.net Message #8931
From: Curtis Krouse <kc16@qwest.net>
Subject: Re: Re Garmin 530 boycott
Date: Wed, 14 Mar 2001 17:37:00 -0800
To: <lancair.list@olsusa.com>
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Brent,

I didn't tack the term "boycott" to my original comment.  My original
response was to a thread with the subject "More IFR GPS questions".

Here is the original reply to Adam Molny's email:

The Garmin 530 is in the Lancair catalog.  I would suggest that you find
an approved avionics shop list and contact the one closest to you.  If
you can talk them into signing off if you do the work, then that might
work.  Otherwise, you need to have them install it.  My feelings on the
whole thing is....if the system is designed to only allow an approved
avionics shop to install it, and they are not allowed to act as an
inspector to approve your work, then I would find another system to
spend my hard earned money on.  That sounds a little too arrogant and
presumptuous to me and I'd rather not support a company that goes along
with that kind of policy.  

Please keep us informed as to what you find out.  Those of us who aren't
at that decision point yet are eager to hear your report.

Curtis Krouse N753K


> As an Electrical Engineer/Software Engineer, I am looking forward to
> designing and wiring my own panel, centered around the Garmin 530. Does
> anyone know if it's possible to find an avionics shop that will bend the
> rules and sell me a unit still in the box? (Garmin does not sell
> directly to consumers).
>
> Thanks,
> Adam Molny

The subject line got changed to "Garmin 530 boycott" by Rob Wolf.  His
response to my reply was:

In a message dated 3/10/01 10:28:57 PM, Curtis Krouse wrote:

<<if ... an approved avionics shop ... is not allowed to act as an
inspector to approve your work, then I would find another system to
spend my hard earned money on.  That sounds a little too arrogant and
presumptuous to me and I'd rather not support a company that goes along
with that kind of policy.>>

I would think that having an "approved shop" approve your work would go
a
long way towards avoiding the problems that the manufacturer is afraid
of, to
wit, the installed box doesn't work but when you send it back to the
factory
it checks out okay.  Brent Regan had a very nice discussion of this a
couple
of years ago in this forum.  So yes, I'd agree with Curtis that this
approach
should work out.  Don't know if you can find an avionics shop willing to
support this approach.  (I won't put Kirk Hammersmith on the hot seat
and ask
him in this forum....)

It would be interesting to contemplate a Garmin boycott.  The problem
is,
they make far-and-away the best unit on the market.  I'd almost sell my
soul
to get one.  (The main reasons I haven't are that nobody wants to buy it
and
it's not worth enough anyway.....though I have been offered a used
ADF....)

- Rob Wolf

>From this, the thing exploded into an impression that I want to boycott
Garmin.  A fact that is not true whatsoever.  I may decide to not
purchase a Garmin system for my bird.  But, IN NO WAY AM I TRYING TO
PROMOTE A GARMIN BOYCOTT!!

I respect what others opinions are........what I ask is that others
respect mine also.  YES...I think Garmin should have the same freedom as
I.  What I would like to ask the rest of the list who really want to
respond and maybe will; is to please read the entire thread of all the
messages originating from the ones above and decide for
yourself......but PLEASE do not ask me why I don't think that Garmin's
position is right or correct.....I've made my opinion well known and
hopefully understood.  This is NOT a good forum for discussing exactly
what freedom is and what freedom isn't.  If there is one thing that I
have come to understand in my years it's this:  The majority of people
have a completely different definition of freedom than I do.  That makes
neither side right or wrong. But, I believe that, in this country, I
have the more correct definition of that word.  If anyone wants to
discuss it off this board....you can email me at kc16@qwest.net.

Regards,
Curtis Krouse N753K

> A boycott would be an exercise in denying
> a freedom to one entity while giving it to another. While it is not uncommon
> for people to want their freedoms to supersede those of others, it is never
> a good idea.
>
> As homebuilders we enjoy considerable freedom in being able to build heavy
> objects that we suspend over other people's heads. I think we should be the
> last people to call for the restriction of others. Do unto others and all.
>
> Hamid is right. You don't want to see that. I don't know why. Maybe it is
> cultural.
>
> Regards,
> Brent Regan
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