| | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 Member/2500+posts | | Member/2500+posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 | Lowrance recently stopped providing new database updates for the Airmap 100. According to tech support there, they are no longer able to get the Jepp database updates on a floppy disk.
If you own an Airmap 100, you have the option of upgrading and taking advantage of something Lowrance calls the "rebate letter program."
You need your serial number of your unit and they will void it in their system, meaning it will no longer be eligible for service. In return, you get the following rebate letter, which you can take to your favorite avionics shop to purchase a new one.
$100 off AM 500
$175 off AM 1000
$225 off AM 2000C
You need to call Lowrance Technical Support to get this Rebate Letter: 1-800-324-1356. The technician I talked to wanted me to pass on that the AM 100 is still eligible for repairs and service if you need it.
Greg
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 Member/2500+posts | | Member/2500+posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 | If you are interested in upgrading, I found one outfit online, Headsets Etc., who has the units for the following prices: (Units are in stock. )
April Sales Price:
2000 $899
1000 $599
500 $399
The person I spoke to was familiar w/ the refund letter from Lowrance and in fact had one when I was talking to him. You would buy the GPS online, and enter in the comments field that you have the letter and then you would send it to them so they could refund your Credit Card.
If anyone wants any more information, feel free to send me a PM or contact the companies I mentioned above.
Greg
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 18,962 Likes: 3 Member/15,000 posts | | Member/15,000 posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 18,962 Likes: 3 | Lowrance recently stopped providing new database updates for the Airmap 100. According to tech support there, they are no longer able to get the Jepp database updates on a floppy disk. That's kinda lame, especially since they supplied other software for this unit on CD! I see it as a thinly veiled marketing program to boost sales of newer units. They don't make as much on support of older units! Third option: Mine still works fine, I've noticed no errors, and I'll continue to use it VFR! If I upgrade, My 100 goes on the boat, or in the truck! As long as the dock doesn't change Latitude and Longitude, I'll always have a use for it! Carl | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 Member/2500+posts | | Member/2500+posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 2,627 | Yeah, sorry Carl. I asked the techie about it but he knew nothing...saying these decisions are made by people far higher up than he. And he's right, of course.
On the other hand, this gives my partner and I a chance to upgrade to the 500 for just $75 apiece, factoring in the fact that I can probably sell my 100 and get a few bucks for it. If I can get him to go for it, we'll have a new one in no time.
Greg
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 15,931 Likes: 1010 Member/15,000 posts | | Member/15,000 posts Joined: Mar 2004 Posts: 15,931 Likes: 1010 | I was just thinking.
If the database for the 500 was the same format (language?)
as the 100 then it could be downloaded to a computer and then installed in the 100. Maybe "Map Create 6" would help
make this happen.
Just a thought.
Ron Stewart N5282B KSFZ ![[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]](https://www.visitedstatesmap.com/image/CTILINIAMEMANHNJNYOHPARIVTWVsm.jpg) | | | | | Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 643 Member/500+posts | | Member/500+posts Joined: Aug 2004 Posts: 643 | I was just thinking.
If the database for the 500 was the same format (language?)
as the 100 then it could be downloaded to a computer and then installed in the 100. Maybe "Map Create 6" would help
make this happen.
It will probably be to big for the memory of the AM 100. I see now they use 32 Mb cards. I talked to LeI last week and they had some updates left for $85.00. It probably is an old update. I would be better off upgrading for the $299.00 after rebate and have a new database and new GPS. 
Mike H
BAX MI
72 150L N5454Q
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 14,802 Likes: 554 Member/10,000+ posts! | | Member/10,000+ posts! Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 14,802 Likes: 554 | Lowrance recently stopped providing new database updates for the Airmap 100. This is one of my fears about installing a panel-mount GPS. I know we're talking portables here, but I see no reason for manufacturers to not pull the same stunt with panel-mount GPS's. What if Garmin decides to make obsolete the entire UPSAT line-up? Stop providing databases, and all those IFR-certified NAVs become "VFR Only". I wrote to AOPA on just this issue, asking that they petition the FAA for a standard, generic database format that all GPS's can (and must!) be able to read. A database this is also lower in price. A bare-minimum set of data, just like the current A/FD's or approach plates. If you want the bells-and-whistles, you can buy the "Airport Guides" or Jeppesen stuff. But as it stands, I'm hesitant to plop down a wad of cash on a used GPS (plus installation), only to find it obsolete before the credit card is paid off. Incidentally, the AOPA wrote back that indeed, this is one of the avenues they're pursuing with the FAA. I hope it pans out.
-Kirk Wennerstrom
President, Cessna 150-152 Fly-In Foundation
1976 Cessna Cardinal RG N7556V
Hangar D1, Bridgeport, CT KBDR
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 35,630 Likes: 575 DA POOBS Member with 30,000+ posts!! | | DA POOBS Member with 30,000+ posts!! Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 35,630 Likes: 575 | Lowrance recently stopped providing new database updates for the Airmap 100. This is one of my fears about installing a panel-mount GPS. I know we're talking portables here, but I see no reason for manufacturers to not pull the same stunt with panel-mount GPS's. What if Garmin decides to make obsolete the entire UPSAT line-up? Stop providing databases, and all those IFR-certified NAVs become "VFR Only". I wrote to AOPA on just this issue, asking that they petition the FAA for a standard, generic database format that all GPS's can (and must!) be able to read. A database this is also lower in price. A bare-minimum set of data, just like the current A/FD's or approach plates. If you want the bells-and-whistles, you can buy the "Airport Guides" or Jeppesen stuff. But as it stands, I'm hesitant to plop down a wad of cash on a used GPS (plus installation), only to find it obsolete before the credit card is paid off. Incidentally, the AOPA wrote back that indeed, this is one of the avenues they're pursuing with the FAA. I hope it pans out. [color:"green"] AMEN TO THAT!!! [/color] I can see my $7500 + + + + + + being suddenly relegated to "ADF" status, if you know what I mean.  That's another reason why I didn't go with a panel mounted IFR GPS.  [color:"red"] THANKS FOR BRINGING THAT POINT UP!!! [/color]  
![[Linked Image from animatedimages.org]](https://www.animatedimages.org/data/media/218/animated-penguin-image-0137.gif) [ animatedimages.org] ![[Linked Image from visitedstatesmap.com]](https://visitedstatesmap.com/image/ALARILINIAKSKYLAMDMIMNMSMONJOHOKPATNTXWVWI4387262092be694508e4e9f014001607468590med.jpg) Imagine a united world.
Join the Popular Front for the Reunification of Gondwanaland. | | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 666 Member/500+posts | | Member/500+posts Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 666 | Greetings,
Has anybody seen or (used) both the Lowrance 100 and the 500?
Is the 500 easier to read then the 100, which I found the 100 almost impossible to use under certain light condidtions in the cockpit.
Wil
Stoughton, WI | | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,197 Likes: 2 Member/5000+posts! | | Member/5000+posts! Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,197 Likes: 2 | The 500 is EXCELLENT. I had the same problem with the 100 and sold it in disgust. Just connect the 500 to aux power and turn on the backlighting...fantastic readability under ALL conditions. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> In my opinion the 500 is the best buy in navigation/avionics and seems to be going for around $399 now.
Last edited by Dan; 03/31/05 04:07 PM.
Dan
Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities. (Mark Twain)
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