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Testimonial: I love my Apollo Loran! It came with my plane -- Yes, the database is from 1991(!) But it's still useful.

For two years it was just useless weight, but I finally got an older pilot to spend a day flying around with me while he showed me how to use it. So long as it works, I'm postponing buying a GPS.

See page 3 of this document:
http://www.cmcelectronics.ca/pdf/gm295.pdf

"Units shipped after Nov 12, 1987, starting with serial number N14741 are designated as "Northstar M1A" and are identified with a sticker on the rear of the unit."

Some minor changes, plus the M1A uses a different antenna coupling unit.

By the way, I ordered the database upgrade ($200+!!) from Ms. Johanne Millette of CMC Electronics in Canada. I ordered it last Thursday, still no response from CMC. I'll keep bugging them.

CMC/Jeppesen have already dropped support of M3 and G60 GPS units. I have a feeling it will be only a matter of time before they drop Northstar LORAN. That's why I'm upgrading to a 2008 database while I still can.

Well if that unit you were talking about your friend's M1A I would do the same, order a chip set that way I could use it until something catastrophic happens to the unit, barring that since I'm a C-150 VFR only that unit would serve me for quite a while

I see used Northstar M1A's on eBay all the time. They are not exactly selling like hotcakes, either. There's one available right now with tray, antenna, and antenna coupling unit for $165 (which is actually quite pricey compared to some I've seen). There's another (receiver only) going for $15. So for about two hundred bucks you could have a complete unit and a backup.

Last year I bought a backup M1 for $40, and it works.

Of course, once you buy the thing, you have to have it installed. That would run you more than the unit itself. My plane was wired for M1A (tray, antenna, etc.) when I bought it.