New (March 1, 2016) Garmin aera 660 Portable GPS

[Jetguy]

Ok how far from the comm antenna?

[Chkaharyer99]

"The GDL 39 antenna, internal or external, should be mounted at least 3.3 feet (1 meter) away from the path of a VHF radio antenna. The GDL 39 should be mounted at least 6 inches (10.24 cm) away from a magnetic compass. If using an external ADS-B antenna, it is recommended to locate the antenna on the bottom of the aircraft..."

3.3 feet is the minimum. 5 feet would be optimal.

The Garmin 660 is excellent.

[krashmaster81]

Since we are on the subject of GDL39 with 660...

What is the maximum amount of tilt the GDL can be mounted on and still expect reasonable AHRS results? The portion of my glare shield I'd like to mount the GDL39 to is approx nose down 25?, but wings level.

Thanks!

Matt

[g3xpert]

Since we are on the subject of GDL39 with 660...

What is the maximum amount of tilt the GDL can be mounted on and still expect reasonable AHRS results? The portion of my glare shield I'd like to mount the GDL39 to is approx nose down 25?, but wings level.

Thanks!

Matt

Hello Matt,

The manual says the GDL 39 3D doesn't have to be perfectly level, and 25 degs nose down is certainly a long way from level, but we tested one and it was able to align and operate with that pitch offset.

Give it a try and if you don't like the performance find a way to level it up a bit and see if that works better. It will probably work fine.

Thanks,
Steve

[RV-4]

Hi Steve

I have a GDL-39-3D installed in my RV-4 with a G796 and was wondering if the GDL-39 should keep its attitude on shotdown.

By that I mean once levelled in flight ,should it remember the attitude it was at on shotdown on the next power up.

I have to reset the attitude of mine everytime I go flying...No very useful if I wanna use it as a back up to my EFIS on a crappy day departure.My RV-4 sit about 8 degres nose up on the ground.

Thanks

Bruno
rv4@videotron.ca

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve

I have a GDL-39-3D installed in my RV-4 with a G796 and was wondering if the GDL-39 should keep its attitude on shotdown.

By that I mean once levelled in flight ,should it remember the attitude it was at on shotdown on the next power up.

I have to reset the attitude of mine everytime I go flying...No very useful if I wanna use it as a back up to my EFIS on a crappy day departure.My RV-4 sit about 8 degres nose up on the ground.

Thanks

Bruno
rv4@videotron.ca

Hello Bruno,

The GDL 39 3D is a portable AHRS, and thus designed to adapt to the portable environment. At each power up the unit performs an auto alignment of the attitude sensors and establishes the pitch/roll offsets of the surface where it has been placed before power-up.

For example, if someone puts the unit on their desk and powers up the Aera 660/795/796 and the GDL, they expect the 3D vision page to show the pitch and roll to be zero because the desk is level. The system will indeed show the attitude to be level due to the auto-alignment process that occurs at each power-up.

At any time during flight, the user can issue the "re-cage" command from the portable which tells the GDL 39 3D to re-establish the pitch/roll offsets at this level cruise aircraft attitude. Notice that this happens immediately since the AHRS does not have to go through a re-alignment like it does at power-up.

So far, so good. Now comes along a customer who has permanently installed the GDL 39 3D in their aircraft and wants it to behave like a strap down AHRS with the pitch/roll offset fixed at installation (like our GSU25, G5 (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=136282), and even the GTX 345 transponder with AHRS).

There isn't currently a way to configure the GDL 39 3D to behave like a permanently mounted AHRS with pitch/roll offsets fixed at installation, so it will be necessary to issue the cage command after your tail-dragger aircraft is straight and level.

We consider a portable AHRS to be a "backup to the backup", so if you intend to launch into IMC and want a backup flight instrument, we hope you will install a true backup instrument like the G5.

Thanks,
Steve

[RV-4]

Hi Steve

Thank you for the reply.

''the unit performs an auto alignment of the attitude sensors and establishes the pitch/roll offsets of the surface where it has been placed before power-up.''

So if I get this right, you mean to say that once the alignment is complete , the GDL-39 should show the actual pitch angle of my RV-4 ( Let's say 8 degrees nose up ) and whatever Roll angle there is at the time..Am I ok on this??

I would love to install a G5 if I had the room but it is seriously lacking in a -4.

A feature like the Stratus 2S will be nice.It might be something good for Garmin to consider on a next update..;-)

Thanks again

Bruno

[cmeier]

Hi Steve,
would it be possible to give the plane symbol a better visible color than white?
yellow or red would be nice. Also a possibility to make the aircraft symbol bigger would be also nice. It is very hard to see the symbol, especially for my father.
This could be integrated in the Profile Menu.
Is there a possibility to make the audio signal louder as it is? I use a audio mixer where I collect all audio signals, but all the other signals have a higher max volume as the Aera660.
After using a 496 the new touchscreen Menu is really a great feature. Very easy to use and understand!

Christian

[Shawn25854]

Hi Steve,

I just found out about the firmware upgrade (2.60) to my Aera 660 in this forum, not a notification from Garmin.

Does Garmin not notify users with registered devices?

Love the Aera 660, trying to hunt down a GDL-39 or GDL-39 3D to pair it with.

Thanks,
Shawn

[RVG8tor]

I have the flight stream 210 installed. My 660 will not connect up on initial power up. I have to go to BT setting on 660 and hit connect.

In flight I have seen now issues of losing a connection. It is just a pain to have to pair the 660 every flight.

I have auto reconnect enabled on the 660, is there another setting that I am missing?

What I want is for the 660 to pair to the FS 210 anytime it is on.

Cheers

Mike Elliott

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve,
would it be possible to give the plane symbol a better visible color than white?
yellow or red would be nice. Also a possibility to make the aircraft symbol bigger would be also nice. It is very hard to see the symbol, especially for my father.
This could be integrated in the Profile Menu.
Is there a possibility to make the audio signal louder as it is? I use a audio mixer where I collect all audio signals, but all the other signals have a higher max volume as the Aera660.
After using a 496 the new touchscreen Menu is really a great feature. Very easy to use and understand!

Christian

Hello Christian,

We will take note of your request for yellow or red aircraft in addition to the high contrast white that is now used.

Pretty surprised to read your comment about the alert volume. If we plug a small un-amplified headset into the audio output and set the volume at 50%, it is painfully loud. We certainly have no problem having way more volume than necessary when connecting the aera 660 alert audio to any input on a Garmin audio panel.

It would be best to contact us directly for tech support. One of the things we will verify is that the left and right audio sides are NOT being tied together. You should use just the Audio Left and Audio Common if connecting this audio output to a mono audio system.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

I have the flight stream 210 installed. My 660 will not connect up on initial power up. I have to go to BT setting on 660 and hit connect.

In flight I have seen now issues of losing a connection. It is just a pain to have to pair the 660 every flight.

I have auto reconnect enabled on the 660, is there another setting that I am missing?

What I want is for the 660 to pair to the FS 210 anytime it is on.

Cheers

Mike Elliott

Hello Mike,

It would be best to contact us directly by phone or email (shown below) if you need technical support.

This site is great, but it isn't a good place to come if you want our support. For example, there is no mention above of what software version you are using, so this is one of the first questions we will ask in finding a solution to your issue.

If you were looking for assistance from others, then please ignore this posting.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve,

I just found out about the firmware upgrade (2.60) to my Aera 660 in this forum, not a notification from Garmin.

Does Garmin not notify users with registered devices?

Love the Aera 660, trying to hunt down a GDL-39 or GDL-39 3D to pair it with.

Thanks,
Shawn

Hello Shawn,

If you follow this link (http://www.garmin.com/support/download.jsp) and then click on "Get Alerts when new software is available", you can receive an email when new software is available for many of our products.

Also, don't forget that your aera 660 V2.60 software is now watching the FlyGarmin server for the next new software to be available, and when it is it will prompt you and ask if you are ready to download it via WiFi and install it.

Thanks,
Steve

[Shawn25854]

Thank you Steve, I just signed up to get the update and download alerts delivered by email. Now I'm informed.

Another question for you, I read in the GDL-39 manual "The internal GPS receiver is used for processing of traffic and weather data, and also providing position information to the display device."

If I have my new (used) GDL-39 3D hardwired to the 660 this means the internal WAAS GPS inside the GDL-39 will send its data to the Aera 660. Will I not need an external antenna plugged into the Aera 660 then? I bought the GA 25MCX antenna and I'm currently using that with my Aera 660. I'd like to remove it if it's not needed.

Thanks,
Shawn

[jliltd]

Concerning the aera 660. Can the 660 interface with fuel flow information from an engine monitor? Either in or out?

For example, my EI CGR-30P provides for fuel data to the current way point if an external GPS is connected to it. So my question there would be could I connect the engine monitor's Moving Map Data "in" pin to one of the data "out" pins of the aera 660 (like say the Orange wire) configured as NMEA Out normal or fast? Similarly, if the aera 660 is capable of displaying fuel data I could route the engine monitor's fuel data "out" pin to one of the data "in" pins on the 660 (like say the Purple wire).

Of the two the first option (aera GPS moving map data to fuel flow device) would be the most beneficial. Not so sure about engine monitor data in to the aera 660. Looks like most "in" information is Garmin proprietary.

Are either of these data paths supported by the aera 660? I want to make sure my panel planning doesn't fall on it's face somewhere.

Thanks Again,

Jim

[g3xpert]

Thank you Steve, I just signed up to get the update and download alerts delivered by email. Now I'm informed.

Another question for you, I read in the GDL-39 manual "The internal GPS receiver is used for processing of traffic and weather data, and also providing position information to the display device."

If I have my new (used) GDL-39 3D hardwired to the 660 this means the internal WAAS GPS inside the GDL-39 will send its data to the Aera 660. Will I not need an external antenna plugged into the Aera 660 then? I bought the GA 25MCX antenna and I'm currently using that with my Aera 660. I'd like to remove it if it's not needed.

Thanks,
Shawn

Hello Shawn,

Your aera 660 is the GPS navigator in the installation you describe and does not use GPS data from the GDL39.

The GDL39 will receive GPS data from the aera 660 and will not use its own internal GPS receiver.

The comment in the manual about the GDL39 providing GPS data to the display only applies if it is being used with tablets and phones.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Concerning the aera 660. Can the 660 interface with fuel flow information from an engine monitor? Either in or out?

For example, my EI CGR-30P provides for fuel data to the current way point if an external GPS is connected to it. So my question there would be could I connect the engine monitor's Moving Map Data "in" pin to one of the data "out" pins of the aera 660 (like say the Orange wire) configured as NMEA Out normal or fast? Similarly, if the aera 660 is capable of displaying fuel data I could route the engine monitor's fuel data "out" pin to one of the data "in" pins on the 660 (like say the Purple wire).

Of the two the first option (aera GPS moving map data to fuel flow device) would be the most beneficial. Not so sure about engine monitor data in to the aera 660. Looks like most "in" information is Garmin proprietary.

Are either of these data paths supported by the aera 660? I want to make sure my panel planning doesn't fall on it's face somewhere.

Thanks Again,

Jim

Hello Jim,

Page 140 of the Rev. A aera 660 Pilot's Guide lists the available RS-232 port input/output formats. NMEA Out is one of the available formats, and should work for the need you identify.

None of the aera 660 input formats support receiving fuel flow or engine data.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Hello,

V2.70 software for the aera 660 (http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=10040) was released this week. The next time you power-up the 660 with WiFi access, it should ask you if you want to download and install this software. You may also update over USB if you prefer.

The changes are mostly behind-the-scene improvements, but the unit is now able to calculate an above ground (AGL) altitude and optionally show this on the main map in a user configurable field and on the 3D Vision page at the bottom of the altitude tape.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/gSULXEZzBKhrlwuCXjL9Dvb-5TfZgGFCiU9dPxt3nuqIuU53eVzXrfIx4NL2ueuoJrybKwdC5s c3yINv0_2gNWoPh0Cew9e0oboi4ckcnXpIgd2xvnK1vL4W-rTcqBscQnGgYwpBB8R9XeTHAMX2pW-iT2H3VtA0HWhgbvJHv7TJeMwCCKOyRQlga-uKFbrFpigcwLBQQYrmhCqum0Ukce1sXDIVAGnqSg-9aW6q7Q7ENspAzebt8zMJzggdFjLRCD6mIfbjUnmrPYbXxVmp8 PZSQ8B0zn4EEIDrRUfcIfnWNB983BVzOWGfRU9m3fZ6F5SuEf-aoZoqcRCHv5mzNd76J2Y1UmT5GseEjp7nHMVOht70_fQu-aPBD8w2WSRJlP5Yll9A2ytKw2x0qv-pBo6Mv57IM5i3TF4GTtR4RQAP6589HnQh2LJozhr4B3mMjCf7L SXK0ysXjCAuPa1KscTDLM81iJ2lercJSnupa5jpEfFBj7kfU1D OKeekvpfBV7siwD0Go1ElLTQ_YhQc8O-3Fvk06juIMnGk13hy0RMJxYTCUh9K3HHj9jVF_9K2dpqpvHWGH V37H7nth3fUNmakiTO8Tyn4fJTJSwfIjDfIy6zS=w466-h776-no

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fguM_PxTx3s2zEktdOwY8CYUO9ryyiZ6clFeg2nd51vlYy7-47PU6Bd43Ji1YU_oLez3bS1JNo-MHgnpQe8Y0ShYEaMiUX-tipuzeVPL4j109Rjss7nBCglxV0lZTtvngSlGrbwm2OFkO1iTr D1Bs9AHYcCtPDc6ixKigiBQEhANug2Q2GkY17z1g6cTYV69aSI 3MUJ4CO2Y-7LF3XMluZv238F1fTzIDxojKu725RalWptvfMlZfi9vmUj-9t-zlJW5arLIcsmls-UOGf6_SkC-iwkel7ljr9qteVYTgqN_9c6hGPsuv5XbysHMrM3QxCUTyuRD8T TzdozI6EZ8_RGnY0HkWrDLALihJn1gEHZtgWJv0xftT56phfR4 BDW1E0BMIRy-5IEWfEBgM_01o6VBoA4oq4HWW4EN2U5h0bJXQzSuFYxyTLSpey EL5kAJ23aJUZmAtED-q6yhjm65AsLw4DBNCX62A5CARk4MmDTjHmsJBH-8v1JX7b8yLDleXrq5v37dhf9d0vb2ReFfAo-nk8_71zdpCmduIZHecsq_Haf9OqvLr468_2D--nsNNbScxbhO6IaPlsAFaOkAUu6FfmMM_XTzcX5K1eyQ-rMOOam=w466-h776-no

Steve

[PaulR]

Any news on the XM availability?

[g3xpert]

Any news on the XM availability?

Hello Paul,

We appreciate your interest in the aera 660 and understand that some are waiting for this capability to be available before switching from an older unit that already provides satellite music and weather. We don't generally, however, make public progress reports on products in development.

We can say that the solution that we are developing will be an option that is available to all existing aera 660 units without any hardware changes to the base aera 660 unit. When this new SXM music and weather receiver product becomes available, a new aera 660 software update will give all new and existing units the ability to interface with this new product and receive satellite music and weather (with a SXM subscription).

More details on the new receiver product will only be available when it is announced.

With previous products like the aera 795/796 and GPSMAP 695/696, only the 696/796 models had the hardware interface required to work with the external satellite receiver, but with the aera 660 there is only this one powerful model that provides the customer with flexibility on choosing an external ADS-B and/or satellite music and weather receiver.

Hope this helps,
Steve

[Jetguy]

I like the AGL update. Kind of like have a radar altimeter in low visibility situation. Is it available with a non- 3D GDL 39? Very cool. Keep those improvements coming. Can't wait until the 896 comes out with all these new features.;)

[PaulR]

Hello Paul,

We appreciate your interest in the aera 660 and understand that some are waiting for this capability to be available before switching from an older unit that already provides satellite music and weather. We don't generally, however, make public progress reports on products in development.

We can say that the solution that we are developing will be an option that is available to all existing aera 660 units without any hardware changes to the base aera 660 unit. When this new SXM music and weather receiver product becomes available, a new aera 660 software update will give all new and existing units the ability to interface with this new product and receive satellite music and weather (with a SXM subscription).

More details on the new receiver product will only be available when it is announced.

With previous products like the aera 795/796 and GPSMAP 695/696, only the 696/796 models had the hardware interface required to work with the external satellite receiver, but with the aera 660 there is only this one powerful model that provides the customer with flexibility on choosing an external ADS-B and/or satellite music and weather receiver.

Hope this helps,
Steve


That's good to know Steve. I should then jump right out and buy one!!! I was afraid it would be like the AERA and take a whole different unit.

[rjtjrt]

I also applaude the AGL being available.
I find it very handy to have displayed.

[rvator51]

Dynon, are you listening? This feature was asked for years ago.

[g3xpert]

I like the AGL update. Kind of like have a radar altimeter in low visibility situation. Is it available with a non- 3D GDL 39? Very cool. Keep those improvements coming. Can't wait until the 896 comes out with all these new features.;)

Hello John,

The AGL feature doesn't require data from a GDL 39 or a GDL 39 3D. The images above are taken from an aera 660 operating by itself.

Steve

[Jetguy]

It would be very nice to add the AGL altitude to one of the corners on the moving map! Thanks

[g3xpert]

It would be very nice to add the AGL altitude to one of the corners on the moving map! Thanks

Hello John,

It is already available there as mentioned in my posting above.

The changes are mostly behind-the-scene improvements, but the unit is now able to calculate an above ground (AGL) altitude and optionally show this on the main map in a user configurable field and on the 3D Vision page at the bottom of the altitude tape.

Thanks,
Steve

[Jetguy]

[QUOTE]The changes are mostly behind-the-scene improvements, but the unit is now able to calculate an above ground (AGL) altitude and optionally show this on the main map in a user configurable field and on the 3D Vision page at the bottom of the altitude tape./QUOTE]

You are absolutely correct! I am Garmin impaired.;) I found it thanks.

[Jetguy]

Can you add an extra data field to the map display beyond 4? If not please consider adding that capability in a future software upgrade. Thanks again:D

[nippaero]

Question:
Every time I power up my 660 it does not reconnect to the GDL 39 3D over Bluetooth. I have to go into tools--->bluetooth settings and click on the GDL. Then it reconnects. My 660 is hardwired to power with the bare end cable. The GDL is running on the rechargeable battery (I plan to hardwire it soon). I always power up the GDL first and wait for a green light then power the 660. How do I get them to reconnect with each other?

[jliltd]

*SOLVED SEE LATER POST BELOW* I still can't seem to get the GDL 39 3D to send AHRS data via the factory GDL aera 660 combination cable. It only shares attitude via Bluetooth. I do have the latest software (download directly to the aera over wifi 2 days ago). *SOLVED BY ENSURING GOOD GPS LOCK OUTSIDE THE HANGAR*

Also, the optional $60 GDL/aera cable has come apart at the Y (where the audio input is). The cable connecting the Y to the GDL and the cable connecting the Y to the aera have pulled out of the Y with the simplest of use. Really. Only 2 flights. The strain relief is non-existent and trying to shove the cable insulation back into the molded Y housing is futile. So now each cable is hanging by the wires only just waiting to get yanked out. Look at the the Y and you will not see any strain relief and a terrible stress concentration where the cables ente it.

Looks like a rush job where the Garmin bean counters called the shots rather than the product engineers being give a chance to design it right from the get go.

On the bright side the combo cable is about the same price as each individual bare wire kit for each component stand alone. So for half the price of separate bare wire/data cable one could by one combination cable and cut out the Y yielding two separate component bare wire cables minus fuse holders. Cuse holders can be added for cheap.

Make one crappy cable and I shall turn it in to two useful ones while cutting my outlay for Garmin accessory cables by 2.

Jim

[g3xpert]

Question:
Every time I power up my 660 it does not reconnect to the GDL 39 3D over Bluetooth. I have to go into tools--->bluetooth settings and click on the GDL. Then it reconnects. My 660 is hardwired to power with the bare end cable. The GDL is running on the rechargeable battery (I plan to hardwire it soon). I always power up the GDL first and wait for a green light then power the 660. How do I get them to reconnect with each other?

Hello Nippaero,

Page 29 of the Rev. B aera 660 Pilot's Guide (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf) explains that you may select Menu, Manage Paired Devices on the Bluetooth setup page and enable/disable Automatic Reconnect for any paired device.

Thanks,
Steve

[Shawn25854]

Jliltd,

That's certainly one way of saving some cash. I bought the bare wire cable for my 660 before I got my hands on a GDL-39 3D. Had I known I was getting one I may have done that also.

I did however make my own GDL-39 hardwire cable. I bought the connector and added my own wires and hardwired the 660 and the GDL together and they are powered by the same circuit breaker, no inline fuse needed. Works great and costs me about $8 in parts and wire.

Shawn

[nippaero]

Hello Nippaero,

Page 29 of the Rev. B aera 660 Pilot's Guide (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf) explains that you may select Menu, Manage Paired Devices on the Bluetooth setup page and enable/disable Automatic Reconnect for any paired device.

Thanks,
Steve

Hi Steve,

I'll check this setting and report back. Thanks!

I've also noticed a couple things since I did the latest OTA software upgrade. Every once in a while the screen cannot repaint the terrain and I either get a dark background or today I got these stripes. They last for a few minutes and then go away. Anyone else see this?

http://www.nippaero.com/8180A/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2016-10-02-10.16.40.jpg

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve,

I'll check this setting and report back. Thanks!

I've also noticed a couple things since I did the latest OTA software upgrade. Every once in a while the screen cannot repaint the terrain and I either get a dark background or today I got these stripes. They last for a few minutes and then go away. Anyone else see this?


Hello Nippaero,

As described on page 87 of the Rev. B manual, a purple area shown on the map when Nexrad is being shown is an indication of an area where this radar data has not been received.

You may turn that indication off if you like. Under Map Setup select Weather and turn Radar Coverage Off.

Thanks,
Steve

[jeffsvan]

Members,
I am seriously thinking of upgrading my Aera 550, and purchasing this new Aera 660. Has anyone done the same, and can they comment on the larger screen size being big enough to notice a difference? Also I am reading some pilots are finding the 660 has a lot of screen glare similar to an I-pad?

Can anyone who has upgraded similar post any comments?
Can anyone put up a photo of the two units (Early Aera vs. new 660) side by side for comparison?



thanks,

[Shawn25854]

Jeff,

I upgraded from an older 396 to the 660 and the difference is tremendous. I can't comment on the 550 but the 660 has just over 1" bigger display than your 550 which will make a difference. 3/8" taller and just over 1/2" wider. It also has many new features. I love the 660.

As for the glare, you could add an anti-glare film to it. I've noticed it to be a little bothersome but acceptable given I was using a 396.

I'm going to try this film and wanted to share it with everyone. This company makes a few types of anti-glare film and is cut to fit the Aera 660.

http://www.nushield.com/index.php

I may order both the DayVue and the Triple A to test both. At $18 and $15 respectively it's worth the test.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

[mooniac]

I upgraded from a 550 to a 660, and have found it a big improvement. The improved screen size is helpful but the overall functionality is much better. I also use an ipad in the cockpit and find the 660 screen much easier to read because the screen is much brighter and less glaring.

[nippaero]

Hello Nippaero,

As described on page 87 of the Rev. B manual, a purple area shown on the map when Nexrad is being shown is an indication of an area where this radar data has not been received.

You may turn that indication off if you like. Under Map Setup select Weather and turn Radar Coverage Off.

Thanks,
Steve

Hi Steve. I check the Bluetooth reconnect setting and turned on the reconnect feature. Thanks for pointing out the Nexrad issue. I must not have noticed that prior to the upgrade so I thought there might be something wrong but turns out it is working perfectly.

I hooked up the audio out to an unswitched audio input on my audio panel. It is awesome getting the alerts for terrain and traffic in my headphones. :D

Thanks!

[jliltd]

This is an update to my previous post (quoted below). After an unsolicited quick note from Steve, the Garmin G3xpert, I can in fact get AHRS attitude information to display through the direct wire cable between the aera 660 and the GDL 39 3D. My problem had been that when I originally tested the combination in the hangar the 660 didn't have a GPS lock. No GPS lock, no attitude information, irrespective of whether then GDL 39 3D is talking through Bluetooth or wires. Apparently the GDL AHRS requires a GPS signal to provide a reliable attitude solution and without such it refuses to give the aera a bad attitude. I flew a Super Swift on a 2 hour ferry flight Sunday and turned off the Bluetooth receiver option in the aera 660 setup in order to make sure it was exclusively talking to the GDL 3D through the optional combination power cable. It worked fine and as advertised.

My comments concerning the build quality of the aera/GDL combo power cable still stand. The individual cables going to each accessory have come completely apart at the Y split/audio interface and are dangling by the internal signal wires at that point. And I am very careful with my equipment. I will take photos later.

If the Garmin aera "cable" team is listening.... Strain relief. Strain relief. Stress concentration. Stress concentration. How about we mold in or glue the cable jackets into the splitter. The cable/splitter interface has, by it's very geometry, a huge change in cross-sectional area and moment of inertia between two materials of very different elasticity, at a single point. The cables here very much need strain relief to smoothly transition normal bending loads. The reliefs can also add the missing tensile strength to keep things from coming apart. Meanwhile I will provide my own fix by globbing some Permatex Right Stuff gasket maker around the cable/splitter interface and smoothly tapering it down the cable. That is what's known as a "strain relief" for any Garmin aera "cable" guys out there.

Meanwhile thanks to Steve at Garmin Team X again. He sought me out directly and his hint about testing the interface under GPS lock was the ticket. And I know the cable design issue is a problem for the aera portables department and not directly reflective of Team X. But from a customer prospective Garmin is Garmin.

Jim

P.S. I am going to Florida tomorrow to ferry a newly completed aircraft back to Texas for a friend. It has a new Skyview panel but I will have my aera 660 / GDL 39 3D combination on the quick draw.

I still can't seem to get the GDL 39 3D to send AHRS data via the factory GDL aera 660 combination cable. It only shares attitude via Bluetooth. I do have the latest software (download directly to the aera over wifi 2 days ago).

Also, the optional $60 GDL/aera cable has come apart at the Y (where the audio input is). The cable connecting the Y to the GDL and the cable connecting the Y to the aera have pulled out of the Y with the simplest of use. Really. Only 2 flights. The strain relief is non-existent and trying to shove the cable insulation back into the molded Y housing is futile. So now each cable is hanging by the wires only just waiting to get yanked out. Look at the the Y and you will not see any strain relief and a terrible stress concentration where the cables enter it

[jliltd]

Here are some aera 660 / GDL optional combo accessory wired cord photos showing the lack of strain relief at the Y.

I have two. Here is what the Audio/cable Y looks like out of the box:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV3B/New.jpg

And here is what the same thing looks like after a couple of flights:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV3B/No%20Strain.jpg

And here is what I am using to fix it by adding a much needed strain relief:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV3B/Right%20Stuff.jpg

Here is the first broken one all globbed up with Right Stuff:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV3B/repair.jpg

I went ahead and reinforced the new unused combo cord with some Right Stuff right out of the box in an effort to be pro-active about the problem.

Jim

[Mark33]

Steve, (or anyone on the G3Xpert team)....can you give us even a small hint as to when the 660 will have XM music and weathered capabilities? I'm ready to do the 345/660 upgrade to my panel, but I really hate to remove my 496 just yet and lose my XM.

Thanks,
Mark

[ilium007]

Here are some aera 660 / GDL optional combo accessory wired cord photos showing the lack of strain relief at the Y.

Here is the first broken one all globbed up with Right Stuff:
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV3B/repair.jpg

I went ahead and reinforced the new unused combo cord with some Right Stuff right out of the box in an effort to be pro-active about the problem.

Jim

I would suggest using sugru for this fix / proactive measure. I've used it for cable repairs and the stuff is magic.

https://sugru.com/

https://d1v0qqy8316222.cloudfront.net/assets/sugru-packshot-af3c8a2975e2cd445ad234c0db769cad43e176eab7f16103e7 5b80d25d39bbda.png
https://d3rahnjpfokx69.cloudfront.net/hero/upload/202/six9_600_flexible.jpg

[ilium007]

I believe Steve previously indicated that the mounting pattern for the Aera 500 series was the same dimensions as the Aera 660 (but pinouts wouldn't match).

If that's the case, this RAM mount [RAM (http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-347U)] [Aircraft Spruce (http://www.aircraftspruce.com/pages/av/gps_zdocking_garminaera/ram46.php)] should bolt directly to the hole pattern on the bare wire mount. It uses a 1" ball, so any of the RAM 1" ball hardware should work to take it from there to your panel.
http://www.rammount.com/images/gallery/RAM-B-347U/high/RAM-B-347UIU2.jpg

Does anyone know what bolt sizes are needed ? I already have the RAM ball mount from a Aera 500 and was going to swap the 660 mount from the stock yoke mount on to the square RAM mount. Last time I tried this the RAM bolts supplied are too big to fit through the Garmin mounts in the Aera connector. I'm in Australia and will have to order the bolts / hardware online.

[g3xpert]

Does anyone know what bolt sizes are needed ? I already have the RAM ball mount from a Aera 500 and was going to swap the 660 mount from the stock yoke mount on to the square RAM mount. Last time I tried this the RAM bolts supplied are too big to fit through the Garmin mounts in the Aera connector. I'm in Australia and will have to order the bolts / hardware online.

Hello,

We normally use 1 inch stainless steel #6-32 screws with washers and nylon insert nuts to attach a ball mount to the aera 660 mount.

Thanks,
Steve

[ilium007]

Hello,

We normally use 1 inch stainless steel #6-32 screws with washers and nylon insert nuts to attach a ball mount to the aera 660 mount.

Thanks,
Steve

Great- thanks!

[Mgeiss]

Is it possible to send Flightplans Files *.fpl from other Sources (not Garmin) to the Area 660 via WiFi or Bluetooth?

Markus

[jeffsvan]

Hello, May I please ask some questions,

Questions:
1. How does the "data pass through" actually function on the GDL39. I am asssuming that because the older Aera/GPSMap units only have one serial channel it allowed one to receive both Aviation data as well as ADS-B data through one set of wires?

2. Can the Aera 660 update the GDL39 software/firmware through Bluetooth or does a cable need to be connected?

3. Would Garmin ever condiser a "multiple subscription discount" for folks like me who buy updates for a GTN650, Garmin Pilot APP as well as my new Aera 660 ? One of the biggest complaints I hear is the subscription costs, especially for owners of multiple products used in only one aircraft.

Thank you for ALL the support on the Vans Air Force Forums. You have been a wonderful and great help to us all.

[g3xpert]

Is it possible to send Flightplans Files *.fpl from other Sources (not Garmin) to the Area 660 via WiFi or Bluetooth?

Markus

Hello Markus,

We are not aware of non-Garmin sources that wirelessly connect to the Aera 660 like Garmin Pilot and the FlightStream 210 to transfer flight plans.

We think there are some 3rd part flight planning applications that can create .fpl files that can be imported into the Aera 660 using the SD card.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Hello Jeff,


1. How does the "data pass through" actually function on the GDL39. I am asssuming that because the older Aera/GPSMap units only have one serial channel it allowed one to receive both Aviation data as well as ADS-B data through one set of wires?


The GDL39 has two serial ports, and the second serial port is currently only used to support a second serial connection for single serial port portables like the Aera 5XX and GPSMAP 695/696. This allows those portables to continue to drive external devices and receive data from external devices even when the only serial port is connected to a GDL39. The Aera 660 and Aera 795/796 have dual serial ports and do not use the second serial port on the GDL39.


2. Can the Aera 660 update the GDL39 software/firmware through Bluetooth or does a cable need to be connected?


The Bluetooth link may be used for this if you wish. This is done automatically, just like the serial link.


3. Would Garmin ever consider a "multiple subscription discount" for folks like me who buy updates for a GTN650, Garmin Pilot APP as well as my new Aera 660 ? One of the biggest complaints I hear is the subscription costs, especially for owners of multiple products used in only one aircraft.


Good question. As you know we have made significant improvements in subscription costs for many products over the last few years and even reduced the cost of the navigation database for your GTN 650 with the new Garmin navigation database. The One Pak subscription is our first attempt at providing one subscription that covers everything in the aircraft including one portable device, but that still isn't an attractive option for those with just the equipment you mention. We will continue to look for more attractive ways to provide data to those with multiple Garmin devices.


Thank you for ALL the support on the Vans Air Force Forums. You have been a wonderful and great help to us all.

Thank you for your kind words,

Steve

[ilium007]

Does anyone know if there is a common phone screen protector that will fit this gps ? I am in Australia and wont have time to get one here from the USA in time for a trip I am doing with my new Aera 660.

[Shawn25854]

There are several available on the web.....here's one on Amazon.

A pair of clear or anti-glare for $18.

https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Protector-BoxWave-ClearTouch-Crystal/dp/B01DED9LDG

If time is of the essence as you state you could buy a sheet of the film and make your own temporary one.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

[ilium007]

Yeah, found those but Amazon won't ship them to Australia.

[ilium007]

I found both the clear and anti-glare screen protectors from a place called 'BoxWave'. Has anyone had any experience with either of these ?

http://www.boxwave.com/garmin-aera-660-screen-protectors/bwdcd/fzkmf-g/

I'm leaning toward the anti-glare. Any suggestions ?

[Shawn25854]

If no one will ship to you and you must have them I'll be glad to help out. I have a friend in Hervey Bay that orders many things from here in the states and of course they also won't ship to Australia. He has them shipped to me in Florida and I ship them to him via our US Post Office. We've found it to be the quickest and least expensive way. This is of course an added shipping expense but it'll get there. I'd be glad to help you if needed.

Shawn

[Shawn25854]

Here's another one I found as posted earlier.

http://www.nushield.com/index.php

Shawn

[jeffsvan]

When I went online with my Aera660 for the first time, it updated the Firmware to the latest version. It didn't seem to do anything else

In the box with my new unit was a coupon for a free database update.

Does anyone know if this covers ALL of the databases, or just the map?

Without having the coupon in my hand, how long after purchase until this coupon expires?

[g3xpert]

When you power up your Aera 660 today with it connected via WiFi to the internet it should automatically ask you if you wish to update to V2.80.

The image below shows two of the new features.

Several customers asked that we provide more user selectable data fields on the main map, so the unit now offers up to 8 data fields (0 to 8 depending on your preferences).

Another often requested feature for all of our products has been airspace segment altitude limit labeling. You have always been able to touch an airspace segment and see the altitude limits, but now you may have them turned on all the time so they are always visible (depending on zoom range). In the example below there is a class D airport with altitude limits from the surface to 3400 ft and two MOAs with 800 ft to 18,000 ft limits. The numbes are color coded to match the airspace segments.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FiPjo8Xoq6PJqnDbDQ_6c3INFVkRW5eH-c8RqDfNGS_jDR2qfdP6DCYFpMIYrfngjaY2yLo7znOYK08lMef Yu72Meq5RTre1oBLVburdV-tEQ_qXFScclDGwdfYVMpbq67Wn9nYZpor7H_qGd_eElavDDIAv Zo1WGsdKna70sf0j2GGs7BWuO0iPsLXYAwLx6g5XS-mwkHiktz4Wc99i_SL_9awmLorhohxvUTEzb4IKoMRLxDMIRcDo 8PymkLNplyIWuYOJFl1WmmFnyhytHD9o3ggQX9AaCkcshUxtJY E43YTq2iHLQoI7H4Xi6Dq6ive7jsz_BPShMbl7WEt2zTcSEbYF jwrOJ8f324aBt0ZTLFi8KRToACN06taUYmBFUrM_KFeK6Ng5I7 PsQKIrzDSFQ3oDjYMoFCKZI89hU7L7U-f_JwHeUtrh02R6gIw1jN_DZj7WosDF5fMTcSkT3Coqvg1iYo3Z thIl6ZiEdHRf64-kphTiTugdIjeg09v6N-2KojUZFC9FGL7LhKvbsSDyb8UAk4WikDTvX8xZ3Zgba42V6upG xAfnmCrLUTIy3cy7LrXFPl_sCUbot7-SWcSxtN6Dz7pg5hhIVkE2X8LJVv74=w467-h754-no

Change History
Changes made from version 2.70 to 2.80:

Add airspace altitude labels to map
Add option to remove facility names for Airports, VORs, and NDBs, to declutter map
Add four additional data fields to overlay on map page
General improvements to system operation
Includes update to GDL39 software version 4.80


Thanks,
Steve

[Jetguy]

All these additional items are great.;) Thanks for listening to your customer requests.:) This new unit is turning out to be quite a Gem. Cant wait for the Satellite weather capability. Just finished installing mine via Bare wire install kit in my RV12 to replace the older 496. Also I have to say after owning a 796 for a few years that the screen Brightness and ease of touch is superior to the 796. Maybe in a few years, like next years OSH2017,:p you might come out with a 896 with all this new stuff on a larger screen.:D

[olyolson]

Steve,

Any chance Garmin can add the seconds to the ETA? Right now it just shows ETA in hours & minutes. Mainly would be using it to hit precise flyover TOTs for the national anthem timing, missing man formations etc.

Sure we can use a stopwatch but having the seconds on the 660 would be an easy fix. I think my old 296 had seconds inside of 10 minutes but it's been so long I can't remember for sure.

Oly

[noelf]

To 2nd Oly's request for a "seconds" display. I also am part of the BANDITS FORMATION TEAM. We do stadium, college, NASCAR, veteran, missing man (and this year a NFL game) National Anthem fly overs. The seconds addition would be a great plus for the Time Over Target (TOT) solution.

[g3xpert]

Any chance Garmin can add the seconds to the ETA? Right now it just shows ETA in hours & minutes. Mainly would be using it to hit precise flyover TOTs for the national anthem timing, missing man formations etc.

Sure we can use a stopwatch but having the seconds on the 660 would be an easy fix. I think my old 296 had seconds inside of 10 minutes but it's been so long I can't remember for sure.

Hello Oly,

Perhaps you are mixing up ETA (estimated time of arrival) with ETE (estimated time enroute). The behavior of the GPSmap 296 and aera 660 is the same for both of these data fields:

ETA always displays estimated time of arrival in hours/minutes.

ETE displays time remaining in either hours/minutes for times greater than one hour, or minutes/seconds for times less than one hour.

- Matt

[Snowflake]

Several customers asked that we provide more user selectable data fields on the main map, so the unit now offers up to 8 data fields (0 to 8 depending on your preferences).
Wow! I'm looking forward to seeing this, as I just (finally) placed my order for one last week. The bare wire cable was on backorder until tomorrow so it should be shipping shortly, and then i'll be able to take advantage of all of these great new features... I'm looking forward to it!

Now I just need to get in touch with Garmin's tech support to see if they can help me fix my Aera 500, that no longer boots up regularly. For some reason it only gets past the Garmin screen about once in every 3 or 4 re-starts.

[gFlyer]

Hi Seve,

thinking to install a Garmin G5 in my aircraft and would like to know if it can interface with the area 660 f.ex. attitude, barometric and autopilot information etc. to the area 660.

Does the G5 comes with a STC to install in certified aircraft?

Best regards
gFlyer

[rv4ator]

The 660 can display fuel prices right on the map. My question is how and how often are these prices updated? Is a 28 day download update necessary or can it be done for free via wifi somehow?

[olyolson]

Matt,

Thanks for the quick response about the timing. I do remember the ETE being in minutes & seconds to go on the old 296. Formations are normally given a specific TOT and looking at the ETE still requires a little mental math to subtract this from the actual TOT (the desired ETA).

Granted we can do the math inflight but having the the ability to select ETA in hours/minutes/seconds could be a user selectable option on the menu. Flying HUDs in the Air Force I was able to put the desired TOT in the system and the HUD would give an airspeed cue to fly to hit the exact desired TOT (with wind correction). I don't think Noel & I are expecting this option but being able to select hours/minutes/seconds to hit an exact TOT would be helpful and probably not hard for Garmin to do on the next update.

Not all of us are as good as BeeGee or Yobo to consistently hit a TOT to the SECOND every single time.

Oly

[Snowflake]

Not all of us are as good as BeeGee or Yobo to consistently hit a TOT to the SECOND every single time.
Well, if Garmin adds the seconds to the ETA, you're not going to have an excuse anymore either... :)

[noelf]

So very true Snowflake, very true.

As one of the NASCAR spotters told me, "...you are never the hero, but can easily become the zero"

[g3xpert]

When I went online with my Aera660 for the first time, it updated the Firmware to the latest version. It didn't seem to do anything else

In the box with my new unit was a coupon for a free database update.

Does anyone know if this covers ALL of the databases, or just the map?

Without having the coupon in my hand, how long after purchase until this coupon expires?

Hello Jeff,

The free database coupon that came with your Aera 660 allows you to register your Aera 660 at FlyGarmin.com and update the complete set of databases so you can have and use current databases until you decide what/if database subscription you wish to purchase.

You may use this coupon to get this free set of databases even if past the validity period specified on the coupon.

The factory supplied databases may be old and/or limited since we expect every customer to immediately use this coupon to download/install all the databases.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Hi Seve,

thinking to install a Garmin G5 in my aircraft and would like to know if it can interface with the area 660 f.ex. attitude, barometric and autopilot information etc. to the area 660.

Does the G5 comes with a STC to install in certified aircraft?

Best regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

While the Aera 660 can provide the navigation function for a G5, the 660 does not receive/use any of the G5 data you mention.

We offer two versions of the G5. One with STC data for certified aircraft (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/in-the-air/experimental/flight-displays/g5-electronic-flight-instrument/in-the-air/experimental/flight-displays/g5-electronic-flight-instrument-for-certificated-aircraft/prod570665.html), the other for non-certified aircraft (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/in-the-air/experimental/flight-displays/g5-electronic-flight-instrument/prod514383.html).

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

The 660 can display fuel prices right on the map. My question is how and how often are these prices updated? Is a 28 day download update necessary or can it be done for free via wifi somehow?

Hello rv4ator,

Good question.

The fuel prices are stored in the Airport Directory database and are updated daily.

If you have subscribed to the U.S. Database Bundle for $149.95/yr, one of the databases is the Airport Directory, so you may re-download this database with new fuel prices every day using WiFi if you wish to always keep your fuel prices up to date.

Thanks,
Steve

[Bob Martin]

When you power up your Aera 660 today with it connected via WiFi to the internet it should automatically ask you if you wish to update to V2.80.

The image below shows two of the new features.

Several customers asked that we provide more user selectable data fields on the main map, so the unit now offers up to 8 data fields (0 to 8 depending on your preferences).

Another often requested feature for all of our products has been airspace segment altitude limit labeling. You have always been able to touch an airspace segment and see the altitude limits, but now you may have them turned on all the time so they are always visible (depending on zoom range). In the example below there is a class D airport with altitude limits from the surface to 3400 ft and two MOAs with 800 ft to 18,000 ft limits. The numbes are color coded to match the airspace segments.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FiPjo8Xoq6PJqnDbDQ_6c3INFVkRW5eH-c8RqDfNGS_jDR2qfdP6DCYFpMIYrfngjaY2yLo7znOYK08lMef Yu72Meq5RTre1oBLVburdV-tEQ_qXFScclDGwdfYVMpbq67Wn9nYZpor7H_qGd_eElavDDIAv Zo1WGsdKna70sf0j2GGs7BWuO0iPsLXYAwLx6g5XS-mwkHiktz4Wc99i_SL_9awmLorhohxvUTEzb4IKoMRLxDMIRcDo 8PymkLNplyIWuYOJFl1WmmFnyhytHD9o3ggQX9AaCkcshUxtJY E43YTq2iHLQoI7H4Xi6Dq6ive7jsz_BPShMbl7WEt2zTcSEbYF jwrOJ8f324aBt0ZTLFi8KRToACN06taUYmBFUrM_KFeK6Ng5I7 PsQKIrzDSFQ3oDjYMoFCKZI89hU7L7U-f_JwHeUtrh02R6gIw1jN_DZj7WosDF5fMTcSkT3Coqvg1iYo3Z thIl6ZiEdHRf64-kphTiTugdIjeg09v6N-2KojUZFC9FGL7LhKvbsSDyb8UAk4WikDTvX8xZ3Zgba42V6upG xAfnmCrLUTIy3cy7LrXFPl_sCUbot7-SWcSxtN6Dz7pg5hhIVkE2X8LJVv74=w467-h754-no

Change History
Changes made from version 2.70 to 2.80:

Add airspace altitude labels to map
Add option to remove facility names for Airports, VORs, and NDBs, to declutter map
Add four additional data fields to overlay on map page
General improvements to system operation
Includes update to GDL39 software version 4.80


Thanks,
Steve

I updated my 660 and it was quick and easy via WiFi.
Steve, the airspace data popped up as expected, but the four additional data fields did not. Another pilot at my field said he experienced the same results. Do we have to turn this feature on? I looked in the pdf manual but clearly it was written prior to this update. Are you guys updating the online manual with each update?
Thank in advance you and your teams support here and via phone and email GREAT service.

[olyolson]

Bob,

To add data fields select Map mode, select Menu, select Change data fields- the next screen shows all 8 possible data fields to display on the map. If you want to add one just select the one you want and choose what you want to display. You can configure any way you want and if you don't want a data block displayed select "Hidden Field".

Pretty easy

Oly

[Bob Martin]

Thanks Oly!

[g3xpert]

Bob,

Yes, as Oly explained, it is the user who must define/enable from 0 to 8 data fields and we don't just turn all of them on without user interaction.

The Pilot Guide is being updated and should hopefully be available soon.

Thanks,
Steve

[Snowflake]

My 660 arrived yesterday and i've been playing with it for a while now.

Came with v2.40, took some tribulations to get it to v2.80... Didn't realize it wouldn't update once it was connected to WiFi. Had to download new software for updating it (old software for Aera 500 didn't work), and had to try three different cables to get the webupdater software to recognize it.

I went back and re-read the entire thread, to refresh my memory of things I had asked once before. Some things i'm still hoping to answer:

1. I see it came with US charts pre-loaded, so for me around the Victoria, BC area it's not too bad. Looking at the list of what's available on FlyGarmin though, I see this:
IFR/VFR Charts Canada by NavCanada
Does this bundle really include the VTA and VNC charts, or is it just the IFR charts? Will my "one free update" coupon allow me to download a set of these to see what i'll get?

2. Can the 660 share it's GPS signal via Bluetooth or WiFi, ie. to act as a GPS for another tablet that doesn't have an internal GPS?

3. What is the SD card slot good for, other than software updates? I would get a memory card for it so I have another option for updates, but if that's all it's for i'll just get a smaller card... If there is any value in having a bigger one (say a future update that might include an audio player?) it would be nice to know now rather than have to buy another. Would more memory be useful for maps or anything?

[g3xpert]

My 660 arrived yesterday and i've been playing with it for a while now.

Thank you for purchasing an Aera 660!

Came with v2.40, took some tribulations to get it to v2.80... Didn't realize it wouldn't update once it was connected to WiFi.

As shown on this page (http://www8.garmin.com/support/download_details.jsp?id=10040), the 660 didn't get WiFi software download capability until V2.60, so of course there is no way your V2.40 software could have downloaded software using WiFi. Now that you have upgraded with V2.80, all future software updates may use WiFi.

Had to download new software for updating it (old software for Aera 500 didn't work), and had to try three different cables to get the webupdater software to recognize it.
The unit comes with a USB cable for hardwire updates.

I went back and re-read the entire thread, to refresh my memory of things I had asked once before. Some things i'm still hoping to answer:

1. I see it came with US charts pre-loaded, so for me around the Victoria, BC area it's not too bad. Looking at the list of what's available on FlyGarmin though, I see this:

Does this bundle really include the VTA and VNC charts, or is it just the IFR charts? Will my "one free update" coupon allow me to download a set of these to see what i'll get?

Yes, your one free update coupon allows you to choose any of the available IFR/VFR chart options so you can try out the Canada charts. This link (https://avdb.garmin.com/IFR_VFR_Chart_Effective_Dates.pdf) shows the Canada VFR navigation charts and VFR terminal area charts included in this subscription.

2. Can the 660 share it's GPS signal via Bluetooth or WiFi, ie. to act as a GPS for another tablet that doesn't have an internal GPS?

Generally no, but the unit should share GPS data with a mobile device running Garmin Pilot.

3. What is the SD card slot good for, other than software updates? I would get a memory card for it so I have another option for updates, but if that's all it's for i'll just get a smaller card... If there is any value in having a bigger one (say a future update that might include an audio player?) it would be nice to know now rather than have to buy another. Would more memory be useful for maps or anything?

Other than screen shots, the SD card isn't generally used.

Thanks,
Steve

[Snowflake]

...the 660 didn't get WiFi software download capability until V2.60, so of course there is no way your V2.40 software could have downloaded software using WiFi. Now that you have upgraded with V2.80, all future software updates may use WiFi.
I saw that while reading through the rest of the thread yesterday, but I didn't read it until after I had finished the wired update... :)

The unit comes with a USB cable for hardwire updates.
Yes, however I still had the cable from my Aera 500 connected so I started with that... Being a Garmin cable and all. I suspect that this issue was related more to my computer than to the cables though: I don't use Windows all that often, so when I rebooted into Windows it spent a bunch of time doing updates in the background. I suspect the computer was *trying* to connect properly, but wasn't fast enough to make the USB connection before I misunderstood it as a timeout.

Yes, your one free update coupon allows you to choose any of the available IFR/VFR chart options so you can try out the Canada charts.
That's excellent, thanks very much. I didn't realize you now had the actual Canadian charts available.

How does the update coupon work, exactly? Do I enter the number, and then it lets me download whatever I need for some period of time? Or do I have to know what I want before I start? I guess what i'm concerned about is that i'll enter the code, choose a bunch of stuff, and may find out later that it's not the bundle or combination of stuff that I need, and i'll have to come back and download more... Only to find out that the code is now used and i'm SOL... :)

Other than screen shots, the SD card isn't generally used.
Good to know. Is there a comfortable excess of storage in the unit, so if I choose all the Canadian and US charts there will be room? Or will I need to pick and choose to make sure I don't over-run the available mapping space?

Thanks again for all the answers on this device... Haven't flown with it yet but I can see now that it will be an awesome device in the cockpit. Head and shoulders above the 500 it's replacing.

[g3xpert]

Hello Rob,

How does the update coupon work, exactly? Do I enter the number, and then it lets me download whatever I need for some period of time? Or do I have to know what I want before I start? I guess what i'm concerned about is that i'll enter the code, choose a bunch of stuff, and may find out later that it's not the bundle or combination of stuff that I need, and i'll have to come back and download more... Only to find out that the code is now used and i'm SOL... :)


I couldn't find that you had created a free FlyGarmin account and added your Aera 660 to it, but once you do there will be a "Redeem a Coupon" button on the Aera 660 page. The process is pretty self explanatory, but if you have any questions or problems with choosing the free set of databases you want, just contact us by email/phone and we will make sure it works as expected. You are never "SOL" because we have your back (and the keys to make selection changes in FlyGarmin). :)

Is there a comfortable excess of storage in the unit, so if I choose all the Canadian and US charts there will be room? Or will I need to pick and choose to make sure I don't over-run the available mapping space?

Well, you can only load one set of IFR/VFR charts at a time, so you would have to choose, for example, if you want to subscribe to the Canada charts or the U.S. charts. If you purchase the North American database bundle, FlyGarmin asks you to select whether U.S. or Canada IFR/VFR charts are in your annual database bundle.

Note, however, that if you want to do something like fly to Oshkosh once a year, you could buy a single U.S. IFR/VFR chart cycle for $39.99, load these charts for your U.S. travel, then re-load the Canada charts included in your annual subscription when you come home. Your North American database bundle would include navigation data for both the U.S. and Canada, so nothing to worry about for the core data which includes airports/runways/frequencies.

Thanks again for all the answers on this device... Haven't flown with it yet but I can see now that it will be an awesome device in the cockpit. Head and shoulders above the 500 it's replacing.

You are welcome.

Thanks,
Steve

[Snowflake]

I couldn't find that you had created a free FlyGarmin account and added your Aera 660 to it, but once you do there will be a "Redeem a Coupon" button on the Aera 660 page.
I already had a flygarmin account for my Aera 500, so I didn't need to create another. I saw the "redeem a coupon" link, but I wanted to be sure what I was getting into before clicking on it.

My trepidation is due to having a bad experience updating my Aera 500 once. I read through the list of options that included Canada, which all said "north american" and then when looking at the price list there was an option with a better deal on the "americas" database and I stupidly chose it... Not clueing in that it didn't say north america. I ended up with no airspace or info north of the US border... :( Garmin tech support did sort me out when I called in, but not without difficulty... Their first response was that they couldn't refund me for the wrong database selection. I had to argue first before I could give them more money for the (more expensive) Canadian-inclusive data upgrade.

I've got two months to update, so i'm going to wait a bit before updating... I want the data set to be as up-to-date as possible, as I don't plan on a subscription, at least not initially.

Well, you can only load one set of IFR/VFR charts at a time, so you would have to choose, for example, if you want to subscribe to the Canada charts or the U.S. charts. If you purchase the North American database bundle, FlyGarmin asks you to select whether U.S. or Canada IFR/VFR charts are in your annual database bundle.

Note, however, that if you want to do something like fly to Oshkosh once a year, you could buy a single U.S. IFR/VFR chart cycle for $39.99, load these charts for your U.S. travel, then re-load the Canada charts included in your annual subscription when you come home. Your North American database bundle would include navigation data for both the U.S. and Canada, so nothing to worry about for the core data which includes airports/runways/frequencies.
****. Well, I guess there had to be *one* downside to this GPS, everything else is almost too-good-to-be-true.

I live in Victoria, BC, which is south of the 49th parallel, and sticks well into Washington. Half of my flights will be over the US as I travel from Victoria to the mainland. I was hoping the 660 would be able to show Canadian charts to the Canadian border, and US charts below that, or give me the option to switch between the two if I was near the border, as FltPlanGo does.

I guess if I can't do that, I can at least save some money in the future by not buying either IFR/VFR chart pack. I'll stick with FltPlanGo for charts, and the 660 for flight planning and simplified mapping. I can stick my phone next to the 660 on the dash, the screen is almost as large. :)

[Shawn25854]

Just updated my 660 to firmware 2.80 today and that of course updated my GDL-39 3D to firmware 4.80. What was odd is that it wouldn't update via the USB cable but it did automatically when I turned on the wi-fi to connect it to my network. Not a big deal but I was concerned at first that it wouldn't update via the USB cable.

Now I just have to figure out what I want in those 4 extra data fields on the map. Also love the airspace altitude labels!

Waiting on the newer "Pilot Guide" now so I can update the manual(s) that I keep on my iPad mini.

Thanks Garmin!

[ilium007]

Has anyone else noticed that firmware 2.80 stops the QWERTY keyboard from displaying? Regardless of the keyboard setting the other keyboard is always displayed.

[g3xpert]

Has anyone else noticed that firmware 2.80 stops the QWERTY keyboard from displaying? Regardless of the keyboard setting the other keyboard is always displayed.

Hello,

Are you operating the Aera 660 in landscape or portrait mode?

This has nothing to do with upgrading to V2.80. As specificed on page 16 of the Rev. B User Manual, the QWERTY keyboard is only available when using the unit in landscape mode.

Thanks,
Steve

[ilium007]

Hello,

Are you operating the Aera 660 in landscape or portrait mode?

This has nothing to do with upgrading to V2.80. As specificed on page 16 of the Rev. B User Manual, the QWERTY keyboard is only available when using the unit in landscape mode.

Thanks,
Steve

Hi - yes, I was in portrait mode and I have re-read the manual and see that it states QWERTY keyboard is only available in landscape mode.

I have to ask why ? How difficult would it have been to offer the QWERTY keyboard in portrait ? iPhones have been doing this on smaller screens since 2006 !

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/973862/unnamed.jpg

[olyolson]

Discovered a clever way to fly a coupled autopilot approach with the 660 a couple days ago. Granted the 660 is not a panel mounted IFR approved GPS but it's good to know the capabilities of your systems and how to use them. Someday you may have to use some of those 'superior piloting skills' to get yourself out of a situation you or some nasty unpredicted weather put you into. Or perhaps your primary legal IFR instrumentation is not working or the airport ground based navigation system is inop.

My Aera 660 is hard wired to the Trio autopilot via an RS 232 wire. With an airport in the active flight plan flying a coupled approach (VOR, LOC, RNAV or anything in that airport's database) is fairly easy and tracks beautifully (lateral track only).

The manual (section 3.5) discusses the specifics how to select and execute the approach by yourself or getting vectors to final by ATC. Granted this is only lateral guidance but it intercepts the course and flies a very precise track to the runway. I tried this the other day VFR and had the IFR chart on Garmin Pilot pulled up and it tracked exactly down the course line right to the runway. Using altitude preselect on your autopilot you can also descend from the FAF at a specific VVI to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) and drive in to the missed approach point (MAP).

Ok for all the instrument purists out there> NO this is not an approved IFR approach procedure. Just a way to get on the ground if your only other option is running out of gas above the clouds. My RV is instrument qualified and I do have legal instrumentation onboard. Not saying to go out and file IFR with just a 660, just something to have in your bag of tricks- just in case. Practice in good weather so you know how to use it when you need it and are running out of options.

[gFlyer]

Hi - yes, I was in portrait mode and I have re-read the manual and see that it states QWERTY keyboard is only available in landscape mode.

I have to ask why ? How difficult would it have been to offer the QWERTY keyboard in portrait ? iPhones have been doing this on smaller screens since 2006 !

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/973862/unnamed.jpg

Hi Steve,

This would be really a great advantage to have QWERTY keyboard also in portrait mode (for me the most preferred mode) in future updates.

Regards
gFlyer

[ilium007]

This was Garmin's reply to me:

The QWERTY is exclusively available in Landscape Mode due to limited display size in portrait mode

[Snowflake]

Yes, the reply above was pointing out how ridiculous it was to claim that there is inadequate display size to put a qwerty keyboard in portrait mode. Cell phones with smaller screens have had them since before Garmin made a touchscreen device.

[nippaero]

Are there differences in the software features between the certified G5 and experimental version? Does the certified version have navigational capabilities?

[jeffk]

Consider posting in this G5 related thread:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=136282

My understanding is the software is similar between the certified and experimental variants, with the certified version having a reduced feature set. There are no navigational capabilities on either G5. Either will display a CDI (have my 430 connected over serial - 660 would work well). The experimental version will display vertical Nav with the GAD 29 ARINC interface. The GAD 29 is not available for certified installations. See the above thread for more information and screen shots.

[RV10Man]

I got an aera 660 for Christmas. I have some questions.

I installed the battery, put it on the wall charger for about 12 hours. It wouldn't power up when I hit the power button. I removed the battery, reinstalled it, unit powered up fine.

Now, I rode around with my brother in the truck yesterday. I played with my new GPS with it plugged into the 12v in truck. Worked fine. Unplugged it from the 12v, it wouldn't power up. I removed/reinstalled the battery, powered up fine.

Flew with my daughter yesterday. Had the unit on it's own battery power. Had to r/r battery to get it to power up.
I'm having to r/r the battery if I turn if off, or unplug it from either charger.
Question is......What am I doing wrong?


Another "problem". I set the CDI to .25 mi. If I turn the unit off, the CDI defaults to 5 mi when turned back on. I'd really like it to stay at .25 mi.
I wonder what else is "defaulting" to something I don't know about.:confused:

I really do wish it had come with a complete owners manual.
Guess I'm kind of spoiled.:)...........with my OLD 295.:rolleyes:

[Bob Martin]

Did you update the software?
There have been several updates since they were built.
It is easy to do on wifi.
I downloaded the user manual on desktop and use it to look up stuff.

[RV10Man]

Did you update the software?
There have been several updates since they were built.
It is easy to do on wifi.
I downloaded the user manual on desktop and use it to look up stuff.


This was going to be my next plan of action.:)
I did notice on the opening page, it says 2.5.

[Shawn25854]

I believe we are at 2.80 now so yes the updates may fix some of the bugs. I also downloaded the manual and keep it on my iPad mini. It's always in the plane as my backup if anything goes bad and this way I have the manual if needed. I keep all manuals for all electronics and avionics on my iPad mini.

You can download the manual here.

https://support.garmin.com/support/manuals/manuals.htm?partNo=010-01518-00&language=en&country=US

They are working on a new manual revision as we type.

Spoiled with a 295? Wait til you start flying with the 660, you'll wonder how you ever left the ground. :D It's amazing.

Shawn

[RV10Man]

Thanks so much Shawn. I appreciate it.

[vfr800]

I got an aera 660 for Christmas. I have some questions.

I installed the battery, put it on the wall charger for about 12 hours. It wouldn't power up when I hit the power button. I removed the battery, reinstalled it, unit powered up fine.

Now, I rode around with my brother in the truck yesterday. I played with my new GPS with it plugged into the 12v in truck. Worked fine. Unplugged it from the 12v, it wouldn't power up. I removed/reinstalled the battery, powered up fine.

Flew with my daughter yesterday. Had the unit on it's own battery power. Had to r/r battery to get it to power up.....What am I doing wrong?

I seemed to struggle with similar issues (while first assembling the 660 in a dark room holding our infant). Then eventually realized one side of the battery cover wasn't completely seated and latched when I couldn't power it up w/o the wall charger. The difficulty powering it on hasn't repeated itself when the top and bottom are fully seated. With just one side properly in, it seems the battery contact sometimes isn't adequate. Maybe you also had one side of the battery cover not fully latched and thus it only powered up while plugged in, until R&R the battery fixed the latch.

If so, I feel better I'm not the only one. If not, now I might be a bit embarrassed for sharing my simple mistake. :o Inserting the end away from the Garmin letters, then clicking in the Garmin side in near the latch works every time now.

[RV10Man]

I seemed to struggle with similar issues (while first assembling the 660 in a dark room holding our infant). Then eventually realized one side of the battery cover wasn't completely seated and latched when I couldn't power it up w/o the wall charger. The difficulty powering it on hasn't repeated itself when the top and bottom are fully seated. With just one side properly in, it seems the battery contact sometimes isn't adequate. Maybe you also had one side of the battery cover not fully latched and thus it only powered up while plugged in, until R&R the battery fixed the latch.

If so, I feel better I'm not the only one. If not, now I might be a bit embarrassed for sharing my simple mistake. :o Inserting the end away from the Garmin letters, then clicking in the Garmin side in near the latch works every time now.


Well Ryan, I've had to r&r the battery everytime, so I would like to think that I at least got it back on once correctly. lol:p

[tomww]

Is there a way to turn off the background? I mean the green/yellow shading.

I can do it by selecting the decluter. But I have to do that every time. and when it auto zooms in the back ground comes back.

I really don't see the point of the green/yellow. For me it just detracts from the clarity.

[Snowflake]

Somewhere in the 2.4-2.6 range of software versions they added the ability to update over WiFi. If yours doesn't offer an update when you connect to WiFi, then you will have to do the first update at your computer. After that, you will be able to update without a computer.

[RV10Man]

I did do the update last night. It shows 2.8 now when powered up.

Another thing I noticed was, the battery indicator never did show "fully charged". Even after being on the charger for 24 hrs. I'll check it this evening to see if that was something else with the update.

The CDI still defaults to 5 miles when powered off then back up. I don't like that.:mad: I prefer it to stay where I put it.

[Snowflake]

One thing I have found is that if I plug it into the wall charger, it turns on. If I turn it off after it powers up, the screen stays black and there's no indication that any charging is occurring. I'm still not sure if it charges in this state or not.

[RV10Man]

One thing I have found is that if I plug it into the wall charger, it turns on. If I turn it off after it powers up, the screen stays black and there's no indication that any charging is occurring. I'm still not sure if it charges in this state or not.


I sort of wondered this too. I noticed the same thing.

Where's our tech????:confused:

[Shawn25854]

If I remember when I turned my off here at home it faintly said "charging" or something like that on the screen.

[RV10Man]

Update......:)
I did the update last night and put it on the wall charger. It powered on as soon as I plugged it in so I turned it off, screen is black. Took it off the charger this evening, wouldn't power up, r&R battery, came on. But, it was one bar LESS on the battery condition than when I put it on the charger last night.

So......looks like I'm back to square one.

[g3xpert]

Is there a way to turn off the background? I mean the green/yellow shading.

I can do it by selecting the decluter. But I have to do that every time. and when it auto zooms in the back ground comes back.

I really don't see the point of the green/yellow. For me it just detracts from the clarity.

Hello Tomww,

It seems you are referring to Topo Shading. From the map page select Menu and deselect Topo Shading.

See page 23 of the Rev. B manual.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Another thing I noticed was, the battery indicator never did show "fully charged". Even after being on the charger for 24 hrs. I'll check it this evening to see if that was something else with the update.


Hello RV10Man,

Page 3 of the Rev. B manual (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf) explains that a new battery will not show full charge until discharged and charged back up. The battery pack includes a battery fuel gauge IC that needs to "learn" the capacity of this battery and will adjust for the meaning of "full charge" as the battery pack ages.

Page 3 of the manual also explains how battery charging mode works when you turn the unit off after plugging in the wall charger.

We keep hoping you will contact us with regard to the issue you keep reporting with needing to remove and re-install the battery pack. Please email G3Xpert@garmin.com so we can work this issue with you.

It seems possible that you have a slightly bent battery contact that is barely making connection with the battery pack that re-establishes this connection each time the battery is removed and re-installed.

Thanks,
Steve

[RV10Man]

Hello RV10Man,

Page 3 of the Rev. B manual (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf) explains that a new battery will not show full charge until discharged and charged back up. The battery pack includes a battery fuel gauge IC that needs to "learn" the capacity of this battery and will adjust for the meaning of "full charge" as the battery pack ages.

Page 3 of the manual also explains how battery charging mode works when you turn the unit off after plugging in the wall charger.

We keep hoping you will contact us with regard to the issue you keep reporting with needing to remove and re-install the battery pack. Please email G3Xpert@garmin.com so we can work this issue with you.

It seems possible that you have a slightly bent battery contact that is barely making connection with the battery pack that re-establishes this connection each time the battery is removed and re-installed.

Thanks,
Steve


Thanks Steve. I will contact you.

[tomww]

Hello Tomww,

It seems you are referring to Topo Shading. From the map page select Menu and deselect Topo Shading.

See page 23 of the Rev. B manual.

Thanks,
Steve

Hi Steve

That was what I meant, sorry I wasn't very clear.

I had tried what you suggested and it didn't work, lots of times before posting on here. I just sat here for several minuets reading the manual and doing it, then reseting it, then turning it off gain. I was getting a bit fed up.

Then I took the SD card out of the slot. Now it works fine! Not only that the topo shading is far better than it was. But I will probably leave it of most of the time as we don't hve much in the way of mountains here in the UK.

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve

That was what I meant, sorry I wasn't very clear.

I had tried what you suggested and it didn't work, lots of times before posting on here. I just sat here for several minuets reading the manual and doing it, then reseting it, then turning it off gain. I was getting a bit fed up.

Then I took the SD card out of the slot. Now it works fine! Not only that the topo shading is far better than it was. But I will probably leave it of most of the time as we don't hve much in the way of mountains here in the UK.

Hello Tom,

Ok, that makes sense.

All Aera 660 units come with a worldwide basemap that generally gets the job done, but the Atlantic units also ship with an SD card that includes quite a bit of additional enhanced basemap detail for Europe.

Obviously too much detail for your taste, so just leave the SD card out of the unit and it will work fine.

Thanks,
Steve

[tdhanson]

Overall Garmin Portable lineage question.

Is there a chart that gives the specs of the 660/795/796 side by side?

The 660 appears to be recently available and may contain newer processor/speed over the older 795/796? Are newer 795/796 models coming soon? Any time horizon we may consider for this?

[tomww]

Hello Tom,

Ok, that makes sense.

All Aera 660 units come with a worldwide basemap that generally gets the job done, but the Atlantic units also ship with an SD card that includes quite a bit of additional enhanced basemap detail for Europe.

Obviously too much detail for your taste, so just leave the SD card out of the unit and it will work fine.

Thanks,
Steve

I didn't know about the enhanced database. Thanks for the info. I do prefer the display without the enhancement.

But my problem with the TOPO shading remains to a certain extent. If I turn it on it will not turn off. I had to reinsert the SD card and remove it. When I removed it the TOPO turned off. I will leave the TOPO turned off, but I am a bit uncomfortable that there may be a problem. Is this something that could be a problem with my particular GPS? Maybe your bug fixing team should be told if it is unlikely to be restricted to my GPS.

Thanks

Tom

[Snowflake]

If I remember when I turned my off here at home it faintly said "charging" or something like that on the screen.
I saw a "charging" screen once as well... When I first got mine, and was doing the initial "full charge", I had powered it on and off a couple of times while playing with it, and then plugged it in to leave it overnight and this "charging" graphic came up on an otherwise black screen. I hadn't seen it before, and I have yet to see it again.

I'll go read page 3 in the manual as suggested and see if it sheds any light.

[g3xpert]

Overall Garmin Portable lineage question.

Is there a chart that gives the specs of the 660/795/796 side by side?

The 660 appears to be recently available and may contain newer processor/speed over the older 795/796? Are newer 795/796 models coming soon? Any time horizon we may consider for this?

Hello,

We don't have a chart for side by side comparison, but the product pages for the Aera 796 (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/87414) and Aera 660 (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/520775) provide spec pages and you can go to the manuals page and download those for more information.

It is true that newer products incorporate newer technology that is usually faster and more capable, and the Aera 660 is no exception. The Aera 660 incorporates some nice new features like WiFi download of databases and software, but the 795/796 units also perform nicely even when doing things like panning/zooming on the IFR/VFR charts. So, it mostly comes down to whether you want a 5" or 7" display.

It is somewhat of a big deal to announce when a new product is about to be launched or even in development, so don't expect Garmin to leak out their product development activities on a public forum too often - even one as great as this!

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

I didn't know about the enhanced database. Thanks for the info. I do prefer the display without the enhancement.

But my problem with the TOPO shading remains to a certain extent. If I turn it on it will not turn off. I had to reinsert the SD card and remove it. When I removed it the TOPO turned off. I will leave the TOPO turned off, but I am a bit uncomfortable that there may be a problem. Is this something that could be a problem with my particular GPS? Maybe your bug fixing team should be told if it is unlikely to be restricted to my GPS.

Thanks

Tom

Hello Tom,

It would probably be better to contact us directly if this doesn't help.

We are quite certain that the Map, Menu, Topo Shading control works perfectly, but perhaps its operation is being complicated by the insertion/removal of that European VFR Basemap Enhancements SD card since that dramatically changes what is shown underneath the aviation navigation data.

We recommend you power-off the Aera 660, remove that SD card, and never re-insert it again.

Power on the Aera 660 without this card and verify that Topo Shading is turned off (if that is what you prefer).

Reading your posting I thought of something else. Perhaps you not only don't like Topo Shading on your map but also don't like Metro Area shading. If not, from the map page select Menu, Setup, Misc and turn off Metro Area shading.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

"....but the Atlantic units also ship with an SD card that includes quite a bit of additional enhanced basemap detail for Europe."

So is the enhanced basemap available for download? (if I buy a 660 and fly in the US first and then return to Europe with it?)

Hello Control,

Yes, everyone who adds an Aera 660 to their FlyGarmin account will see a database category called "Map Enhancements".

Currently the only choice in the "Map Enhancements" category is this Europe enhanced basemap data with coverage for Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, and the United Kingdom for $39.99.

We obviously don't use this over here in the U.S., but Garmin's European pilot's like using these enhancements a lot and pushed to include this SD card containing this database for the Atlantic version - and we did. The list price of the Atlantic version (P/N 010-01518-01) is no higher than the Americas, so this is a bit of a bonus for European pilots.

If you buy a version other than Atlantic, you would need to buy both an SD card and pay for the download if you want this database, so it may not make sense for you to purchase an American version for use in Europe.

Thanks,
Steve

[Chkaharyer99]

Hello,

In case you didn't see this in the G5 Electronic Flight Instrument thread (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=136282), we just wanted to mention that the aera 660 makes an excellent navigator for a small system with a G5, GMC 307 autopilot control panel, and servos. You can even fly coupled VNAV descents to pattern altitude with the aera 660 connected to the G5.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_n0hrI0JD3xBvSdaDj-dBXkx5dO21gA2nKdE22TUNdo70h4zziNmmoz5bbJruUhZFOsjx j-HCti8DY_WGEim87a7gnR7FQq-TTsAGe5rOnG3Ska2kFtmCdRbV7kq-0QEM6n75zBrLb9nlx5FNY3LhZIrvBMVKKXgxeBlK_oNoRaAQHy H22YYUUR3BIwMuWxkpgfxSZBjpWuj6csu8e7oYplLKlu6iA0DA jbLS7WFcOjNMlz9iAEu6WJATbj8vhCZ3ls7Tl9s4dAdMGkr6sy GsSrP865bHBKAo2MCwQ1coeH-g7JCuQiYquK4F1vvxmhpD3XGahzK18fzVaHC-pF5i8SLID8jBQ-LdyqDufSjjB5aOLVfMsc8JUoPj1rZuhdbd32-8bGoz_VIUgv8M39E2T8SGXNvSXwqwsyFzWOaN7EhFsmJJLtItk zE64I8n4lQc4jLxCMnDhuDzR1Ggsl5AWsamY0J2PwEzjmX6cyF E3S_rjQt6aHNY8yefIOSc_Dy9OZ_t1-909iM6_igY6au3evMclWefbfl29YhNLmfa8jFtwq3TrQBpDOH5 ud6xk2EuqDh=w624-h510-no

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,

My RV-8 is currently equipped with the following:

1. Garmin GNS 430W
2. Garmin GTX 345
3. Garmin Aera 660

4. TruTrak DigiTrak II
5. AFS 4500

I want to add the following to gain additional functionality, specifically:

1. Garmin GM 307 Autopilot Controller (replace TruTrak)
2. Garmin GSA 28 (X2) Autopilot servos
3. Garmin G5 Flight Instrument (Backup to AS 4500)(Replace ASI, VSI, ALT)
4. Garmin GAD 29 Nav Date Adaptor


Will the above proposed combination of items enable the use of the autopilot for GPS steering, WAAS LPV vertical approach guidance?

If the Garmin GNS 430W was being used for an IFR approach and the APR button on the GMC 307 autopilot control panel was activated, will the the autopilot fly the approach and will the Area 660 show the aircraft's position on the approach plate?

With a flight plan entered into 430W and the 307 was being used, what happens if the 430W goes off-line? Does the 660 become the navigator and drive the G5 and in turn the 307? Is it automatic?

When time permits, and if appropriate, could you please provide a flow chart (like the one you did above) illustrating the connectivity and flow with the GAD 29, GNS 430 and GTX 345 added to what you already have illustrated?

It would help me better understand.

Happy New Year!

Thank you,

[tomww]

Hello Tom,

It would probably be better to contact us directly if this doesn't help.

We are quite certain that the Map, Menu, Topo Shading control works perfectly, but perhaps its operation is being complicated by the insertion/removal of that European VFR Basemap Enhancements SD card since that dramatically changes what is shown underneath the aviation navigation data.


Glad to hear you are "quite certain" it works perfectly. :mad: Unfortunately mine will not turn off the TOPO shading with the enhanced map. Maybe you confidence is misplaced?




We recommend you power-off the Aera 660, remove that SD card, and never re-insert it again.

Power on the Aera 660 without this card and verify that Topo Shading is turned off (if that is what you prefer).

Reading your posting I thought of something else. Perhaps you not only don't like Topo Shading on your map but also don't like Metro Area shading. If not, from the map page select Menu, Setup, Misc and turn off Metro Area shading.

Thanks,
Steve

Removing the SD card has enabled me to turn off the TOPO shading. I find it better with the TOPO turned off as I find it easier to read the map.

[g3xpert]

Hello Charlie,

Thanks for your interest in these products.

Steve,

My RV-8 is currently equipped with the following:

1. Garmin GNS 430W
2. Garmin GTX 345
3. Garmin Aera 660

4. TruTrak DigiTrak II
5. AFS 4500



I want to add the following to gain additional functionality, specifically:

1. Garmin GM 307 Autopilot Controller (replace TruTrak)
2. Garmin GSA 28 (X2) Autopilot servos
3. Garmin G5 Flight Instrument (Backup to AS 4500)(Replace ASI, VSI, ALT)
4. Garmin GAD 29 Nav Date Adaptor

Will the above proposed combination of items enable the use of the autopilot for GPS steering, WAAS LPV vertical approach guidance?

Yes, the G5 based autopilot will follow the guidance from the 430W and allow you to fly autopilot coupled LPV approaches with both lateral and vertical coupling (with a flight director).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/psubZUkoVMfuH89_m5Irw2DTzujt9Hj8UFG5MYufkTauwTxg3_ s9fiXa6M2cNsAGhk_7tD6469ZI3e1ICSVsrVGf9YicU7mhqpGr KgaL6afhBQM7yNvxEAYa6K3Bjem1ZF9787cRFQ78iqQ2Uk2I-OUf-S1P8haHecyWGcH8IctGt7pnSA2UlU-dVp4k3slnO_9O6UGIvb_P7V7o0vsaf58yEzvuMHdAY-QyKXvEZfQhXbMpRF5j8j36tvT5862mBvHwMF2mxNVwpuVxPl1G Sz91ij32EWBWkGXH9cjtboTspSxdYkIHCAHUXWcl1WGM4nOt24 ud29po8K4V3gfgRjM1PCQSmK5RMb3OjB-dGWcKbpZ6GeXZPWhcdIrHhbh9GVpOuNU_eG1egs8rUk7FJyJjE KocSeSl1LckebrYbi-GcaD9pT2UWDuFnU0iFGe796cZMWU9MsFJMxY5BIRRHNZw4kfkx NbA9n3eQTqoeRoOa7k6FU0nTb3JTdvea4bhhEbi3rg9-OFJ3i5NyWdjaqocxJCj_3uOHWawTgFMUMN4hKvYuVj9Nl3y3VP mdKPoVM1L=w288-h307-no


If the Garmin GNS 430W was being used for an IFR approach and the APR button on the GMC 307 autopilot control panel was activated, will the the autopilot fly the approach and will the Area 660 show the aircraft's position on the approach plate?


Yes, the APR button on the GMC 307 tells the G5 autopilot flight director that you wish to couple to the GPS approach guidance being provided by the 430W. When flying an LPV approach (is there anything else?), pushing the APR button also arms the vertical mode to automatically capture the glidepath (GP) on the LPV approach. You can push your last button (the APR button) many miles outside the IAF on an LPV approach.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/eJE049jaBu8_RuTFOcg9QxgpjyuFXnMPr72IIkcvJQA=w536-h184-no

Yes, you can use the Aera 660 to display the approach plate which will also show the aircraft position on the approach.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WViutlMvTJI/VtSJaUrUNkI/AAAAAAAAGgo/2Rouq8kOMsI/s640-Ic42/KPSPRWY31L.jpg


With a flight plan entered into 430W and the 307 was being used, what happens if the 430W goes off-line? Does the 660 become the navigator and drive the G5 and in turn the 307? Is it automatic?


No, there is no automatic fail-over to use the Aera 660 should the 430W fail. The G5 has a single serial interface to receive navigation guidance, and this can be configured for MapMX when interfaced to the 430W or NMEA when interfaced to the Aera 660.

As you probably know, the Aera 660 can be installed/configured to automatically receive the current flight plan from the 430W, so it makes a great backup navigator should the 430W fail. It would be possible to install a switch that you would only use to switch to using the Aera 660 as your navigator (coupled to the autopilot) should the 430W fail, but you would have to manually change the G5 RS-232 input from MapMX to NMEA to allow the G5 autopilot to follow the Aera 660, so this wouldn't be something you would want to use except as a "get home" backup. If you did, you would certainly fly home with a smile on your face with the autopilot coupled to the Aera 660 both laterally and vertically (with a flight director).


When time permits, and if appropriate, could you please provide a flow chart (like the one you did above) illustrating the connectivity and flow with the GAD 29, GNS 430 and GTX 345 added to what you already have illustrated?

It would help me better understand.

Good idea!

Thanks,
Steve

[Chkaharyer99]

Steve,

Thank you for the quick and complete response.

I re-read every post in the "Garmin? Team X introduces the G5 electronic flight instrument" thread and found much to support your response to my questions and reinforce my very limited understanding of this stuff.

The posts I found most helpful over there were #77, 96 and 171. I'm listing them here as a reference for myself to go back to.

Thank you!

Charlie

[BCP Boys]

If you did, you would certainly fly home with a smile on your face with the autopilot coupled to the Aera 660 both laterally and vertically (with a flight director).

Steve, Quick question on this. If you do lose the 430W in flight (or 650/750) how would the 660 provide vertical "guidance"? I know the 660 can provide Lateral guidance to the G5 which would steer the Autopilot, but I was not aware that the 660 would be able to provide vertical guidance if a primary IFR GPS fails. My understanding was that the only vertical information that a 660 could use to input in to an autopilot would be information similar to the VNAV profile but not as a back up to 430 on an LPV approach. That would be awesome if I am wrong:D

[g3xpert]

Steve, Quick question on this. If you do lose the 430W in flight (or 650/750) how would the 660 provide vertical "guidance"? I know the 660 can provide Lateral guidance to the G5 which would steer the Autopilot, but I was not aware that the 660 would be able to provide vertical guidance if a primary IFR GPS fails. My understanding was that the only vertical information that a 660 could use to input in to an autopilot would be information similar to the VNAV profile but not as a back up to 430 on an LPV approach. That would be awesome if I am wrong:D

Hello Amir,

The VNAV guidance provided by the Aera 660 is covered pretty well in this recent posting:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showpost.php?p=1138572&postcount=10

The Aera 660 is not an IFR navigator and does not provide vertical approach guidance, but makes a great backup GPS navigator.

Thanks,
Steve

[c210pa18]

I have been flying with the 660 for 6 weeks or so now. At current software level. In the MAP view at some point in about every flight I loose the terrain or map and it goes to a dark background. Depending on zoom level I might have portion of screen do this with a definite edge with terrain on one part and dark screen on the other part. If I cycle the power it will come back up with all the terrain again. Do I have some setting wrong or is this a known glitch? It is like it is not loading the maps out of memory correctly.

[g3xpert]

I have been flying with the 660 for 6 weeks or so now. At current software level. In the MAP view at some point in about every flight I loose the terrain or map and it goes to a dark background. Depending on zoom level I might have portion of screen do this with a definite edge with terrain on one part and dark screen on the other part. If I cycle the power it will come back up with all the terrain again. Do I have some setting wrong or is this a known glitch? It is like it is not loading the maps out of memory correctly.

Hello c210pa18,

Thank you for purchasing an Aera 660.

We are not aware of any problems like this in the current V2.80 software, but it is always best to contact us directly via email or phone (shown below) to receive product support since we will want to work directly with you and ask you questions like software and database versions in helping to resolve the issue.

Thanks,
Steve

[olyolson]

Steve,

I occasionally have the same symptoms as c210pa18 above. The background goes dark as if in night mode. I have version 2.8 software as well.

Curious in St. Louis,
Oly

[g3xpert]

Steve,

I occasionally have the same symptoms as c210pa18 above. The background goes dark as if in night mode. I have version 2.8 software as well.

Curious in St. Louis,
Oly

Hello Oly,

Same response. Please contact us directly so we can see screen shots, etc.

Not that an experienced 660 driver like you would do this, but you would be surprised how often we get a question like this when a customer hasn't disabled the display of non-coverage areas for NEXRAD, sees the purple overlay on the map, and thinks something is wrong!

Thanks,
Steve

[c210pa18]

Hello Oly,

Same response. Please contact us directly so we can see screen shots, etc.

Not that an experienced 660 driver like you would do this, but you would be surprised how often we get a question like this when a customer hasn't disabled the display of non-coverage areas for NEXRAD, sees the purple overlay on the map, and thinks something is wrong!

Thanks,
Steve

Hmmm, Steve that went over my head, having driven the 496 for many years I'm not yet up to speed on this. So maybe that is my problem? If so I need a little more guidance. I went to the manual and am not finding what you are referring to here. I did call in and got help but was told lets try updating the data bases and see if that helps. I'm sill working on that and have been now for several hours. We will see if this helps.

Thanks Gerald

[g3xpert]

Hmmm, Steve that went over my head, having driven the 496 for many years I'm not yet up to speed on this. So maybe that is my problem? If so I need a little more guidance. I went to the manual and am not finding what you are referring to here. I did call in and got help but was told lets try updating the data bases and see if that helps. I'm sill working on that and have been now for several hours. We will see if this helps.

Thanks Gerald

Hello Gerald,

Please take a look at this previous answer and see if that helps.

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showpost.php?p=1115955&postcount=289

Thanks,
Steve

[c210pa18]

Thanks Steve that does help me.
Gerald

[Snowflake]

I couldn't find that you had created a free FlyGarmin account and added your Aera 660 to it, but once you do there will be a "Redeem a Coupon" button on the Aera 660 page. The process is pretty self explanatory, but if you have any questions or problems with choosing the free set of databases you want, just contact us by email/phone and we will make sure it works as expected. You are never "SOL" because we have your back (and the keys to make selection changes in FlyGarmin). :)
Looks like I will have to make use of your offer to "have my back" above. My FlyGarmin username is Snowflake6, btw.

When I entered my coupon code, under IFR/VFR Charts, there were only three options given (US, Brazil, and something else that wasn't Canada). So how do I get the Canadian charts? For now I chose "US" because it wouldn't let me proceed without choosing one of them, and I don't need Brazil. :) I'll assume you can help.

Well, you can only load one set of IFR/VFR charts at a time, so you would have to choose, for example, if you want to subscribe to the Canada charts or the U.S. charts. If you purchase the North American database bundle, FlyGarmin asks you to select whether U.S. or Canada IFR/VFR charts are in your annual database bundle.

I took a look on the GPS after selecting the US charts. If I click on "Download", it pops up a screen showing all the states, and asking which ones I want to download. I haven't tried it, but i'm guessing if i chose them all I might hit a storage space limitation?

Given that you've built in the infrastructure and capability for selecting maps a-la-carte like this, please consider making the Canadian charts available in a similar fashion, and in conjunction with the US charts. I'd like the *western* Canadian charts, and the *northwestern* US charts. BC/Alberta/WA/OR, and maybe CA, would do.

I suspect most of your Canadian customers would also like the ability to have both the Canadian maps and a couple of adjacent US states... A majority of the population in Canada lives pretty close to the 49th parallel... :)

[RV-4]

''I suspect most of your Canadian customers would also like the ability to have both the Canadian maps and a couple of adjacent US states... A majority of the population in Canada lives pretty close to the 49th parallel... ''

I, for one will buy them for sure

Think about it Mr. Garmin..

Bruno

[g3xpert]

Looks like I will have to make use of your offer to "have my back" above. My FlyGarmin username is Snowflake6, btw.

When I entered my coupon code, under IFR/VFR Charts, there were only three options given (US, Brazil, and something else that wasn't Canada). So how do I get the Canadian charts? For now I chose "US" because it wouldn't let me proceed without choosing one of them, and I don't need Brazil. :) I'll assume you can help.



I took a look on the GPS after selecting the US charts. If I click on "Download", it pops up a screen showing all the states, and asking which ones I want to download. I haven't tried it, but i'm guessing if i chose them all I might hit a storage space limitation?

Given that you've built in the infrastructure and capability for selecting maps a-la-carte like this, please consider making the Canadian charts available in a similar fashion, and in conjunction with the US charts. I'd like the *western* Canadian charts, and the *northwestern* US charts. BC/Alberta/WA/OR, and maybe CA, would do.

I suspect most of your Canadian customers would also like the ability to have both the Canadian maps and a couple of adjacent US states... A majority of the population in Canada lives pretty close to the 49th parallel... :)

Hello Rob,

We corrected your account to include the Canadian IFR/VFR chart database for your coupon. If you have additional product support needs, please contact us directly rather than via a web forum.

All of the U.S. IFR/VFR charts can currently be loaded to the Aera 660 without running out of room.

Good idea to allow customers to select charts a-la-carte. We already have support for 23 countries, with more on the way, and for many of these we have to pay country specific fees (not chart specific) each time a customer purchases that country database, so there isn't presently a good way to do what you ask. We will, however, keep this in mind when discussing future subscription and data delivery options.

As mentioned in a previous post, if you want to do something like fly to Oshkosh once a year, you could buy a single U.S. IFR/VFR chart cycle for $39.99, load these charts for your U.S. travel, then re-load the Canada charts included in your annual subscription when you come home. Your North American database bundle includes navigation data for both the U.S. and Canada, so nothing to worry about for the core data which includes airports/runways/frequencies.

Thanks,
Steve

[jeffsvan]

Members,

I have a few small issues with my Aera 660.


1. When looking at Weather and winds aloft, the wind barbs are so tiny I can hardly read them, even when I zoom in. Is there a way to increase their size?

2. During a weekend flight, my Aera 660 screen indicated several times -lost GPS Signal. As a footnote: My Aera 660 is hardwired to my GDL39-3D. The GDL39 is connected by Bluetooth to my Garmin App on Ipad. I also have a GTN650 in the cockpit. The ONLY device to lose GPS signal was my Aera 660. The 650 and the Garmin App seemed fine.

thanks,
Jeff

[Snowflake]

We corrected your account to include the Canadian IFR/VFR chart database for your coupon. If you have additional product support needs, please contact us directly rather than via a web forum.
Excellent! Thanks very much. For this issue, honestly, I wouldn't even want to try calling Garmin directly. I know they would get me to the same result eventually, but I would have to give them the whole back story to get there. You're already aware of it from the history on this forum, so it was more efficient to do it this way.

Good idea to allow customers to select charts a-la-carte. We already have support for 23 countries, with more on the way, and for many of these we have to pay country specific fees (not chart specific) each time a customer purchases that country database, so there isn't presently a good way to do what you ask. We will, however, keep this in mind when discussing future subscription and data delivery options.
While completely a-la-carte chart selection would be the ideal goal, it would be a good start if Garmin could allow the selection of charts a-la-carte from multiple purchased databases simultaneously. I see that I now have both IFR/VFR chart databases for Canada and the US available, but if I have some US charts installed and install any Canadian charts it boots out all of the US ones.

It's clearly not a storage issue, so either there is a technical issue preventing the display of both US and Canadian charts simultaneously (maybe they're in different formats?) or it's an arbitrary decision because nobody has thought to sell them together... Which seems silly given how many of your other databases are offered as a "North America" bundle.

As mentioned in a previous post, if you want to do something like fly to Oshkosh once a year, you could buy a single U.S. IFR/VFR chart cycle for $39.99, load these charts for your U.S. travel, then re-load the Canada charts included in your annual subscription when you come home.
Unfortunately this wouldn't really help either... I'm likely to fly east before I go south across the border, and after OSH i'm likely to cross back and forth into Canada to continue to the east coast. Multiple border crossings on one trip means I now have to find a good internet connection every day or two and completely swap databases... And hope I won't need to divert across the border while enroute.

Realistically, half of the flights I make are over US airspace. Swapping data sets every time isn't an option, so i'll have to live with using the portion of the Canadian charts that overlap with the US. That will cover most of my local flying. For everthing else, i'll carry paper charts and/or use FltPlanGo on my phone or tablet.

[Chkaharyer99]

I'm using the Area 660 connected via Barewire cable to a Garmin GTX 345 ADSB All-In-One transponder. I have a Garmin 430W which is the certified GPS position source for the 345. I have a PS Engineering PM1200 Intercom with no vacant audio slots available to connect the 660 alert audio for traffic/terrain/obstacles.

Recently I made an audio cable connecting the 660 via the barewire cable to the 3.5mm jack on my Quiet Technologies Halo Headset. For those unfamiliar, the Halo headset provides a female 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack for secondary audio sources with volume control.

Now, with the 660 connected to my headset, I get clear crisp audio alerts for traffic/terrain and obstacles in my headset.

The increased situational awareness I get with the audio alerts is very beneficial and adds aspects of safety by limiting my need to look inside and spend more time looking outside.

I really like that this combo provides alerts if you're on course to bust airspace.

For me, the 660 is proving to be a very nice addition to my panel.

Question for Garmin Experts.

Is there any advantage to getting the audio alerts from the GTX345 vs the 660?

I only have the one audio slot described above so I can't do both and think that might cause a conflict anyways.

[g3xpert]

I'm using the Area 660 connected via Barewire cable to a Garmin GTX 345 ADSB All-In-One transponder. I have a Garmin 430W which is the certified GPS position source for the 345. I have a PS Engineering PM1200 Intercom with no vacant audio slots available to connect the 660 alert audio for traffic/terrain/obstacles.

Recently I made an audio cable connecting the 660 via the barewire cable to the 3.5mm jack on my Quiet Technologies Halo Headset. For those unfamiliar, the Halo headset provides a female 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack for secondary audio sources with volume control.

Now, with the 660 connected to my headset, I get clear crisp audio alerts for traffic/terrain and obstacles in my headset.

The increased situational awareness I get with the audio alerts is very beneficial and adds aspects of safety by limiting my need to look inside and spend more time looking outside.

I really like that this combo provides alerts if you're on course to bust airspace.

For me, the 660 is proving to be a very nice addition to my panel.

Question for Garmin Experts.

Is there any advantage to getting the audio alerts from the GTX345 vs the 660?

I only have the one audio slot described above so I can't do both and think that might cause a conflict anyways.

Hello Charlie,

The traffic aural alerts provided by the GTX 345 (and GTX 45R) are a little fancier than the Aera 660. Instead of just saying "Traffic" it says things like "Traffic, 10 O?Clock, same altitude, two miles".

Most of us with portables don't connect the traffic audio from the GTX 345 and instead use the traffic/terrain/obstacle alerting from the portable, but if you had an audio panel like the GMA 245 (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=136283) which has 4 separately adjustable alert audio inputs, you could connect the Aera 660 audio to one alert input (with traffic aural alerts disabled) and the GTX 345 traffic audio to another alert input. Even the GTR 200 (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=102306) radio has 2 alert audio inputs (if you are using the GTR 200 as your intercom).

Thanks,
Steve

[Chkaharyer99]

Hello Charlie,

The traffic aural alerts provided by the GTX 345 (and GTX 45R) are a little fancier than the Aera 660. Instead of just saying "Traffic" it says things like "Traffic, 10 O’Clock, same altitude, two miles".

Most of us with portables don't connect the traffic audio from the GTX 345 and instead use the traffic/terrain/obstacle alerting from the portable, but if you had an audio panel like the GMA 245 (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=136283) which has 4 separately adjustable alert audio inputs, you could connect the Aera 660 audio to one alert input (with traffic aural alerts disabled) and the GTX 345 traffic audio to another alert input. Even the GTR 200 (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=102306) radio has 2 alert audio inputs.

Thanks,
Steve


Thanks for the quick response!

Glad I asked. It would be nice to get the traffic alerts from the 345 and the other alerts from the 660. The 660 lets you enable certain function while disabling others, Pretty cool.

Both the GMA 245 and GTR 200 are on my list. I'm considering doing my panel in a stepping stone approach. These two items may be a good next step considering I now only have one comm and would like to have two.

Thanks again!

[noelf]

I was just updating my area 660 Pilots Guide to Rev B. Page 30 of this new rev describes the CONNEXT feature using either Bluetooth or RS-242. Is the RS-242 a typo? Should this be RS-232? I was unable to find any info (google search) for the -242 electrical interface or protocols. Just curious.

[Mark33]

G3Xperts,
What's the latest news on the 660 being upgraded to have XM music and WX? This was a software upgrade that was suppose to have been done by the end of last year.....I'm patiently waiting.
Thanks,
Mark

[Snowflake]

Page 3 of the manual also explains how battery charging mode works when you turn the unit off after plugging in the wall charger.
FYI - I looked at Page 3 of the manual, and based on that and playing with it this is what I think i've figured out:

- If you plug it in to the wall charger while the unit is turned off, the unit will turn on and boot up.
- If you wait for it to boot up, then turn it off by holding the power button, it will go completely off and enter charging mode.
- To confirm it's in charging mode, you can tap the touchscreen and see the battery symbol and charging message.

[g3xpert]

G3Xperts,
What's the latest news on the 660 being upgraded to have XM music and WX? This was a software upgrade that was suppose to have been done by the end of last year.....I'm patiently waiting.
Thanks,
Mark

Hello Mark,

Thank you, we appreciate your patience.

A couple of clarifications. This posting (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showpost.php?p=1058813&postcount=21) both didn't say it was a "software upgrade" and didn't say it was "to have been done by the end of last year".

We did say we hoped to have a solution available for SXM music and weather by the end of the year, but the timeline for developing significant new products and/or features isn't as predictable as all of us would like, so this is one of the reasons for the vagueness in the original posting.

We seldom pre-announce plans of this type, and schedule uncertainty is one of the reasons why.

Please note that we will not have any details on this solution until it is announced (so don't ask :)).

Thanks,
Steve

[Mark33]

.....Please note that we will not have any details on this solution until it is announced (so don't ask :)).

Thanks,
Steve[/QUOTE]

LOL...thanks Steve, I'll continue to patiently hold my breath!! 🤢

[g3xpert]

I was just updating my area 660 Pilots Guide to Rev B. Page 30 of this new rev describes the CONNEXT feature using either Bluetooth or RS-242. Is the RS-242 a typo? Should this be RS-232? I was unable to find any info (google search) for the -242 electrical interface or protocols. Just curious.

Hello Noel,

Yes, just a typo. As shown everywhere else, the Aera 660 has two RS-232 interfaces.

Thanks,
Steve

[N64GH]

Soooo if y'all ever do get SXM available for the 660 will you announce it here in this thread or a new one? Looking to replace my 496 but not willing to give up the SXM stuff.

[g3xpert]

Soooo if y'all ever do get SXM available for the 660 will you announce it here in this thread or a new one? Looking to replace my 496 but not willing to give up the SXM stuff.

Hello N64GH,

You can bet we will announce it on VAF when a SXM weather/music solution becomes available for the Aera 660.

Thanks,
Steve

[Snowflake]

I picked up my 660 this morning, which has been turned off and sitting on my desk for a week, turned it on, and it popped up a "Battery Low" box as soon as it could. I plugged it in, updated firmware to 2.90 (I really like how easy it is to keep this unit up-to-date!) and then rebooted to see if I could find the Charging screen again.

After a number of power cycles I was able to figure out what the manual was saying. It says to put it in charging mode to connect an external power supply and hold the power button. It does not say that you need to do this *while the unit is turned on*. If you plug it in and hold the power button while it's turned off, it won't do anything interesting (other than say "READY" on the screen at some point.

If you turn the unit off while it is plugged into external power, it will go into charging mode. To confirm this, you can tap the touchscreen and you will see the battery symbol, and a battery charging message.

What i'm wondering now is how it went from a full battery to an empty battery when it's been turned off, and sitting in a heated office for a week. I hope it won't run down when it's installed in my panel, in an unheated hangar, and left for a week or two.

[mooniac]

Not sure what happened to yours but mine keeps its full charge while sitting in my hangar. I flew for the first time in 2 weeks on Saturday and it was still at 100%.

[Jetguy]

Next software update request the font size increase by 2 points the, "Airspace Segment Altitude Limit Labeling"! Love the extra User selectable data Fields and the ability to show the current winds and altimeter for your destination in them if you have ADSB in capability. Great Job!:D

[Snowflake]

Update: This week it seems to be holding a charge just fine. I left it alone during the week and now this AM it still shows full charge when I turn it on. I'm still wondering how it discharged, but it seems to be okay now, anyway.

One thing I do notice is that the power button is *very* sensitive. You barely need to brush it and the unit starts turning on, which means you have to stand there and wait 30 seconds before you can turn it off again. This wasn't an issue with the older Aera 500 I had, you needed to hold the power button before anything would happen with it.

[ilium007]

Does anyone know how to do a full factory reset ? Nothing in the manual that I can find. I'm selling my unit and just want to put it back to defaults. Thanks.

[olyolson]

Finally got around to getting a Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 camera mounted to replace the GO Pro. I think Garmin has broken the code with this one. Why do I have comments here in the Aera 660 you ask? Because not only is the 660 an awesome and capable GPS, is has a VIRB button in the menu to control the VIRB camera.

You are gonna love this- the best part is you can plug the camera into an onboard USB port and never have to worry about batteries again! I have mine plugged into a USB port for power, use Bluetooth from my headset to simultaneously record audio and stop and start recording with the 660 VIRB button. Don't know if the 660 shows a preview like you can get with the Garmin VIRB app on a phone but it does have Wifi so I'm going to try it and see. I can use the IPhone and Wifi with the app to see what the camera is recording though I don't know if you can do all this at once.

For those of you with a Go Pro, this was always my biggest complaint- the sh***y battery life. If I had an external audio source plugged in and tried to use Wifi (with the IPhone Go Pro app) as well, the battery would be lucky to last 20-30 minutes. And on top of that, the Wifi was very unstable and would kick off and the camera would freeze after only a couple minutes of use. If I didn't use the Wifi and pressed the record button before climbing in it would work fine but the battery never lasted more than 30-40 minutes.

Way to go Garmin- you hit this one out of the park. BTW- the video is much better than Go Pro in my opinion. Will try to get some video and post here on the forum soon.

[Snowflake]

Finally got around to getting a Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 camera mounted to replace the GO Pro. I think Garmin has broken the code with this one. Why do I have comments here in the Aera 660 you ask? Because not only is the 660 an awesome and capable GPS, is has a VIRB button in the menu to control the VIRB camera.
Oh, great... Now I want another toy... :P I had problems with the battery life on my Stealth Drift camera too, the USB option sounds compelling. Now if I could get a USB jack up at the tip of the vertical stab where I mounted the Drift...

[olyolson]

Rob,

Patiently awaiting Garmin to go one step further and have all this capability built into a 360 camera.........

[g3xpert]

Finally got around to getting a Garmin VIRB Ultra 30 camera mounted to replace the GO Pro. I think Garmin has broken the code with this one. Why do I have comments here in the Aera 660 you ask? Because not only is the 660 an awesome and capable GPS, is has a VIRB button in the menu to control the VIRB camera.

You are gonna love this- the best part is you can plug the camera into an onboard USB port and never have to worry about batteries again! I have mine plugged into a USB port for power, use Bluetooth from my headset to simultaneously record audio and stop and start recording with the 660 VIRB button. Don't know if the 660 shows a preview like you can get with the Garmin VIRB app on a phone but it does have Wifi so I'm going to try it and see. I can use the IPhone and Wifi with the app to see what the camera is recording though I don't know if you can do all this at once.

For those of you with a Go Pro, this was always my biggest complaint- the sh***y battery life. If I had an external audio source plugged in and tried to use Wifi (with the IPhone Go Pro app) as well, the battery would be lucky to last 20-30 minutes. And on top of that, the Wifi was very unstable and would kick off and the camera would freeze after only a couple minutes of use. If I didn't use the Wifi and pressed the record button before climbing in it would work fine but the battery never lasted more than 30-40 minutes.

Way to go Garmin- you hit this one out of the park. BTW- the video is much better than Go Pro in my opinion. Will try to get some video and post here on the forum soon.

Hello Oly,

Thanks for your kind feedback on the Virb Ultra 30.

For those that may not remember the Aera 660 camera control screenshot from earlier in this thread, here it is again.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t2zCFagjRUA/VtXGBciUqMI/AAAAAAAAGis/on5nRL4MKyg/s640-Ic42/VirbControl.jpg

Just a reminder for those with the GMA 245 audio panel. Not only does it have a USB power port that can be used to keep your camera powered, but it supports a Bluetooth audio link to the camera so it can record all of the audio you hear on the intercom including music, passenger conversations, and all radio tx/rx.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x9o0WkVw1nI/Vv5fy5UWyeI/AAAAAAAAGl4/88eyOsZjTOsocKupRG0LD2xdSWS9DZBbQCCo/s912-Ic42/Front.jpg

To setup this audio link to the camera just press and hold the TEL button on the GMA 245 until the audio panel says "Pairing Enabled", go to the Wireless Bluetooth page on the Virb and select Add New, and touch the GMA 245 audio panel which it shows up in the list. Finally, go to the Virb main setup page and make sure that Microphone is set to "External". This setup only has to be done once.

We use a Virb Ultra 30 with audio link to the GMA 245 to record all of our test flights.

Thanks,
Steve

[Snowflake]

Steve, can the 245 audio panel pair to the VIRB and your phone at the same time? Using an audio profile for the VIRB, and telephone profile for the phone?

[g3xpert]

Steve, can the 245 audio panel pair to the VIRB and your phone at the same time? Using an audio profile for the VIRB, and telephone profile for the phone?

Hello Rob,

The GMA 245 supports one Bluetooth connection at a time. If you want to make a phone call, it is pretty easy to move between the two uses. The GMA will remember both pairings, so it is just the connections to manage.

If you want a full time connection for phone/music to the audio panel, we recommend using the Virb headset adapter cable to the camera, which works by plugging into one of the 1/4" headset jacks in the plane.

Thanks,
Steve

[RV10Man]

Steve:
Thanks for all the help on my 660. I sent it to Kansas as instructed. I received a new one. I see it doing things the other one never did do. I think there was more going on with it than just the battery issue.

Thanks again. Garmin is good stuff, and GREAT customer service.:)

[g3xpert]

Hello,

If you are looking for another reason to own an Aera 660, here it is.

Effective Feb. 3, 2017, Garmin lowered the street price of the Aera 660 by $100 to $749, so it is even a better value than before.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i9mEU8hENvE/VtV4L15MJoI/AAAAAAAAGhs/Ry3Ky5iKfGs/s640-Ic42/PortraitMap15_7.jpg

Thanks,
Steve

[krashmaster81]

So there are two things that I miss from my old 496 not available in the 660.

Customizable Voltage Alarm: A wonderful way to monitor bus voltage of my aircraft and set an alarm that will pop up if my alternator drops off line. WOW, this was a nice feature that I realllllly miss! Maybe you could include this information in the Top Row title bar of the 660 near the Green Battery status bar??

http://i.imgur.com/M8vIuoP.jpg

Position Data Page: Provided a place to put all sorts of handy and customizable "nice to know" items. The only way to access these things in the 660 currently is to change the data fields on the map page. Even the little Edge 500 series bike computers allow you to set up custom page data fields.

http://i.imgur.com/xozF1P9.jpg


I been very pleased with the usability and capability of the 660, especially the ability to push flight plans from Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight via bluetooth. I also have been impressed with how many improvements Garmin has made to the software in the first few months of the 660! Keep it up!

Matt

P.S. I'm away from my 660 at the moment and haven't been able to try the latest firmware.

[g3xpert]

So there are two things that I miss from my old 496 not available in the 660.

Customizable Voltage Alarm: A wonderful way to monitor bus voltage of my aircraft and set an alarm that will pop up if my alternator drops off line. WOW, this was a nice feature that I realllllly miss! Maybe you could include this information in the Top Row title bar of the 660 near the Green Battery status bar??

Position Data Page: Provided a place to put all sorts of handy and customizable "nice to know" items. The only way to access these things in the 660 currently is to change the data fields on the map page. Even the little Edge 500 series bike computers allow you to set up custom page data fields.

I been very pleased with the usability and capability of the 660, especially the ability to push flight plans from Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight via bluetooth. I also have been impressed with how many improvements Garmin has made to the software in the first few months of the 660! Keep it up!

Matt

P.S. I'm away from my 660 at the moment and haven't been able to try the latest firmware.

Hello Matt,

Thanks for your feedback and for purchasing an Aera 660!

The unit does have an alarm page with a few things like a reminder to switch tanks, but no voltage alarm. We will keep that in mind.

We expanded the number of data fields which may be overlaid on the map from 4 to 8 to accommodate additional data fields, and you can assign most of the same fields you show in your example including sunset, sunrise, fuel timer, flight timer, etc, but we will also consider a separate numbers page.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FiPjo8Xoq6PJqnDbDQ_6c3INFVkRW5eH-c8RqDfNGS_jDR2qfdP6DCYFpMIYrfngjaY2yLo7znOYK08lMef Yu72Meq5RTre1oBLVburdV-tEQ_qXFScclDGwdfYVMpbq67Wn9nYZpor7H_qGd_eElavDDIAv Zo1WGsdKna70sf0j2GGs7BWuO0iPsLXYAwLx6g5XS-mwkHiktz4Wc99i_SL_9awmLorhohxvUTEzb4IKoMRLxDMIRcDo 8PymkLNplyIWuYOJFl1WmmFnyhytHD9o3ggQX9AaCkcshUxtJY E43YTq2iHLQoI7H4Xi6Dq6ive7jsz_BPShMbl7WEt2zTcSEbYF jwrOJ8f324aBt0ZTLFi8KRToACN06taUYmBFUrM_KFeK6Ng5I7 PsQKIrzDSFQ3oDjYMoFCKZI89hU7L7U-f_JwHeUtrh02R6gIw1jN_DZj7WosDF5fMTcSkT3Coqvg1iYo3Z thIl6ZiEdHRf64-kphTiTugdIjeg09v6N-2KojUZFC9FGL7LhKvbsSDyb8UAk4WikDTvX8xZ3Zgba42V6upG xAfnmCrLUTIy3cy7LrXFPl_sCUbot7-SWcSxtN6Dz7pg5hhIVkE2X8LJVv74=w467-h754-no

Thanks,
Steve

[krashmaster81]

Steve,

I do like those additional data fields!! Very nice. Maybe you could put a little voltage indicator instead of the lightning bolt/plug icon. ;-)

-Matt

[RV10Man]

Hello Matt,

Thanks for your feedback and for purchasing an Aera 660!

The unit does have an alarm page with a few things like a reminder to switch tanks, but no voltage alarm. We will keep that in mind.

We expanded the number of data fields which may be overlaid on the map from 4 to 8 to accommodate additional data fields, and you can assign most of the same fields you show in your example including sunset, sunrise, fuel timer, flight timer, etc, but we will also consider a separate numbers page.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/FiPjo8Xoq6PJqnDbDQ_6c3INFVkRW5eH-c8RqDfNGS_jDR2qfdP6DCYFpMIYrfngjaY2yLo7znOYK08lMef Yu72Meq5RTre1oBLVburdV-tEQ_qXFScclDGwdfYVMpbq67Wn9nYZpor7H_qGd_eElavDDIAv Zo1WGsdKna70sf0j2GGs7BWuO0iPsLXYAwLx6g5XS-mwkHiktz4Wc99i_SL_9awmLorhohxvUTEzb4IKoMRLxDMIRcDo 8PymkLNplyIWuYOJFl1WmmFnyhytHD9o3ggQX9AaCkcshUxtJY E43YTq2iHLQoI7H4Xi6Dq6ive7jsz_BPShMbl7WEt2zTcSEbYF jwrOJ8f324aBt0ZTLFi8KRToACN06taUYmBFUrM_KFeK6Ng5I7 PsQKIrzDSFQ3oDjYMoFCKZI89hU7L7U-f_JwHeUtrh02R6gIw1jN_DZj7WosDF5fMTcSkT3Coqvg1iYo3Z thIl6ZiEdHRf64-kphTiTugdIjeg09v6N-2KojUZFC9FGL7LhKvbsSDyb8UAk4WikDTvX8xZ3Zgba42V6upG xAfnmCrLUTIy3cy7LrXFPl_sCUbot7-SWcSxtN6Dz7pg5hhIVkE2X8LJVv74=w467-h754-no

Thanks,
Steve


When were the additional data fields added?

[g3xpert]

When were the additional data fields added?

Hello,

V2.80

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showpost.php?p=1126641&postcount=312

Thanks,
Steve

[Jetguy]

When were the additional data fields added?

Have you updated your software to version 2.9. Also read back on this thread and it is discussed. ;)

[RV10Man]

Oops sorry, I thought it was something new.

[olyolson]

Ref Matt's post above-

"I been very pleased with the usability and capability of the 660, especially the ability to push flight plans from Garmin Pilot or ForeFlight via bluetooth."

You can push flight plans from Garmin Pilot to the 660? How do I do that??

[Chkaharyer99]

Check it out...

https://www8.garmin.com/aviation/brochures/connext.pdf

http://sites.garmin.com/en-US/connext/

[moll780]

Seems to me that the 660 is as fully featured.
Drives an AP.
ADSB weather and traffic.
etc..

so.. why go with the 796 over the 660 for VFR only flight?

[Chkaharyer99]

I went with the 660 because it's smaller and for me it fits better in the panel of my RV-8. It also cost less and they just did a price drop. It pairs really nicely with my GTX 345 transponder.

A friend has the 796 in his RV-6 and it's a nice fit. Both are great.

[Snowflake]

so.. why go with the 796 over the 660 for VFR only flight?
Maybe if you just want the larger screen, and have the space in your panel?

Another way to think about it, if you'd chose a full-size iPad over an iPad-Mini, maybe the 796 would be a good choice? Not that the 796 is *quite* as large as an iPad, mind you.

It's worth pointing out that for the screen size, the 660 really is quite compact, and with the high screen resolution it puts a lot of info in view. With the capacitive touchscreen, panning/zooming around the display to look at the map occasionally is so fast and convenient that I don't miss not having a larger screen.

[Jetguy]

Having flown behind a 796 that was hard wired and mounted on my panel, if your eyes will tolerate it, the 660 is a better in a few ways,
The 660 screen is brighter.
Even though the 796 is touch screen it doesn't work that well(old technology). You have to touch it very positively in flight, not like a iPad or iPhone.
However the 660 touch feature is just like an iPhone or iPad.
The 796 has XM weather and music capability.
Currently the 660 does no not have XM capability, however I think by the end of 2017 there will be a antenna that you will be able to bluetooth to it to have XM.
They just dropped the price on the 660 to $749, darn I paid $800 at OSH 2016.:p
The 796 is about $2000 on Amazon.
I betcha that XM antenna for the 660 will be $300.:eek:
The 660 is way easier to update. Just hook to wifi and it will find the update if it needs one. McDonalds here I come! Sweet!:D
The 796 has to be hooked to a computer via USB.:rolleyes:
The menus in the 660 are similar to the newer GTN 650 and 750 Navigators so when you upgrade you will feel right at home.:cool:

But in the end its all up to you the pilot. I suggest checking them out at a show near you like OSH 2017 or Sun & Fun coming in April.;)

[rjtjrt]

Can the Aera 660 be charged at home with a mains power charger?
I have an earlier aera 500 and find that it can only charge battery at home if I use a mains to 12 volt power supply and connect that to the yolk mount with the cig lighter cable!
I don't want to take all that paraphernalia with me a trip I am planning in an aircraft with no 12 volt outlet in cabin, so will have to rely on charging aera 660 in hotel room.
John

[g3xpert]

Can the Aera 660 be charged at home with a mains power charger?
I have an earlier aera 500 and find that it can only charge battery at home if I use a mains to 12 volt power supply and connect that to the yolk mount with the cig lighter cable!
I don't want to take all that paraphernalia with me a trip I am planning in an aircraft with no 12 volt outlet in cabin, so will have to rely on charging aera 660 in hotel room.
John

Hello John,

The Aera 660 comes with a 2 Amp wall charger that you can use to charge the unit through the USB port.

It also comes with a USB cable that can be used with many USB chargers commonly used for other devices.

Either solution should be convenient to use when traveling.

Let us know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,
Steve

[rjtjrt]

Hello John,

The Aera 660 comes with a 2 Amp wall charger that you can use to charge the unit through the USB port.

It also comes with a USB cable that can be used with many USB chargers commonly used for other devices.

Either solution should be convenient to use when traveling.

Let us know if you have additional questions.

Thanks,
Steve
Steve
Thanks for the prompt reply - much appreciated.

[rstory]

I tried digging through this thread and online, but came up unsure still.

Is it possible to transfer flight plans using Foreflight and the 660 or is this only supported with Garmin Pilot?

Thanks!

[c210pa18]

Yes, flight plan tranfers very well.

[gFlyer]

Hello Steve,

I use a Trig TY91 VHF radio in my plane and would like to transfer via SL40 protocol the frequency data to the radio.
COM1 TX an RX of the area 660 is through the bare out wired cable with the TC90 control head RS232 pins connected.

On COM1 I have set:
Aviation In/NMEA & VHF Out: Receives aviation data and transmits out both NMEA data, at 9600 baud, and VHF frequency tuning information to a Garmin Nav/Comm radio.

I press on the frequency tab the button but unfortunately it doesn't work. Do you know what is wrong or what I have to setup?

Best regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Hello Steve,

I use a Trig TY91 VHF radio in my plane and would like to transfer via SL40 protocol the frequency data to the radio.
COM1 TX an RX of the area 660 is through the bare out wired cable with the TC90 control head RS232 pins connected.

On COM1 I have set:
Aviation In/NMEA & VHF Out: Receives aviation data and transmits out both NMEA data, at 9600 baud, and VHF frequency tuning information to a Garmin Nav/Comm radio.

I press on the frequency tab the button but unfortunately it doesn't work. Do you know what is wrong or what I have to setup?

Best regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

We don't know if this radio supports the SL40 protocol or not, but regardless, you would only need to connect the transmit wire and ground from the Aera 660 because that radio doesn't transmit Aviation format.

The Aera 660 supports Fast (1 Hz) and Normal (0.5 Hz), both at 9600 baud, so you might try both speeds in case the radio requires one or the other.

Are you sure you have the Tx from the Aera 660 connected to the Rx on the radio? Are they sharing a common power ground?

Thanks,
Steve

[Chkaharyer99]

Does the Garmin Aera 660 have a "Glide Range Ring" function like that found in the G3X?


Thanks,

[gFlyer]

Hello gFlyer,

We don't know if this radio supports the SL40 protocol or not, but regardless, you would only need to connect the transmit wire and ground from the Aera 660 because that radio doesn't transmit Aviation format.

The Aera 660 supports Fast (1 Hz) and Normal (0.5 Hz), both at 9600 baud, so you might try both speeds in case the radio requires one or the other.

Are you sure you have the Tx from the Aera 660 connected to the Rx on the radio? Are they sharing a common power ground?

Thanks,
Steve


Thanks Steve for quick response. Think wireing is okay but I will check again.

Best regards
GFlyer

[rjtjrt]

In aera 660, if I power it by a usb power bank.
I have read a user review that says "Cons: Will dim to max 70% brightness when running of a power bank, yet 100% brightness off a wall charger or powered usb socket."
Can anyone confirm that is the case, and can the aera 660 be made to run at 100% brightness if powered by a usb power bank?

Edit - Seems not to be an issue - see post 446 next page.

[Chkaharyer99]

Does the Garmin Aera 660 have a "Glide Range Ring" function like that found in the G3X?

I reviewed the Aera 660 Pilots Guide B September 2016 190-02017-20 and found no current indications for "Glide Range Ring" functionality.

Thanks,

[gFlyer]

I reviewed the Aera 660 Pilots Guide B September 2016 190-02017-20 and found no current indications for "Glide Range Ring" functionality.

Thanks,

This "glide range ring" would be a great additional security feature.

Thanks,
GFlyer

[g3xpert]

In aera 660, if I power it by a usb power bank.
I have read a user review that says "Cons: Will dim to max 70% brightness when running of a power bank, yet 100% brightness off a wall charger or powered usb socket."
Can anyone confirm that is the case, and can the aera 660 be made to run at 100% brightness if powered by a usb power bank?

Hello rjtjrt,

The Aera 660 will dim the backlight down to 70% when it detects it has been plugged into the USB port on a computer to protect that device from sourcing more power than it can safely handle, but we are not aware of any reason why it would behave in this manner when connected to a power pack.

We did a quick test with a USB power pack and the backlight did not reduce from 100%.

Thanks,
Steve

[rjtjrt]

Again, many thanks Steve.
John

[Snowflake]

The Aera 660 will dim the backlight down to 70% when it detects it has been plugged into the USB port on a computer to protect that device from sourcing more power than it can safely handle, but we are not aware of any reason why it would behave in this manner when connected to a power pack.

We did a quick test with a USB power pack and the backlight did not reduce from 100%.

Steve, does the GPS lock the brightness at 70% when you plug into a computer, or can you override it back to 100% if you want to?

Maybe the USB port on the powerpack "looks like" a computer to the GPS, for whatever reason... I know Apple and others have done funny things to their USB interfaces that affect how they identify when plugged into various devices... Making branded chargers work better than chinese knock-offs.
Charger and powerpack manufacturers are now using some "intelligence" in their charging circuits to try and counteract that.

[rjtjrt]

Hello rjtjrt,

The Aera 660 will dim the backlight down to 70% when it detects it has been plugged into the USB port on a computer to protect that device from sourcing more power than it can safely handle, but we are not aware of any reason why it would behave in this manner when connected to a power pack.

We did a quick test with a USB power pack and the backlight did not reduce from 100%.

Thanks,
Steve
I have just bought a 660 and tried it on USB powerbank with no problems. Stayed at 100% brightness.
As Steve said, on a computer supplies usb power it does dim to 70%, but on a USB Powerbank stayed at 100% brightness.
Seems like the review I quoted (from another person on another site) is not an problem.
After briefly trying it at home and in car, the Aera 660 seems to be a good unit. I will use it as a backup for an iPad (which can overheat and stut down on hot days in sun here), and as the iPad app here in Australia will display our charts, but Garmin equipment won't display our charts.
660 is good as I can set it to shut off display after 1 or 2 minutes to conserve battery, and the display will return at 100% brightness instantly I touch the screen, so a good backup for iPad.

[DrRV9]

I Just Bought a Garmin Aera 660 at Sun N Fun, so far i like the unit, good screen visibility even in sunshine.

One of my surprise is that is not compatible with the Stratus that i already have. IF i want ADBS IN i would have to buy a garmin GDL393D.

In the Enroute Chart page you cannot add data fields, like (GS, ETE. ETA, ETC).
Hope garmin fix this on the next updated.

WP.

[Canadian_JOY]

In the Enroute Chart page you cannot add data fields, like (GS, ETE. ETA, ETC).
Hope garmin fix this on the next updated.
WP.

Really? Wow, that's a deal killer. I was seriously considering updating my standby GPS navigator from its current 396 hardware to the 660. Without the data boxes the 660 is pretty much useless for enroute navigation. Those data boxes are THE key information used in answering the worlds most essential aviation question. "How long until we get to a bathroom?":D

[RONSIM]

and saw ETA, ETE, etc on the map page. Was this what you were missing?

Ron

[Canadian_JOY]

Having read back through some of these posts it appears there may exist the capacity to add up to 8 data boxes. Whew! I couldn't believe a GPS device like this wouldn't have data boxes available.

[DrRV9]

Contact Garmin today , they toll me they will pas the requirment to see if is possible to include in a future updated. Pilots fly with charts, charts without data fields are useless.
I think if we all ask for it Garmin will listen. They always listen!!!!

I have include to pictures (MAP PAGE and CHART PAGE ) to clarify my point.
By the way first time posting pictures hope it works.
https://goo.gl/photos/ki28nvEU2wCjnLpY9

[DrRV9]

https://goo.gl/photos/ki28nvEU2wCjnLpY9

[Snowflake]

FWIW, i've been flying with both the Map page and the Charts page. I switch back and forth, but for the most part I leave it on the Charts page. Most of my flying is local VFR around familiar airports and terrain though. If I were travelling, I would probably want to use the Map page instead with the extra data fields.

[olyolson]

To add to a previous post, doesn't seem to be a glide ring option on the 660. I usually have an IPhone 6 onboard for music and always run Garmin Pilot in the background. Garmin Pilot does have glide rings so curious why the 660 doesn't support this. Seems like an easy fix.

Iphone/Garmin Pilot settings screenshot:

http://i67.tinypic.com/2371y1.jpg

[Canadian_JOY]

Thanks for the clarification re charts/maps. Without question, I fly using the chart view.

Not having the data boxes shown on the charts page is definitely a significant shortcoming.

I understand how the charts and maps are derived electronically, however superimposing ANYTHING on either one of them is the same task - drawing a data box on a chart is no more difficult than drawing the magenta line on that chart, so it's definitely not a rocket-science activity to make the data boxes appear on the chart page.

Now we just have to hope that Garmin listens...

[Low Pass]

Very, very pleased with my 660. In use now about a year. It drives my autopilot, wired to my GDL39, and Bluetooths to my handheld Pilot app. I use Map (IFR and VFR) 95% of the time. I use the 3D Vision page 4.99% of the time playing and helping visualize approaching airports.

The remaining 0.01% of the time, I use Charts. Generally just cycling though options to try and remember what all the unit does. I did once use Charts to find an RCO frequency on a sectional. I'm sure there's an easier way. Garmin synthesized Maps are a huge leap forward. I'll never go back to charts for position reference.

[krashmaster81]

So I've run into a little snag. I think it may be a bug.

When switching between LANDSCAPE or PORTRAIT display mode on my 660, all of the user parameters reset back to default. The first time I discovered this I was in the air and it was a bit confusing trying to figure out why everything had suddenly reset. Then after a couple of "sim sessions" on the ground trying to decide between portrait or landscape mode I discovered that it was resetting each time I swapped between modes. Anybody else have a similar experience??

-Matt

[g3xpert]

So I've run into a little snag. I think it may be a bug.

When switching between LANDSCAPE or PORTRAIT display mode on my 660, all of the user parameters reset back to default. The first time I discovered this I was in the air and it was a bit confusing trying to figure out why everything had suddenly reset. Then after a couple of "sim sessions" on the ground trying to decide between portrait or landscape mode I discovered that it was resetting each time I swapped between modes. Anybody else have a similar experience??

-Matt

Hello Matt,

No, changing between portrait and landscape modes doesn't reset the user parameters back to default.

If you are putting the unit in GPS simulator mode, then ALSO launching the canned Demo from the Tools page, this will force many settings to specific values to support that canned Demo. Don't do that if you don't want any of your choices changed.

Thanks,
Steve

[olyolson]

Ref Bryan's post above:

"Bluetooths to my handheld Pilot app". I have been using my IPhone (backup) running the Garmin Pilot App and Bluetooth to the GDL 39 3D. At times the Bluetooth signal is lost. My IPhone is in the front cockpit and the GDL is on the aft trurtledeck behind the back seat on top of the fuselage (inside the canopy).

The 660 is within a foot of the IPhone so perhaps I should Bluetooth the phone to the 660?

The 660 is hardwired to the GDL 39 3D.

[Abraham]

I know the answer is buried here somewhere, but.... What are the dimensions of the connector (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/520780/pn/010-12373-01)(panel space planning)

[g3xpert]

I know the answer is buried here somewhere, but.... What are the dimensions of the connector (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/520780/pn/010-12373-01)(panel space planning)

Hello Abraham,

The bare wire mount is roughly 3.25" x 2.25", but what you probably really need to know is that the mount does not protrude past the "footprint" of the Aera 660, so if you allocate panel space for the Aera 660, you automatically accommodate the mount.

This picture of the mount attached to the desk stand (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-12373-05) illustrates that.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/36fszIwrlvG1GWsNK10bZoNnwVPhXsdjwMqbj9mqXoDIj6Ah7M ZGx5iySyk-rlPv1qsNQWwbuOSxaWBwxx-1dJG40knHJC_yQ5Sdg6a1qLZWiBYyWkb-JfJ9SnW_p_HpC2JIySeb1CKa72mfRBmEJQUD_Ls8PxQDSPENuI jXD73GRr6TzZHehx6TR7oJvkc1xyZ17muWyE3Ew8516Xq_qMro wlQa2DCJi0ww-2CU6bau9-Csd2_SBqhuHFJ3gF7XMvzkzFDjoSzSXB8-aAPNylTj5n-ipZ4rGXG65-YtFY4t9SvaPxEcUZEVz2oWfSTmeCYsdrsngcsuQC8PXOi72Efn cPu9FQTEe5MACm-aK7bJ2cFs88mUGkIYJTGnqUAQ-aXVj2hKMhG7Idrssra-49YocVr2NEdcbLPmC64jKrnyUQG_6E61Wm_nQiKpWidoKPP4jK S-xFrtwWVeaFp9CMMA3ZDnw34pcmVcjzRDkudr4JdsDMLv7kndKY IvxLLUqS_hlIsuI5lUqVDhUjX5ZMVSSAclfEzB0Lkq7iDwCSns A942Igjc8iGCYygNXWuywtWHmHMYQcK84bclnaPG-3ImMsP7YIrip2Fj-KSvZvjGUAjisiPu=w570-h693-no

Thanks,
Steve

[Cannon]

I'd like to second the request to allow us to see input voltage on a hard wired 660. I used this often on the 496.

Chris

[g3xpert]

I'd like to second the request to allow us to see input voltage on a hard wired 660. I used this often on the 496.

Chris

Hello Chris,

Not possible. There is a great deal of circuitry inside the Aera 660 mount to protect the Aera 660 from the sometimes cruel outside world.

The main unit only receives highly regulated/filtered power free of ESD and other transients which might cause harm. It has no idea what voltage is powering it from the outside.

Thanks,
Steve

[rv4ator]

Hello Chris,

Not possible. There is a great deal of circuitry inside the Aera 660 mount to protect the Aera 660 from the sometimes cruel outside world.

The main unit only receives highly regulated/filtered power free of ESD and other transients which might cause harm. It has no idea what voltage is powering it from the outside.

Thanks,
Steve

As a temporary work around, I do know that you can see the voltage information by holding the back button in the main menu for 10 seconds and selecting the diagnostics.

You can select VDC or Battery to see this information.

I too would like to see voltage like the 495/496

[Shawn25854]

Steve,

Can you post a link on how to sign up for the automatic emails from Garmin for "software" updates for our Garmin products? I use to get emails telling me there were updates but I cant figure out where to sign up again. Do you guys hide this? :D

Thanks,
Shawn

[gFlyer]

Steve,

how can I hard wire the area 660 with the GDL39 3D if I already use Serial 1 for Aviation In NMEA & VHF Out and Serial 2 with NMEA Out 4800 for the wing levler? Please let me know also the product number for the needed GDL39 cable.

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Steve,

how can I hard wire the area 660 with the GDL39 3D if I already use Serial 1 for Aviation In NMEA & VHF Out and Serial 2 with NMEA Out 4800 for the wing levler? Please let me know also the product number for the needed GDL39 cable.

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

To use an RS-232 connection to the GDL 39 3D, you will need a dedicated serial port on the Aera 660.

In an ideal situation your wing leveler would accept NMEA data at 9600 baud and could be connected to the output of Serial 1 freeing up Serial 2 to be set to Garmin Data Transfer and connected to the GDL 39 3D as shown on page 152 of the Rev. B Aera 660 Manual (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf). This page also shows the cables needed to connect the GDL 39 3D to the Aera 660.

If one of the serial ports cannot be freed up to be connected to the GDL 39 3D, you will have to use a Bluetooth connection.

Thanks,
Steve

[gFlyer]

Hello gFlyer,

To use an RS-232 connection to the GDL 39 3D, you will need a dedicated serial port on the Aera 660.

In an ideal situation your wing leveler would accept NMEA data at 9600 baud and could be connected to the output of Serial 1 freeing up Serial 2 to be set to Garmin Data Transfer and connected to the GDL 39 3D as shown on page 152 of the Rev. B Aera 660 Manual (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf). This page also shows the cables needed to connect the GDL 39 3D to the Aera 660.

If one of the serial ports cannot be freed up to be connected to the GDL 39 3D, you will have to use a Bluetooth connection.

Thanks,
Steve


Thanks Steve,
should be possible to run the wing levler with 9600 baud. Does the Garmin article number 010-11689-20 include such data cable? If not which one do I need.

Regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Thanks Steve,
should be possible to run the wing levler with 9600 baud. Does the Garmin article number 010-11689-20 include such data cable? If not which one do I need.

Regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

Good question.

To start off, you will want the Aera 660 bare wire cable mount (010-12373-01) to connect both your wing leveler and your GDL 39 3D. The wing leveler may be connected to either RS-232 serial port 1 or 2. To connect it to port 2, connect it to the ORANGE wire (and black ground) shown in the following diagram. If you are using Aviation In (from a GNS/GTN unit), it will be connected to the PURPLE wire (and black ground).

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/GtUKaJ87GaarD0sHc5Um3YlMEXADHEg1738z20iAnjULX_WYWP uRoUNe5j2JhfYWGWvz8U5mlcsWWo-vnoXgIBjXBzrD6qlpXrGtua5E5GcniYJoKHGyXGrdVwFU6Qila lFXac5Vnm5uxH9ovyfuaTOFsjHrYVVEaSW_oN964VXVSHtc3KW FLiRnL1jfDQw-BJ92uuzdfNV4t_PNUY1amm_H08-0THNwRK1F0Q5Qf6lJqEjM5T9H1Q6i-19CctKxLoUKZGiD2eN-qVzNX5dPjnu_6HHwfj0I_nY_SEjvJKpsTsPI57ooKIbhKBLQqk rYoe-imAQl04_UZMHNYLutjXHbDyT0_wRI7Z0goWc0TWmJCKEsqiCBC rxljnNI-KeMGSxPjxBAt_kkHo-Tcwf0tdnSMK4ZvM_NLKEWWsL3mV-9WeluFRkw-lBANYhdWbHlz7YL1ZnUb1wyaUjlVjVCcqWhA_HXkj9H6QraGkw bKDTV2NMUng0RBLOt2nooO9Oo9W8Pf0OJcmI0wxl7hAtgLQU91 wvwczQkGkB5U8j67Mjm_yT3cCyE5niTBVx0a1ScILe2CcYKJYF 6eVrxtj64UQTGk3iKvuOT9xv754v2Wpz0s1V_I0lA=w1043-h299-no

The 010-11689-20 GDL 39 3D does not come with the GDL 39 bare wire cable (010-11686-40), but that may be ordered separately.

Thanks,
Steve

[jliltd]

Can the Aera 660 obtain GPS position from the GDL-39 (or vice a versa the GDL obtain GPS position from the Aera 660) via either hardwire or Bluetooth interface?

Thanks.

Jim

[g3xpert]

Can the Aera 660 obtain GPS position from the GDL-39 (or vice a versa the GDL obtain GPS position from the Aera 660) via either hardwire or Bluetooth interface?

Thanks.

Jim

Hello Jim,

The Aera 660 is the WAAS GPS navigator, and it provides GPS data over either hardwire or Bluetooth to the GDL 39.

Neither the GDL 39, GDL 39 3D, or GDL 39R need to have GPS reception when connected to a Garmin portable or G3X system since they will receive GPS data from these navigators.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Fp-qwGGyt47RRqiZCygXo8HCB7jBYjUcfe8OWR0YUG_mMGnLOppXA 8JF6TULV2a5CzIHzfQCoKkkk_so6U4oYnVMrQcnSkkqbSfoeAH rpSkvcngBy5TArnp9BH8q0gBG19IZLH9iuZgM7T7r_-lXVfqhJ-gTMUZm9tl20cpJzHPNCdr6BhZBkc20kkyoUyl6Lm37Gh_W8iMe 2cin871eJS3a_lcYaV1P-LUxI4JqW3LDJ3C8ecoh5tUqDx-FLE17XYrx0nKIsgvrVUDvjhIJQQsMBz5Q9Ba-8EcTMqBCFYLiABdySViDVGUSAzuso-zuhLviTK5WkIFslZL6ttyjrlYJXeijTkbyelgrgWan6jYWx2mj 7GYkniyzw4EwPP32EXSyMX7Ou2o2b2GHFU_YVc46q-wAkhlNixxv3FwRgs9menBFRavWv6IIA3oojTACp580iMakViJ1 xuKybgZR9eTJuDO41NBMDnYriFsPcvmR4an7xSOPxQRxLz7Hlj SgGWHWXiyZaAomNzltbh_nMD7Y-ieLRquLFGKMPap_Y9mFilpy0YpqGBAgYpVNxgh_S6fzZQ_DeiG Oo3iCuCQTZZ9ufaW0LHDvrZtn_5Y9pRJIuZ9uzsiH=w737

Thanks,
Steve

[Jermechanic]

I activated my 496 XM weather today. I would like to purchase a new 660 but no XM weather available for it! That means no weather on board for those of us flying in Canada. There was talk of XM?!? 796 is Too big in my RV6. Anyone know if Garmin is working in it?

[jliltd]

Yes they are working on a Aera 660 SXM weather receiver to be released soon. There was a thread with some "unclassified" screen shots of the XM weather interface on Beech Talk a couple of months ago. This is great news for crop dusters, pipeliners (or other very low altitude operators) and our fantastic neighbors both in the Great White North and South of the Rio Bravo.

Jim

[jliltd]

Thanks, Steve. Very clear answer. And now it seems sensible. I will plug the external antenna into to 660. On the subject the 660 has to have the best reception of any other device I have used with respect to the internal antenna. I can flush mount it at the bottom of the panel in a high wing Cessna and it picks up enough satellites to establish 3D navigation inside a metal hangar with the door closed. I actually feel sheepish adding the external antenna.

Jim

Hello Jim,

The Aera 660 is the WAAS GPS navigator, and it provides GPS data over either hardwire or Bluetooth to the GDL 39.

Neither the GDL 39, GDL 39 3D, or GDL 39R need to have GPS reception when connected to a Garmin portable or G3X system since they will receive GPS data from these navigators.

Thanks,
Steve

[Jermechanic]

Yes they are working on a Aera 660 SXM weather receiver to be released soon. There was a thread with some "unclassified" screen shots of the XM weather interface on Beech Talk a couple of months ago. This is great news for crop dusters, pipeliners (or other very low altitude operators) and our fantastic neighbors both in the Great White North and South of the Rio Bravo.

Jim

Great news ! Thanks for the heads up Jim

[jliltd]

Jeremy, et al....

Here is an Aera 660 screen shot in the wild showing the SXM weather interface. The weather receiver is an all new separate box with it's own subscription. The Aera 660 will not be backwards compatible with the legacy GXM 30/40/42 weather antennas as used on the GPSMAPs or Aera 796s.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t238/jliltd/RV8%20Trim%20Servo/SXMMusicPortraitBezel.jpg

Jim

[rv6ejguy]

Any way to enter custom waypoints by Lat and Long on the 660?

[g3xpert]

Any way to enter custom waypoints by Lat and Long on the 660?

Hello Ross,

Please see page 62 of the Rev. B Aera 660 Pilot Guide. There are several ways to create a user waypoint and you may edit the lat/lon on that waypoint to anything you like.

Thanks,
Steve

[rv6ejguy]

Thanks. I'll get some time to play with it tonight at home.

I've noticed that even though I charge the battery for over 6 hours (twice now with only minutes of use between charges), it never shows more than about 80% charge when I switch the unit on. Is this normal or is the battery marginal?

[g3xpert]

Thanks. I'll get some time to play with it tonight at home.

I've noticed that even though I charge the battery for over 6 hours (twice now with only minutes of use between charges), it never shows more than about 80% charge when I switch the unit on. Is this normal or is the battery marginal?

Hello Ross,

Nothing to be concerned about.

Page 3 of the Rev. B manual explains that a new battery will not show full charge until discharged and charged back up.

The battery pack includes a battery fuel gauge IC that needs to "learn" the capacity of this battery and will adjust for the meaning of "full charge" as the battery pack ages.

Thanks,
Steve

[rv6ejguy]

Tried to download the manual from the Garmin website, dead link: The requested URL /shop/products/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf was not found on this server.

Also tried to download new data bases after inputting my coupon #. Said I paid for them but could not download them as described in the 2 YouTube vids Garmin puts out. It shows all 7 I clicked on but there was no download button available as the vids showed.

[Chkaharyer99]

...tried to download new data bases after inputting my coupon #. Said I paid for them but could not download them as described in the 2 YouTube vids Garmin puts out. It shows all 7 I clicked on but there was no download button available as the vids showed.

I had this problem when I first bought mine. I had to speak with someone at Garmin to get it all sorted out.

[rjtjrt]

Can I use the Aera 660 Bluetooth to link to a Zaon XRX using their Zaon XRX Bluelink Bluetooth Module, to get traffic from Zaon displayed on Aera 660?

[gFlyer]

Steve,

can detect the GDL 39 3D a transponder with mode A/C and mode S with no ADS-B out?

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Can I use the Aera 660 Bluetooth to link to a Zaon XRX using their Zaon XRX Bluelink Bluetooth Module, to get traffic from Zaon displayed on Aera 660?

Hello rjtjrt,

No, there is no support for this Bluetooth interface, but many traffic devices like this support a "GTX TIS-A" format that allows them to provide traffic data to Garmin portables over RS-232.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Steve,

can detect the GDL 39 3D a transponder with mode A/C and mode S with no ADS-B out?

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

A GDL 39 3D can only "see" Mode A/C aircraft when these targets are being uplinked to the GDL 39 from an ADS-B ground station using TIS-B. TIS-B services are only available for aircraft transmitting ADS-B Out.

If you are asking about Germany (with no ADS-B ground stations that I know of), the simple answer is no, the GDL 39 will not receive data from Mode A/C aircraft.

The GDL 39 does, however, receive Mode S 1090ES data from aircraft equipped with these transponders and provide this to the Aera 660 which displays these aircraft as traffic complete with identifier.

Many customers outside the U.S. find the dual frequency GDL 39 receiver useful even though the traffic picture is not complete without any visibility to Mode C aircraft.

Thanks,
Steve

[rjtjrt]

Hello rjtjrt,

.......but many traffic devices like this support a "GTX TIS-A" format that allows them to provide traffic data to Garmin portables over RS-232.

Thanks,
Steve

Not in Australia.
Appreciate the prompt reply.

[gFlyer]

Hello gFlyer,

A GDL 39 3D can only "see" Mode A/C aircraft when these targets are being uplinked to the GDL 39 from an ADS-B ground station using TIS-B. TIS-B services are only available for aircraft transmitting ADS-B Out.

If you are asking about Germany (with no ADS-B ground stations that I know of), the simple answer is no, the GDL 39 will not receive data from Mode A/C aircraft.

The GDL 39 does, however, receive Mode S 1090ES data from aircraft equipped with these transponders and provide this to the Aera 660 which displays these aircraft as traffic complete with identifier.

Many customers outside the U.S. find the dual frequency GDL 39 receiver useful even though the traffic picture is not complete without any visibility to Mode C aircraft.

Thanks,
Steve


Steve,

thanks for your quick answer. Do you know a device which works in Germany? For instance is the TRX 1500 http://www.air-avionics.com/air/index.php/en/products/collision-avoidance/trx-1500-the-flexible-collision-avoidance-system
which also can detect FLARM signals supported from the area 660?

Thanks,
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Steve,

thanks for your quick answer. Do you know a device which works in Germany? For instance is the TRX 1500 http://www.air-avionics.com/air/index.php/en/products/collision-avoidance/trx-1500-the-flexible-collision-avoidance-system
which also can detect FLARM signals supported from the area 660?

Thanks,
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

If you download the manual for the TRX1500 you will see on pages 29 and 35 that they claim to support Garmin TIS traffic format and they show a screenshot of an Aera 795/796.

This is supported by the TRX on serial port 3 which transmits data on pin 8.

We haven't tested this, but understand this interface will work. When using the Garrecht TRX tool to configure the port 3 serial port, set the baud rate to 9600 and set the Connected Equipment type to "Garmin TIS". Set the serial port on the Aera 660 to "GTX TIS-A In".

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4XAiBXVLYeEPHgVKvZSbh1iDIF-nEc4KTwuVYF9MAMno0-LfBXlNig2l-ezg87CTQg5PldJ2HZNAyzjLpSIeaFyTJY9uVlVjFEl1nHFc8re NXOdrquArGK9O8CgbSxwKySblYJMc7RW8WU0d28_sq9ejJSnjj 3QXDaoRjgnOITvSCTbWgIRnwlURo9yNc8M4OhgK1iEpp5Wy-Da3k8uZfGla7hwCUNFJfidmtB3mYaOiQx3-0sfAF81OVSF-x0u5JEVnc3fMWFmrreSP7jKxPeapifAIx7LTWckCSPJKBsjkov vsBgtUI5FoUO8F86FwnR1vB_OAjX5rQiUSwLiIzWC0le6za7YG bsBT8vBHV4rV_Mv6Rzb3Ce8yYoKAIW8in5aZ4UDcUAWnWP_Tn3 b2nUW1VltUtQiYj_qMDpAdFbqxvNLBximtM7bPaogiHKxeLyC7 jXUixR52il4St-qjIMyJrcti6U_fZ1Z6q9IxsZlIRXDxgUdb2XHnSJJ4BXtjxhM4 dcavCm8hfBs3Z_x80wTX1CJ1c_vsYNFXyOcLb4FQbgi24HORW5 vRq1qvmK8kKyHIdZJVCHCwMNnufJwrm8OTweaIZtRyelewgdTb IlSF4xoYjv3w=w963-h273-no

Thanks,
Steve

[gFlyer]

Hello gFlyer,

If you download the manual for the TRX1500 you will see on pages 29 and 35 that they claim to support Garmin TIS traffic format and they show a screenshot of an Aera 795/796.

This is supported by the TRX on serial port 3 which transmits data on pin 8.

We haven't tested this, but understand this interface will work. When using the Garrecht TRX tool to configure the port 3 serial port, set the baud rate to 9600 and set the Connected Equipment type to "Garmin TIS". Set the serial port on the Aera 660 to "GTX TIS-A In".

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4XAiBXVLYeEPHgVKvZSbh1iDIF-nEc4KTwuVYF9MAMno0-LfBXlNig2l-ezg87CTQg5PldJ2HZNAyzjLpSIeaFyTJY9uVlVjFEl1nHFc8re NXOdrquArGK9O8CgbSxwKySblYJMc7RW8WU0d28_sq9ejJSnjj 3QXDaoRjgnOITvSCTbWgIRnwlURo9yNc8M4OhgK1iEpp5Wy-Da3k8uZfGla7hwCUNFJfidmtB3mYaOiQx3-0sfAF81OVSF-x0u5JEVnc3fMWFmrreSP7jKxPeapifAIx7LTWckCSPJKBsjkov vsBgtUI5FoUO8F86FwnR1vB_OAjX5rQiUSwLiIzWC0le6za7YG bsBT8vBHV4rV_Mv6Rzb3Ce8yYoKAIW8in5aZ4UDcUAWnWP_Tn3 b2nUW1VltUtQiYj_qMDpAdFbqxvNLBximtM7bPaogiHKxeLyC7 jXUixR52il4St-qjIMyJrcti6U_fZ1Z6q9IxsZlIRXDxgUdb2XHnSJJ4BXtjxhM4 dcavCm8hfBs3Z_x80wTX1CJ1c_vsYNFXyOcLb4FQbgi24HORW5 vRq1qvmK8kKyHIdZJVCHCwMNnufJwrm8OTweaIZtRyelewgdTb IlSF4xoYjv3w=w963-h273-no

Thanks,
Steve


Many thanks Steve for your quick and professional answer! This support is very much appreciated.

Regards
gFlyer

[gFlyer]

Steve,

do you know if the area 660 can interface with Pilotaware?http://www.pilotaware.com
They doing quite similar to Garrecht TRX1500.

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Steve,

do you know if the area 660 can interface with Pilotaware?http://www.pilotaware.com
They doing quite similar to Garrecht TRX1500.

Thanks

Regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

Yes, if this device supports Garmin TIS-A traffic protocol like the TRX 1500.

Thanks,
Steve

[gFlyer]

Hello gFlyer,

Yes, if this device supports Garmin TIS-A traffic protocol like the TRX 1500.

Thanks,
Steve


Hello Steve,

I have ask them, they have told me that they do not have any specification for the Garmin TIS-A traffic protocol. They can support it if they get the specification. Would be great, because pilotware is getting more important here in Europe.

Thanks, regards
gFlyer

[cmeier]

Hi gflyer
I'm using power flarm core connected to 660 with Garmin Tis protocol via rs232.
Works great. The power flarm has the better flarm reception due double antennas compared to the trx1500.
You can share this rs232 line to multiple devices if the all can handle the same protocol and baud rate!!
You can use the second port to connect the "air connect" wifi unit to send the traffic signal via wifi to your iPad. I'm using easyvfr and it shows me traffic via flarm protocol where you see glider/plane symbol on the iPad.

I can send you pictures by email!

Christian
OE-CCM

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ascy0iobrmkndh9/Datei%2027.06.17%2C%2015%2054%2048.png?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j1fpg58ogi5t5fu/Datei%2027.06.17%2C%2015%2056%2041.jpeg?dl=0

[gFlyer]

Hi gflyer
I'm using power flarm core connected to 660 with Garmin Tis protocol via rs232.
Works great. The power flarm has the better flarm reception due double antennas compared to the trx1500.
You can share this rs232 line to multiple devices if the all can handle the same protocol and baud rate!!
You can use the second port to connect the "air connect" wifi unit to send the traffic signal via wifi to your iPad. I'm using easyvfr and it shows me traffic via flarm protocol where you see glider/plane symbol on the iPad.

I can send you pictures by email!

Christian
OE-CCM

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ascy0iobrmkndh9/Datei%2027.06.17%2C%2015%2054%2048.png?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/j1fpg58ogi5t5fu/Datei%2027.06.17%2C%2015%2056%2041.jpeg?dl=0

Thanks Christian for the information and pictures.

I have already purchased a PilotAware unit and now looking how to interface with it.

I do not really understand why Garmin is not responding concerning the TIS protocol.

Thanks and good flying close by!
gFlyer

[cmeier]

Ask at pilotaware if you can connect the flarm via the airconnect wifi box.
If pilot aware can handle Garmin 'Tis via rs232, even better. Just split this cable also to the 660!
You don't find this in the manuals but it works. You just need the same baud rate for all connected units.

[Abraham]

just wondering if anyone is interested in a sealed new 660 with bare wire adapter (https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/pn/010-12373-01) for a slight discount..pm me

[tangocharlie123]

Hi Steve

Looking at updating to the 660
can you modify airport info ie freq runway lengths etc. either directly on the unit or via the Garmin app.

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve

Looking at updating to the 660
can you modify airport info ie freq runway lengths etc. either directly on the unit or via the Garmin app.

Hello TC123,

You may create user waypoints and specify lat/lon and altitude which can be used in flight plans, but there is no way to create an airport with runways and frequency and insert it into the navigation database.

See page 61 of the Rev. B Pilot Guide (http://static.garmin.com/pumac/190-02017-20_B.pdf).

Thanks,
Steve

[tangocharlie123]

Thanks Steve

is there a possibility for Garmin to add this feature in the future as even my home field in the Garmin App has no info on a airfield that is in ERSA..
Thanks again for the reply.

[g3xpert]

Thanks Steve

is there a possibility for Garmin to add this feature in the future as even my home field in the Garmin App has no info on a airfield that is in ERSA..
Thanks again for the reply.

Hello TC123,

This is definitely something on our list of features we would like to add some day.

One of the benefits of runways in the database is visibility to extended centerlines. You can approximate this feature using OBS mode (from the flight plan page).

For example, if you enter a user waypoint for your home airport, and that waypoint is the active navigation waypoint, you can enter OBS mode and enter the course to the runway you wish to land on. A long magenta course line will be shown on the map or chart for miles which will make it easy to intercept and navigate to the runway end.

Thanks,
Steve

[rbalister]

Hello Jeff,

Glad to hear you are considering coming back from the dark side. :)

No logbook option. There is a flight log function that logs each flight including a track log that you can view, but no export capability.

No current ability to share a 660 database subscription with G.P.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve,
After poking around inside the USB file system I was able to find where the tracks are stored. They're saved in an XML file that can be copied off onto your PC. The file name is USB0/GPX/Current.gps.

I figured that you (Garmin) probably used the same GPS software framework on all your portables. So I tried some of your GPS PC software. Garmin BaseCamp currently recognizes the 660 and is able to extract the tracks, routes, and user waypoints.

In the short time that I was playing with it, I couldn't figure out how to change the map BaseCamp was using, but at least I was able to export the tracks and save them off from the 660 to my PC.

The flight log is another story. I haven't figured out where that is stored yet. It got to be in there somewhere...

rayb

[Brockster]

Steve,
Can the Garmin 660 tolerate being powered on when the engine is started and stopped. Some electronics are sensitive to this and need to be off during these time periods.
Thanks

[g3xpert]

Steve,
Can the Garmin 660 tolerate being powered on when the engine is started and stopped. Some electronics are sensitive to this and need to be off during these time periods.
Thanks

Hello Paul,

No problem with powering up the Aera 660 with aircraft power and leaving it on while the engine is started and stopped. I do this every flight.

Thanks,
Steve

[peterh337]

Is there a document anywhere which lists the various file formats which can be stored on the SD card and which the 660 auto detects and does specific things with?

There is this in the user manual

http://peter-ftp.co.uk/screenshots/2017-08-16_072744.jpg

but that's all I can find, and I have seen some references online to an ability to load checklists etc (PDF or image files?).

It would be too good if you could drop in there georefenced maps :)

There is some stuff regarding Mapsource which seems to be some kind of rather old Garmin program... I prefer to avoid unnecessary software but if there is a list which specifically details what extra features one can get on the 660 with it, that would be great too.

I am based in Europe, which dramatically impacts the available mapdata...

[g3xpert]

I am based in Europe, which dramatically impacts the available mapdata...

Hello Peterh,

You are correct that some of those options and Mapsource software is dated, and quite frankly seldom used.

Please use this link (https://fly.garmin.com/fly-garmin/support/pricing) to go to the FlyGarmin page showing all the database options available for Europe and the UK.

There are both bundles and individual database choices that will hopefully meet your needs. There is even a United Kingdom VFR Chart option for $79.

Please contact us via email or phone for specific questions.

Thanks,
Steve

[g3xpert]

Hello,

We are constantly working to source new map and chart data from various sources around the world, and we are happy to announce a new option starting today for those flying in South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.

South Africa VFR charts are now available for Aera 660/795/796 and G3X Touch for $29.99. It is our understanding that this chart data is updated annually.

Just go to the FlyGarmin page for your product, and you will see the new option to purchase this database.

Example on Aera 660.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/geESjMSty-gNzB8oEr3gsNnQQYVXFXFmLyEaIm21KpYKhF7E9wN08q_EpUxK Vyu3yqfxXYmGCkYaL56sW4YPRuK7wMP9bwW5SfQWGYi9ruqkp2 P83v5ms87KC_7jYveD2L2sR1Nc5DNFwqixtdMXOGaZ9Lhuat1s RRN8NjP-DPN7NtqwdBMECTShVrEPTiT3-5ur0jfSzZXLPfFHtB4ZCxrrfoXevz8u6leKiaUw1Yioo9ZsS38 GjvWbxnYfMFl3pXJeeyXtP8DiWP0K6UDefrguyavTUIbVdtXms rgEOz2aXNIAHJF34TYWUh90Qq0nyH_k-E_mCkiZwXFDeN-Hfm0eVMlOub-_l9d9-OE1MuCODtmAvqJESEZXnf3hCK6ei36LJLfLtFruSGRuuaeo2JG JS3B2tqIKbqoixa7xLWwwIAGr5WSOI8QDh46NwyutLxdObgkw7 vpN8tmZMa8dYAKjz8HgArqxXVdcXYMs5Su5PNcvrXqC1fc347u L-0j_ponBRGfjC2S-M1IE-5F4AQ8jUpY1PiQlBO6fxC5FcnmzAv5cnVwoFVzu0J1eULFshE7 SNo5pJHmt6hWATZXbew725eKZmWsYjMoYarbs_Qye8n9FKWdN= w578-h934-no

Thanks,
Steve

[gFlyer]

Hi Steve,

saw there is version 3.00 online. Did I missed something here?
What are the advantages of this new version?

Best regards
gFlyer

[g3xpert]

Hi Steve,

saw there is version 3.00 online. Did I missed something here?
What are the advantages of this new version?

Best regards
gFlyer

Hello gFlyer,

V3.00 primarily adds data fields on the charts page and SXM weather/music support for the new GDL 51/52 receivers. Please see this posting.
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=151654

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ytNKhzVNcD8mZMJVmYRieLnPFgV_2Rt_qYI1Uzoqbwg8QxUXm3 6zjkndtJSmePV3-_kFbA-EGw3NrQDb0QxY56XTYJvpPyGXYb34czcKQTMKX8CBKTinNRhzj B9YWxAkiizdPt3rBl8SjmKzJzO3toN3ZtxrbL5HVKswdgy7Pj4 G9kIGXwW2A2y73JrEwLnPlSSxsQgcpsRp0QdZxemzuX-86xlZuz11SxcjNBVeRK66CqbXG5NYDKvA8yn5dUyNM_D2qTMMw PjDBTV-csIBuqoJOlT4CnsVNe0T--eDgPYP8-BOJZ9KxbOIyNdJWGzjKOQ94RxAgwuyz6atamwj28-bYab5x8oxbNLCdGi9jWISE8f6Jrre4F80i7IRBW249sZfdaTai GgjcfPG1d7Dp4HA59yIVPaXKxrMddVVyuT0fLfIphb6Bx8YCIG jd1YtQbSr_feUFSMqFNjcBKFPGfJnSgEnE7qTOy7RQP5eu6YZp 5srM2aPt39TF7t0XdQydaEJn32TTaj5r6IX9q4J02CzdIc-JD0GM_uaeYlrHoQB7if_qc1QbVb0UzhvD7T9S4KzzLtKnFIeHb Ixbc9HM1sKzayzGWuJ2E5JeuwqfAzUDQgaxpDf=w578-h934-nohttps://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HQCi-l8qDQ0sMLBT_-Mp9EIfne7SV_PO_-iUioiv4nenSUosAUiQqz-GZienvxXQqm8jVbvhnE9hKJb5w6gf0Pls7UMqCqHfOLbPRv91L BxkT_7ajlW2lbFA_iNT_o18KRslhTIdZMLTnWKWkAzg6VuaHaZ EvbpKUOKDtb4Hr_-OJzjqCokIlgsHRanWVWX3W0hsBTqO9zEuTQLZmPbo7nJNsfOMx VsxnHI06gNxaI9LCuTveQ21wY3VaDoAqKYGaZHCQiGlmoYPum6 PyR2fP_XV4tQEViQ-Vt7oPlIUdAkb1P3IkA0aNUefL6UfOeKdsHpLo9kXBs_JLU7Qbg YVVI5NPKDyznV_IBfGcBhiwhfX_RQgmnNrVLChin1EjiHNQsaJ Rn8k16DMBoEiGT5K8V3V1IOBkEfIzJlMvFcsEmadwDmDgEi0fo dKm5eb7VgMS3U2I490G2EMTGSPXPJWs6BrJYTvcPV8yJs4vRya XY3Ew0LnVxXYsrU0sXPcSR_QRli-77-MvEcFqQ-amJndbPV_NR2-Y-1UMC_XxFIqQl0gklQHwdG7lZ2gViflVAvpFWpLMXk5GVlfBEor ZQtf5CImlUFS7-IxEYA4hbBA3CkedUMH9bih=w578-h934-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/x5y_hpVazvGa9baDw3eRwvet94bFEKd4we3nmA6-4voxsGeUk7wXAra02a28mB4VPbllXd4XlzkMWfu59HlJE4YUom 2Pw7pbVogCiCThMPOC7kCW8gk-0Hw4jxXb7XNkqHt8pCp_avIgnT_jS0WbZNIWkXKrgE6s9whQQV SFVFixNqLtUbGczQZXwuUWmkFyGxLxpIIPt5jGnBqIoWB5ZS30 VYWZFPYv8J5e1HRntTnTgUJ2ROGd4zerPPHhQ2_J7Afvg5bAlK ROyPnoD8JTvevwrDaSLRj5n3pjUS9p_OUXV6fRy0mFxs0yfXIg b5Bot7z1qDCDExF7tRefBgz7O0hPOVTT1wrvB4qXEMmElmPSZR pPnAzT44NeHYV1iAcZIDSv4YdeWNpcdTPYU0xg6Rxjk-4RUrZSQolDvvthPrnhSc_LWPP1vDmT50iI14sbE0MvRG83yl5R BhUgDp8xP2rXFfFvCt5j6tfh95OEdGucpLvRo2NsnbVTUrIY6D KC6dvL_XXSlRnUdOtQdLUUwfRvjtqHRti4NNqPjFeAVaLWMyjL IvdMop1aok-gBM_HedApdHjBWY5EIKP8ja8lVI6Cv1tWXkKXtpV4YOqFec2DR koHD6QE=w654-h934-no

Thanks,
Steve

[peterh337]

Steve,

Would you be able to answer the questions in my post e.g.

"Is there a document anywhere which lists the various file formats which can be stored on the SD card and which the 660 auto detects and does specific things with?"

I can't find them on the internet.

Many thanks.

Peter