Garmin G3X V8.20
 

We are pleased to announce that G3X V8.20 software was released to our website yesterday with a couple of nice new features. There is also a new GDL 39/39R software release V2.80 included which is an enabler for one of the new G3X features. As always, these G3X system software upgrades are free and user installed.

External GPS Support for GDL 39/39R ADS-B Traffic/Weather Receiver
The GDL 39/39R has a built-in GPS receiver and antenna used internally and to provide position data to external devices connected over the Bluetooth link. If you remote mount the GDL 39/39R, you previously needed to install a remote GPS antenna to support that receiver. Well no more, because the software changes in this release allows the G3X GPS data to be provided to the GDL 39/39R automatically over the existing connection. No more GPS antenna requirements, and all devices (tablets, etc) using traffic and weather data from the GDL 39/39R are using the same great GPS data that is being used by the G3X system.

This same feature is provided if you are using an Aera 5XX, Aera 79X, or GPSMAP 69X portable GPS connected to the GDL 39 with new software we are releasing for all of these products tomorrow.

Selected Altitude Intercept Arc
G1000 has had this feature for many years, and it has been on our to-do list for G3X. You can now turn on a selected altitude intercept arc which is shown on the map ahead of the aircraft to show you where you will reach the altitude you have selected at the top of the altitude tape. Ever wonder if you present descent rate will get you below that Class B airspace segment floor before you get there? How about whether or not your present descent rate will get you down to pattern altitude before the airport? Now you will know just by selecting the target altitude and looking at the map. This feature works whether you are using the autopilot or hand flying and climbing or descending.

Stay tuned tomorrow when we will share news on a new product that we will be showcasing in our Experimental Aviation tent at Oshkosh!

Thanks,
Steve

Awesome Steve!

I never did get around to permenently mounting the extra GPS antenna!

Maybe I can sell it back to Stein so I can get some of my money back :D

And you are giving us a "Banana Bar" Wahoo! The hits keep coming.

Keep up the great work.

Can't talk...downloading new software...love the green banana.... :)

I am out of town, so tomorrow I will try next software:D

Interesting that no one noted that Garmin is going to announce a new product tomorrow. I think I will not be able to sleep tonight:p

GDL 39R
 

So does this mean that the GDL 39R has been released? It wasn't on the Garmin website the last time I checked.

It's darned close.... ;)

Cheers,
Stein

v8.20 works like a charm!

I don't know whether it has been released or not, but we have been flying it for a couple of days. Today, Louise launched out of College Station in Tsam, and I launched out of Polly ten minutes later in Mikey (with the GDL-39R connected in to the G3X) with the intent of doing an ADS-B intercept. The traffic in the Houston area was well-represented and numerous - qualitativley I'd say it appeared more accurate (comparing target to out-the-window) than the TIS we have ben using. It basically just...worked!

I was able to spot her on the scope as she crossed under the Class B line, and ran an intercept to a nice position on her wing for the rest of the trip home. A fun little exercise that actually accomplished some testing at the same time. We had the latest software, so it didn't need a GPS antenna - just a ball-on-a-stick Xponder unit on the belly.

Yup - it works pretty well!

Paul

G3X Brightness
 

Steve,
I spent a great deal of time at your tent at OSH. I love the G3X system!
There is one thing, however, that concerned me. The system was up and running in 2 RV aircraft outside your tent and in both cases I could barely see the displays. Supposedly both systems were on max brightness. Even when viewed from directly in front of the display it was difficult to see. I am building a canopied airplane so I am concerned about usability in bright sunlight.

I previously owned the Dynon Skyview and never experienced this problem. I prefer the G3X however. Any idea if there are plans to improve it's readability in bright sunlight?
Thanks very much for your thoughts!

G3X and Sun? No worries....

Never had any issue seeing my G3X screens. I think they are the same as the ones in the 695/696 that everyone raves about.

Prior to the upgrade, I had the D100/D120 combo with the superbright option and when the sun was from my back I could not see them very well. With the G3X I never have this issue.

One good thing about Garmin is that they place their display's right out in the worst conditions they can for all the world to see....

Were you wearing polarized sun glasses? If so, those can drastically effect the brightness. Did you get a chance to sit in the pilot's seat? The screens are optimized for certain angles and if you are outside those angles, this may have effected the perceived brightness.

The Skyview is a beautiful display indoors on the display tables. I have not personally inspected one in the bright Sun however so I can't comment on how they compare under the same conditions.