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Can't receive AWOS with SL40
I have a Garmin SL40 and can’t receive AWOS stations. I understand the SL40 can receive frequencies with three decimal places (e.g. 126.825) by inputting the frequency with only first two decimal places (e.g. 126.82) . The SL40 apparently interprets the third decimal on its own. I have tried to receive several AWOS stations with no luck. Anybody have any idea what I might be doing wrong?
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I don't have on of those, but I wonder if you can configure the channel spacing? Try looking on the garmin site for the install and pilot guide. Maybe the spacing is to wide or narrow and is not tuning the third digit the way you need it to?
Jim |
All early RV-12's have an SL-40 - - -
and mine works very good. You will likely have to go thru the settings. Have you changed any of the settings ?
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I have studied both the User and Install manuals for the SL40 and I see where System Functions can be user adjusted. In fact, I have previously adjusted the sidetone level so I?m familiar with how to make changes to the setup. However, looking at the list of possible user adjustments I don?t see anything pertaining to XXX.xxx or XXX.xx frequency selection.
I have initiated a request for assistance with Garmin and now await their response. I?ll post result here when I get resolution to the problem. |
SL40 Comm
From the SL40 manual:
2. Turn the Small, inner knob to change the values in 25 kHz increments. The kHz selection range is between 000 and 975 kHz in 25 kHz steps. Note that only two digits are displayed to the right of the decimal point. |
From my old notes :
SW VER 2.2
Hdphon 000 Mic 1 Sqlch 058 Mic 2 Sqlch 058 Tranmit Mic 1 & 2 Intcom Lvl 249 Sidton Lvl 040 Lo Dsp Lvl 00 Hi Dsp Lvl 50 I think this is where mine are yet. |
Update... Went flying this morning (Easter - wife said OK) and I tried six different AWOS stations and was ready to give up. I tried one more and it works. Is it common for so many AWOS to be off-line? All stations were very easily within range. Glad its working. Love the airplane and love the electronics...
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Jim,
Does the radio work with other stations using the .025 increments? Try it with a handheld, look for a pattern. Hard to imagine why only AWOS will not work. John |
Have you tried disabling the squelch while the channel is tune?
Some AWOS xmitters are weak, or the auto squelch level might be turned too high. |
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I have seen AWOS that were not working and some that are intermittent. Any time that I cannot hear an AWOS or ATIS, I always attempt to disable the squelch. |
Check the
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Joe |
Maybe I wasn't clear in above post. I found one AWOS station that I could receive with XXX.xxx so SL40 is working correctly. It seems that a lot of AWOS stations are not broadcasting in this area. I will expand my list to find other AWOS stations.
So does anybody know if it is common that AWOS stations are not broadcasting? |
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From me quoted above: Quote:
Although I'm certainly no expert I manage a small regional airport and deal with this 3 or 4 times a year so yes I would say in my experience it is not uncommon. Hope that helps... Joe |
You didn't say how far away form the ASOS stations you were. The AIM says you should be able to receive the ASOS within 25NM.
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That could be the problem. I wonder if they use low power RF just to make sure you are truly getting the local weather.
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Bought my SL40 with a flying plane around it. I marveled at just how good the radio was compared with any rental radios I've suffered through. Signal reception is very very good. I find it strange that you are having these issues. But I have never adjusted any settings in mine so I can't say how long it took the builder to "set it up."
I fly under NY bravo and the surrounding areas, but I've been from the Canadian border to New Orleans and have never had a problem receiving any station with the exception of Block Island, which I can't generally receive until I am inside 10 miles. I'm not sure I added anything useful here other than to confirm you should not be having these issue. How is your antenna? |
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If you are very far away, it is common for some of the signals to not be strong enough to un-squelch an SL-40. |
I got this response from Garmin Support... If the stations are low power it’s possible the signal is not strong enough to break squelch in the SL 40. The SL 40 receiver squelch adjustment can be adjusted by a Garmin Aviation dealer in test mode.
I will try un-squelch next time I fly. Thanks everyone for your help... |
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