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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by g3xpert

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 !

[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]

Originally Posted by ilium007

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 !

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/communit...d.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.