Garmin GMA-245 doesn't always reconnect via Bluetooth

David_Nelson · #1 07-07-2017, 11:35 AM

Replaced my PSE-8000B audio panel with a GMA-245 a few months ago and have been mostly happy with it. The only problem I'm regularly encountering is that my iPad doesn't always reconnect automatically. The docs indicate that it should:

Quote:

During power up the GMA automatically reconnects to the last
connected device. This is annunciated by the Bluetooth annunciator
illuminating.

The iPad is the only device that has been paired with the GMA-245. So far, the only reliable method I've found is to power cycle the GMA-245 while the engine is warming up. Once Bluetooth is connected, it's been rock-solid.

I've also tried disabling, waiting about 5 seconds, and then enabling Bluetooth on the iPad with mixed results, IIRC. The iOS version is of recent vintage.

I see in the GMA manual that one can press and hold 'TEL (PAIR)' for 5 seconds to disable and re-enable Bluetooth. I've not tried that yet.

I've searched Garmin's site for a firmware update to the GMA-245 and found none.

Wondering if anybody else has encountered this and how you resolved it.

Thanks,

Walt · #2 07-07-2017, 12:29 PM

Check that you have software version 2.3 loaded...
See section 2.9.6 of the install manual for instructions.
http://www8.garmin.com/support/downl...s.jsp?id=11655

g3xpert · #3 07-07-2017, 12:34 PM

Hello David,

The first step we recommend is to make sure the operating system on your iPad is up to date. Some early version of iOS 10 had issues with Bluetooth.

We also invite you to contact us using the information below, and one of our field service engineers should be able to provide further assistance.

- Matt

David_Nelson · #4 07-07-2017, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walt

Check that you have software version 2.3 loaded...
See section 2.9.6 of the install manual for instructions.
http://www8.garmin.com/support/downl...s.jsp?id=11655

Hi Walt,

Thanks for that link! If it's different than what's already loaded I'll get that loaded and try it out.

I was using https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/154887 and I see now I should have chosen 'Software' instead of 'Support Center' followed by 'Software'.

Thanks again,

David_Nelson · #5 07-07-2017, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Hello David,

The first step we recommend is to make sure the operating system on your iPad is up to date. Some early version of iOS 10 had issues with Bluetooth.

We also invite you to contact us using the information below, and one of our field service engineers should be able to provide further assistance.

- Matt

Hi Matt,

I going to guess that the iPad is at iOS 10.3.2 (latest version) as I wait until ForeFlight gives the "all clear" which was done for 10.3.2 on May 25, 2017. Regardless, I'll verify the iOS version. Do you know off the top of your head how early of an iOS version had issues?

Hopefully the firmware update and/or an iOS update will address the problem. If not, I'll give you all a call.

Thank you,

David_Nelson · #6 07-19-2017, 06:41 AM

Upgraded the GMA-245's firmware the other week from:

Boot: 2.20
System: 2.20
Audio: 2.20
Bluetooth: 2.00

to:

Boot: 2.20
System: 2.30
Audtio: 2.20
Bluetooth: 2.00

The iPad remains at iOS 10.3.2.(latest as of this writing).

As best as I can tell, there hasn't been any improvements on Bluetooth reconnects.

Some items of note after performing the firmware update:

- Pressing and holding the 'TEL (PAIR)' button to disable/enable Bluetooth is not sufficient. I still had to power off/on the GMA-245.

- The Bluetooth icon on the iPad goes from gray to black (indicating that a connection has been established) but there's still no audio.

- For reference, a "standard" SD card was used to update the firmware; this was not specifically mentioned in Rev 5 of the installation manual. Personally, I used a micro SD fitted into a standard SD converter. These converters are usually included when you purchase a micro SD card.

Next step will be to call Garmin from the plane. They've got reasonable support hours making it easier to get in touch with them after work.

mantry · #7 06-01-2020, 09:05 PM

Did this ever get resolved? I have a friend who is having the exact same scenario but with a GMA 345. It is exactly as you have found. Power cycle the power (via the Breaker) on the GMA-345, hit play on the iPhone and presto everything works as it should.
He is on the lastest version of iOs and also the laters version of firmware on the GMA 345.

Thanks in advance!

Pdtofly · #8 06-01-2020, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mantry

Did this ever get resolved? I have a friend who is having the exact same scenario but with a GMA 345. It is exactly as you have found. Power cycle the power (via the Breaker) on the GMA-345, hit play on the iPhone and presto everything works as it should.
He is on the lastest version of iOs and also the laters version of firmware on the GMA 345.

Thanks in advance!

I have a GMA245 and I too have a problem with Bluetooth audio.

It connects, and I can start and stop music with the 245, but no audio. Sometimes it works fine, and other times no audio.

The unit is only a few months old, with the most current firmware.

What do you say, Garmin.

Brian

TShort · #9 06-01-2020, 11:23 PM

Same for me.
All software is up to date.

Sometimes I get in to go, and music plays via bluetooth from my iphone.

Other times, the phone shows connected to the 245, but no music.

Power cycling the 245 fixes the problem, but is not a great solution if already airborne and needing the comms....

bjdecker · #10 06-02-2020, 08:02 AM

I have the same or similar problem with my GMA 245 and iPhone 8, 10 and 11.

The control stream of BT seems to work -- I can start/stop music playback, but no audio. Similarly, I can answer phone calls, etc. but no audio is heard.

Power-cycling the GMA 245 is the only way to resolve the issue.

I am running with the latest firmware on every device.