GTN 650 Aviation out config software Bug?

jeffsvan · #1 12-04-2012, 08:56 AM

I am using the GTN650 to cross feed a flightplan via RS232 into an Aera 550.
I am now adding a 406MHZ ELT. I also want to send the GPS coordinates to the ELT from the GTN650.

I was told by the avionics shop that the GTN650 has a software bug which will corrupt the data if I select to send Aviation out on a second RS232 channel.

Has this bug been corrected?
Does anyone know the software version which corrects this, or if it is even out yet?

I will also try to find this info on the Garmin site.

g3xpert · #2 12-04-2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffsvan

I am using the GTN650 to cross feed a flightplan via RS232 into an Aera 550.
I am now adding a 406MHZ ELT. I also want to send the GPS coordinates to the ELT from the GTN650.

I was told by the avionics shop that the GTN650 has a software bug which will corrupt the data if I select to send Aviation out on a second RS232 channel.

Has this bug been corrected?
Does anyone know the software version which corrects this, or if it is even out yet?

I will also try to find this info on the Garmin site.

Hello Jeff,

We don't believe there is any data corruption, but yes, it is a limitation of GTN V2.00 software that only one serial port may provide Aviation Out.

This limitation no longer exists in GTN V3.00 software. This software hasn't quite made it through the certification process, but should be available in a few weeks to upgrade your GTN650.

While it is generally not considered good practice to connect multiple devices to an RS-232 output, you might get by with connecting these two devices for a short time until the new software is available.

Thanks,
Steve

jeffsvan · #3 12-04-2012, 01:53 PM

Steve,
I quickly looked on Garmins website and couldnt find that info.

Is there a spot on the website that lists software revisions and how they have evolved?

Can the owner update the software, or does the avionics shop need to do this?

thanks again for your earlier help. with it, and the tools I purchased from Stein I was able to get everything installed/working on my plane.

BobTurner · #4 12-04-2012, 02:11 PM

Usually you need to go to a Garmin dealer to get software updates.

Airzen · #5 12-04-2012, 04:39 PM

Do we have a date for such an update? Many of us have our orders / panels in the work and it'll be shame to realize that I need to pull my GPS and send it back to a dealer to update the software?

How come Garmin never thought of enabling users to update the software themselves?

SteinAir · #6 12-04-2012, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airzen

Do we have a date for such an update? Many of us have our orders / panels in the work and it'll be shame to realize that I need to pull my GPS and send it back to a dealer to update the software?

How come Garmin never thought of enabling users to update the software themselves?

Your dealer should be able to ensure your serial number unit is up to date...as far as letting end users do the update, it's a double edged sword. While a good share of homebuilders possess the skills to perform software updates on many different things, the reality is that an equal share of owners are just the opposite - and when taking everything into consideration (for example, many hours of phone calls it can take telling someone exactly which button to push in exact order just to have it fudged up, verses just sending it in for a quick update where we know it was done right; I know which one I'd recommend almost universally) it just makes more sense to have them dealer updated. It's not a flame to anyone at all, just realize that for every one of you who is willing and skilled enough to do it successfully, there is likely another who isn't. Since it's a certified box that your life can literally depend on, it's pretty important to me that the entire process is done correctly - whether it be user performed or dealer performed.

Just my 2 cents as usual!

Cheers,
Stein

PS, I'm in a meloncholy mood because I just spent 25 minutes on the phone literally going detailed step by step in absolute minutia helping someone figure out how to put a set of terminal dies into a crimper.....and that is simple compared to a software update!

WenEng · #7 12-04-2012, 06:12 PM

I call UPS. "How much to ship this package? 3 day service so I can get it back in about a week to 10 days. $50. Ok. Oh, insure it for $14,000. Another $50. Double all that which is what it will cost me when it gets shipped back. I'm just guessing that a Garmin software or hardware update will run a couple hundred bucks plus downtime. My Dynon software updates are free and instant. Garmin should rethink update options. They've come a long way. Just keep comin...
I should call a local shop and see what it would cost to have updates done locally if that is possible.

BobTurner · #8 12-04-2012, 06:42 PM

You really cannot expect good service when dealing with a monopoly. That being said, this software release fixes a real bug, and so should be covered under warantee. Schedule an appointment with the nearest Garmin dealer. Your costs should be limited to a few hours and gas to get there.

jeffsvan · #9 12-05-2012, 08:23 AM

I dont see how much more difficult to update the software would be compared to updating the GPS databases which we all can do ?

So if I look at the screen which gives all my software revision #'s
is there anywhere I can look on Garmins website that shows which versions are the most current so I can see what I have?

jeffsvan · #10 12-05-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g3xpert

Hello Jeff,

This limitation no longer exists in GTN V3.00 software. This software hasn't quite made it through the certification process, but should be available in a few weeks to upgrade your GTN650.
Thanks,
Steve

How can I get information on this update, what changes were made to it, its true release date...etc.. ?