Good Afternoon,
G3X Touch software version 8.91 was posted to the Software Download Area today. Among several background improvements and new features which are detailed below, we are happy to include Garmin Smart Glide in this software revision. Revision S of the G3X Touch Pilot's Guide is now available, which includes a comprehensive overview of the operation of this feature, starting on page 421. The Pilot's Guide can be downloaded here.
Several system LRU's will be updated with this software load, the software download page includes a detailed LRU software change list. Cross-referencing the System Information page in configuration mode, please ensure each LRU is successfully updated to the appropriate software level upon completion of the software load.
Note: Software version 8.91 includes an updated audio database to support Smart Glide, which has failed to extract properly on a few systems.
Once this software update has been completed, please enter G3X Touch configuration mode, open the Sound menu, and test that all alert and message tones can be heard by pressing Test. If any abnormalities exist, contact Garmin Experimental support at 1-866-854-8433. For the time being we will backload the system to software version 8.81 to correct the problem, with a permanent solution to follow.
FIS-B Weather Datapath - A Bluetooth connection will no longer be required to receive the full complement of FIS-B weather products from several Garmin ADS-B receivers. All weather products will now be transmitted via RS-232 to the GDU. This requires GTX software 2.60+, which is currently fielded. The GDL 5X Series and the GNX 375 will also receive a software update in the near future that will facilitate this.
TOD/BOD Identifier From GTN Xi Navigator - With GTN Xi software 20.21, TOD (Top of descent) and BOD (Bottom of descent) will be displayed on a connected G3X Touch map page to indicate entry and exit points for GTN Xi driven VNAV descent profiles.
Vertical Speed Data Bar Field - Vertical Speed can now be displayed on a dedicated Data Bar field.
Multiple Armed Flight Director Modes - This software update allows the APPR and VNAV flight director modes to be armed simultaneously. This will allow the pilot to arm APPR mode earlier in the flight than possible in past software versions. The "Transition to Approach" configuration setting should be enabled on the GTN Navigator alongside this GDU software update. This setting can be found in GTN configuration mode, under GTN Setup > Navigation Features > Vertical Navigation.
Flight Control System Monitoring - This feature enables the GMC 507 internal AHRS to be used as an additional means for monitoring AHRS data accuracy. This gives the GMC 507 the ability to disconnect the autopilot, if there is a disagreement between its internal sensors, and another ADAHRS LRU. This feature can be enabled in the Autopilot configuration menu. A pitch/roll calibration is required upon enablement, in addition to entering a yaw offset, if applicable.
Smart Glide Configuration Information:
Navigation Configuration Menu:
Please feel free to send over any questions that you may have.
Thanks,
Justin
G3X Touch software version 8.91 was posted to the Software Download Area today. Among several background improvements and new features which are detailed below, we are happy to include Garmin Smart Glide in this software revision. Revision S of the G3X Touch Pilot's Guide is now available, which includes a comprehensive overview of the operation of this feature, starting on page 421. The Pilot's Guide can be downloaded here.
Several system LRU's will be updated with this software load, the software download page includes a detailed LRU software change list. Cross-referencing the System Information page in configuration mode, please ensure each LRU is successfully updated to the appropriate software level upon completion of the software load.
Note: Software version 8.91 includes an updated audio database to support Smart Glide, which has failed to extract properly on a few systems.
Once this software update has been completed, please enter G3X Touch configuration mode, open the Sound menu, and test that all alert and message tones can be heard by pressing Test. If any abnormalities exist, contact Garmin Experimental support at 1-866-854-8433. For the time being we will backload the system to software version 8.81 to correct the problem, with a permanent solution to follow.
FIS-B Weather Datapath - A Bluetooth connection will no longer be required to receive the full complement of FIS-B weather products from several Garmin ADS-B receivers. All weather products will now be transmitted via RS-232 to the GDU. This requires GTX software 2.60+, which is currently fielded. The GDL 5X Series and the GNX 375 will also receive a software update in the near future that will facilitate this.
TOD/BOD Identifier From GTN Xi Navigator - With GTN Xi software 20.21, TOD (Top of descent) and BOD (Bottom of descent) will be displayed on a connected G3X Touch map page to indicate entry and exit points for GTN Xi driven VNAV descent profiles.
Vertical Speed Data Bar Field - Vertical Speed can now be displayed on a dedicated Data Bar field.
Multiple Armed Flight Director Modes - This software update allows the APPR and VNAV flight director modes to be armed simultaneously. This will allow the pilot to arm APPR mode earlier in the flight than possible in past software versions. The "Transition to Approach" configuration setting should be enabled on the GTN Navigator alongside this GDU software update. This setting can be found in GTN configuration mode, under GTN Setup > Navigation Features > Vertical Navigation.
Flight Control System Monitoring - This feature enables the GMC 507 internal AHRS to be used as an additional means for monitoring AHRS data accuracy. This gives the GMC 507 the ability to disconnect the autopilot, if there is a disagreement between its internal sensors, and another ADAHRS LRU. This feature can be enabled in the Autopilot configuration menu. A pitch/roll calibration is required upon enablement, in addition to entering a yaw offset, if applicable.
Smart Glide Configuration Information:
Navigation Configuration Menu:
- Smart Glide - Enables/Disables Smart Glide in a G3X Touch installation. This selection will not be present if either Vg or Sink Rate at Vg are not entered in the Aircraft configuration Menu.
- Runway Surface - Select that runway surface type the aircraft is capable of using.
- Minimum Runway Length – The minimum runway length the aircraft is capable of using.
- Circling Direction - Can be set to always initiate left or right hand turns during a glide descent. If left set to Auto, the system will choose the appropriate traffic direction if that information is available for a specific airport. If that information is not available, traffic direction will be determined based upon the orientation of the aircraft to the runway approach end.
- Glide Activate - Can be used as an additional means to activate Smart Glide, by using a dedicated panel mounted switch. This input should be connected to a momentary pushbutton. A Garmin Smart Glide switch can optionally be used to activate this input (Garmin p/n 011-05930-00).
Please feel free to send over any questions that you may have.
Thanks,
Justin
Last edited: