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August 29, 2018 update: GTN software version 6.50 released today. If you have an E-AB aircraft, you can install the new software per Service Bulletin 1859 from the Garmin website: https://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00G3X-00&cID=155&pID=63892
There are three different links on the download page for Service Bulletin 1859. The first link is the Service Bulletin documentation. The second and third links include the software files. Please see the Service Bulletin documenation for complete details and make sure you are familiar and comfortable with the software update process outlined there before attempting it on your own aircraft. If not, the option of seeking assistance from a dealer is still available.
Full integration of the VNAV feature with the G3X Touch will be available in GDU 4XX software 6.20. We are in the process of testing the software now and expect it will be available in September.
The primary new features are listed below, please see Service Bulletin 1859 for a complete list of changes.
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Garmin G5 and G3X Touch systems have always had coupled VFR VNAV capability to use the autopilot to perform functions such as descend from cruise altitude to pattern altitude, but up until now, we have not had the ability to use coupled VNAV when using the GTN navigator.
With GTN V6.50, pilots can take advantage of VNAV profiles throughout the enroute and terminal phases of flight within the GTN 6XX/7XX touchscreen navigators when they?re paired with the G5 or G3X Touch system. Within the GTN, pilots can easily enter altitude constraints on the flight plan page to set-up a vertical descent profile. Pilots also experience a near-seamless transition from VNAV to an arrival and instrument approach. Once an arrival or approach is loaded and activated, the GTN automatically populates step-down altitudes or any applicable altitude restrictions. If ATC issues an unpublished altitude restriction, pilots can enter those altitudes manually into the active flight plan under the VNAV field.
Here is an example of this flight plan page on the GTN 625.
As part of the VNAV profile, top of descent (TOD) and bottom of descent (BOD) values are also calculated and displayed on the GTN moving map. As the aircraft arrives at TOD, the GTN displays a visual annunciation prompting the pilot to begin the descent. The G5 or G3X Touch display will provide a vertical deviation indication (VDI) to provide vertical guidance for the descent.
When a G5 or G3X Touch autopilot is installed, pilots can select the VNAV button on the mode controller (or touchscreen) to fly a fully-coupled VNAV profile.
We are also pleased to announce that the GTN 6XX navigators have a new full size QWERTY keyboard available to improve data entry with this GTN software release.
These GTN software updates are expected to be available from Garmin in August at no charge. A dealer installation charge may apply, but as in the past, we plan to make this software update available as a download to customers with non-certified aircraft.
Thanks,
Steve
August 29, 2018 update: GTN software version 6.50 released today. If you have an E-AB aircraft, you can install the new software per Service Bulletin 1859 from the Garmin website: https://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-00G3X-00&cID=155&pID=63892
There are three different links on the download page for Service Bulletin 1859. The first link is the Service Bulletin documentation. The second and third links include the software files. Please see the Service Bulletin documenation for complete details and make sure you are familiar and comfortable with the software update process outlined there before attempting it on your own aircraft. If not, the option of seeking assistance from a dealer is still available.
Full integration of the VNAV feature with the G3X Touch will be available in GDU 4XX software 6.20. We are in the process of testing the software now and expect it will be available in September.
The primary new features are listed below, please see Service Bulletin 1859 for a complete list of changes.
****
Garmin G5 and G3X Touch systems have always had coupled VFR VNAV capability to use the autopilot to perform functions such as descend from cruise altitude to pattern altitude, but up until now, we have not had the ability to use coupled VNAV when using the GTN navigator.
With GTN V6.50, pilots can take advantage of VNAV profiles throughout the enroute and terminal phases of flight within the GTN 6XX/7XX touchscreen navigators when they?re paired with the G5 or G3X Touch system. Within the GTN, pilots can easily enter altitude constraints on the flight plan page to set-up a vertical descent profile. Pilots also experience a near-seamless transition from VNAV to an arrival and instrument approach. Once an arrival or approach is loaded and activated, the GTN automatically populates step-down altitudes or any applicable altitude restrictions. If ATC issues an unpublished altitude restriction, pilots can enter those altitudes manually into the active flight plan under the VNAV field.
Here is an example of this flight plan page on the GTN 625.
As part of the VNAV profile, top of descent (TOD) and bottom of descent (BOD) values are also calculated and displayed on the GTN moving map. As the aircraft arrives at TOD, the GTN displays a visual annunciation prompting the pilot to begin the descent. The G5 or G3X Touch display will provide a vertical deviation indication (VDI) to provide vertical guidance for the descent.
When a G5 or G3X Touch autopilot is installed, pilots can select the VNAV button on the mode controller (or touchscreen) to fly a fully-coupled VNAV profile.
We are also pleased to announce that the GTN 6XX navigators have a new full size QWERTY keyboard available to improve data entry with this GTN software release.
These GTN software updates are expected to be available from Garmin in August at no charge. A dealer installation charge may apply, but as in the past, we plan to make this software update available as a download to customers with non-certified aircraft.
Thanks,
Steve
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