We really appreciate the feedback we have gotten since the GTN 6.50 and G3X 6.20 software release. See below for links to each software release post.
G3X Touch Software 6.20:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=164118
GTN Software 6.50:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=162365
We are finishing up our documentation updates to accompany G3X Touch Software 6.30, but we wanted to take this opportunity to provide some further clarifications to assist you in using the new software and features.
We released G3X Touch 6.30 software last week with a couple of performance improvements, all feature discussions about version 6.20 are also applicable to version 6.30.
Minimum software version 5.50 is required for the G5 to enable the below described functionality.
Setting up the GTN:
Note: this section is applicable to any G3X Touch, G5 or GFC 500 installation with GTN
With GTN Software Version 6.50, there are some new configuration settings.
The GTN can be set for VCALC or VNAV. When used with the G3X Touch, this setting should be set to VNAV. To access the VNAV setting, use the following procedure:
• Boot the GTN in configuration mode
• Select GTN Setup, Navigation Features, then Vertical Navigation.
• On the Vertical Navigation page:
Key GTN VNAV operation tips and tricks:
• Altitude constraints are set and changed only on the GTN by pressing the altitude constraint field next to the waypoint on the flight plan page.
• To use GTN VNAV, you must have an altitude constraint in the GTN flight plan. A good verification step is to look at the map on the GTN and see the TOD (Top of Descent) indicated on the map (see first image below). As you approach this point, the magenta arrow on the vertical deviation indicator on the PFD will start to come down and the VNAV altitude constraint should be displayed. As you reach TOD, the magenta arrow will center up on the vertical deviation indicator.
• The GTN VNAV function does not simply draw a straight line between two waypoints vertically, but rather attempts to hold you at your current altitude until you have to start the descent to reach the next altitude constraint. Each descent will generally use the default descent angle that has been selected on the GTN.
• The VNAV default descent angle can be changed on the GTN. Starting from the Home screen, select Utilities, select VNAV. On the VNAV page, select Menu to change the default angle.
• The GTN's VNAV guidance will end at the flight plan waypoint that is just prior to the FAF waypoint.
• There is a Direct VNAV function. The VNAV Direct-To function creates a vertical navigation path from the aircraft's current position and altitude to a selected waypoint's location and altitude. By removing any VNAV constraints between the aircraft and the selected waypoint, it allows the pilot to fly the lateral flight plan in a continuous descent and reach the waypoint at the specified altitude. In this case, the descent angle will vary from the preset descent angle. Direct VNAV is useful if a descent should be started immediately, but you have not yet reached the TOD.
Continued in next post
G3X Touch Software 6.20:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=164118
GTN Software 6.50:
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=162365
We are finishing up our documentation updates to accompany G3X Touch Software 6.30, but we wanted to take this opportunity to provide some further clarifications to assist you in using the new software and features.
We released G3X Touch 6.30 software last week with a couple of performance improvements, all feature discussions about version 6.20 are also applicable to version 6.30.
Minimum software version 5.50 is required for the G5 to enable the below described functionality.
Setting up the GTN:
Note: this section is applicable to any G3X Touch, G5 or GFC 500 installation with GTN
With GTN Software Version 6.50, there are some new configuration settings.
The GTN can be set for VCALC or VNAV. When used with the G3X Touch, this setting should be set to VNAV. To access the VNAV setting, use the following procedure:
• Boot the GTN in configuration mode
• Select GTN Setup, Navigation Features, then Vertical Navigation.
• On the Vertical Navigation page:
o Choose either VCALC or VNAV.
o The VCALC setting enabled the vertical calculation page as was available before 6.50 software.
o VNAV must be selected to enable the VNAV feature as described throughout this thread.
o Below the VNAV selection is a “transition to approach” setting. This setting should be disabled on the GTN when connected to the G3X Touch. When disabled, the VNAV guidance will end at the waypoint preceding the final approach fix (FAF) in the flight plan.
o The VCALC setting enabled the vertical calculation page as was available before 6.50 software.
o VNAV must be selected to enable the VNAV feature as described throughout this thread.
o Below the VNAV selection is a “transition to approach” setting. This setting should be disabled on the GTN when connected to the G3X Touch. When disabled, the VNAV guidance will end at the waypoint preceding the final approach fix (FAF) in the flight plan.
Key GTN VNAV operation tips and tricks:
• Altitude constraints are set and changed only on the GTN by pressing the altitude constraint field next to the waypoint on the flight plan page.
• To use GTN VNAV, you must have an altitude constraint in the GTN flight plan. A good verification step is to look at the map on the GTN and see the TOD (Top of Descent) indicated on the map (see first image below). As you approach this point, the magenta arrow on the vertical deviation indicator on the PFD will start to come down and the VNAV altitude constraint should be displayed. As you reach TOD, the magenta arrow will center up on the vertical deviation indicator.
• The GTN VNAV function does not simply draw a straight line between two waypoints vertically, but rather attempts to hold you at your current altitude until you have to start the descent to reach the next altitude constraint. Each descent will generally use the default descent angle that has been selected on the GTN.
• The VNAV default descent angle can be changed on the GTN. Starting from the Home screen, select Utilities, select VNAV. On the VNAV page, select Menu to change the default angle.
• The GTN's VNAV guidance will end at the flight plan waypoint that is just prior to the FAF waypoint.
• There is a Direct VNAV function. The VNAV Direct-To function creates a vertical navigation path from the aircraft's current position and altitude to a selected waypoint's location and altitude. By removing any VNAV constraints between the aircraft and the selected waypoint, it allows the pilot to fly the lateral flight plan in a continuous descent and reach the waypoint at the specified altitude. In this case, the descent angle will vary from the preset descent angle. Direct VNAV is useful if a descent should be started immediately, but you have not yet reached the TOD.
Continued in next post
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