Aera 660 ahrs and fis-b data input question

[Browncbr1]

I emailed garmin to confirm that adahrs data could be sent from a G5 via rs-232 in order to get synthetic vision on the Aera 660.  Garmin confirmed in the response email..  so I bought the 660 and tried to get them talking (unsuccessfully).    So I emailed them again asking more detail of exactly what connections and settings l, as I’m using the new mapmx protocol.   Now, they say that the 660 will not display adahrs data coming from a G5.   Obviously, this change in advice frustrated me and they tried to turn it around on me..   after some choice back and forth, they offered to give me a free database update in addition to the one that comes with the unit.  Whatevs...

 

so, my question to the folks using the 660 is about getting data to it.  Are the gdl39 3D and gtx345 really the only two pieces of hardware that will give ahrs and Adsb data to the 660?   I get it that they made the language proprietary (connext), but are there any other options?   

[PTK]

Clearly a miscommunication. Have  you tried to return it? They may be able to assist you with returning it since they gave you wrong info?

[Browncbr1]

2 minutes ago, PTK said:

Clearly a miscommunication. Have  you tried to return it? They may be able to assist you with returning it since they gave you wrong info?

Yea, it was a miscommunication indeed.  I decided to keep it anyway.   The screen is very nice and I’ll probably eventually put in a gtx345r, but that won’t be for another year or two.   Just wondering if there are any options for displaying data in the meantime.  

I thought about selling my Dynon D2 and use the money to get a gdl39 3D, but figured that would be money thrown away after a year or so if I put in a 345r.   I already have dual G5s, so I think the d2 is not needed if I can get synthetic vision on the 660

[PTK]

The 660 and its bigger brother the 796 are excellent units. They can be hardwired to the gtn giving you an mfd screen that are almost the size of the 750. And now with mapmx it shows exactly what the 750 shows. Also they give you obstacle and terrain alerts which cost extra in the gtn.

[Browncbr1]

15 minutes ago, PTK said:

The 660 and its bigger brother the 796 are excellent units. They can be hardwired to the gtn giving you an mfd screen that are almost the size of the 750. And now with mapmx it shows exactly what the 750 shows. Also they give you obstacle and terrain alerts which cost extra in the gtn.

That’s how I have it wired up currently.  I’m happy with the interface with the gtn650 and audio panel.

[kortopates]

...
I thought about selling my Dynon D2 and use the money to get a gdl39 3D, but figured that would be money thrown away after a year or so if I put in a 345r.   I already have dual G5s, so I think the d2 is not needed if I can get synthetic vision on the 660

I used a GDL-39 before I got my GTX345. Even with GTX and G500, I still upgraded my GDL-39 to the 39D just for the rare event I have a total electrical failure. I have battery backup for instruments but no navigation which is where the GDL-39D comes in. Sure, chances are rare, but I had such an event shorty after getting my IR leaving me with only a portable radio and it left me with a lasting impression.
I originally planned on the remote GTX too, but heard way to many Bluetooth connection issues when installed in the rear, so I decided to keep mine up front.


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[bradp]

So far for the ahars I think it’s just the 345; GDL 39/52 and the flightstream 210 that will use connext format to throw ahars data.  I do see that the Flightstream 510 might be compatible with the 660 via Bluetooth or WiFi but havent heard of anyone using it. Might be a worthwhile negotiation with Garmin ... throw in a discounted 510 and you’re game. :-)!

 

This is probably what you’re looking to do ... FS-210 with synth vis to the Aera 660.

[M016576]

40 minutes ago, bradp said:

So far for the ahars I think it’s just the 345; GDL 39/52 and the flightstream 210 that will use connext format to throw ahars data.  I do see that the Flightstream 510 might be compatible with the 660 via Bluetooth or WiFi but havent heard of anyone using it. Might be a worthwhile negotiation with Garmin ... throw in a discounted 510 and you’re game. :-)!

 

This is probably what you’re looking to do ... FS-210 with synth vis to the Aera 660.

Nice setup- that’s pretty darned sweet!

[Browncbr1]

Thanks for the ideas.  I’ll see if they will discount something as suggested.  I’m kind of thinking about a gdl39 3D because of the battery and it will feed adsb data to the 660 as well.    I have a stratum, but sick of rats nest of wires and reliability concerns of stratus and my iPad.  

Legality aside, is it possible to make the connection to the gtn to get traffic and weather from the gdl39?   The connection to the 660 is sufficient, but just wondering.  

Edited February 4, 2018 by Browncbr1

[Marauder]

Thanks for the ideas.  I’ll see if they will discount something as suggested.  I’m kind of thinking about a gdl39 3D because of the battery and it will feed adsb data to the 660 as well.    I have a stratum, but sick of rats nest of wires and reliability concerns of stratus and my iPad.  
Legality aside, is it possible to make the connection to the gtn to get traffic and weather from the gdl39?   The connection to the 660 is sufficient, but just wondering.  

I haven’t seen or read a GDL-39 connected to a GTN. Think they reserve that capability to the certified boxes.


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[Browncbr1]

Thanks. Yea, that’s what I was thinking.  

[ArtVandelay]

Looks like the brightness of the 660 needs to be turned down, does it automatically dim?
I’m going to be doing the same thing myself. I have no RS232 ports left, so I have to use my FS210 Bluetooth connection.

[bradp]

It’s a manual dimmer.  Push the power button and set with touch screen buttons or slider.  I guess it’s somewhat cumbersome but allows for a bigger screen size (essentially no bezel) without a photometer. It is another step but isn’t what I’d call inconvenient. 

[Browncbr1]

5 hours ago, teejayevans said:

Looks like the brightness of the 660 needs to be turned down, does it automatically dim?
I’m going to be doing the same thing myself. I have no RS232 ports left, so I have to use my FS210 Bluetooth connection.

The 660 requires a different bare wire kit than the 500 series.   They made the relief in the clip geometry and also moved wiring pins around.  The good thing though is that the 660 bate wire kit has two sets of rd-232 input and output wires.    There is no photocell on the 660, but it will remember dim settings for the relevant time of day and will adjust with gps location (time zones / sunrise sunset). 

[markazzarito]

On 1/28/2018 at 4:47 PM, bradp said:

So far for the ahars I think it’s just the 345; GDL 39/52 and the flightstream 210 that will use connext format to throw ahars data.  I do see that the Flightstream 510 might be compatible with the 660 via Bluetooth or WiFi but havent heard of anyone using it. Might be a worthwhile negotiation with Garmin ... throw in a discounted 510 and you’re game. :-)!

 

This is probably what you’re looking to do ... FS-210 with synth vis to the Aera 660.

A little help! I installed a flight stream 210 to stream flight plans to my gns430. I also have an aera 660 and have connected this to the FS210. From this post and others ive seen supposedly the FS210 should provide attitude info to the aera 660?? I cant seem to make this work. Do i need another unit like the GDL39 or should i be getting attitude information from the FS210??

[bradp]

Connect the aera 660 to the FS210 via Bluetooth.  That will give you an AHRS source. 

[ArtVandelay]

Go to the Connext page under setup, check the FiSB and attitude sources are set to your FS210.