G3X / GTN / GTX 345 Connext to ForeFlight

[PT20J]

OK, I finally figured out how this all works.

The G3X Bluetooth pairs with the iPad and will transfer flight plans (including airways, but not procedures) to and from the GTN. This connection also supplies AHRS to the iPad

The GTX 345 Bluetooth also pairs to the iPad and will send ADS-B In (traffic and weather) to the iPad via this connection. The GTX 345 Bluetooth screen is disabled and this connection is controlled via the Connext Setup screen on the GTN. This connection also sends AHRS to the iPad. However, the GTX internal AHRS is disabled and the AHRS data comes from G3X system (either the GSU 25D, or the G5 if the GSU is inop).

It all seems like a Rube Goldberg lash up, but it works.

Skip

[Ragsf15e]

21 minutes ago, PT20J said:

OK, I finally figured out how this all works.

The G3X Bluetooth pairs with the iPad and will transfer flight plans (including airways, but not procedures) to and from the GTN. This connection also supplies AHRS to the iPad

The GTX 345 Bluetooth also pairs to the iPad and will send ADS-B In (traffic and weather) to the iPad via this connection. The GTX 345 Bluetooth screen is disabled and this connection is controlled via the Connext Setup screen on the GTN. This connection also sends AHRS to the iPad. However, the GTX internal AHRS is disabled and the AHRS data comes from G3X system (either the GSU 25D, or the G5 if the GSU is inop).

It all seems like a Rube Goldberg lash up, but it works.

Skip

I’ve been wondering if those same connections would work with a gns430w or gnc355?  Can you pass flight plans to them through the g3x?

Also, skip, must you have a database subscription for the g3x to work properly?

[PT20J]

3 minutes ago, Ragsf15e said:

I’ve been wondering if those same connections would work with a gns430w or gnc355?  Can you pass flight plans to them through the g3x?

Also, skip, must you have a database subscription for the g3x to work properly?

Great questions but I don't know the answers. 

[PeteMc]

So you're connecting your iPad to both the G3X and the GNX to ultimately get everything?  Is this because you do not have a Bluetooth connection in the GTN?  (FS210/510).

Once again the Garmin Network Design Team has shown it's shortsightedness.  My beef is that I can't crossfill from the GTN to a GNC.  But in your case, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to connect to the G3X and get ALL the info.  I'm sure it is all being pushed out by your various devices, they just we're smart enough to make sure all the devices were able to use it.

(Not a coder and just venting.   I have asked a few friends that are and they all scratch their head and point to lack of oversight and continuity.)

 

[PT20J]

I didn't purchase a Flight Stream card for the GTN because the only thing that I would gain is the WiFi connection for Database Concierge and the ability to transfer flight plans containing procedures. The Flight Stream card is a bit of a mystery. It would seem a challenge physically to build Bluetooth and WiFi including the antennas into the card. My installer claims it's just an SD card with a hidden file for unlocking the capability in the GTN. I don't know, but if I had one I would not reformat it.

Skip

 

[INA201]

Hi @PT20J good information!  This answers some questions for the setup I am working on.  I’ll have basically the same set up as you do. Great panel!  I have the 35R audio panel for the GTN750 that is not Bluetooth. My question is there a way to get Bluetooth music into this system? How is music and possibly a phone connection established? Thanks 

[LANCECASPER]

20 hours ago, INA201 said:

Hi @PT20J good information!  This answers some questions for the setup I am working on.  I’ll have basically the same set up as you do. Great panel!  I have the 35R audio panel for the GTN750 that is not Bluetooth. My question is there a way to get Bluetooth music into this system? How is music and possibly a phone connection established? Thanks 

Do you have a music input jack on the instrument panel? If so it’s easy to plug in a Bluetooth dongle and get music in that way for under $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Golvery-Bluetooth-Receiver-Advanced-A2DP/dp/B01MXF6HFS/ref=sr_1_46?crid=38QI0OIU4J1JO&keywords=bluetooth+input+for+car&qid=1638573720&sprefix=Bluetooth+input%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-46

[kortopates]

Or if you got the Bluetooth option on the Garmin audio panel you're set.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PT20J]

1 hour ago, INA201 said:

Hi @PT20J good information!  This answers some questions for the setup I am working on.  I’ll have basically the same set up as you do. Great panel!  I have the 35R audio panel for the GTN750 that is not Bluetooth. My question is there a way to get Bluetooth music into this system? How is music and possibly a phone connection established? Thanks 

I don't really know much about the GMA 35 since I never really considered it for my installation because I wasn't installing a GTN 750. 

[PeteMc]

18 hours ago, PT20J said:

My installer claims it's just an SD card with a hidden file for unlocking the capability in the GTN.

Ha!  That sure would be nice cuz it might mean they eventually just unlock the WiFi.  But in this case your installer would be incorrect.

WiFi SD cards have been around for a while.  Used big time in photography so you can be uploading pics to a nearby computer to have a BU and cutting down on the transfer time (if you consider the time starts from just before you pull the card from the camera.)  But obviously multiple other uses, including Garmin figuring out they could use it for their design oversight. <g>

[kortopates]

3 hours ago, PeteMc said:

Ha!  That sure would be nice cuz it might mean they eventually just unlock the WiFi.  But in this case your installer would be incorrect.

WiFi SD cards have been around for a while.  Used big time in photography so you can be uploading pics to a nearby computer to have a BU and cutting down on the transfer time (if you consider the time starts from just before you pull the card from the camera.)  But obviously multiple other uses, including Garmin figuring out they could use it for their design oversight. <g>

I am pretty sure its a real Wifi SD card exactly as you suggest. Garmin had a lot of problems with the earlier FS-510 needing to return 1 to 2 our of 3 before they had the issues resolved. Hard to imagine a hidden file would cause that kind of grief.

Incidentally, reformating the Garmin WiFi SD card is common Garmin directed task when their are file issues on the card. Done it several times successfully, years ago.

[LANCECASPER]

19 hours ago, kortopates said:

Or if you got the Bluetooth option on the Garmin audio panel you're set.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If they only offered it on a G1000

[kortopates]

7 minutes ago, LANCECASPER said:

If they only offered it on a G1000

I turned down the BT option for an extra couple hundred and then sorta regretted it after. But I really like your solution will proably get one of those.

[INA201]

23 hours ago, LANCECASPER said:

Do you have a music input jack on the instrument panel? If so it’s easy to plug in a Bluetooth dongle and get music in that way for under $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Golvery-Bluetooth-Receiver-Advanced-A2DP/dp/B01MXF6HFS/ref=sr_1_46?crid=38QI0OIU4J1JO&keywords=bluetooth+input+for+car&qid=1638573720&sprefix=Bluetooth+input%2Caps%2C225&sr=8-46

Yes I have the jack and that will probably be the best option too! 

[INA201]

3 hours ago, kortopates said:

I turned down the BT option for an extra couple hundred and then sorta regretted it after. But I really like your solution will proably get one of those.

I did the same thing five years ago! I wish we had Bluetooth now. 

[PT20J]

10 hours ago, kortopates said:

I am pretty sure its a real Wifi SD card exactly as you suggest. Garmin had a lot of problems with the earlier FS-510 needing to return 1 to 2 our of 3 before they had the issues resolved. Hard to imagine a hidden file would cause that kind of grief.

Incidentally, reformating the Garmin WiFi SD card is common Garmin directed task when their are file issues on the card. Done it several times successfully, years ago.

I think you are most likely right. I'm just jaded because I well remember when many, many years ago I ordered a $2000 optional feature for a HP minicomputer which the company had previously purchased, and I watched with amazement as the HP technician "installed" it by simply removing a PC board and cutting out the jumper that disabled it.

According to Garmin marketing info, the FS 510 card contains WiFi and Bluetooth and is patented. They don't reference the patent number and Garmin has so many patents that I couldn't find it in a quick search. Perhaps they patented putting two transceivers in the same card. I don't know. Bluetooth is good enough for most of the Connext functions, but WiFi is much faster so I think they wanted that for database downloads to speed things up.

Skip

[PeteMc]

2 hours ago, PT20J said:

According to Garmin marketing info, the FS 510 card contains WiFi and Bluetooth and is patented.

Does it say they hold the patent?  Would be kind of surprised if they reinvented the wheel for a Bluetooth SD card. 

I actually thought it was a collaboration by  SanDisk, Panasonic/Matsushita and Toshiba.

 

[PT20J]

12 minutes ago, PeteMc said:

Does it say they hold the patent?  Would be kind of surprised if they reinvented the wheel for a Bluetooth SD card. 

I actually thought it was a collaboration by  SanDisk, Panasonic/Matsushita and Toshiba.

 

Doesn’t say who holds the patent, so maybe Garmin licenses it. 

https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/155337

[PeytonM]

The G3X Manual discusses transfer of flight plans from Garmin Pilot on the iPad to the G3X via Connext on the G3X, but does not mention ForeFlight. Maybe folks who have a G3X and G3X running ForeFlight can answer these. I am assuming no FlightStream installation.

1. Will ForeFlight work?
2. is communication bidirectional e.g. if you make changes in the FP on the G3X, do those changes get pushed to your iPad?
3. Similarly, if you make changes in the FP on the GTN, do those changes make it to the iPad?
4. Does the flight plan get transferred onto the GTN?

[PT20J]

42 minutes ago, PeytonM said:

The G3X Manual discusses transfer of flight plans from Garmin Pilot on the iPad to the G3X via Connext on the G3X, but does not mention ForeFlight. Maybe folks who have a G3X and G3X running ForeFlight can answer these. I am assuming no FlightStream installation.

1. Will ForeFlight work?
2. is communication bidirectional e.g. if you make changes in the FP on the G3X, do those changes get pushed to your iPad?
3. Similarly, if you make changes in the FP on the GTN, do those changes make it to the iPad?
4. Does the flight plan get transferred onto the GTN?

Yes to all four. . ForeFlight flight plans work just as described for Garmin Pilot in the G3X Pilot’s Guide. 

[Brent]

On 12/2/2021 at 7:47 PM, PT20J said:

OK, I finally figured out how this all works.

The G3X Bluetooth pairs with the iPad and will transfer flight plans (including airways, but not procedures) to and from the GTN. This connection also supplies AHRS to the iPad

The GTX 345 Bluetooth also pairs to the iPad and will send ADS-B In (traffic and weather) to the iPad via this connection. The GTX 345 Bluetooth screen is disabled and this connection is controlled via the Connext Setup screen on the GTN. This connection also sends AHRS to the iPad. However, the GTX internal AHRS is disabled and the AHRS data comes from G3X system (either the GSU 25D, or the G5 if the GSU is inop).

It all seems like a Rube Goldberg lash up, but it works.

Skip

Saw this post form last year looking for a solution to a problem I have today. I have a G3X, GTX 345, and GTN 750. I'm running ForeFlight on an iPad, and I was receiving ADS-B traffic on the iPad via Bluetooth (no Flightstream card) with no problem until one day it just quit showing up. While Ownship displays and Flight plans transfer from the panel to ForeFlight, I get no traffic and no Traffic option on the ForeFlight drop-down menu appears in the plane now. My co-pilot is not happy.

My iPad is paired with the G3X. I did mess around with the G3X Bluetooth and Connext menus today to no avail. I did not try anything on the GTN. 

I'll do some more homework and perhaps try Garmin and/or ForeFlight tech support. But if anyone has run into this, I'm happy to hear any tips. 

[PT20J]

1 hour ago, Brent said:

Saw this post form last year looking for a solution to a problem I have today. I have a G3X, GTX 345, and GTN 750. I'm running ForeFlight on an iPad, and I was receiving ADS-B traffic on the iPad via Bluetooth (no Flightstream card) with no problem until one day it just quit showing up. While Ownship displays and Flight plans transfer from the panel to ForeFlight, I get no traffic and no Traffic option on the ForeFlight drop-down menu appears in the plane now. My co-pilot is not happy.

My iPad is paired with the G3X. I did mess around with the G3X Bluetooth and Connext menus today to no avail. I did not try anything on the GTN. 

I'll do some more homework and perhaps try Garmin and/or ForeFlight tech support. But if anyone has run into this, I'm happy to hear any tips. 

It sounds like you lost the Bluetooth connection from the iPad to the GTX 345 which is where the ADS-B traffic and weather come from. You need to have the iPad paired and connected to both the G3X and GTX. You can verify Bluetooth connections on the Bluetooth screen in Settings on the iPad.

Skip

[Brent]

15 hours ago, PT20J said:

It sounds like you lost the Bluetooth connection from the iPad to the GTX 345 which is where the ADS-B traffic and weather come from. You need to have the iPad paired and connected to both the G3X and GTX. You can verify Bluetooth connections on the Bluetooth screen in Settings on the iPad.

Skip

Bingo. That fixed it. It was the interface via the GTN 750 that threw me. 

- iPad paired to the G3X via the G3X Bluetooth/Connext interface.

- iPad paired to the GTX 345 via the GTN 750 Connext interface.

Everything (traffic, weather, AHRS, flight plan changes) is coming through to ForeFlight from the panel now. 

Feels like a win. Thanks for the help.  

[carusoam]

Skip has earned an award….today.

More help than Big G Customer Service!  

More knowledge too!

Big G is good…. Skip works overtime to know more!

Best regards,

-a-

[blaine beaven]

On 12/2/2021 at 10:11 PM, Ragsf15e said:

I’ve been wondering if those same connections would work with a gns430w or gnc355?  Can you pass flight plans to them through the g3x?

Also, skip, must you have a database subscription for the g3x to work properly?

To resurrect this thread, I have a friend with a G3X, GTN 650xi, and GNC 355. He does not have a FS510 card. He uses his iPad to send his flight plan to the 355 via Bluetooth, which then sends it to the 650. As far as I understand it, he does not send his flight plans to the G3X, just to the 355. So there seems to be multiple ways to do this.  
 

He does his database updates with SD cards; so far he isn’t regretting not having the FS510 card.