Garmin upgrade

[Oscar Avalle]

I received today by emal a SB from Garmin indicating that Garmin had released a software upgrade for the Garmin 400W and 500W. It is mandatory for rotorcrafts but not for us. I could not find out what the upgrade was about. Somebody out there knows something about this?

Oscar

[rbridges]

I'd like to know, also.

[Oscar Avalle]

I got this answer in another forum:

A Garmin guy chimed in at another forum, and when he did so, here is what he had to say:

Quote:

Originally Posted by GarminGuyAtAnotherForum

The main issues addressed with this S/W is the DO certification for an approved GPS source for ADS-B. the ADS-B interface for our GDL 88 and the interface capabilities with the GTN, as well as TSO approval for the HTAWS rotorcraft version of unit. He also said that the updated firmware made the VoiceFlight system (the one that enters a flight plan from voice prompts) no longer work, and that that was NOT a "bug."

[Cruiser]

imagine that

[rbridges]

thanks, Oscar.

[Oscar Avalle]

ASPEN just send out an email advicing customers not to upgrade to 5.0.

"To Aspen Customers:

Aspen Avionics has determined that the GNS 400W / 500W Series Unit Software Version 5.0, released on October 16, 2012, causes flight plan cross-fill issues with Aspen's Connected Panel systems. The GNS 400W / 500W cross-fill interface is based on a Garmin-proprietary language, and while Aspen has successfully interpreted the GNS-to-GNS data in previous Garmin software versions, we are at present unable to reach an agreement with Garmin to provide a functional interface with this latest version 5.0 release.

Aspen recommends that our dealers and customers who have already installed, or are planning to install, Connected Panel systems in their aircraft refrain from updating their GNS 400W / 500W systems until a functional flight plan cross-fill capability for Garmin's version 5.0 platform has been developed. It's also important for our dealers and customers to understand that once a GNS 400W / 500W unit has been upgraded to the version 5.0 software it cannot be restored with pre-5.0 software.

In addition, Aspen has been unable to obtain integration specifications that enable the EFD1000/500 products to display ADS-B data from the Garmin GDL-88 receiver. If you are considering ADS-B functionality, we advise you to wait to purchase products that are based on open, easy-to-integrate architecture. You are encouraged to contact Garmin to request that open integration specifications be provided to Aspen and other manufacturers to ensure broad industry compatibility.

You can be assured that your Evolution Flight Displays will be easily upgradable to display ADS-B data from compatible, affordable receivers that will be brought to market in the coming months, well before the mandate.

As an Aspen customer, you understand that the power of the Evolution Flight Display Systems and the Connected Panel product lines reside within their compatibility with a wide range of old and new avionics products. This interoperability among all avionics manufacturers reduces aircraft owners' overall equipment and installation costs, while guaranteeing the investments made in aircraft panels. Aspen will continue to foster an open integration philosophy within the avionics industry and urges all manufacturers to follow such an approach for the common good of general aviation."

[Marauder]

ASPEN just send out an email advicing customers not to upgrade to 5.0.

"To Aspen Customers:

Aspen Avionics has determined that the GNS 400W / 500W Series Unit Software Version 5.0, released on October 16, 2012, causes flight plan cross-fill issues with Aspen's Connected Panel systems. The GNS 400W / 500W cross-fill interface is based on a Garmin-proprietary language, and while Aspen has successfully interpreted the GNS-to-GNS data in previous Garmin software versions, we are at present unable to reach an agreement with Garmin to provide a functional interface with this latest version 5.0 release.

Aspen recommends that our dealers and customers who have already installed, or are planning to install, Connected Panel systems in their aircraft refrain from updating their GNS 400W / 500W systems until a functional flight plan cross-fill capability for Garmin's version 5.0 platform has been developed. It's also important for our dealers and customers to understand that once a GNS 400W / 500W unit has been upgraded to the version 5.0 software it cannot be restored with pre-5.0 software.

In addition, Aspen has been unable to obtain integration specifications that enable the EFD1000/500 products to display ADS-B data from the Garmin GDL-88 receiver. If you are considering ADS-B functionality, we advise you to wait to purchase products that are based on open, easy-to-integrate architecture. You are encouraged to contact Garmin to request that open integration specifications be provided to Aspen and other manufacturers to ensure broad industry compatibility.

You can be assured that your Evolution Flight Displays will be easily upgradable to display ADS-B data from compatible, affordable receivers that will be brought to market in the coming months, well before the mandate.

As an Aspen customer, you understand that the power of the Evolution Flight Display Systems and the Connected Panel product lines reside within their compatibility with a wide range of old and new avionics products. This interoperability among all avionics manufacturers reduces aircraft owners' overall equipment and installation costs, while guaranteeing the investments made in aircraft panels. Aspen will continue to foster an open integration philosophy within the avionics industry and urges all manufacturers to follow such an approach for the common good of general aviation."

I received this as well (even though my Aspen is still being installed!). It doesn't sound like Garmin is willing to play nice. Aspen probably has done a good job of taking a bite out of Garmin's 500/600 PFD/MFD product sales. I hope this is not a sign of the future. Having an open architecture gives us more flexibility as consumers in what we can install and certainly helps us keep the prices competitive. I would have loved to stay an all Garmin stack and installed a 600, but considering the price difference and what you get for your money, the Aspen was a no brainer for me. I just hope they continue to make the right decisions and grow! I don't need another Narco in my panel.

The good news is it sounds like they are starting to working with others that are playing nice in the sandbox.