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How do I update the software in my G3X Touch for Experimental Aircraft?

G3X Touch for Experimental Aircraft: Available Software


SD Card Info:

To update the operating software in the G3X Touch, please use a blank SD card with up to 8GB max and make sure that it is formatted FAT 32.

Garmin recommends using a separate SD card for database management.  Please don't leave an SD card with operating software in a display during normal operation.

Download Process:

Download the operating software from this website:

https://www8.garmin.com/support/collection.jsp?product=010-01057-00

The GDU 37X is for non-touch G3X displays, and the GDU 4XX  is for G3X Touch displays.

The software update can be accomplished with Windows PC or Mac computers:

To download with a PC computer, please select the Microsoft Windows Installer.  Download and run the file so the program can find the SD card and install the software.  Now safely eject the SD card.

To download with a Mac, please use the Other Operating Systems Installer link.  Download and open the file so you see a Garmin folder and instructions file.  Copy and paste or click and drag the Garmin folder into the empty SD card.  Now safely eject the SD card. 

Install to G3X Touch Process:

Turn on the G3X Touch system and insert the SD card into each display starting with the right most display.  For instance PFD2, MFD1, then PFD1 or MFD1 then PFD1.  Allow the update to complete before moving the SD card to the next display.  Once the PFD1 is updated, it will spread the update to the rest of the system over the CAN Bus, so make sure that devices like the GSA 28 autopilot servos and GAD 29 adapters are powered on.

The PFD1 GDU stores the updates for the other units on the Can Bus and will send the update as soon as the PFD1 sees the new unit.

Once the update is complete on all of the GDUs and the remote units in the G3X system are updated, turn off the system and remove the SD Card.


Tips:

 -If the G3X is having trouble spreading the updates to the remote units like the GSU 25 or one of the servos, then pull the breaker for everything on the CAN Bus so only the GDU PFD1 and that unit are on the CAN Bus.  This will clear up the CAN Bus so the software update can transfer easily.  Please note that this indicates that there is an issue with the CAN Bus.

-The software update process is outlined at the beginning of the G3X/G3X Touch Installation Manual, which can be downloaded here:  https://support.garmin.com/support/manuals/manuals.htm?partNo=010-00G3X-00


Additional Software:

Experimental aircraft owners can also take advantage of the additional software section to update navigators like the GTN and the GPS navigators.

Follow this link, then download the Service Bulletin for detailed instructions on how to download and install the operating software.



If you have any questions, please call the experimental support line at 866-854-8433 or send an email to G3Xpert@garmin.com



Changes Included in G3X Touch Software Version 9.21
EGT/CHT Normalized Mode
• When Normalized Mode is activated, the vertical scaling of each CHT/EGT bar is adjusted so the bars appear "level" when the temperature is equal to the original temperature at the time of activation. 
• Once normal operating temperatures are established, Normalized Mode can be used to help more easily visualize an unexpected temperature deviation of one or more cylinders.G3X 9.21

Added Minimized COM Radio Control Option
• Similar to the way NAV Radio Controls can be displayed in a smaller form factor on the data bar, COM radio controls can now be set to a minimized form to save space on the data bar.


Support Text Only EIS Gauges
• Most gauges can now optionally be configured to appear in the engine strip/bar as "text only”. This allows an installer to display considerably more engine/airframe EIS parameters on the EIS strip than was possible in the past.

Support Custom Volts/Amps Gauge Labels
• Both Voltage and Electrical Current gauges can now be labeled as desired by the installer. 

Support Custom Fuel Quantity Labels
• Installers can now create custom fuel gauge labels for any fuel inputs on the GEA 24.

G3X Touch 9.212

Support Advanced EIS Gauge Configuration
• The ability to support dynamic gauge range markings and alerts is supported through the use of engine/airframe logic signals, which are used to allow one engine/airframe parameter to affect the behavior of another, or even to affect itself.
• For example, an installer now has the ability to alert the pilot to a VFE exceedance while flaps are extended or modify Tach gauge markings based on other engine parameters (low oil temperature after engine start for example). This is a powerful tool that will allow owners/maintainers to tailor their systems to their needs.


Added Flexibility to Sound Configuration Menu
• It is now possible to modify the volume for individual audible alerts by touching the associated Volume button. The far left position of the volume slider sets the volume to AUTO. If set to AUTO the volume for that alert will be slaved to the MASTER ALERT VOLUME.

G3X Touch 9.213

Added Discrete Input Configuration to allow remote control of User Timer
• When this input is activated momentarily, the G3X Touch user time will start/stop. When the input is held active, the user timer will reset.

Added Baro Transition Reminder
• This feature serves as a reminder to the pilot to change the barometric pressure setting to standard when climbing through the barometric transition altitude, or to change the barometric pressure setting from standard to the local altimeter setting when descending through the barometric transition altitude.
• The Baro Transition Altitude is a user-configurable altitude value, which acts as a threshold value to trigger a visual alert to check the barometric setting. Upon climbing through this value, the barometric setting field will flash if the barometric setting is not set to Standard. When descending through this altitude threshold, the barometric setting field will flash if the barometric setting is still set to standard.

Added Event Marker
• This feature can be used for a pilot to quickly mark an event during a flight, to later reference while analyzing flight data logs on the ground. A dedicated external Discrete input is required for this feature.

New Track Log Display Setting
• A new setting, Track Log Display Time, controls the timeframe associated with the displayed track log. Selecting 'All' will display the entire saved track log. Selecting 'Current Day' will display the track log for all flights since 12AM on the current day. Selecting 'Current Flight' will display only a track log from the current flight.

New RS-232 Formats
• 3 new RS-232 formats are now available to be selected for any GDU4XX RS-232 port:

o Aviation Out- Primarily used to provide GPS data to ELT units. Can also be used to send data to a portable GPS unit (both GPS and flight plan information).

o Fuel Flow Out- Variant of the Shadin Format which can be used to provide data to a GTN, GNS, etc

o Fuel/Airdata Out- Variant of the Shadin Format which can be used to provide data to a GTN, GNS, etc


Allow Modification of the Behavior of External Warning/Caution Lamps, and Added Remote CAS Acknowledgement
• 3 new discrete input presets were added: 

o Master Annunciator Reset- Acknowledges all warning and caution CAS messages and extinguishes the associated external annunciation lamp.

o Master Caution Reset- Acknowledges all caution CAS messages and extinguishes the associated external annunciation lamp.

o Master Warning Reset- Acknowledges all warning CAS messages and extinguishes the associated external annunciation lamp.

• Two Annunciator Configuration items were added that modify the behavior of the External Caution and Warning lamps. These are located in the Settings tab of the Engine and Airframe Configuration page. 
• The Alert Flash setting determines whether un-acknowledged warning alerts (flashing red) will cause the Master Warning annunciator output to flash. Selecting Disabled will prevent the Master Warning annunciator from flashing.
• The Alert Persist item determines whether the Master Warning annunciator will remain illuminated after a warning alert (red) has been acknowledged. Selecting Disabled will cause the Master Warning annunciator to extinguish when there are no unacknowledged warning (flashing red) alerts. Note that setting Alert Persist to Disabled will effectively inhibit the operation of the Master Caution annunciator, as caution-level alerts do not flash.