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Updating the Software on the G3X Touch for Experimental Aircraft

G3X Touch avionics for Experimental Aircraft: Available Software

SD Card Requirements:

Using a blank SD card no larger than 8 GB which has been formatted by using the steps at the bottom of this article.
Note: Garmin recommends using a separate SD card for database management. Do not leave an SD card with operating software in a display during normal operation.

Download Process:

The GDU™ display 37X is for non-touch G3X displays. The GDU 4XX is for G3X Touch™ avionics.

- Windows PC Computer:

1. 1. Download the operating software from the G3X Touch (TM) for Experimental Aircraft Updates & Downloads page.
  2. Click the word Download next to the applicable Microsoft Windows Installer.
  3. Review the Terms and Conditions.
  4. Click the link I agree to the above terms and want to proceed to the download page written in blue at the bottom of the page.
  5. Press the Download button.
  6. Insert an SD card with sufficient disk space that meets the SD card requirements shown above into your card reader.
  7. Open the file titled "self-extracting.exe" that was downloaded in step 5 onto your computer and follow the instructions provided by the installer application. You will be prompted to specify the drive letter of the SD card you wish to use for the update.
  8. Once the SD card is updated, safely eject the SD card.

- Mac Computer:

1. 1. Download the operating software from the G3X Touch (TM) for Experimental Aircraft Updates & Downloads page.
  2. Click the word Download next to the applicable Other Operating Systems Installer link.
  3. Review the Terms and Conditions.
  4. Select the I agree to the above terms and want to proceed to the download page link written in blue at the bottom of the page.
  5. Press the Download button.
  6. Copy and paste or click and drag the Garmin folder from the file just opened into the empty SD card.
  7. Safely eject the SD card.

Updating the G3X Touch software on the Multi-function Display (MFD) and Primary Flight Displays (PFD):

Turn on the G3X Touch system and insert the SD card into each display starting with the rightmost display.
Allow the update to complete before moving the SD card to the next display.
Once the PFD1 is updated, the update will spread to the rest of the system over the Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus. Make sure that Line Replaceable Units (LRU)s such as 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 detects 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, pull the breaker for everything on the CAN Bus so only the GDU PFD1 and the remote unit are on the CAN Bus. This will clear the CAN Bus so the software update can transfer easily. This action indicates that there is an issue with the CAN Bus.
The software update process is outlined in the G3X/G3X Touch Installation Manual, section title: 'Software Loading Procedure'.

Additional Software:

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

Select the word Download next to the desired additional software listed on G3X Touch(TM) for Experimental Aircraft page.

Review the Terms and Conditions.

Click the I agree to the above terms and want to proceed to the download page link written in blue at the bottom of the page.

Click the View installation instructions and system requirements link for detailed instructions on how to download and install the additional operating software.

Scroll back up to the top of the webpage and click the blue Download button.

Follow the installation instructions to install the software.

For questions, please call the experimental support line at 1 - 866-854-8433 or send an email to G3Xpert@garmin.com

Changes Included in G3X Touch Software Version 9.50 to 9.51

Improved LRU software update procedure
General improvements to system operation
Includes GEA24(B) software version 4.10
Includes GI260 software version 3.00
Includes GTR20/200 software version 3.60
Includes GMA245 software version 3.20
Includes G5 software version 8.51
Includes GSU25/B/C/D software version 4.50
Includes GSU25/B boot block software version 2.30
Includes GSU25C/D boot block software version 2.10
Includes GMA245 audio software version 2.20
Includes GMA245 Bluetooth software version 2.00
Includes GMA245 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GEA24B boot block software version 2.00
Includes GEA24 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GHA 15 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GHA 15 software version 2.00
Includes G5 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GAD 27 -1X software version 2.00
Includes GAD 27 -1X boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD27 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GAD27 software version 2.80
Includes GAD29 software version 3.40
Includes GAD29 boot block software version 3.10
Includes GAD29C boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD29C software version 2.10
Includes GSU73 software version 3.80
Includes GSU73 IGRF database version 1.04 (Base Year 2020)
Includes GAD13 software version 2.10
Includes GAD13 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GDL39 software version 4.91
Includes GI260 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GMC507 software version 5.00
Includes GMC507 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GMU11 software version 2.20
Includes GMU11 boot block software version 2.10
Includes GPS20A software version 2.40
Includes GPS20A boot block software version 2.10
Includes GSA28 software version 5.70
Includes GSA28 boot block software version 2.20 or 2.10 (-2X Model)
Includes GTR20/200 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GDL5x software version 2.23
Includes Timezone database version 37.00

Changes Included in G3X Touch Software Version 9.41 to 9.50

Added support for GTR 205x and GTR 205 xR COM Radios over CAN
Improved Rotax 916iS support
Improved EIS and engine page layout
Improved 500 foot audio alert
Improved Traffic inset window
Improved GI 260 annunciation
General improvements to system operation
Includes update to GEA24(B) software version 4.10
Includes update to GI260 software version 3.00
Includes update to GTR20/200 software version 3.60
Includes GMA245 software version 3.20
Includes G5 software version 8.51
Includes GSU25/B/C/D software version 4.50
Includes GSU25/B boot block software version 2.30
Includes GSU25C/D boot block software version 2.10
Includes GMA245 audio software version 2.20
Includes GMA245 Bluetooth software version 2.00
Includes GMA245 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GEA24B boot block software version 2.00
Includes GEA24 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GHA 15 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GHA 15 software version 2.00
Includes G5 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GAD 27 -1X software version 2.00
Includes GAD 27 -1X boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD27 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GAD27 software version 2.80
Includes GAD29 software version 3.40
Includes GAD29 boot block software version 3.10
Includes GAD29C boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD29C software version 2.10
Includes GSU73 software version 3.80
Includes GSU73 IGRF database version 1.04 (Base Year 2020)
Includes GAD13 software version 2.10
Includes GAD13 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GDL39 software version 4.91
Includes GI260 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GMC507 software version 5.00
Includes GMC507 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GMU11 software version 2.20
Includes GMU11 boot block software version 2.10
Includes GPS20A software version 2.40
Includes GPS20A boot block software version 2.10
Includes GSA28 software version 5.70
Includes GSA28 boot block software version 2.20 or 2.10 (-2X Model)
Includes GTR20/200 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GDL5x software version 2.23
Includes Timezone database version 37.00

Changes Included in G3X Touch Software Version 9.41 to 9.50:

Support Traffic and Terrain Inhibit Discrete Input
- Two new discrete input presets are available, Terrain Alert Inhibit and Traffic Alert Inhibit. These are alternate means to inhibiting these alerts, the other being through the display.
- Along with these inputs, 3 new CAS Messages were added to the system:
  - TERR INHIBIT – Terrain Alerts Inhibited
  - TA INHIBIT – Traffic Alerts Inhibited
  - TRFC FAIL – Traffic device or traffic input failed
Configurable Flap Position Threshold for AOA
- In the initial dual curve AOA calibration implementation, when two AOA curves were calibrated (one for flaps up, one for flaps down), the system would switch between the two based on value that corresponded to roughly 50% of the flap position sensor range ( ~50% deployed).
- This change allows the installer to move that 50% value, and effectively control when the system switches from one curve to the other. A value of 30 would correspond to a switch at 30% flaps deployed, so it would switch curves sooner than before.
Allow Alternate Orientations for Charts
- Sectional charts can now be displayed in alternate orientations, previously limited to "North Up" only.
Added User Settings for Flight Log Recording Mode
- Flight log can be set to record normally (airborne or when engine is running), airborne time only, or disabled entirely.
Added User Preference for Vertical Engine Bar Width
- If the vertical engine bar is not being forced to use the wide width to accommodate the configured contents (e.g. multi-engine gauges) the "EIS Layout Size" option will give the user the option to select the size of the vertical engine bar on each display. Allowed options are Narrow, Wide, and Auto. Auto will use the wide layout if any text-only gauges are configured.
- This can be set to Auto or User selected in the Display Menu in Configuration Mode. If set to User selected, there is a pilot-side setting for this in the Display Setup menu in normal mode.
Added Discrete Functions to Toggle Audio Panel ICS Isolate Modes
- 2 new presets are available for discrete inputs, relating to ICS Isolation modes. These remotely toggle the active state of either pilot or crew isolate modes for GMA 245(R)(M) audio panels.
Added Configuration Setting to Enable/Disable Spoken CAS Alert Audio
- Spoken CAS Alert Audio can now be disabled in the Sound Menu in Configuration mode, using the Engine/Airframe Alert Mode Setting.
Vertical Power Improvements
- Vertical Power Amps and Volts are now configured through a dedicated Vertical Power tab, within the Engine & Airframe Menu.
- Trim and flap position, if configured and calibrated on the VPX, will be shown on the page as well. This allows the installer to configure gauge ranges for these, and ultimately make use of logic signals for VPX derived sensor inputs.
Expand Temperature and Pressure Preset Options
- CHT 5 & 6 now double as Temp 3 & 4, and can support all types of temperature sensors.
- EGT 5 & 6 now double as Temp 5 & 6, and can support thermocouples but not resistive sensors.
Modify Logic Signal Behavior
- With this change, any signal which is not configured to be set by any parameter will now automatically set itself. This removes the need to create a "fake gauge range" to achieve certain kinds of alerting behavior where the desire is to have a logic signal whose state is solely driven by airspeed or altitude. The net change for this improvement is that some alerting and gauge marking behaviors can be accomplished more simply.
Show Decoded VLOC Identifier on HSI
- When a VHF NAV CDI is selected, the NAV Frequency will be displayed within the HSI. When decoded VLOC identifier is present, it will switch to the identifier.
Traffic Conflict Alerts
- Audio alerts for traffic conflicts are now inhibited below 300AGL
Rotax 916iS Support
- The Rotax FADEC setting which can be applied to various engine sensor presets is now compatible with data provided from a 916iS

Several system LRU's will be updated with this software load, the software download page includes a detailed LRU software changes list. Cross-referencing the System Information page in configuration mode, please ensure each LRU is successfully updated to the appropriate software level upon completion of the software load.

Added configuration of CAS message audio alerts
Added ability for VFR/IFR chart orientation to follow map page setting
Added ability to display VFR/IFR chart inset on GDU 46x PFD
Added display of VLOC frequency or decoded NAVAID identifier to HSI
Added support for additional temperature and pressure sensors
Added support for custom range markings for Vertical Power EIS gauges
Added user setting for engine bar width on GDU 46x
Added support for GSU 25 zero-airspeed calibration procedure
Added support for RS-232 connection to GTR 205 / GNC 215
Added support for Rotax 916iS FADEC data
Added optional configuration of flap position threshold for AOA alerting
Added inhibit settings for AOA and radar height audio alerts to sound setup page
Added setup pages for terrain and traffic settings
Added ability to inhibit terrain or traffic alerts via discrete input
Added ability for EIS logic signals to set themselves when not set explicitly
Added user setting for flight log recording mode
Moved inhibit settings for AOA and radar height audio alerts to sound setup page
Moved fuel calculator configuration to separate config mode page
Improved GTX 33 configuration
Improved radar height audio annunciation
Improved Smart Glide annunciation in areas of changing elevation
Improved traffic audio alerting at low altitudes
Improved takeoff altitude audio alert
Improved Rotax SCU fuel pressure display
Improved lean assist configuration for aircraft using TIT
Improved organization of display configuration page
Improved GSU 25C/D static pressure calibration
Improved EIS gauge display and layout
Improved fuel-used recording when power is removed
Improved engine cycle count recording
Improved checklist file processing
Improved audio alert output
Improved data logging
General improvements to system operation
Includes update to G5 software version 8.51
Includes update to GEA24(B) software version 4.00
Includes update to GMA245 software version 3.20
Includes update to GSU25/B/C/D software version 4.50
Includes GSU25/B boot block software version 2.30
Includes GSU25C/D boot block software version 2.10
Includes GMA245 audio software version 2.20
Includes GMA245 Bluetooth software version 2.00
Includes GMA245 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GEA24B boot block software version 2.00
Includes GEA24 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GHA 15 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GHA 15 software version 2.00
Includes G5 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GAD 27 -1X software version 2.00
Includes GAD 27 -1X boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD27 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GAD27 software version 2.80
Includes GAD29 software version 3.40
Includes GAD29 boot block software version 3.10
Includes GAD29C boot block software version 2.00
Includes GAD29C software version 2.10
Includes GSU73 software version 3.80
Includes GSU73 IGRF database version 1.04 (Base Year 2020)
Includes GAD13 software version 2.10
Includes GAD13 boot block software version 2.00
Includes GDL39 software version 4.91
Includes GI260 software version 2.90
Includes GI260 boot block software version 2.20
Includes GMC507 software version 5.00
Includes GMC507 boot block software version 2.30
Includes GMU11 software version 2.20
Includes GMU11 boot block software version 2.10
Includes GPS20A software version 2.40
Includes GPS20A boot block software version 2.10
Includes GSA28 software version 5.70
Includes GSA28 boot block software version 2.20 or 2.10 (-2X Model)
Includes GTR20/200 software version 3.50
Includes GTR20/200 boot block software version 2.40
Includes GDL5x software version 2.23
Includes Timezone database version 37.00

Changes Included in G3X Touch Software Version 9.31

Dual AOA Calibration Curves

If equipped with a Flap position sensor, or Flaps Down Discrete input, the AOA gauge can now reference one of two available calibration curves, one for operations with flaps extended and one for operations with flaps retracted. This requires a similar in-flight calibration of the second curve to the original AOA calibration and can be found in the same AOA menu in normal mode.

AOA Alert Mode Option

This provides the ability to modify the AOA audible alerts and can be toggled in the Sound configuration menu.
When set to Stall Awareness, the system will audibly alert the pilot when the AOA indicator enters the caution range and will beep progressively faster as AOA is increased towards a stall. A constant tone indicates a stall. When set to Approach + Stall Awareness, the pilot is audibly alerted in the same manner, however, the alerts begin when at or above the approach target calibration point and increase progressively faster until a constant tone is reached at the point of stall. Added support for ESP engagement audible alerting
A spoken audible alert is issued when EP is activated for airspeed, pitch angle, or bank angle.

Expanded Audible Alerting

Warning-level alerts will include a spoken audible alert for the following parameters:
- RPM.
- Oil Temperature.
- Oil Pressure.
- Fuel Pressure.
- CHT/EGT.
- Voltage.
- Manifold Pressure.
- Torque.
- Fuel Quantity.
- TIT.
- Carburetor Temperature.
- Coolant Temperature.
- Carbon Monoxide.
- ADAHRS Miscompare (configurable off from the Sound configuration menu).
In addition to these, audible alerts for trim/flap position CAS messages are supported if the highest alert level is less than a warning.

Improved Traffic Alerting

To reduce nuisance audible alerts while on approach for landing, below 500AGL, the system will annunciate “Traffic” and state the relative bearing only. Relative altitude and distance are no longer included when below this altitude threshold.

Modify Logic Signal Airspeed and Altitude constraints

Airspeed constraints can now be specified in terms of Indicated Airspeed, True Airspeed or Mach number.
Altitude constraints can now be specified in terms of barometric altitude, pressure altitude, density altitude, or Height AGL.

Apply Logic Signal Control to Discrete Input Presets

The Canopy Closed, Door Closed, Speed Brake, Gear Down, and Flaps Down Discrete input presets can now be modified by or associated with a Logic Signal state. For example, if the Canopy closed discrete input preset is in use, the state of an associated logic signal can take the place of engine power and airborne state in the CAS logic for determining whether a caution or warning level CAS message is issued when that input is inactive.

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.

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.

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.

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:
- 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).
- Fuel Flow Out - Variant of the Shadin Format which can be used to provide data to a GTN, GNS, etc.
- 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:
- Master Annunciator Reset- Acknowledges all warning and caution CAS messages and extinguishes the associated external annunciation lamp.
- Master Caution Reset- Acknowledges all caution CAS messages and extinguishes the associated external annunciation lamp.
- 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.