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IFD540 compatibility issues

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George P View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote George P Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: IFD540 compatibility issues
    Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 2:21pm
I am considering replacing my Garmin 530 with an IFD540 and have some concerns over compatibility.  I have had one shop (a Garmin oriented shop) caution me about present and future IFD540 compatibility issues with the devices I currently have (or might have) hooked up to the Garmin.  Currently connected are a GLD 69 (XM weather), a WX500 (spherics detection), a Sandel 3308 (HSI display), and a STec 55X (autopilot).

To be honest, if Garmin had chosen to replace the 530 with an updated version that would fit in the same box, I would go that route because I have be happy with the Garmin, but there is no way their new box will fit in my panel without MAJOR reorganization (and MAJOR install expense).  The IFD540 looks attractive but  am concerned about buying a continual compatibility headache.  I realize that if I were to install the IFD540, I would probably be committing myself to an Avidyne system ADS-B install to avoid problems, though the Garmin 345 looks very attractive with In-Out dual frequency ADS-B all in one box.

Any suggestions, experience, or wisdom anyone might have would be helpful.  Obviously, I am going to have to make a decision while my 530 still has residual value.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviSimpson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 2:57pm
Unfortunately, we have heard this before. The list of items that you have given are supported and listed in our installation manual for the IFD540. 

With Release 10.2, we add support the GTX345 for both ADS-B In & Out. 

Of course, we would be interested to know what shop had given you that information. If you want, you can privately message me that.
Simpson Bennett
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tony View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tony Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 3:19pm
Get away from Big G.  Go for the 540, You won't be disappointed. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote LANCE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 3:51pm
Get away from the darkness, step into the light . . lol
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bellanca1730a Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 6:26pm
I installed a GDL-69A at the same time I installed my 540s. I went with the GDL because it was listed as compatible with the 540. After the installation, I learned that my new 69A was not entirely compatible due to an update G made to the 69A. To be clear, it displays weather data and plays music fine, but I have no menu interface for the music channels. I know my favorite station numbers and can enter them directly, but have no way to search for a station or display what is actually playing. I am hoping 10.2 will address this, too. Simpson? Any light you can shed here?
Sean Andrews
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote George P Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Feb 2017 at 9:07pm
Thanks.  Mine is a straight GLD 69 without the music capability.  

George
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote chflyer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2017 at 4:39am
Do you have a 530 or 530W? Only one nav/com or two?

I had a G430W connected to a SN3308 as well as a KX155, WX500, and G330 xpdr (not 330ES). The SN3308 will not fully support WAAS (i.e. even the G530W) without a $2k software level upgrade which is more than the box is worth. It essentially has no residual value on the market today (if you want a spare, let me know). I dumped the KX155 (doesn't have 8.33kHz) and added an IFD540 which became nav1 and the G430W moved to nav2. At the same time I replaced the SN3308 with a used SN3500. When the IFD440 became available, I replaced the G430W with it. I did replace the G330 with an Avidyne AXP340 as an ADS-B OUT solution because it would have cost nearly as much to upgrade the G330 to a G330ES and in any case the G330ES is not supported by Avidyne (apparently Garmin won't share the protocol). I don't have any ADS-B IN at the moment, and will probably get a portable solution rather spend the $$$ for a certified in-panel option. A portable ADS-B IN is <$500.

I have an STEC 30 a/p with GPSS. It only has altitude hold, not vertical tracking or VSR control.

I have had no interconnectivity issues at all. None. The IFD540 works perfectly with the SN3500, WX500, and STEC 30 w GPSS. I love the IFD540 and am extremely pleased with my decision.

The IFD's have more user setup flexibility than the G530, so you would have a couple decisions to make about whether you want the IFD540 to behave exactly like the G530 or not. As just one example, the IFD540 can be user set up to automatically sequence to missed approach segment at the MAP or require manual sequencing. As I recall, the 530 only supports manual sequencing.
Vince
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote oskrypuch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2017 at 9:47am
IIRC, (now) once 10.2 is released, then the GPS source info will be available to the 330ES . The paper work would remain still pending, but is not required until 2020. But coming from a GTX330 "plain", makes a lot more sense to swap to a AXP340.

* Orest

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote squeege Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2017 at 11:54am
I have paired (2) IFD 540s with a Garmin G500, JPI 930, PSE 7000 series, and S-Tec 30. The ADS-B solution I opted for is the Garmin 345 which pairs with the G500. So far no compatibility issues; I will keep you informed if any develop.

Louise


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote George P Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Feb 2017 at 10:34pm
I have had no compatibility issues with the SN3308 and the 530W.  It required some rewiring when I upgraded to the 530W from the 530, but has otherwise been fully compatible.  Since the 3308 works flawlessly, I would prefer not to have to replace it even though it is not current generation technology, and is not worth much on the used market.

George
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bellanca1730a Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Feb 2017 at 6:36am
Originally posted by bellanca1730a bellanca1730a wrote:

I installed a GDL-69A at the same time I installed my 540s. I went with the GDL because it was listed as compatible with the 540. After the installation, I learned that my new 69A was not entirely compatible due to an update G made to the 69A. To be clear, it displays weather data and plays music fine, but I have no menu interface for the music channels. I know my favorite station numbers and can enter them directly, but have no way to search for a station or display what is actually playing. I am hoping 10.2 will address this, too. Simpson? Any light you can shed here?


Bump. Simpson?
Sean Andrews
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviSimpson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 3:48pm
Originally posted by bellanca1730a bellanca1730a wrote:

Originally posted by bellanca1730a bellanca1730a wrote:

I installed a GDL-69A at the same time I installed my 540s. I went with the GDL because it was listed as compatible with the 540. After the installation, I learned that my new 69A was not entirely compatible due to an update G made to the 69A. To be clear, it displays weather data and plays music fine, but I have no menu interface for the music channels. I know my favorite station numbers and can enter them directly, but have no way to search for a station or display what is actually playing. I am hoping 10.2 will address this, too. Simpson? Any light you can shed here?


Bump. Simpson?
We are aware of the issue that affects certain software level of the GDL69A. We are looking into the issue currently, there is no fix for it in 10.2.
Simpson Bennett
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bellanca1730a Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 4:14pm
Originally posted by AviSimpson AviSimpson wrote:

Originally posted by bellanca1730a bellanca1730a wrote:

Originally posted by bellanca1730a bellanca1730a wrote:

I installed a GDL-69A at the same time I installed my 540s. I went with the GDL because it was listed as compatible with the 540. After the installation, I learned that my new 69A was not entirely compatible due to an update G made to the 69A. To be clear, it displays weather data and plays music fine, but I have no menu interface for the music channels. I know my favorite station numbers and can enter them directly, but have no way to search for a station or display what is actually playing. I am hoping 10.2 will address this, too. Simpson? Any light you can shed here?


Bump. Simpson?
We are aware of the issue that affects certain software level of the GDL69A. We are looking into the issue currently, there is no fix for it in 10.2.


Thank you, Simpson. I have every confidence the team will eventually get it figured out.
Sean Andrews
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JoeIBM Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2022 at 11:36am
Out of curiosity - I'm having a similar problem.  Have a 69A, and new 540 running 10.2.something and as of installation in November - the channels won't come up on screen (can't see what channels in a list), and when I select channels manually, only some channels work.  For example channels 8, 16 and 17 work, but 25 doesn't.  39 does.

Is there a fix for the older 69A firmware incompatibilities in IFD 10.3.0.2?  I'm pondering either updating the IFD to 10.3, maybe updating the 69A firmware, or just dumping the 69A because I have a GDL88 plus a Stratux giving me ADS-B info anyway...
C310R at KJYO
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AviSteve Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Sep 2022 at 3:12pm
Originally posted by JoeIBM JoeIBM wrote:

Out of curiosity - I'm having a similar problem.  Have a 69A, and new 540 running 10.2.something and as of installation in November - the channels won't come up on screen (can't see what channels in a list), and when I select channels manually, only some channels work.  For example channels 8, 16 and 17 work, but 25 doesn't.  39 does.

Is there a fix for the older 69A firmware incompatibilities in IFD 10.3.0.2?  I'm pondering either updating the IFD to 10.3, maybe updating the 69A firmware, or just dumping the 69A because I have a GDL88 plus a Stratux giving me ADS-B info anyway...
Fixes for GDL69A XM were included in 10.2.3.1.
Steve Lindsley
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Toadpilot Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 10:44am
I have a GDL-69A installed for XM weather and a GTX-345 for ADSB FIS-B weather. I do not carry a XM weather subscription full time, so my primary weather source for the IFDs is FIS-B weather. What I learned when I replaced my GNS-530 and 430 with an IFD550 and 440 was that the IFD menu does not allow you to select either FIS-B weather or XM weather source. The hierarchy for the IFD I learned is if it is detects the GDL-69A connected to the IFDs, then the GTX-345 ADSB FIS-B source is disabled. For me to display FIS-B weather products, I have to pull the circuit breaker on my GDL-69A to allow the FIS-B products to display. Not a big deal, but it was easier to select between the two weather sources on the 530/430 than it is on the 550/440. This is all practical use work arounds I learned/used after my IFD installation. Not a big issue, but something to expect if you have the same scenario for your configuration. If I am missing something or others have a better work around, please let me know.
Jeff Hullinger
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IFD550/IFD440/EX500/AMX240/
RDR2100/GMX345/GDL69A/
SKY497/STEC60-2/G5 AI/G5 HSI
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote doog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Sep 2022 at 12:48pm
I've got the GTX-345 and an IFD550/IFD540 combo.  works great. 

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