Garmin 696 vs GDU 370/375 output differences

dynonsupport

Dynon Technical Support
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Dynon recently had a customer trying to interface a Garmin GDU 375 to a Dynon EFIS to drive the HSI and autopilot. The assumption was that the GDU would have the same output as a Garmin 696 since they are based around the same software and hardware.

The GDU would not drive the HSI on the EFIS. This is because the GDU units do not output as much data over the serial ports as the Garmin 696/695 do. Because of this, no EFIS manufacturer will be able to do as much with the GDU units as they can with a 696.

If you are considering a Garmin GDU as a "panel mount 696," please be aware that in terms of interfacing with other equipment, the GDU units are significantly less functional and a 696 may be a better option for you.


696, 695, GDU 375, GDU 370 common outputs:

RMC - NMEA Recommended Minimum Data (Lat, Long, Date, Speed, Direction)
RMB - NMEA Recommended minimum navigation information (CDI, bearing, no course, no flight plan)
PGRMH - Garmin Proprietary Aviation Height and VNAV Data
PGRMZ - Garmin Proprietary Altitude


696, 695, additional outputs:

GGA - NMEA Global Positioning System Fix Data
GSA - NMEA Satellite status
GSV - NMEA Satellites in view
GLL - NMEA  Geographic position, Latitude and Longitude. Time
BOD - NMEA  Bearing - origin to destination waypoint
BWC - NMEA Bearing and distance to waypoint - great circle
VTG - NMEA Track made good and ground speed
XTE - NMEA Cross track error, measured
WPL - NMEA Waypoint Location
APB - NMEA Autopilot format B
PGRME - Garmin Proprietary Estimated Error Information
PGRMM - Garmin Proprietary Map Datum
 

pbennett

New Member
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Dec 7, 2009
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Also, Garmin Support told me it is not possible to load flight plan routes from a computer to the GDU375, whereas you can to the 695. I chose the 695.

Peter
 

tecnam2003

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Jun 12, 2005
Messages
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This may not be good news for us.
We were persuaded to go for the GDU 370 over the 69X as it offered additional features and functions. The aircraft has just been delivered from the factory with the D100/autopilot and the GDU 370 installed.

1. Can you please explain the Dynon features which are lost or not available with the GDU?

2. Is this just an oversight by Garmin and will it be corrected with a software update?

Kevin NZ
 

dynonsupport

Dynon Technical Support
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You will not get an HSI on the D100, which means you cannot use the GPS to fly the autopilot.

This is correctable by Garmin in software, but they did this on purpose, not as an "oversight."
 

tecnam2003

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Jun 12, 2005
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May I respectfully ask that this subject be copied or moved into the EFIS general section as I'm sure this is very relevant to all Dynon EFIS systems and not just Skyview..........It may also affect the EMS installations if the correct sentence is not being outputted for Fuel Flow Calculations where GPS data is required.

thanks
 

mmarien

Murray M.
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Thanks for the heads up on this one. I had a GDU370 planned for the empty spot in my panel. I'll stick with the GPS495 for now.

I guess one less sale of a GDU370 won't make much difference to Garmin, but their rating dropped a notch in my books.
 

tecnam2003

Member
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Jun 12, 2005
Messages
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After chasing our Garmin rep.........Good News from Garmin.............

they say quote:


The next software version for the GDU 37x will allow the installer to select between "Normal" and "Fast" NMEA output, similar to how it works in the 695/696. I would expect to see it within the next week or two.

unquote.

Kevin NZ
 

tecnam2003

Member
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Jun 12, 2005
Messages
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On September 2nd Garmin issued new software for the GDU370 (rev4 I think)........

Could Dynon advise if this resolves the problems earlier described please.

thanks
 

dynonsupport

Dynon Technical Support
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Mar 23, 2005
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13,226
We don't have normal access to a G3X unit so we'll just have to wait until the first report of someone trying it. If Garmin says it's now the same as the 696 then it should work.
 

juhee

I love flying!
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Jan 22, 2012
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I just discovered this post and I think I'm the Lone Ranger with the GDU/Dynon set up.  Have been playing with config settings since i bought it from dealer a year ago and now I think I know.  I am 99.9% sure that my only practical option is to get rid of the GDU, unless Garmin has updated the software to fix this void....they are up to v6.2, do you think a software upgrade is what is in order OR Can you suggest another sure fire Garmin Product or endorse the 696 as such before I leap. If so, then I hope the 696 works well with a D100 and AP74 setup so can hopefully just trade down and buy a Airgismo to mount it and cover up that big ole hole in the panel.  Also, I am not a avionics buff but would I buy the optional Garmin serial interface cable and splice it on to the existing D100 or AP74 wiring--both, not sure?  Not sure because I don't see a 696 installation manual on their web sight, I guess because its categorized has a portable....what to do if you please? Thanks! Doug  :-?
 

mmarien

Murray M.
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I believe the GPS696 works with Dynon as noted above. Appendix D of the 696 manual discusses the serial connection to a number of devices. If you get the power/data cable (sometime called bare wire cable) you can wire the serial out wire to the D100 and SL40/30 radio plus use aircraft power. You might want to investigate the 795 as it's the latest portable GPS from Garmin and the interface looks the same as the 696. Page 151 of the 696 Owner's manual and page 147 of the 795 Pilot's Guide.
 
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