Serial port configuration for Garmin aera

[lalnaes]

I have a Garmin aera 500 connected to Skyview via an NMEA interface. The Garmin transmits at 4800 baud and if the port is configured as a generic NMEA interface the correct speed can be set. However, if the port is set up by selecting GARMIN AERA from the list, the speed defaults to 9600 baud and cannot be changed. The result is that navigation data from the Garmin does not show up on the Skyview PDF screen. This appears to be an error in the preset configuration and should be changed in the next release.

 

[dynonsupport]

When the aera is set to 4800 baud, it is not transmitting enough information for us to use for all functions.

You need to change your aera to "Aviation In/NMEA & VHF Out" and also go into Advanced NMEA Output Setup and make sure it's set to Normal, not fast.

 

[lalnaes]

OK, thanks a lot for quick reply and clarification. I will make the interface setup change on the Garmin as you suggest.

The Skyview has been working fine connected to the Garmin aera via the NMEA interface. Just out of curiosity, what functionality will the "Aviation In/NMEA & VHF Out" interface add?

 

[dynonsupport]

Without the aera set to normal, you can't use the HSI and the autopilot, and at 4800 baud, it can only update every few seconds instead of once a second.

 

[mmarien]

Just out of curiosity, what functionality will the "Aviation In/NMEA & VHF Out" interface add

On my Garmin handheld (GPS495) I have "TIS In/NMEA & VHF Out". I get traffic (TIS In) from my ZAON displayed on the Garmin. The ZAON TX is split between the Skyview RX and Garmin RX so I get traffic on both. I'm not sure what "Aviation In" does for the Garmin GPS handheld. I don't have anything that outputs "Aviation".

The Garmin TX is split between the Skyview RX and my iCOM A210 radio RX (Garmin SL30/40 also work). Navigation (NMEA) is sent to the Skyview and radio frequencies (VHF Out) are sent to the radio. On the iCOM A210, if I select RCL then rotate the large dial to get GPS, I can scroll through the frequencies of the nearest airport or the DTO airport. They show up as TWR 118.3, GND 121.9, etc. The airport call letters are also displayed so I know which airport frequencies are displayed. Pressing RCL places the selected frequency in the radio STBY channel.

So basically the entire frequency database in the Garmin handheld can be used on the radio.

I believe Skyview will have this feature when Dynon releases their radio although I don't know if it will work with other radios.

I also believe you can select any frequency on the Garmin handheld GPS and press Enter to send it directly to the SL30/40 STBY channel. This doesn't work with the iCOM A210.  :-/

 

[dynonsupport]

Yes, SkyView will basically support the Garmin radio outputs at the same time that it's able to send frequencies to our own radio (still no news there, sorry). Ie, a SkyView will be able to send frequencies to the SL40/SL30 and other compatible radios like a Garmin portable can.