Issue with Garmin G3X Software Update.

[Bill Tew]

I recently updated the software on my G3X which seemed to go smoothly. A few weeks later I made a flight to the busy side of the Wasatch Mountains (Salt Lake City) only to find that when bring up the traffic page a message in the upper left of the TRF screen said "Failed". More to my surprise - when engaging the autopilot the pitch servo turned into a possessed demon causing extreme up and down elevator excursions while demanding "Trim" - which did no good. Turning off the servos brought my EX-2 back under control.

I called both the Garmin technical rep and Mitch for help in solving these two issues. The Garmin rep assured me that updating software would not effect the G3X settings. Mitch was not so sure. However, when checking the Xponder and pitch servo settings in "Configuration Mode" it was immediately apparent that several settings for both the Xponder and the pitch servo were missing or corrupted. With the correct settings data re-entered, the TRF function and autopilot pitch servo operated normally. The failed TRF was just an annoyance but the extreme pitch servo excursions will really get your attention.

I can't be certain that the software update was the real culprit but the Xponder/TFR and pitch servo worked properly before the G3X software update. I plan to record all of my G3X settings before the next software update and check for missing or corrupted data afterwards.

Perhaps I can convince Mitch to post a PDF of the proper G3X settings in the CC Dropbox.

Bill
CC-1856 EX-2
KHCR

[Rick Bosshardt]

Thanks for the PIREP, Bill! Every owner upgrading the software on the G3X should be aware and looking for possible changes in behavior. I have another friend in Utah that had a similar situation.

Rick

[WetCub]

Thanks for the PIREP, Bill! Every owner upgrading the software on the G3X should be aware and looking for possible changes in behavior. I have another friend in Utah that had a similar situation.

Rick

I am trying to install a Garmin 175 gps to allow my fx3 to qualify for ifr. The installer tells me when they install the software it automatically reverts to Cub Crafters settings and they get failed messages. Of course Cub Crafters says call Garmin and Garmin says it is impossible, meanwhile I am without my plane. Has anybody installed a 175 and linked it with the G3x touch, or have any ideas?

[Jon Delamarter]

I am trying to install a Garmin 175 gps to allow my fx3 to qualify for ifr. The installer tells me when they install the software it automatically reverts to Cub Crafters settings and they get failed messages. Of course Cub Crafters says call Garmin and Garmin says it is impossible, meanwhile I am without my plane. Has anybody installed a 175 and linked it with the G3x touch, or have any ideas?

Lou,

Nicole and I discussed this at length yesterday. She was referred by me to Garmin when we determined that the issue was not likely a result of the way she had it wired or configured, i.e. it it most likely software related. Of course, the software is completely proprietary to Garmin. I spoke with Nicole again, just now, and she indicated that she's in contact with Mike Huff at Garmin. Mike acknowledged that this is a Garmin problem and said he'd have a solution to Nicole today.

Thanks,

[WetCub]

Lou,

Nicole and I discussed this at length yesterday. She was referred by me to Garmin when we determined that the issue was not likely a result of the way she had it wired or configured, i.e. it it most likely software related. Of course, the software is completely proprietary to Garmin. I spoke with Nicole again, just now, and she indicated that she's in contact with Mike Huff at Garmin. Mike acknowledged that this is a Garmin problem and said he'd have a solution to Nicole today.

Thanks,

I appreciate your help, but we have accomplished nothing in the last week. Mike Huff has given up and said he is referring it to his engineers in Washington. Garmin admits it is their problem and if this last group can’t figure it out we are giving it up and going back to VFR. I will be out a $3,000 installation fee and the loss of my airplane for a month. I really thought Garmin was better than that, but our G3x touch operators should know not to try and install an Garmin IFR GPS 175; it doesn’t work in our airplanes.

[Jon Delamarter]

I appreciate your help, but we have accomplished nothing in the last week. Mike Huff has given up and said he is referring it to his engineers in Washington. Garmin admits it is their problem and if this last group can’t figure it out we are giving it up and going back to VFR. I will be out a $3,000 installation fee and the loss of my airplane for a month. I really thought Garmin was better than that, but our G3x touch operators should know not to try and install an Garmin IFR GPS 175; it doesn’t work in our airplanes.

Lou,

If Garmin is not able to resolve this, I would ask them to pay your bill. Their website says very specifically that the units are compatible. If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to me directly. You have my number.


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