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MarkM
01-01-2012, 02:58 PM
I have the following devices I need to connect to the 4500 through the serial ports:
- GTN 650 (GPS/Nav/Com)
- SL-30 (Nav/Com)
- VP-X (electronic circuit breaker)
- ARINC 429 module
- GTX 330 (transponder)

Since there are only four serial ports, I need to choose which one doesn't get connected.

- The GTX330 is already connected to the GTN650 and Dynon D-6 (Backup EFIS). I would think that would be the one I don't connect.
- Or, since I'm already connecting to the GTN650 with the ARINC 429 module, should I sacrifice that connection?

I welcome your suggestions.

rleffler
01-01-2012, 04:02 PM
I have the following devices I need to connect to the 4500 through the serial ports:
- GTN 650 (GPS/Nav/Com)
- SL-30 (Nav/Com)
- VP-X (electronic circuit breaker)
- ARINC 429 module
- GTX 330 (transponder)

Since there are only four serial ports, I need to choose which one doesn't get connected.

- The GTX330 is already connected to the GTN650 and Dynon D-6 (Backup EFIS). I would think that would be the one I don't connect.
- Or, since I'm already connecting to the GTN650 with the ARINC 429 module, should I sacrifice that connection?

I welcome your suggestions.


You didn't mention how many screens you have in your panel. The good news that you can share serial ports across the buss, so you aren't limited to four ports if you have more than one screen.

If you only have one screen, you don't have a choice with the VP-X, 429, and transponder. The first two won't work with a connection to the EFIS. The transponder needs the encoder output from the EFIS or a dedicated encoder. Fortunately, most of the functionality of the 650 can be used through the 429. But I would still hook up the 650 over the SL-30. I don't recall off the top of my head, what features of the 650 are 429 based versus 232 based. A good read of the install manual will help you answer that question.

MarkM
01-02-2012, 07:55 AM
Just one screen. I'm building an RV-8 so there is no room for a second screen.


In the data output section for the ARINC 429 in the GTN 650 manual, it lists the labels for ARINC 429, but it also lists six GAMA formats. These GAMA formats have all the capabilities of the RS-232 port, plus many others. If I can set the output on the ARINC 429 module to one of these GAMA formats, my problems would be solved.

Is it possible to change the output format on the ARINC 429 module?

Revisiting the ARINC 429 schematic, it shows an ARINC 429 connection and an RS-232 connection. :( I suppose my back-up plan is to add a separate altitude encoder.

Thanks,

Rob Hickman
01-02-2012, 04:11 PM
The good news is that we are making a software change to enable the EFIS serial port to receive aviation and transmit ICARUS altitude data.

EFIS Serial Ports:

#1 RXD Aviation <- GTN650
TXD ICARUS -> GTN650 + GTX330

#2 VP-X

#3 SL30

#4 ARINC Module

Then connect your 330 to the 650 and use it to display traffic.

MarkM
01-03-2012, 08:41 PM
That's great.

Deene
02-06-2012, 01:25 PM
The good news is that we are making a software change to enable the EFIS serial port to receive aviation and transmit ICARUS altitude data.

EFIS Serial Ports:

#1 RXD Aviation <- GTN650
TXD ICARUS -> GTN650 + GTX330

#2 VP-X

#3 SL30

#4 ARINC Module

Then connect your 330 to the 650 and use it to display traffic.

I'm wiring McCurdy's panel now and need the extra port for a 496 as GPS2. What release will this change be in?

Thanks, Deene Ogden

Rob Hickman
02-06-2012, 06:45 PM
It is already in the AF-5000 software.

MarkM
11-30-2017, 07:29 PM
In the AFS Install manual, it says I can use the EFIS can act as an altitude encoder on Serial
Port 2.

I wired my Serial Ports per your suggestion.

I will soon be putting the forward top skin and I want to make sure the wiring is as
complete as possible before I do it. Will the 4500 provide encoder data on Serial
port 1 as wired, provided the settings are correct?

Thanks,

Mark Merrell

Shawn McGinnis
12-01-2017, 10:03 AM
Any serial port can send altitude encoding with configured for **/ICARUS or other altitude formats are possible as well.

MarkM
12-01-2017, 04:44 PM
Awesome, thanks!

MarkM
05-26-2018, 06:53 PM
I finally made my first flight three weeks ago. For the first five flights, my transponder displayed the correct pressure altitude. During the last four flights, the transponder showed an up or down arrow if I was climbing or descending, but the altitude only shows the initial field elevation, i.e. FL009. Serial port 1 is set to AVTN/ICARUS.Is there a way to see the output on the serial port to see what the 4500 is sending to the GTX?

rleffler
05-29-2018, 06:47 AM
I finally made my first flight three weeks ago. For the first five flights, my transponder displayed the correct pressure altitude. During the last four flights, the transponder showed an up or down arrow if I was climbing or descending, but the altitude only shows the initial field elevation, i.e. FL009. Serial port 1 is set to AVTN/ICARUS.Is there a way to see the output on the serial port to see what the 4500 is sending to the GTX?

The easiest method is to set your EFIS to 29.92, then your altitude would be the same as the data sent to the transponder.

KENTON
05-22-2019, 03:33 AM
Fortunately we are making a product change to empower the EFIS sequential port to get flight and transmit ICARUS height information.