Garmin G3X - VPX Integration

[cderk]

There is an RS232 connection between the VPX and G3X system that provides stuff like flap position to the G3X.

Seems like there is a TON of other information that ISN’T being shared that would be really nice.

For instance - I’d love to see CAS messages on my screen if I leave my fuel pump on or for my Pitot heat… just as a reminder. There is also a ton of other information now that they have the PPS system integrated. I have a main battery and then an IBBS for my avionics and one for my ignition. It would be great to show the voltages of all 3 batteries. Yes, I could use an input somewhere and wire it in… but WHY? The data is already there over the serial port.

Maybe Garmin and Vertical Power could work together to make this happen. Seems like there are a ton of folks using the VPX. It would be a very welcomed addition.

Charlie

 

[dmattmul]

Starter annunciator Vertical Power Circuit

VP uses a feature that they call Starter Annunciator which seems ok but possibly not really useful. We all have heard stories of the GA pilot who shuts off his engine only to find the starter still engaged and I guess this was meant to inform the pilot the starter still had power?? This might be more folklore than fact. For those VP users that have installed this feature is it beneficial? Manual says it "reports" to the EFIS? Where is this done on the Garmin G3X? (My current VPX panel builder would not/did not install so not familiar with the operation practicality)

This was referenced in a previous closed thread. It does have a since of truism involved.

Starter annunciator .....................................(Covered - Push start, prop turning = annunciation)


Another "feature" VPX uses is the start circuit gets disengaged when the RPM is over X RPM. Does sound worthwhile but for my 14 and 10 will have a starter disable switch. Another builder uses this feature to light the button to show it's active. A feature I was looking to add before I heard this. It's pretty informative to show the button lit and if you push it the props going to turn or better yet the starter will engage and if the prop is already moving a bad thing. Agan my 14-panel builder did not use this function so not familiar with the +/- issues. (There are always some) Current users would like to hear the benefit.

Thanks

 

[dmattmul]

Starter annunciator Vertical Power Circuit

VP uses a feature that they call Starter Annunciator which seems ok but possibly not really useful. We all have heard stories of the GA pilot who shuts off his engine only to find the starter still engaged and I guess this was meant to inform the pilot the starter still had power?? This might be more folklore than fact. For those VP users that have installed this feature is it beneficial? Manual says it "reports" to the EFIS? Where is this done on the Garmin G3X? (My current VPX panel builder would not/did not install so not familiar with the operation practicality)

This was referenced in a previous closed thread. It does have a since of truism involved.

Starter annunciator .....................................(Covered - Push start, prop turning = annunciation)


Another "feature" VPX uses is the start circuit gets disengaged when the RPM is over X RPM. Does sound worthwhile but for my 14 and 10 will have a starter disable switch. Another builder uses this feature to light the button to show it's active. A feature I was looking to add before I heard this. It's pretty informative to show the button lit and if you push it the props going to turn or better yet the starter will engage and if the prop is already moving a bad thing. Agan my 14-panel builder did not use this function so not familiar with the +/- issues. (There are always some) Current users would like to hear the benefit.

Thanks

Anyone using this function using G3X? Called Vertical Power and they don't even seem to know where the annunciation is displayed. Was told "that was Garmin's responsibility to integrate". With reports of "stuck starters" would this be a benefit? Seems beneficial if the starter contactor stuck closed and power continued to the starter but would not detect other modes the starter stays engaged? Thanks

 

[mburch]

Anyone using this function using G3X? Called Vertical Power and they don't even seem to know where the annunciation is displayed.

It's a CAS message.

 

[Freemasm]

..... Was told "that was Garmin's responsibility to integrate". ....

Kinda funny actually. They're fortunate Garmin is even granted access into their walled garden; albeit generically.

 

[dmattmul]

It's a CAS message.

Thanks !

 

[dmattmul]

This is probably old news but previously when I went to configure my VPX tab for amps the VPX was using it would overwrite the amps for the reading on the GEA 24 input tab shunt 1. I could not get amp draw for both alternators and main bus amps the VPX was using. A couple revs went by, and I stopped trying. Today I tried again and now can see what each alternator is outputting (On the G3X without needing to look at the VPX itself) plus the load on the main bus.

 

[mburch]

This is probably old news but previously when I went to configure my VPX tab for amps the VPX was using it would overwrite the amps for the reading on the GEA 24 input tab shunt 1. I could not get amp draw for both alternators and main bus amps the VPX was using. A couple revs went by, and I stopped trying. Today I tried again and now can see what each alternator is outputting (On the G3X without needing to look at the VPX itself) plus the load on the main bus.

Yes, this change was made in version 9.52:

• Allow volts/amps inputs for EIS LRU and Vertical Power unit to be used simultaneously
  • Previously, Volts or Amps gauges could only be assigned to a system EIS input, or Vertical power source, never both at the same time. This changes adds flexibility to potential installation configurations.

 

[aadamson]

Yes, this change was made in version 9.52:

This also impacts flysto and it's data ingestion from a g3x with VPX. I've sent them logs, etc and they have confirmed that an upcoming change will remedy such that vpx data is shown as a primary value as opposed to having to go to the g3x specific elements - and find items called *Main Volts* and *Amps* (even tho the name is similar here it won't show as a primary element)

 

[Estevanb]

Although not ideal,... I am editing the headers before uploading the log on flysto. If you type "Main Volts" on the header and then upload the file, it will behave as it used to.

 

[aadamson]

I've been using Garmin Pilots new integration with flysto where it automagically uploads it and I don't have to do anything. So I'm hopeful that they will remedy the issue soon.

 

[MCA]

The EFIS manufacturers do a very good job presenting the data from the VP-X, which sends volts, amps (system), amps (per device), stats (on, off, fault by type), system faults, flap position, trims position, and on/off control ability. Numerous features like intermediate flap stops, starter disable, current fault detection, etc. are built-in but the EFIS could also implement their own features by looking at the VP-X data and melding it with the rich set of EFIS data to come up with new features. Most have chosen not to do so and that is their decision. Too much automation is not always a good thing.

 

[Estevanb]

I've been using Garmin Pilots new integration with flysto where it automagically uploads it and I don't have to do anything. So I'm hopeful that they will remedy the issue soon.

Very cool! I need to try it. So you don’t need a GDL60 if you use Garmin Pilot? Is it automatically uploaded to Savvy Aviation as well?(for those who link the accounts like flysto)?

 

[aadamson]

Very cool! I need to try it. So you don’t need a GDL60 if you use Garmin Pilot? Is it automatically uploaded to Savvy Aviation as well?(for those who link the accounts like flysto)?

Correct on both topics. Savvy is also suported

 

[dmattmul]

Numerous features like intermediate flap stops, starter disable, current fault detection, etc. are built-in but the EFIS could also implement their own features by looking at the VP-X data and melding it with the rich set of EFIS data to come up with new features.

Where does starter disable show up?

 

[dmattmul]

Correct on both topics. Savvy is also supported

And Savvy supports the new to me VPX amp integration.......

 

[aadamson]

Where does starter disable show up?

I think it doesn't specifically other than if you turn on the starter when the engine is running, it will prevent it and will red CAS message the event. I've not checked, perhaps this is enabled in the configuration of the starter, but I believe that's how it's supposed to work. Now what I don't know is if this is a vpx *and* PPS feature or just vpx. I know there is a wire linkage between the pps and vpx around starter and this function. In mine, I get a starter engaged message when the aircraft is started.

 

[MCA]

Where does starter disable show up?

It is an automatic feature in the VP-X. It's been a while since I checked, but I believe if you look at the Starter circuit (on the VP-X page list of circuits) you'll see that it turns off while the engine is running.

 

[dmattmul]

It is an automatic feature. It's been a while since I checked, but I believe if you look at the Starter circuit (on the VP-X page list of circuits) you'll see that it turns off while the engine is running.

Thanks, that's something Astronics Corp. could not tell me 6 months ago.

 

[dmattmul]

It's a CAS message.

Can confirm that if your starter stays engaged a YELLOW CAS message will come up that says STARTER. Did not look at the starter circuit on the VPX page but will tomorrow and document this better.

 

[dmattmul]

It's a CAS message.

Just to follow up yes, one gets a CAS message that displays on for the time the starter is powered.