Apollo GX60

[GClabots]

I have an Apollo GX60 GPS/Comm in my RV and thinking about upgrading my panel with you EFIS and would like to know if it wll interfaace with the EFIS to do non-precision approches or would I need some kind of interface between the two devices?

[TrutrakTech]

The EFIS has RS232 inputs and ARINC 429 inputs. Using the RS232 signal will give you GPS ground track which could be used in an approach situation. Since the GX60 is not WAAS enabled and has no ARINC output it can't actually steer the EFIS AP on an approach.

With an EFIS minus AP, the GX60 will give ground track and waypoint info only.

[Alan Carroll]

The EFIS has RS232 inputs and ARINC 429 inputs. Using the RS232 signal will give you GPS ground track which could be used in an approach situation. Since the GX60 is not WAAS enabled and has no ARINC output it can't actually steer the EFIS AP on an approach.

With an EFIS minus AP, the GX60 will give ground track and waypoint info only.

Lucas,

I'm not sure I understand the difference between being able to fly an approach vs. GPS steering. According to the FAQs the GX60 does provide GPS steering (copied below), which I would take to mean the EFIS can fly whatever flight plan is in the GX60. No WAAS is needed for a non-precision GPS approach. So what is missing? (or, is the FAQ incorrect?)

Thanks


Q - Which GPS systems provide the GPS Steering signal required for GPS steering?
A - Most panel GPS that are IFR certified Garmin 250/300XL, Garmin GNC 430/530, 480, Apollo GX50/55/60/65 and, King KLN 90/90B, Sierra Flight Systems, Chelton Flight System, and Grand Rapids EFIS. In most cases the signal used for GPS Steering is the ARINC 429 Roll Steering signal, however the Apollo GX50/55/60/65 units provide GPS Steering over the RS-232 line.

[TrutrakTech]

Hi Alan,

You're right, the GX60 DOES provide GPSS info, but using RS232 instead of ARINC429. The update rate of the GX series GPSS commands is pretty slow and basically causes the autopilot to wander around when in that mode.

WAAS is needed for any type of vertical GPS guidance. The GX60 will coupled to the AP will fly the lateral portion of the approach, but you'll have no vertical guidance. You'd have to use the APs vertical speed select function.

[Alan Carroll]

Thanks the clarification Lucas. I realize that WAAS is needed for any vertical guidance, and thus outside the capability of the GX60. I hadn't realized the GX60 GPSS update rate was slow.

Given this, I take it there's not much reason to go with the Autopilot IV unless you also have a Garmin 400/500 series? (my current setup is GX60 and SL30).

[TrutrakTech]

Thanks the clarification Lucas. I realize that WAAS is needed for any vertical guidance, and thus outside the capability of the GX60. I hadn't realized the GX60 GPSS update rate was slow.

Given this, I take it there's not much reason to go with the Autopilot IV unless you also have a Garmin 400/500 series? (my current setup is GX60 and SL30).

Yes and no. :) With an SL30, the AP IV version can fly VOR and ILS.

[Alan Carroll]

Yes and no. :) With an SL30, the AP IV version can fly VOR and ILS.

Well actually that would be a good reason (and maybe I'll eventually upgrade to a 430W).