GTX-330 Question

I just had a GPS400 and GTX330 installed.
I'm based in Ft Smith, Ark (Garmin's map shows FSM in Mode S area, although
we
are not). Dallas Tulsa OKC and Little Rock are all areas with Mode S
coverage and
the TIS works in those areas.

"smackey" wrote in message
m...
I'm thinking of getting a GNS 430 and the GTX 330 put in my plane. I
have a couple of questions that I would really like some answers to:

1. My aero radio people tell me that they think the GTX 330 display
is always up on the map. I.e., I can't declutter or eliminate it if I
want to, say while flying an instrument approach and not really
needing/wanting the mode-s traffic info on the screen. True?


You can configure the Traffic to display on the main Nav Map page (2nd nav
page) or not. I have disabled this and only display traffic on the 3rd Nav
Page (traffic page) because it clutters up the map page. You can also
display traffic on a thumbnail (takes 2 data fields). The GTX330 will talk
to you if an aircraft is going to be with + or - 500ft and 0.5nm within 34
seconds. This is called a Traffic Advisory and will say "TRAFFIC" over the
audio system. When you leave a Mode S area the voice announces "Traffic not
available" also. As far as I know you can't turn anything off (map or
voice), only configure how it's displayed.

2. I assume that the traffic warning in the mode-s will not alert to
traffic if I'm not in a mode-s area, and/or there are aircraft only
only squaking mode-c or other. In other words, if I'm fling along out
in the hinterlands (a frequent occurance) where there is no mode-s,
the traffic warning is nonexistent!! Wouldn't I do just as well with
a portable Monroy, or similar, traffic alerter?

No traffic in NonMode S area. But the GTX330 will also attach your aircraft
type and tail number to your Mode S reply if you program it to do so. If
you're going into a Mode S area VFR they will know your N# and type before
you say anything.

Here is a link to the available manuals for downloading for the GTX330

http://www.garmin.com/products/manua...t=010-00230-00

And for the GNS430

http://www.garmin.com/products/manua...t=010-00139-11

It has screen shots of the the different map pages etc.





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