Connecting a GNS 430/530 to a PC

The CNX-80, or whatever it's called now, has an infrared port for loading
flight plans. Last time I checked it was still not enabled.

Karl


"Peter" wrote in message
...

Maik wrote

It is NOT possible to up-/download flightplans or waypoints.
This is NOT a technical problem.

It seems that it is not allowed for IFR or installed GPS-systems to get
Flightplans or waypoints via an external device.

That's correct. It is some sort of FAA requirement, but I have never
seen anyone come up with a reference for it.

Actually it would be great to have a connection for an external
keypad. That alone would make waypoint entry about 10x faster.

There is only one chance to feed a Garmin 430/530 legally... with
another Garmin 430/530 via Crossfill.

Solution would be: write a program that simulates the communication
between two Garmins 430/530 and feed this program with flightplans and
waypoints from a flightplaning program or handheld GPS-systems.

I bet the protocol is confidential You just need to borrow two of
these very expensive boxes and play with them. Is it plain RS232, or
ARINC429?

Than you could up-/download flightplans and waypoints.
I would be happy to get such a software but writing it it is not a way
to get rich :-)

If you want to do some reverse engineering, have a go at the Jepp GPS
database format

Another solution is a VFR only GPS like the KMD150. Here you can
up-/downlaod waypoints and flightplans.

Yes, the KMD150 (essentially a panel mounted version of the Skymap 3c)
is perhaps the best panel mounted GPS which can still have the route
uploaded from a PC. I have a KLN94B/KMD550 but if I was equipping a
"cheap" plane for mainly VFR I would go for the KMD150 right away.


Peter.
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