AOPA reporting free GNSx30 WAAS software upgrade available

Just spotted this on AOPA's site:

_Garmin releases WAAS software upgrade for 400W/500W models_
http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/article...206garmin.html

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Owners of Garmin's GNS400W and 500W models can now get a long-awaited WAAS
software upgrade that resolves many compatibility and functionality problems
and gives users access to more XM WX satellite weather products, including
lightning, cell movement, and winds aloft.

The upgrade, which includes a new flight manual supplement and takes about
one hour to complete, is available at no cost, but access to the additional
XM WX features will require an Aviator package subscription.

With the software upgrade users will get enhanced features that make it
easier to load arrival and departure procedures, reduce TAWS nuisance alerts
for circling approaches, allow users to store up to 15 radio channels,
improve the auto-zoom function, and give better VNAV functionality during
holds.

Other changes correct winds aloft calculations, stop intermittent screen
flashing, and start the unit in the last mode used. Users will also see
improved compatibility and functionality with certain Stormscope, Avidyne,
and Honeywell products.

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--
Peter

"Peter R." wrote in message
...
Just spotted this on AOPA's site:

Owners of Garmin's GNS400W and 500W models can now get a long-awaited WAAS
software upgrade that resolves many compatibility and functionality
problems
and gives users access to more XM WX satellite weather products, including
lightning, cell movement, and winds aloft.

The upgrade, which includes a new flight manual supplement and takes about
one hour to complete, is available at no cost, but access to the
additional
XM WX features will require an Aviator package subscription.

With the software upgrade users will get enhanced features that make it
easier to load arrival and departure procedures, reduce TAWS nuisance
alerts
for circling approaches, allow users to store up to 15 radio channels,
improve the auto-zoom function, and give better VNAV functionality during
holds.

Other changes correct winds aloft calculations, stop intermittent screen
flashing, and start the unit in the last mode used. Users will also see
improved compatibility and functionality with certain Stormscope, Avidyne,
and Honeywell products.

I *think* they are just talking about the XM Wx features and not the WAAS
upgrade itself (no matter how much I am hoping that I'm mistaken...)

Marco

"Marco Leon" wrote in message
...

"Peter R." wrote in message
...
Just spotted this on AOPA's site:

Owners of Garmin's GNS400W and 500W models can now get a long-awaited
WAAS
software upgrade that resolves many compatibility and functionality
....
I *think* they are just talking about the XM Wx features and not the WAAS
upgrade itself (no matter how much I am hoping that I'm mistaken...)

Sure sounds like you're mistaken.

On Mon, 10 Dec 2007 17:00:06 -0500, "Marco Leon"
wrote:


"Peter R." wrote in message
m...
Just spotted this on AOPA's site:

Owners of Garmin's GNS400W and 500W models can now get a long-awaited WAAS
software upgrade that resolves many compatibility and functionality
problems
and gives users access to more XM WX satellite weather products, including
lightning, cell movement, and winds aloft.

The upgrade, which includes a new flight manual supplement and takes about
one hour to complete, is available at no cost, but access to the
additional
XM WX features will require an Aviator package subscription.

With the software upgrade users will get enhanced features that make it
easier to load arrival and departure procedures, reduce TAWS nuisance
alerts
for circling approaches, allow users to store up to 15 radio channels,
improve the auto-zoom function, and give better VNAV functionality during
holds.

Other changes correct winds aloft calculations, stop intermittent screen
flashing, and start the unit in the last mode used. Users will also see
improved compatibility and functionality with certain Stormscope, Avidyne,
and Honeywell products.

I *think* they are just talking about the XM Wx features and not the WAAS
upgrade itself (no matter how much I am hoping that I'm mistaken...)

Marco


You are mistaken. I just had my update done last Friday and it is the
WAAS update as well.
Karl - PP/ASEL/IA

"Karl" wrote in message
...

You are mistaken. I just had my update done last Friday and it is the
WAAS update as well.

OK, I had to read that again. I WAS mistaken. I misread the part about
"owners of the GNS 400W and 500W." I thought for a second I was going to
save $1,500 since I have yet to upgrade to WAAS...

Damn...

Marco

On 12/11/2007 11:17:13 AM, "Marco Leon" wrote:

OK, I had to read that again. I WAS mistaken. I misread the part about
"owners of the GNS 400W and 500W." I thought for a second I was going to
save $1,500 since I have yet to upgrade to WAAS...

Damn...

Ha, if only....

This software update is addressing a few bugs within the code that were
introduced by upgrading to WAAS; namely, the winds aloft calculator broke and
there were issues with replacing one approach with another in the flight
plan.

--
Peter

"Peter R." wrote in message
...

Ha, if only....

This software update is addressing a few bugs within the code that were
introduced by upgrading to WAAS; namely, the winds aloft calculator broke
and
there were issues with replacing one approach with another in the flight
plan.

So after flying with WAAS for a little while, what's your opinion on the
upgrade? Are you using the new features a lot? I know Syracuse has FOUR LPV
approaches so I know you're getting your money's worth on that end.

Marco

On Dec 11, 1:53 pm, "Peter R." wrote:
On 12/11/2007 11:17:13 AM, "Marco Leon" wrote:

OK, I had to read that again. I WAS mistaken. I misread the part about
"owners of the GNS 400W and 500W." I thought for a second I was going to
save $1,500 since I have yet to upgrade to WAAS...

Damn...

Ha, if only....

This software update is addressing a few bugs within the code that were
introduced by upgrading to WAAS; namely, the winds aloft calculator broke and
there were issues with replacing one approach with another in the flight
plan.

My 296 showed winds of 280 knots the other day. It has WAAS so I
wonder if I have the same bug.

-Robert