Features

[brianjohnson]

I had flown mostly G1000 systems before I got my plane and one nice feature they have is a range circle on the map. It shows your maximum range (with and without reserve) based on current fuel usage and ground speed. Even just a number with your current maximum range would be useful to avoid having to do the calculations yourself, but ideally you could use the EFIS to view the difference in time/range based on power and mixture settings.

[Rob Hickman]

We will add it to the software list

[brianjohnson]

I thought I had a temporary fix for this by setting up my 480 to get FADC input data from the EFIS, but there seems to be a problem and I'm not sure if it's the EFIS or the 480. When I boot up the 480 it asks me to verify fuel quantity which seems to match the fuel computer data from the EFIS, but it doesn't appear that the EFIS is sending fuel flow data because I don't see anything under "fuel at destination" or "fuel endurance" on the 480. The EFIS is set to AVTN/ARNAV.

[brianjohnson]

The Apollo support rep said the EFIS either isn't sending data in the format it expects or not sending it fast enough. My guess is that it's a format issue because it expects Shadin S or Z format. What is ARNAV format anyway? Is there something else I should be setting it to?

[Rob Hickman]

From the 430W Manual

[brianjohnson]

Yea, the message format is definitely different. The 480 supports the Shadin Z and S formats, but apparently not the ARNAV.

[brianjohnson]

it would be great if there was an API that allowed those of us with the necessary technical knowledge to add features. Perhaps a "plugin" system?

[Rob Hickman]

That is a really good idea, although I doubt that Garmin will ever do it for their GPS units.

[Rob Hickman]

The EFIS already has "Gallons Remaining at Waypoint"

[brianjohnson]

I hadn't noticed the other fuel computer modes before, that's definitely helpful. The map circle is still nice to be able to easily see what's in range, but that definitely gets me much better data than I thought I had.
I'm sure Garmin will never allow anyone to write their own plugins, they are way too uptight and controlling. I was thinking about plugins for the EFIS.