Garmin has proven that they are to GPS what Microsoft is to computer software – the industry’s 800-pound gorilla – and with good reason. Their most recent entry in the “handheld” aviation GPS market, the Garmin GPSmap 496, compares feature for feature with even their most expensive panel-mounted cousins, and in some cases goes beyond. Features include a crisp high-resolution display, obstacle and terrain alerting, XM weather data (by subscription, where available), a simulated instrument panel, and on and on.

Sure this is all well and good but why are we discussing this here and now? Big news, that’s why! The good folks at Garmin and Zaon Flight Systems have been working together closely for the past year to add yet another tremendous feature. With the use of an interface cable Zaon’s PCAS XRX now sends traffic information directly to Garmin GPSs.

How it essentially works is the XRX now gets used as an antenna and data processor while the traffic information itself gets displayed directly on your GPS (see photo).  Traffic is shown in a rather “TCAS-like” way, with a symbol depicting the conflict aircraft as well as relative altitude information. As the threat intensifies a pop-up window appears in the bottom right corner of the GPS calling your attention to it in very much the same way the unit handles terrain and obstacle alerts.

Existing XRX owners may require that their units be reprogrammed to support the new feature. Fortunately, this update procedure is free and can be performed in Canada by SciDac Corporation / PCAS.ca (my company) thus expediting the process and eliminating the need for the unit to cross the border for the service. Recently ordered XRX units are being sold with the update already performed.

The only other thing needed is the interface cable. A data cable exists from Garmin but Zaon has created a combo-cable designed to do-it-all and reduce clutter. This single cable will power the XRX as well as the Garmin 396 and 496 (the 296 does not support TIS data) and additionally provide the necessary data link between the devices. The cost of the cable is less than $100.

The XRX has interfaced with True Flight, Anywhere Map, and VistaNav for some time now (and support for NavAir and Air Gator is in the works and should be available soon) but the addition of Garmin is a landmark development that contributes significantly to the element of universality as it relates to data convergence in general aviation aircraft.
The future continues to hold advancements in the field of collision avoidance technology but this improvement is akin to the introduction of Windows 2000 after Windows NT! Oops, the techie geek in me slipped out again. Anyway, we’ll see you all next month when Close Calls returns with more of your stories.

Fly safe®.