GRT Avionics

Good Day Jeff,

Per our discussion the other night regarding whether or not to purchase the new add on hardware (uAvionix echoALT)... I am just off the phone with one of the uAvionix Tech reps and found some interesting things...

1. I explained my setup which was a DIRECT setup thru and with my HXr. I also explained that everything appeared to be working properly (however, I have not flown with it yet, only testing things on the ground). When I shared my concern about updating to the echoALT that things were working well (at lease on the ground) and that my understanding was that I would only NOT transmit Altitude (for ADSB OUT) info if I lost the HXR Source completely (power off, hard reboot, etc). They agreed and advised me NOT to upgrade to the ALT at this time and test things in the air, get the FAA report and go from there (with a extremely good probability that I would NOT need the ALT). They also mentioned that they are having many issues with many getting the echoALT to work with the GRT Safely/ecco combination and they thought that if I upgraded it and did that software update that I too would have issues and perhaps have to change GPS sources, etc...

2. Question regarding if it is safe and recommended to update my HXr's to 8.02 BETA 7 based on (#1) above for my installation (*wiring diagram screenshot and setup provided below in case any questions). I am NOT planning on updating the echoULT software unless flight testing provides a reason to do so. I currently am running 8.02 Beta 3 on my primary HXr and 8.01 on my Secondary HXr. (8.02 Beta 3 was the Garmin Protocol I helped with testing and works perfectly so do not want to lose that ability as well).

Please let me know and thank you!

Gary Ernest
VELOCITY XLRG

2. You always want to update the Safe-Fly to version 4. The EFIS and Safe-Fly software doesn't change the altitude function and doesn't require any echo changes. We only made one change for altitude in that if the altitude input fails, the Safe-Fly will stop sending altitude. The main change for the Safe-Fly is to correct a GPS coordinate issue in the TMAP interface.

Thanks Jeff,

Per our conversation, I updated both HXr's to latest Beta Version and just as you mentioned, it asked me if I wanted to update the AHRS and Safely Devices!!! Simply by answering yes and loading them. BINGO!

So easy, worked like a charm and everything working well...

Thanks again,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Gary E
VELOCITY XLRG
ARB