Garmin Expands Features, Capabilities, And Functionality Of Their G3X Touch System For Experimental And Light Sport Aircraft

Garmin has introduced the GAD 27, a small, lightweight and solid state integrated controller that provides a solution to many of the typical airframe interfacing needs. With the GAD 27, pilots are provided a consolidated system that would otherwise require multiple adapter modules, which streamlines configuration of their experimental amateur-built (EAB) and light sport aircraft (LSA).

“As we listen to the industry, we continue to introduce more products and expand upon the existing feature set to add more capability and functionality to G3X Touch installations,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation marketing and sales. “With the GAD 27, Team X has brought smarter technologies that effectively combines five individual modules into one small adapter so installation is easier, configuration is simple and our loyal customers save time and receive more options with G3X Touch.”

Here are some of the new capabilities that will be achieved by adding the GAD 27 to the G3X Touch system:

Programmable Flap Controller

Discrete flap positions are easily programmed from the G3X Touch display to conveniently control the flap motor and to automatically drive the flaps to pre-programmed positions based on pilot input. Additionally, with airspeed inhibit, the system also helps protect the airframe by preventing inadvertent flap deployment at high airspeeds.

Programmable Lighting Circuits

The addition of one to three dimmer knobs provide input to the GAD 27 and can be mapped to any of the six configurable lighting circuits, offering additional lighting options when configuring a G3X Touch installation. Pilots may assign specific dimming functions to individual knobs, which are all programmed on the G3X Touch display. Preset lighting options, including avionics lights, map lights, interior light circuits and more, are all pilot-configurable for installation and operational convenience.

Wig-Wag Lights

For added visibility in-flight and within the terminal environment, the GAD 27 provides configuration of the landing and taxi lighting system via the G3X Touch flight display. Compatible with all light installations including HID and LED, the GAD 27 offers optional control to alternate the landing and taxi lights, commonly referred to as “wig-wag” lighting, which can be switch activated or automatically turned on/off based on airspeed. Pilots may also configure a warm-up time before starting the wig-wag function to protect lamps that require a warm-up period, such as HID plasma lamps.

Voltage Stabilizer

Essential avionics receive stable power during engine start without the need for a back-up battery when integrating the GAD 27 adapter into a new or existing avionics installation. Sufficient power is provided to operate a single G3X Touch display, ADAHRS module and engine interface module with probes.

Aircraft Trim Switch Mixing

The GAD 27 accepts trim switch inputs from both the pilot and co-pilot controls to provide trim mixing capability. Switches used on the pilot/co-pilot controls are connected to simple discrete inputs and no longer supply trim motor power or control relays.

(Image of Garmin G3X Touch from Garmin)

FMI: www.garmin.com/aviation