GARMIN GNC 300XL User Guide

GNC 300XL

Pilot’s Guide and Reference

This manual is written for software version 2.04 or above, and is not suitable for earlier software versions.

GARMIN (Europe) LTD, Unit 5, The Quadrangle, Abbey Park, Romsey, Hampshire S051 9AQ, UK Tel: 011-44-1794-519944 Fax: 011-44-1794-519222

INTRODUCTION

Foreword

GARMIN (Asia) Corp., 4th Fl., No. 1, Lane 45, Pao-Hsing Road, Hsin Tien, Taiwan R.O. C. Tel: 011-886-02-2917-3773 Fax: 011-886-02-2917-1758

Web Site Address: www.garmin.com

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of GARMIN.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. GARMIN reserves the right to change or improve their products and to make changes in the content of this material without obligation to notify any person or organization of such changes or improvements.

January 1999 190-00067-30 Rev. B Printed in USA

GARMIN, GNC 300XL, Spell’N’Find, AutoLocate, PhaseTrac12, GPSCOM and AutoStore are trademarks of GARMIN and may only be used with permission.

NavData®is a registered trademark of Jeppesen, Inc.

INTRODUCTION

Cautions

NOTE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC

limits for Class B digital devices. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by relocating the equipment or connecting the equipment to a different circuit than the affected equipment. Consult an authorized dealer or other qualified avionics technician for additional help if these remedies do not correct the problem.

CAUTION

The Global Positioning System is operated by the United States government, which is solely responsible for its accuracy and maintenance. The system is subject to changes which could affect the accuracy and performance of all GPS equipment. Although the GARMIN GNC 300XL is a precision electronic NAVigation AID (NAVAID), any NAVAID can be misused or misinterpreted and therefore become unsafe.

Use the GNC 300XL at your own risk. To reduce the risk of unsafe operation, carefully review and understand all aspects of this Owner’s Manual and the Flight Manual Supplement, and thoroughly practice using the simulator mode prior to actual use. When in actual use, carefully compare indications from the GNC 300XL to all available navigation sources, including the information from other NAVAIDS, visual sightings, charts, etc. For safety, always resolve any discrepancies before continuing navigation.

Operation of this device is subject to the following conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The GARMIN GNC 300XL does not contain any user-serviceable parts. Repairs should only be made by an authorized GARMIN service center. Unauthorized repairs or modifications could void your warranty and authority to operate this device under Part 15 regulations.

The altitude calculated by the GNC 300XL is geometric height above mean sea

level and could vary significantly from altitude displayed by pressure altimeters in aircraft. Never use GPS altitude for vertical navigation.

The Jeppesen database incorporated in the GNC 300XL must be updated regularly in order to ensure that its information is current. Updates are released every 28 days. A database information packet is included in your GNC 300XL package.

Pilots using an out-of-date database do so entirely at their own risk.

Accessories & Packing List

Congratulations on choosing the finest, most advanced panel mount IFR GPSCOM available. The GNC 300XL represents GARMIN’s commitment to provide an accurate, easy-to-use GPS for all of your aviation needs.

Before installing and getting started with your unit, please check to see that your package includes the following items. If any parts are missing or damaged, please see your GARMIN dealer immediately.

Standard Package:

INTRODUCTION

Accessories and

Packing List

• GNC 300XL Unit & NavData® Card

• GPS Antenna

• Installation Rack & Connectors

• Pilot’s Guide & Quick Reference Guide

• Database Subscription Packet

• Warranty Registration Card

Optional Accessories:

• Remote Battery Pack

• AC Adapter

• PC Software/Interface Kit

• User Data Card

• 28 to 14 volt DC converter

• MD-41 External Switch/Annunciator

To obtain accessories for your GNC 300XL, please contact your nearest GARMIN dealer.

iii

INTRODUCTION

Warranty

To obtain warranty service, see your local dealer or call the GARMIN Customer Service department for a returned merchandise tracking number. The unit should be securely packaged with the tracking number clearly marked on the outside of the package, and sent freight prepaid and insured to a GARMIN authorized warranty service facility.

GARMIN is fully committed to your satisfaction as a customer. If you have any questions regarding the GNC 300XL, please contact our customer service department at:

GARMIN International, Inc. 1200 East 151st Street Olathe, KS 66062-3426 (913) 397-8200 FAX (913) 397-8282

Every GARMIN GPS is built to exacting standards to provide years of trouble-free service. GARMIN warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.

GARMIN International, Inc. will at its sole option, repair or replace any components which fail in normal use. Such repairs or replacement will be made at no charge to the customer for parts or labor. The customer is, however, responsible for any transportation costs. This warranty does not cover failures due to abuse, misuse, accident or unauthorized alteration or repairs. GARMIN International, Inc. assumes no responsibility for special, incidental, punitive or consequential damages, or loss of use.

THE WARRANTIES AND REMEDIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE EXCLUSIVE, AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY LIABILITY ARISING UNDER WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

PART ONE: INTRODUCTION

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i

Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Accessories/Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iii

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .iv

Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v-vi

Key and Knob Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .vii-viii

GNC 300XL Takeoff Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-10

PART TWO: REFERENCE

Section 1: Navigation with the GNC 300XL ( Nkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Navigating and planning functions

Section 2: Communicating with the GNC 300XL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Using standby/active frequencies and auto-tune

Section 3: Waypoint and Database Information ( Wkey) . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Finding and using database and waypoint information

Section 4: Nearest Waypoints ( Tkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Finding nearest waypoints, SUAs and FSS/ARTCC frequencies

Section 5: Direct-to ( Dkey) & Route Navigation ( Rkey) . . . . . . . .62

Creating and using routes

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

To quickly and easily locate information on specific tasks, please refer to the Index on page 135.

Section 6: Approaches, SIDs and STARs ( Rkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Selecting and flying non-precision approaches

Section 7: Messages and Unit Settings ( Mkey) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

INTRODUCTION

Table of Contents

Appendix A: NavData®and User Data Card Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112

Appendix B: Installation and Maintenance of the GNC 300XL . . . . . . . . . . . .114

Appendix C: Simulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Appendix D: GNC 300XL Messages and Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Appendix E: Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126

Appendix F: Map Datums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Appendix G: Troubleshooting Q & A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

Appendix H: Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135

Key and Knob Functions

The power/volume knob controls unit power and radio volume.

INTRODUCTION

Key and Knob

Functions

The squelch button activates automatic squelch control.

The direct-to key performs an instant direct-to, allows you to enter a waypoint, and sets a direct course to the destination. See Section 5.

The nearest key is used to obtain information on the 9 nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user waypoints and 2 nearest FSS/ARTCC points of communication. The nearest key also accesses any active SUA information. See Section 4 for more information on the nearest waypoints.

The route key access approaches, SIDs and STARs. Search-and-rescue, parallel offset and closest point of approach functions are also performed using the route key. See Section 5 for more route information on routes and Section 6 for more information on approaches, SIDs and STARs.

The waypoint key is used to view information such as runways, frequencies, position and comments on airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections and user waypoints. See Section 3 for more waypoint information.

The navigation key is used to view navigation and position information. Planning operations are also performed using this key. See Section 1 for more information on navigation and planning operations.

enables you to create, edit, activate and invert routes, and

The GNC 300XL is designed to minimize keystrokes when performing operations. There are typically several ways to perform the same operation. In general, using the knobs will decrease keystrokes and time spent using the GNC 300XL. Experiment to find the most effective way to use the GNC 300XL to your advantage.

vii

INTRODUCTION

Key and Knob

Functions

The message key is used to view system messages and to alert you to important warnings and requirements. This key is also used to access the GNC 300XL’s unit settings. See Section 7 for more information on messages and unit settings.

viii

This manual will describe entering data using

the K and O knobs. Experiment with them and become efficient in entering data with the concentric knobs. This will greatly reduce the amount of time required to navigate with the GNC 300XL.

Whenever the GNC 300XL is displaying a list of information that is too long for the display screen, the scrolling arrow prompt will indicate which direction to scroll to view additional information. To scroll through a list (with the cursor active), simply rotate the inner knob. When the cursor in not active, use the outer knob to view additional information.

The transfer key flip-flops the active and standby frequencies.

The clear key is used to erase information or cancel an entry.

The enter key is used to approve an operation or complete data entry. It is also used to confirm information, such as during power on.

The cursor key is used to activate or deactivate the cursor in the separate areas of the GNC 300XL. Pressing once will activate the cursor in the comm ‘window’ and enable the pilot to change frequencies. Pressing twice will activate the cursor in the GPS window (indicated by highlighted characters in a GPS window field). It is used to highlight fields for data entry, changing information or cycling through available options. Pressing a third time will deactivate the cursor.

The outer knob is used to advance through pages, advance the cursor or move through data fields.

The inner knob is used to change data or scroll through information that cannot fit on the screen all at once.

The GARMIN GNC 300XL is a powerful navigational tool that provides pilots with accurate navigational data and communication capability, along with along with non-precision approach certification in the IFR environment. The Takeoff Tour is designed to familiarize you with the operation of the GNC 300XL, including powering up the unit, changing frequencies, entering data and performing a simple direct-to, and provide a limited introduction to the ‘Nearest’ functions. In addition, this section also briefly covers the position, CDI, map and frequency pages available from the NAV key. These pages will be used for most of your in-flight navigation.

The Takeoff Tour assumes that the GPSCOMTMand antennas have been properly installed and you have not changed any of the GNC 300XL’s default settings. If you have changed any of the factory default settings (position format, units of measure, selectable fields, etc.), the pictures shown here may not match your configuration. Prior to using your GNC 300XL for the first time, we recommend that you taxi to a location that is well away from buildings and other aircraft so the unit can collect satellite data without interruption.

Powering up the GNC 300XL

The GNC 300XL’s power and volume are controlled using the B(power/volume) knob at the bottom left of the unit. Rotating it clockwise will turn unit power on and increase the radio volume. After turning the unit on, a welcome page will be displayed while the unit performs a self test.

The database page will appear next, showing the current database information on the

NavData card, with the valid operating dates, cycle number and database type indicated. The database is updated every 28 days, and must be current for approved approach and IFR operations. Information on database subscriptions is available inside your GNC 300XL package.

To acknowledge the database information:

E key

1. Press the

TAKEOFF TOUR

Power On

The welcome page appears when the GNC 300XL is turned on. During the time this screen is displayed, the GNC 300XL performs a self test to ensure proper operation.

The database confirmation page shows the effective and expiration dates of the Jeppesen database on the NavData Card.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Acquiring Satellites

Once the database has been acknowledged, the satellite status page will appear,

and the GNC 300XL will begin to collect satellite information. An ‘Acquiring’ status will be displayed on the satellite status page, and the signal values on the bottom line of the page will begin displaying numeric values. This is a good indication that you are receiving signals and satellite lock will occur. Following the first-time use of your GNC 300XL, the time required for a position fix will vary — usually from one to two minutes.

If the unit can only obtain enough satellites for 2D navigation (no altitude), the unit will use the altitude provided by your altitude encoder (if one is connected and working). If not, you will be prompted to enter the altitude with a ‘Need alt- Press NAV’ message. If this message occurs, press the Nkey and use the Kand

knobs to enter the altitude shown on your altimeter. Press Ewhen finished.

The satellite status page shows the ID numbers for the satellites and the relative signal strength of each satellite received. Turn the K knob to view additional satellites.

If the GNC 300XL has not been operated for a period of six months or more, it may have to ‘Search the Sky’ to collect new data. This means the unit is acquiring satellite data to establish almanac and satellite orbit information, which can take 5 to 10 minutes. The satellite status page will display a ‘Search Sky’ status, and the message annunciator (U), next to the Mkey, will also flash to alert you of a system message — ‘Searching the Sky’.

To view a system message

1. Press M.

The message page will appear and display the status or warning information applicable to the receiver’s current operating condition.

‘Search Sky’ indicates that satellite almanac data is not available or has expired (if the unit hasn’t been used for six months or more). The data will be recollected from the first available satellite.

To return to the previous page after viewing a message

1. Press Magain.

While the GNC 300XL is acquiring a position, let’s take a minute to dial in the active and standby frequencies you’ll be using for the first phase of your flight. The GNC 300XL’s display can be broken down into two separate ‘windows’ (or screen areas), the comm window (the top line of the display) and the GPS window (the bottom three lines of the display).

Active

Standby

Comm Window

TAKEOFF TOUR

Selecting Comm Frequencies

{

The Ckey is used to activate the cursor in a particular window (see right) to provide access to various comm and navigation features. To select the active frequency,

you must first enter the frequency in the standby field, and use the @key to move it to the active field.

To change the standby communication frequency:

1. Press Conce to activate the cursor in the comm window.

2. Rotate the outer knob ( the desired frequency.

To place the standby frequency in the active field, press

Once you’ve entered the active frequency, simply repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the standby frequency. After both frequencies have been entered, you may elect to keep the comm window ‘hot’ by leaving the cursor on the standby frequency, or remove the cursor by pressing the Ckey twice.

) to select the MHz, and the inner knob (K) to select the kHz of

}

GPS Window

}

Status page with cursor active in comm window.

To switch the active and standby frequencies, press the @ key. Switching the active and standby

frequencies will not remove the cursor from the comm window.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Position Page

After the GNC 300XL acquires satellites and computes a position, the position page will

appear automatically, and you’ll be informed with ‘Ready for navigation’ on the message page.

Altitude, MSA or ESA

Position (lat/lon)

Reference Waypoint Field

The position page displays your present latitude and longitude, altitude and a reference way-

point field. The altitude and reference waypoint fields are also selectable (see Section 1 for more

The map page combines a moving map display and navigation data for complete situational awareness.

The navigation communications (NAVCOM) page provides a complete list of airport frequencies at your departure and arrival airports.

information) to allow you to configure the unit to your own preferences. The default settings are:

• Altitude— Your present GPS altitude

• Present Position— Latitude and longitude displayed in degrees/minutes

• Reference Waypoint— The bearing and distance to the nearest airport

The position page is one of seven pages available under the GNC 300XL’s Nkey:

• CDI page • Map page

• NAVCOM page • Position page

• Satellite status page • NAV menu 1

• NAV menu 2

During most flights, the position, CDI (course deviation indicator), map and NAVCOM pages will be the primary pages used for navigation. These pages are accessible by pressing the key and rotating the outer knob, or by pressing the Nkey repeatedly.

{

The GNC 300XL uses direct point-to-point navigation to guide you from takeoff to touchdown in the IFR environment. Once a destination is selected, the unit will provide speed, course and distance data based upon a direct course from your present position to your destination. A destination can be selected from any page with the

(direct-to) key.

To select a direct-to destination:

1. Press the

key. The CDI page will appear with the destination field highlighted.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Direct-To

Navigation

2. Rotate the tination waypoint may be an airport, VOR, NDB, intersection or user waypoint, as long as it is in the database or stored in memory as a user waypoint.

3. Rotate the

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to spell out the rest of the waypoint identifier.

5. Press

6. Press

knob to enter the first letter of the destination waypoint identifier. The des-

knob to the right to move the cursor to the next character position.

to confirm the identifier. The direct-to confirmation page will appear.

to confirm the destination.

Once the direct-to destination is confirmed, the CDI page will appear with the

destination indicated in the lower left hand corner of the screen. Your present speed and track over the ground, and the distance and estimated time en route to your destination are also displayed. The graphical CDI (course deviation indicator), located at the top left of the screen, displays your position relative to the desired course and provides turn anticipation and waypoint messages during route navigation.

The CDI page without a direct-to destination or active route appears blank, except for ground speed (GS) and track (TRK) figures, if displayed.

When a destination is selected the direct-to confirmation page appears to verify the destination you selected. The lat/long, facility name or city may be displayed by highlighting the position field (third display line) and rotating the K knob.

TAKEOFF TOUR

CDI & Map Pages

CDI page with ‘trk’ and ‘eta’ displayed.

In addition to the destination field and graphical CDI, the GNC 300XL CDI page features four selectable fields for various navigation data so that the page may be configured to your own preferences (see Section 1 for more information). The default settings for the CDI page are:

• Ground Speed (gs)— Your present speed over the ground in knots

• Distance (dis)— The distance to your destination in nautical miles

• Desired Track (dtk)— The course between the ‘from’ and ‘to’ waypoints

• Estimated Time En route (ete)— The time to your destination (in hours

and minutes) based upon your present speed and course

The next page available from the Nkey is the map page. The map page combines the primary navigation information from the CDI page – distance to waypoint, ground speed, desired track and ETE – with a moving map display. The moving map display shows your current position (using an airplane symbol or a diamond symbol) relative to nearby airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user waypoints and airspace boundaries.

The map page can be divided into three main sections:

Map Display

Comm

Frequencies

{

Data Fields

CDI page with ‘brg’ and ‘trk’ displayed.

The communication frequencies are located in the upper left corner of the page, instead of across the top line as on other pages. The top frequency is the active fre-

quency, with the standby frequency directly below.

Airspace

Boundaries

Airport Waypoint

Present

Position

The map display occupies the right side of the display. Your present position is indicated by a plane symbol (in track up mode) or a position diamond (in other orientation modes), with your route displayed as a solid line. Nearby airports, navaids and user waypoints may be depicted on the map; with unique identifying symbols for each waypoint type. Boundaries for special use and controlled airspaces can also appear on the map display. You may select which features are shown on the map using the map setup page (see page 101).

Distance to Waypoint

Ground

Destination

Waypoint

Speed

Track

TAKEOFF TOUR

Map Page

The map display may be oriented along your ground track (track up), course (desired track up) or fixed at north up. Desired track up or north up settings show your present position with a diamond symbol instead of the airplane symbol.

Desired

Track

Map

Scale

The data fields on the map page indicate distance to destination waypoint,

desired track, ground track, ground speed and map scale. The destination waypoint name and desired track appear on the left side of the page, below the communication frequencies. The other data fields are located at the corners of the map display as shown in the illustration above, and may be removed by pressing \.

Communication frequencies are shown in the top left corner of the map page, instead of across the top line as shown on other GNC 300XL screens.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Map Scales

NAVCOM Page

To change the map scale rotate the K knob clockwise to increase the scale or counterclockwise to decrease the scale.

The map display has 14 available ranges from 0.5 to 300 (nautical miles, statute miles or kilometers) representing the vertical height of the map. The map scale is controlled by the inner knob (K), with the current scale displayed in the lower right corner of the page.

To select a map scale:

1. Rotate the

2. Rotate the

knob clockwise to increase the map scale and show a larger area.

knob counterclockwise to decrease the map scale and show a smaller area.

Another page available under the GNC 300XL’s Nkey is the navigation communications (NAVCOM) page. It provides you with a complete list of airport

frequencies at your departure and arrival airports, allowing convenient selection of frequencies you’ll need along your flight path. If you do not have an active departure airport, the navigation communications page will display the frequencies for the airport nearest your departure position.

To view the NAVCOM page from the map page, rotate Oone stop to the right.

The NAVCOM page lists your departure and arrival airports on the left side of the page, with all the database frequencies listed in a column down the right side of the page. To scroll through the list of frequencies, simply rotate the inner knob (K) in the direction of the arrow prompts at the bottom left of the page.

To place a frequency from the list in the standby field:

The NAVCOM page lists the frequencies for your departure and arrival airports. To place a frequency from this list on standby, highlight the desired frequency and press E.

1. Press the

2. Use the

key twice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

knob to select the desired frequency. Press Eto place the frequency in

the standby field. The cursor will automatically advance to the next frequency on the list.

Once a direct-to is activated, the CDI page will provide navigation to the destina-

tion until the direct-to is cancelled or another direct-to destination is activated.

To cancel a direct-to from the CDI page:

1. Press the

2. Press

3. Press

key twice to activate the cursor in the destination field.

The GNC 300XL’s Tkey provides the nine nearest airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user waypoints and any SUA (special use airspace) alerts, as well as the two closest FSS (Flight Service Station) and center (ARTCC) frequencies for your present position. The nearest waypoint feature is a handy safety feature that may be used to execute a quick direct-to in case of an in-flight emergency or to review the closest facilities to your present position. The nearest feature can also be used to quickly find the contact frequency of the nearest airport and enter it in the standby field.

To view the nine nearest airports

1. Press the Tkey. The nearest airport will be displayed, with the range and bearing from your present position, along with elevation, frequency and runway data.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Cancelling a Direct-To

Nearest Waypoints

The nearest airport page shows up to nine nearest airports from your present position. To view additional nearest airports, rotate the K knob.

2. To review the rest of the nearest airport list, rotate the

To place a nearest airport frequency in the standby field

1. PressE. Press the @key to place the frequency in the active field.

To view the nearest list for other waypoint categories (VOR, NDB, etc.)

1. Rotate the Oknob to the right, or press the Tkey repeatedly.

2. Rotate Kto scroll through the list.

knob to the right.

Additional frequencies may be displayed by press-

twice and rotating the K knob (or press

ing

\ repeatedly with the cursor inactive). To place a nearest airport frequency in the standby field,

press E.

TAKEOFF TOUR

Nearest Airports

Shutting Down

Once the nearest airport (or any other nearest waypoint) page is displayed, the

selected waypoint can be quickly reviewed or selected as a direct-to destination.

To review the selected waypoint from the nearest waypoint list

1. Press Ctwice to activate the waypoint field.

2. Press Eto display the waypoint identification page.

3. Rotate Oto view any additional waypoint information available.

4. Press Tto return to the nearest waypoint page.

To review a nearest waypoint, highlight the identifier and press E.

To select a nearest waypoint as a direct-to destination

1. Press the Dkey. The direct-to confirmation page for the selected waypoint will appear.

2. Press Eto confirm.

Congratulations! You’ve covered the basic operation of the GNC 300XL. We

encourage you to experiment with your new GPSCOM to get to know all the advanced navigation features it has to offer. If you’d like a little more practice, try using the built-in simulator described in Appendix C. An optional AC adapter will even let you plan and simulate flights in the comfort of your home or office.

To turn the GNC 300XL off

1. Turn the Bknob to the left until the unit shuts off.

NOTE: The GNC 300XL is normally connected to power through the avionics master

To select a nearest waypoint as a direct to destination, press D and E.

switch. With the optional remote battery installed, the unit will display a power down warning when the master switch is turned off. This warning page features a timer which will count down from 30 seconds when the unit senses that power is off. After 30 seconds, the GNC 300XL will shut off. If you wish to continue operating the unit, press

any key during the countdown period, and the unit will operate from the battery.

Section 1

Navigation Key

The GNC 300XL features seven navigation pages to provide various position, course, speed, status and planning information. The pages may be viewed by pressing the Nkey and rotating the outer knob, or by pressing the Nkey repeatedly.

CDI page

Map page

NAVCOM page

NAV KEY

Overview

SECTION

NAV Menu 2

NAV Menu 1

The CDI, map, NAVCOM and position pages are the primary pages used during in-flight navigation, while the nav menu and status pages offer access to planning, calculation and status functions. Note that rotating the outer knob clockwise will continuously cycle through all the navigation pages, whereas turning the knob counterclockwise will stop the page selection sequence at the CDI page.

Whenever the Nkey pages are in use, the indicator light (U) next to the key will illuminate. If the GNC 300XL requires you to enter data on a navigation page, a message prompt with specific instructions will appear and the indicator will flash. If you leave the NAV page sequence for another set of pages, the last NAV page displayed will reappear when you return to the nav sequence.

Satellite status page

Position page

Remember! The NAV pages will only display information AFTER the position and navigational information has been calculated from the satellites. If you are on the position page before the unit has calculated a position, you will be able to enter an approximate position and altitude. This is helpful in speeding satellite acquisition if the unit has moved a great distance with the power off.

If you are not sure the GPS is actively calculating position, check the receiver status field for ‘2D NAV’ or ‘3D NAV’ by pressing the N key and rotating the outer knob until the satellite status page appears. The current receiver status is displayed at the top left of the page.

SECTION

NAV KEY

CDI Page

The GNC 300XL’s CDI page provides you with the important information needed

to navigate directly to your destination. The destination field, located at the bottom left of the page, displays the current destination waypoint or active route leg being navigated. If no direct-to destination, route or approach is being navigated, the destination field will remain blank.

Ground Speed

Messages

or CDI

Direction

Distance

Field

The TO/FROM arrow indicates whether you are heading to (an up arrow) the waypoint or if you’ve passed the waypoint (a down arrow).

‘No active waypoint’ appears on the CDI field if there is no destination waypoint selected using the D key and no active route.

The graphical CDI (course deviation indicator) at the top left of the page shows

your position relative to the desired course (the moving D-bar) to the destination waypoint. The TO/FROM arrow in the center of the scale indicates whether you are heading to (an up arrow) the waypoint or if you have passed the waypoint (a down arrow). Note that the GNC 300XL always navigates TO a waypoint unless the GPS SEQ switch is set to the HOLD position, or you have passed the last waypoint in a route. The default setting of the CDI scale is ‘auto’. If you are not navigating to a destination, the CDI field will display a ‘no actv wpt’ message, and only speed and track data will be available. The CDI field is also used to display the GNC 300XL’s turn anticipation and waypoint alert data during route operations (see Section 5).

In addition to displaying your active destination and the course deviation scale, the CDI page features four selectable fields for various distance, direction and time options. This allows you to configure the CDI page to your preferences. The default settings are ground speed, distance, desired track and estimated time en route.

Active Waypoint

Time or Direction Field

WPT 1

STR L

NORTH

WPT 2

BRG

TRK

DIS

AIRPLANE

DTK

The following functions may be displayed in the ground speed field:

• gs— Your present speed over the ground.

• str— Steer direction and distance, or digital crosstrack error. An ‘L’ or ‘R’

indicates which direction to steer, while the distance value indicates how far you are off course.

The following functions may be displayed in the distance field:

• dis— Distance from present position to the ‘active to’ waypoint.

• str— Steer direction and distance, or digital crosstrack error. An ‘L’ or ‘R’

indicates which direction to steer, while the distance value indicates how far you are off course.

The following steering functions may be displayed in the direction field:

• brg— Bearing, the direction from your present position to the waypoint.

• cts— Course to steer to reduce cross track error and re-intercept course.

• dtk— Desired track, the course between the active from and to waypoints.

• trk— Track, the direction of movement relative to the ground.

• trn— Turn, the direction and degrees to turn to get back on course.

The following information can be displayed in the time field:

• eta— Estimated Time of Arrival (at the active to waypoint).

• ete— Estimated Time En route (to the active to waypoint).

• trk— Track, or the direction of movement relative to the ground.

• vn— Vertical Navigation, or VNAV. If VNAV has been activated, this field

indicates either the elapsed time before the VNAV maneuver is to begin or the VNAV altitude (the suggested altitude you should be flying in order to complete the maneuver).

NAV KEY

Configuring the

CDI Page

SECTION

OBS

To change any of the selectable fields on the CDI page:

SECTION

NAV KEY

CDI &

Course Select

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the field you would like to change.

3. Rotate Kto change the field to display the desired information.

4. Rotate Oto highlight another field, or Cto finish.

Destination

Selected

Course

The GNC 300XL’s course select feature allows the pilot to define the inbound course to, or outbound course from, the ‘active’ waypoint, using an external HSI.

GPS SEQ

AUTO HOLD

Once the course select function is activated, the selected course will be displayed next to the destination waypoint identifier and the CDI will provide guidance relative to the desired course. The course select feature is only available during route, approach or direct-to navigation. For more information on the course select feature and the GPS SEQ switch, see Section 6.

The GNC 300XL’s course select feature uses the external GPS SEQ switch, allowing you to dial in the desired course to or from your destination directly from your HSI.

To set a desired inbound course:

1. Dial the desired course on the HSI.

2. Set the external GPS SEQ switch to the HOLD position.

3. To stop the course select function, set the GPSSEQ switch back to the AUTO position.

Map Display

Data

Fields

{

The next page available from the GNC 300XL’s Nkey is the map page. The map page displays your present position, using an airplane symbol (in track up mode) or a position diamond (in other orientation modes), along with nearby airports, VORs, NDBs, intersections, user waypoints and airspace boundaries. Note: If the GNC 300XL is unable to determine a GPS position the present position symbol will not appear on the map page.

Present

Position

Map Scale

NAV KEY

Map Page

SECTION

The top left corner of the page indicates the active and standby communications frequencies — unlike other GNC 300XL screens which display both frequencies across the top line — with the active frequency on top.

The map display occupies the right side of the display and shows your position relative to nearby airports, navaids, user waypoints and airspaces. Different symbols are used to distinguish between waypoint types. The identifiers for any on-screen waypoints can also be displayed. Special-use and controlled airspace boundaries appear on the map, showing the individual sectors in the case of Class B or Class C airspace. The map display can be configured to display airports, navaids, user waypoints, airspaces only at certain scales or these items may be disabled entirely (see page 100). This allows you to de-clutter the map display at larger scale settings.

The map display can be set to 14 different scale settings from 0.5 to 300 (nautical miles, statute miles or kilometers) during en route operation; while in terminal or approach mode 12 different scale settings are available (with the two highest en route scales disabled). The scale represents the top-to-bottom distance covered by the map display.

The map page, showing only airports and airspaces on the map display.

The map page, showing airports, airspaces, VORs and NDBs on the map display. The data fields located at the corners of the map display may be removed by pressing \.

SECTION

NAV KEY

On the map page the active and standby communication frequencies are in the upper left corner of the page. The active frequency is on top.

To change the map scale rotate the K knob clockwise to increase the scale or counterclockwise to decrease the scale.

Map Page

To select a map scale:

1. Rotate the

2. Rotate the

An autozoom feature is available which will automatically adjust from an en route scale of 300 through each lower scale, stopping at a scale of 1 as you approach your destination waypoint. The autozoom feature is turned on/off from the map setup page described on page 101.

The orientation of the map may be fixed at ‘north up’, or set to ‘desired track up’ (dtk up) or ‘track up’ (trk up). The ‘north up’ setting will keep the top of the map display fixed on north. ‘Track up’ will cause the map to rotate so the top of the map is the direction you are heading. ‘Desired track up’ keeps the map display fixed along your desired course. Map orientation is changed on the map setup page described on page 101.

Navigation data is also provided on the map page to guide you during your flight. The destination waypoint name and desired track (dtk) appear on the left side of the page, below the communication frequencies. Four additional data fields are located at the corners of the map display (and may be removed by pressing \), as follows:

Distance (dis) to waypoint - upper left corner Ground speed (gs) - upper right corner Ground track (trk) - lower left corner Map scale - lower right corner (cannot be removed)

knob clockwise to increase the map scale and show a larger area.

knob counterclockwise to decrease the map scale and show a smaller area.

The next page available from the GNC 300XL’s Nkey is the navigation commu-

nications (NAVCOM) page. The NAVCOM page provides a list of the airport frequen-

cies at your departure and arrival airports, allowing convenient selection of frequencies you’ll need along your flight path. To scroll through the list of frequencies, rotate the inner knob (K) in the direction of the arrow prompts at the bottom left of the page.

The frequencies displayed for the departure and arrival airports are listed in the order you are most likely to use them (see right), with the available frequencies displayed to the right of the airport identifier. If you do not have an active route with a departure airport, the NAVCOM page will display the frequencies for the airport nearest your departure position.

If a frequency has sector or altitude restrictions, the frequency will be followed by a ‘brg?’ indication.

To view restrictions on a frequency:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the ‘brg?’ next to the frequency you wish to view.

3. Press

to begin viewing restrictions.

NAV KEY

SECTION

NAVCOM Page

The NAVCOM page lists the frequencies for your departure (or nearest) and arrival airports in the following order:

Departure Arrival

• Unicom • ATIS

• ATIS • Approach

• Clearance Delivery • Arrival

• Clearance Pretaxi • TCA

• Ground • TMA

• Tower • CTA

• Multicom • ARSA

• Other • TRSA

• Departure • Tower

• TCA • Multicom

• TMA • Other

• CTA • Ground

• ARSA • Unicom

• TRSA

Once you begin viewing restrictions, you can view any additional frequencies for

SECTION

NAVCOM page with receive only (rx) frequencies and frequencies with restrictions (brg).

Frequency restrictions on 124.60, showing range of applicable radials from 130º through 309º.

NAV KEY

NAVCOM &

Position Pages

the selected airport by rotating K. (Note: An arrow prompt displayed next to the airport identifier indicates additional frequencies are available.) You can also view the other airport information pages by rotating O. Information contained on these pages is covered in Section 3. To return to the NAVCOM page, press N.

Some frequencies in the NAVCOM page have tags which designate their usage:

‘tx’ – transmit only ‘rx’ – receive only ‘pt’ – part time frequency

To make any of the frequencies on the NAVCOM page the standby frequency:

1. Press

2. Rotate

3. Press matically advance to the next frequency on the list.

The GNC 300XL position page displays your present latitude and longitude, alti-

tude and a reference waypoint field. The altitude and reference waypoint fields are selectable to configure the page to your own preferences and current navigation needs.

Altitude, MSA

or ESA

Position (lat/lon)

An altimeter setting field appears on the position page when you are within 30 nm of a destination airport. The altimeter setting field allows you to define the current barometric pressure, which is used by the integrity monitoring to cross check altitude.

twice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

until the desired frequency is highlighted.

to make the highlighted frequency the standby frequency. The cursor will auto-

Altimeter Setting

Field

(user-selectable)

Reference Waypoint Field

{

The altitude field can display either the present altitude, minimum safe altitude (MSA) or en route safe altitude (ESA). MSA is the recommended minimum altitude within a ten mile radius of your present position. ESA is the recommended minimum altitude within a ten mile radius of your course on an active route or direct-to. MSA and ESA altitudes are calculated from information contained in the database and generally include mountains, buildings and other permanent features (see right).

To change the altitude field:

1. Press Ctwice to obtain a cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Ountil the ‘alt/ESA/MSA’ field is highlighted.

3. Rotate Kto display the desired data. Press Cto return to normal navigation.

NAV KEY

Position Page &

Reference Waypoints

SECTION

The position page also features a reference waypoint field, located at the bottom of the page, to indicate your bearing and distance from a selected waypoint. The reference waypoint field can display the following:

• Range, bearing and identifier from the nearest airport (default), VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint

• Range, bearing, and identifier from a user specified waypoint

The default setting is to display the nearest airport. During DME arc approach operations, the reference field will automatically display the DME reference as long as the ‘active to’ waypoint is part of the DME arc.

To change the reference waypoint field to display the nearest airport, VOR, NDB,

intersection, user waypoint or the range and bearing from a user selected waypoint:

1. Press Ctwice to activate the cursor in the GPS window.

2. Rotate Oto highlight the category field after the fr.

Position page displaying MSA. MSA and ESA are based on data stored in the NavData card. This information cannot be solely relied upon as an absolute measure of safe altitude in your area. Consult current charts and NOTAMs.

The same position page displaying ESA.

SECTION

NAV KEY

Reference Waypoints

& Satellite Status

3. Use Kto choose which waypoint type you would like displayed. (Choose ‘wpt’ if you would like range and bearing from a specific waypoint to be displayed.)

4. Press

If you have selected ‘wpt’:

5. Rotate Oto advance the cursor to highlight the identifier field.

to remove the cursor, or:

6. Use the

7. Press Cto confirm the selection.

This allows the distance and bearing from any waypoint to be displayed continu-

ously, which may be useful when an approach reference is not the closest navaid.

Position page displaying ‘TOP’ VOR as the reference waypoint. This configuration can be used to help monitor your distance and radial from a waypoint of your choice. (NOTE: The waypoint category is listed as ‘wpt’ rather than ‘vor’ because the GNC 300XL is not using the nearest VOR.)

Satellite status page with ‘EPE’ displayed. Estimated Position Error (EPE) gives an overall measure of your position accuracy in feet or meters.

The GNC 300XL’s satellite status page provides satellite information to monitor

GPS coverage and receiver performance. This is helpful when you may be experiencing low signal levels due to poor coverage or installation problems.

To view the satellite status page:

1. Press Nand rotate Ountil the satellite status page appears.

Receiver Status

Satellites in view

and Oknobs to enter the identifier name. (This waypoint identifier can be

an airport, VOR, NDB, intersection, or user waypoint.) Press

EPE/DOP

Signal strength of

satellite being tracked (1-9)

Satellite in view

but not receiving signal

EPE/DOP

value

+ 120 hidden pages