NavCom Technology NavComm SL30, SL30 User Manual

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Welcome ...

Welcome to a new era of aviation communication and
navigation. Once again, Garmin AT, Inc. has set new
standards in features and ease of use for the general
aviation public. The SL30 is a VHF
Navigation/Communications Transceiver for use by the
aviation pilot. The SL30 is packaged in a slim form factor
that helps you get the most out of limited panel real estate
without limiting features and performance. The SL30 is
unequaled in providing the features, level of performance,
and reliability that aviation users expect. The high
performance Digital Signal Processing (DSP) filter design
of the SL30 allows it to track weaker VOR signals with
more accuracy than conventional analog receivers. Add
additional features like Morse code Station Identification
and Multiple VOR tracking and you begin to understand
the Advantages of DSP in a VOR Navigation System. The
use of DSP technology in the SL30 provides a state-of-the

-art device, which packs more performance in less space
for less cost. You can be confident in knowing that you
are the owner of the state-of-the-art in aviation
communication and navigation. Our products are built to
last and to allow the flexibility to meet your needs as they
change in the future.

Welcome ...

i

Welcome ...

History of Revisions

Date Software Version Manual Revision

November 1999 1.0 Original Release
February 2000 1.1 Rev -00a
August 2001 1.2 Rev -01
August 2003 Rev -01a
November 2003 Rev-01b

Ordering Information

To receive additional copies of the SL30 User’s Guide,
order part #560-0403-xx. The SL30 Installation Guide is
part #560-0404-xx. The Quick Reference Guide is part
#561-0262-xx.

About This Manual

Please take a few moments to review the various sections
in this manual. Even if you are an experienced user of
Nav/Comms, be sure to read our Getting Started section.
This section provides the rules for successful use of the
SL30. The rest of the manual contains important
information that you can refer to as you need more detail
on specific procedures or features. The SL30 advances the
technology of Nav/Comms and uses new state-of-the-art
features you will want to know about.

Welcome Introductory statement, History of Revisions, and manual

Ordering Information.

Getting
Started

Advanced
Operation

Appendix Troubleshooting, Specifications, and Index.

ii

Learn the rules for using your SL30.

A detailed encyclopedia of the functions available in the
SL30 including step by step directions.

Table of Contents

Welcome ... ..............................i

History of Revisions .......................ii

Ordering Information ......................ii

About This Manual .......................ii

Getting Started ............................1

Display ..............................2

Controls .............................2

Operation Summary.......................4

PowerOn..........................4

Selecting a Comm Frequency ...............5

Selecting a NavFrequency .................5

System Mode ........................6

OBSMode..........................6

Recalling Frequencies ...................6

Emergency Channel ....................6

Advanced Operation .........................7

Comm Radio Mode .......................7

Monitoring the Standby Comm channel .........7

Saving a Comm channel ..................7

Removing a Comm channel ................8

Changing or Replacing a Saved Comm Channel.....8

Recalling Comm Channels.................9

Emergency Channel....................11

Stuck Mic..........................12

Intercom Function.....................12

Nav Radio Mode ........................13

Monitoring the Standby Nav channel ..........13

Using the Standby Channel to Monitor a Second VOR 13

Listening to the Audio channel..............16

Automatic Morse Code Decode/Display.........16

Saving a Nav channel ...................17

Removing a Nav channel .................17

iii

Recalling a Nav channel .................18

DST Data Display.....................20

OBSMode.........................21

To/From Radial ......................24

System Mode ..........................25

System Info.........................26

Nav Options ........................27

Comm Options ......................28

VOR Equipment Test ...................29

Appendix...............................31

Troubleshooting ........................31

Installation Configurations ..................33

Specifications ..........................34

General Features .....................34

Comm Radio Features ..................34

Physical Specifications ..................35

NAV Radio Performance Specifications .........35

Comm Radio Performance Specifications ........35

System Interfaces .....................35

Localizer and Paired Glideslope Frequencies ........36

VOR Station Frequencies ...................37

Index.................................39

iv

Getting Started

Combining a powerful 760 channel VHF
communications transceiver with 200 channel VOR,
Localizer and Glideslope receivers, the SL30 provides a
full-functioned navigation and communications solution
in a small footprint at a very affordable price. Besides
traditional Nav/Comm features, the SL30 also
incorporates workload-reducing functions such as
automatic decoding of the Morse code station identifier
for VOR/LOC, most-used frequency storage in memory,
built-in course deviation indicator, and more.

The SL30, the smallest Nav/Comm on the market, is
loaded with features and functionality. The only
Nav/Comm with the ability to monitor the standby
Comm and Nav frequencies, the SL30 VHF Nav receiver
operates from 108 MHz to 117.95 MHz decoding both the
VHF Omni Range and Localizer navigation signals. The
built in Glideslope receiver will automatically tune the
corresponding glideslope paired frequencies (328 MHz to
335 MHz) when the localizer is tuned. The SL30 includes
the powerful yet efficient 8 watt comm transmitter used in
the other SL Slimline and GX avionics.

Getting Started

Figure 1 - SL30 Front Panel Description

1

Getting Started

Display

The SL30 Nav/Comm uses a single line by 32-character
5x7 dot matrix alphanumeric display. A photocell is
located in the top left corner of the front panel display.
The photocell automatically controls the light intensity of
the display LEDs from low brightness at night to high
brightness during daylight operation. The lens is
polarized to reduce reflections. Using polarized sunglasses
may make it difficult to view the display.

TX A transmit (TX) indicator located above the FLIP/FLOP

button lights when the Comm radio is transmitting.

Controls

Power On/Off - Volume - Squelch

PULLSQUELCH

VOL

OFF

The knob on the left side of the SL30 controls power
on/off, volume, and squelch test. Rotate the knob
clockwise (CW) past the detent to turn the power on.
Continuing to rotate the knob to the right increases
speaker and headphone amplifier volume level. Rotate the
knob to the left to reduce the volume level. Pull the knob
out to disable automatic squelch. The SL30 may be
configured to have the volume knob control Nav and
intercom volume, as well as Comm volume .

Large/Small knobs

The dual concentric knobs on the right side of the SL30
are used to select frequencies, to view the features
available within a function, or make changes. Details are
provided in the appropriate sections.

Flip/Flop

Press the FLIP/FLOP button to switch between the active
(left-most) and standby (right-most) frequency. Switching
between Com frequencies is disabled while you are
transmitting.

Comm

COM

2

Press COM to select the Comm radio mode. The
annunciator will light above the button when you are in
Comm mode. Press

COM a second time to monitor the

NAV

SYS

OBS

Getting Started

Standby frequency. See the Advanced Operation section
for more about monitoring frequencies.

NAV

Press NAV to select the Nav radio mode. The annunciator
above the button will light when you are in Nav mode.

NAV a second time to monitor the Standby

Press
frequency. See the Advanced Operation section for more
about monitoring frequencies.

SYS

Press SYS to reach the System mode. The annunciator
above the button will light when you are in the System
mode.

OBS

Press OBS to see the current OBS setting and graphic
CDI. If the annunciator above the
may use the

LARGE and SMALL knobs to change the

displayed OBS values.

If your system is configured with an external CDI/HSI,
the OBS radial of your remote display will be decoded and
displayed on the screen of the SL30.

OBS button lights, you

T/F

ID

SEL

T/F

Press T/F to toggle between the bearing TO or radial
FROM the active VOR. The

T/F button does not operate

for Localizer frequencies.

ID

Press ID to select the Nav audio and toggle between
VOICE or IDENT. Pressing

ID will cancel the VOR

monitor function. Selecting the monitor function will
suspend the ID function until the monitor function is
disabled.

SEL

Press SEL to choose from a list of channel types or to
change values. In Comm or Nav modes, press
choose frequencies from the available lists. Press
again if you want to cancel the selection process. The

SEL to

SEL

3

Getting Started

annunciator will light above the button when this
function is active.

ENT

Press ENT to save selected values, to confirm a prompt, or

ENT

to save the Standby frequency.

Operation Summary

Power On

Turn the SL30 on. Either turn the Power/Volume knob
clockwise to turn the power on or, if installed, turn on the
master switch that powers the radios.

The SL30 will go through a short initialization routine
and then briefly display the last VOR check date. If you
turn the SL30 off for less then 15 seconds and then back
on, it will bypass the initialization process and return to
the last used display.

COM

Comm

Mode

Large - MHz

Small - kHz

Com - Monitor

Figure 2 - Operation Summary

4

NAV

Nav

Mode

Large - MHz

Small - kHz

Nav - Monitor

SYS

System

Mode

System Info

Nav Options

Com Options

VOR Equ ip Test

OBS

OBS

Mode

Large - Tens of degrees

Small - ones of degrees

Getting Started

Selecting a Comm Frequency

New frequencies are first selected as a Standby frequency
and then toggled to the Active side when desired. While
viewing the Standby frequency display, use the
and SMALL knobs on the right side of the SL30 to select
the desired frequency.

1. Press

COM to reach the Comm radio function. The

annunciator above the

COM button will light.

LARGE

2. Turn the

LARGE knob to change the values in one

MHz increments. The MHz selection range is between
118 and 136 in one MHz steps.

3. Turn the

SMALL knob to change the values in

25 kHz increments. The kHz selection range is
between 000 and 975 kHz in 25 kHz steps. Note that
only two digits are displayed to the right of the decimal
point.

4. Turn the

LARGE and SMALL knobs clockwise to

increase and counterclockwise to decrease the
frequency values. Standby frequency selection is not
inhibited during transmit.

5. Press the

FLIP/FLOP button to toggle the Standby

frequency to the Active frequency.

Selecting a Nav Frequency

The selection of Nav frequencies is the same as for the
Comm frequencies. The annunciator above the
button will light.

1. Press

2. Turn the

3. Turn the

NAV to reach the Nav radio function.

LARGE knob to change the values in one

MHz increments. The MHz selection range is between
108 and 117 in one MHz steps.

SMALL knob to change the values in

50 kHz increments.

NAV

4. Press the

FLIP/FLOP button to toggle the Standby

frequency to the Active frequency.

Note

You cannot display both Nav and Comm
frequencies at the same time.

5

Getting Started

System Mode

OBS Mode

Recalling Frequencies

In the System mode you can view software versions, setup
the Nav and Comm functions, and record VOR test
information. See the Advanced Operations section for
more details.

Press the OBS button. If the annunciator above the button
lights, then you may use the

LARGE and SMALL knobs to

adjust the Omni Bearing Selector.

In the Comm or Nav modes, press SEL to gain access to
the available frequency lists of each mode. Turn the

LARGE and SMALL knobs to view the available channels.

1. Press

2. Press

3. Turn the

4. Turn the

COM or NAV to go to the desired mode.

SEL to go to the frequency database.

LARGE knob to review the type of frequency.

SMALL knob to display the available channels

in the selected type.

5. Press

ENT to put the displayed channel into the Standby

position or press

FLIP/FLOP to put the displayed

channel into the Active position. You can press
again to cancel selection.

Emergency Channel

The standard emergency channel (121.50 MHz) is stored
in the Comm memory of the SL30.

1. Press

2. Press the

3. Listen, or key the Mic to send your message.

COM, if you aren’t in Comm mode already. Press

SEL. Turn the LARGE knob to the Emergency channel,

one position counter-clockwise will reach it fastest.

119.10 s124.55 emrgncy 121.50

FLIP/FLOP button to make the Emergency

channel the Active channel.

SEL

6

Advanced Operation

Comm Radio Mode

Monitoring the Standby Comm channel

The Frequency Monitoring function allows you to
monitor the Standby frequency for activity, while listening
to the Active frequency.

Advanced Operation

Press the
standby frequency. A small “m” will replace the “s”in
front of the Standby frequency.

When the Active frequency receives a signal, the unit will
switch automatically to the Active frequency. The Active
frequency quality is not affected. The Frequency Monitor
function is turned off when you flip/flop frequencies,
recall a frequency, or press
canceled by switching to Nav mode.

COM key in the Comm function to listen to the

119.10 m124.55 PDX from 115

COM again. Monitoring is not

Saving a Comm channel

You can save the Standby frequency and give it a name of
up to four characters. A combination of up to 250 Comm
and Nav frequencies may be saved. After 250 Nav and
Comm frequencies are saved, you will get a “Database
Full” message. You will have to remove frequencies before
any more can be saved.

A frequency type can also be assigned along with the
saved selection. Types available include: Tower (TWR),
Ground Control (GND), ATIS (ATS), Air Traffic
Frequency (ATF), Approach (APP), Arrival (ARR),
Automated Weather Station (AWS), Clearance (CLR),
Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTF), Departure
Control (DEP), Flight Service Station (FSS), Remote
Flight Service Station (RFS), Unicom (UNI), and
Mandatory Frequency (MF).

7

Advanced Operation

1. While in Comm mode, press ENT. The right side of the

display will show “store as” with a flashing cursor
at the first character of the name.

119.10 s124.55 store as _

2. Turn the

3. Turn the

SMALL knob to choose the desired character.

LARGE knob to move to the next character

position.

4. After you turn the

LARGE knob one position clockwise

past the fourth character, three underscores at the end
of the line will flash.

5. Turn the

6. Press

SMALL knob to choose the desired type.

ENT after making your selections. Press SEL if

you do not want to save the frequency.

Removing a Comm channel

You may only remove channels stored in the User list.

1. In Comm mode, press

2. Turn the

SMALL knob to the desired channel.

3. Press

LARGE knob to the User list and then turn the

SEL.“Remove?” will flash on the right side of

SEL.

the display.

119.10 s124.55 SLE ats Remove?

4. Press

ENT to remove the channel from the User list or

press

SEL to exit without making changes.

Changing or Replacing a Saved Comm Channel

Channels you have saved in the User list may be changed
or updated by replacing the frequency, but keeping the
same name and type.

1. Note the name of the channel you want to change. You
are going to use the same name and type for a new
channel.

2. Turn the

LARGE and SMALL knobs to display the

desired Standby frequency.

3. Press

ENT. The right side of the display will show

“store as” with a flashing cursor at the first
character of the name.

8

Advanced Operation

4. Use the LARGE and SMALL knobs to enter the
previously used name and frequency type.

5. Press

ENT. The previously used name and frequency

are now replaced with your new entry.

Recalling Comm Channels

There are several lists of channels that you can recall from
memory, they are: remote channels, the ten most recently
used channels, user-stored channels, weather channels,
and the emergency channel. The lists available depend on
your installation. Pressing
standby channel. Press the
entry as the active channel.

SEL

Turn LARGE Knob

Auto Stored

List

(AUTO)

First

Last

ENT

Remote Comm

Frequencies

First

Last

Pre ss .

Press to insert into Standby. Press to insert into Active.

ENT selects this entry as the

FLIP/FLOP button to select this

Comm Stored Frequencies

, then turn SMALL knob .

User
Memory
(USER)

First

Last

Weather

First

Last

Emerg.

Channel

Figure 3 - Recalling Comm Frequencies

Remote Comm Channel Lists

Database information can be read when your SL30 is
connected to another device, such as the SL60. Each
remote list begins with a facility identifier, such as PDX,
SLE, LAX, etc. The
remote, and other, lists. The
the channels in each list. A diamond indicates that more
channels are available for the displayed facility.

119.10 s124.55 PDX ats 128.35Y

LARGE knob scrolls through the

SMALL knob scrolls through

9

Advanced Operation

Automatic Comm Channel List (Autolist)

The last ten used active frequencies are available
separately for Nav and Comm channels (ten for Nav and
ten for Comm). The channels are stored in chronological
order beginning with the most recent used. Duplicates are
not saved again, but they are moved to the front of the list.
The

User Comm Channel List

The Comm channels that you saved are in this list. In
Comm mode you will see the channels you saved while in
Comm mode. This list is arranged alphabetically by
name. View the saved channels by rotating the
knob. Press the FLIP/FLOP button to make the viewed
channel the Active channel. Press the
the viewed channel the Standby channel.

SMALL knob is used to view entries in the list.

119.10 s124.55 autolist 119.10Y

SMALL

ENT button to make

119.10 s124.55 SLE ats 124.55Y

10

Advanced Operation

Weather Channels

The standard weather channels are stored in the memory
of the SL30. You cannot transmit on a weather channel
frequency. Weather channels are not available in all
locations.

Weather Frequencies

162.400 MHz

162.425 MHz

162.450 MHz

162.475 MHz

162.500 MHz

162.525 MHz

162.550 MHz

1. In Comm mode, press

SEL. Turn the LARGE knob to

the Weather channels.

119.10 s124.55 weather 162.40Y

2. Turn the

SMALL knob to choose the desired weather

channel.

3. Press the

FLIP/FLOP button to make the selected

weather channel the Active channel.

Emergency Channel

The standard emergency channel (121.50 MHz) is stored
in the memory of the SL30.

1. Press

2. Press the

SEL. Turn the LARGE knob to the Emergency

channel.

119.10 s124.55 emrgncy 121.50

FLIP/FLOP button to make the Emergency

channel the Active channel.

11

Advanced Operation

Stuck Mic

The SL30 helps protect you from a situation where the
microphone may get stuck in the ON or Transmit
position. If the microphone is keyed for longer than 35
seconds, the SL30 will return to the receive mode on the
selected frequency.

A“Stuck Mic” message will display until the transmit
key is released.

Intercom Function

When two headphone and microphone jacks are
connected to the SL30. Headsets can be used in
conjunction with the internal voice-activated intercom.

Note

In an emergency situation, if the “Stuck
Mic” message remains after you have
stopped keying the mic, turn the power off
and then back on. You will then get
another 35 second time-out period to
transmit.

When you select the Intercom function with the installed
selector switch, the intercom function is enabled. The
Volume control may control the headphone listening
level. See the System Mode information for setting up the
Mic squelch, transmitting mic, and Intercom volume.

12

Nav Radio Mode

Monitoring the Standby Nav channel

The Nav radio provides a monitor function for VORs as
the standby channel similar to the Comm radio. The
monitor function is activated or deactivated by pressing
the

NAV button while in the Nav function. The From

radial for the standby channel is shown in parentheses
when the VOR monitor mode is activated. This replaces
the station identifier, OBS course, or VOR/LOC indicator.
A small “m” will replace the “s” in front of the Standby
frequency. The Standby VOR radial is updated once per
second. You cannot monitor a Localizer channel.

111.80 m117.40 (267) from 115

If no signal can be tracked on the standby channel, then it
will be dashed out.

111.80 m115.40 (---) from 115

Advanced Operation

The VOR Monitor function is turned off when you
flip/flop frequencies, recall a frequency, or press

NAV

again. Monitoring is not canceled by switching to Comm.

Using the Standby Channel to Monitor a Second VOR

You can use the monitor function of the Standby channel
as if it were a second Nav receiver. This is useful to check
for crossing points on the course you are navigating along.
The two following examples show how to monitor the
second channel. You can use these examples to develop
your own solutions for other in-flight navigation needs.

13

Advanced Operation

Navigating along a Back Course approach

1. Press NAV to select the Nav receiver.

2. Set the Localizer frequency of your approach as the
Active channel.

3. Press

SEL. The display will prompt you to enable the

back course. Press

SEL and ENT again to disable the back course when it’s

ENT to enable the back course. Press

appropriate. When Back Course is enabled, it is noted
by “bc” on the display.

4. Set the Standby channel to the appropriate VOR and
note where a radial crosses the FAF and MAP for your
approach. Press

NAV a second time to “monitor” the

Standby channel. A small “m” will replace the “s”.

5. The internal CDI (on the right side of the display) and
the external CDI, if installed, will guide you along the
course to the runway.

6. The radial of the Standby channel you are monitoring
will be shown in parentheses to the right of the Standby
channel.

7. Use the monitored Standby channel to note your
location along the approach.

Figure 4 - SL30 as two Nav receivers to locate the FAF and MAP

14

Advanced Operation

Navigating to a MAHP

1. Press NAV to select the Nav receiver.

2. Set the VOR frequency for the radial you are following
to the MAHP as the Active channel.

3. Set the Standby channel to the appropriate VOR and
note where a radial crosses the MAHP for your runway.
Press

NAV a second time to “monitor” the Standby

channel. A small “m” will replace the “s”.

4. The Active channel will drive the internal CDI (on the
right side of the display) and the external CDI, if
installed.

5. The radial for the Standby channel you are monitoring
will be shown in parentheses to the right of the Standby
channel.

6. Use the monitored Standby channel to note your
location along the path to the MAHP. You will be at
the MAHP when the Standby channel displayed radial
matches the target radial.

Figure 5 - SL30 as two Nav receivers to locate a point

15

Advanced Operation

Listening to the Audio channel

The audio for the active Nav channel is toggled between
modes using the
button will light while Nav audio is activated, and the
detected audio signal will be sent to the Nav audio output
circuit. Nav audio may also be mixed with the Comm
audio output, if selected in the System mode. When you
are monitoring a VOR, Nav audio is suspended.

ID button. The annunciator above the

There are three modes for the Nav audio. Press the
button to start the ID mode. “IDENT” will be displayed
for three seconds. The Morse code tones sent over the
VOR/Localizer channels will be heard.

ID button is pressed a second time. “VOICE” will be

If the
displayed for three seconds. The Morse code tone volume
will be reduced so you can hear the voice transmission
more clearly.

Press

ID again to turn the audio and ID annunciator off.

The last audio output selection is kept in memory until
you change it, even when the SL30 is powered off. Using
this feature, you may leave the audio enabled and then
control it by an external audio panel.

Automatic Morse Code Decode/Display

The Morse code identifier will not be available until two
messages have been successfully received, which may take
from 15-60 seconds depending on conditions. When no
voice is present on the station, the Morse code identifier is
decoded correctly at least 99.5% of the time. If the station
is transmitting voice along with the Morse Code identifier,
the probability of the SL30 to decode the identifier drops
to 95%. Voice or poor reception (such as the station is far
away) may delay or inhibit the automatic decode function.

ID

16

Advanced Operation

Saving a Nav channel

You can save the frequency in the Standby position and
give it a name of up to four characters. Additional
information can be saved along with the name, if the
selection is a Localizer or ILS. ILS selections may include
the runway number (01-36) and designation (L, R, or C).
Up to 250 Comm and Nav frequencies may be saved.
After 250 Nav and Comm frequencies are saved, you will
get a “Database Full” message. You will have to remove
frequencies before any more can be saved.

1. While in Nav mode, press
display will show “store as” with a flashing cursor.

108.10 s111.10 store as _ ils

ENT. The right side of the

2. Turn the

3. Turn the

SMALL knob to choose the desired character.

LARGE knob to move to the next character

position.

4. If it is a Localizer frequency, after you turn the
knob one position clockwise past the fourth character,
the LOC label will flash.

5. Turn the

SMALL knob to choose the runway number

(01-36).

6. Turn the
underscore will flash. Turn the

LARGE knob one position clockwise. An

SMALL knob to choose

L, R, or C to identify the runway, as desired.

7. Press

ENT after making your selections. Press the SEL

button if you do not want to save the frequency.

Removing a Nav channel

You may only remove channels stored in the User list.

1. In Nav mode, press

2. Turn the

SMALL knob to the desired channel.

3. Press

LARGE knob to the User list. Turn the

SEL.“Remove” will flash on the right side of the

display.

SEL.

LARGE

4. Press

ENT to remove the channel from the User list.

You may also press

SEL again to cancel the process.

17

Advanced Operation

Recalling a Nav channel

There are several lists of channels that you can recall from
memory in Nav mode. Remote Localizer, remote VORs,
the ten most recently used channels in Nav mode, and the
user-stored channels.

1. In Nav mode, press

SEL.

2. Turn the

3. Turn the

LARGE knob to the desired list.

SMALL knob to view the available channels

in each list.

4. Press

ENT to select the entry as the standby channel.

Press the

FLIP/FLOP button to select this entry as the

active channel.

NAV Stored Frequencies and DST Data*

SEL

Pres s .

Remote ILS
Frequencies

First

Last

Remote VOR

Frequencies

Press to insert into Standby. Press to insert into Active.

ENT

Figure 6 - Recalling stored Nav channels

Turn LARGE Knob

First

Last

Auto Stored

List

(AUTO)

First

Last

, then turn SMALL knob .

User
Memory
(USER)

First

Last

Distance
Speed
Time
Data

* Shown when
installed
external device
is sending data

18

Advanced Operation

Remote Localizer List

If Localizer channels have been sent by an external device,
then this list will be the first displayed for convenience
while preparing for a landing. The list shows the airport
identifier on the left, a runway identifier for the station in
the center, and the channel frequency on the right. If
multiple Localizer frequencies are available at the
destination airport, a Y will be shown on the right side of
the display. The

SMALL knob will scroll through the

entries in the order they were sent.

111.80 s117.40 PDX 10L 111.30Y

Remote VOR list

If VOR channels have been sent by a remote device, then
this list will be the next available. The channels show the
identifier, the “vor” label, and the frequency.

111.80 s117.40 UBG vor 117.40Y

Automatic Nav Channel List

The last ten used active frequencies are available. The
channels are stored in chronological order beginning with
the most recent used. Duplicates are not saved again, but
are moved to the front of the list.

111.80 s117.40 autolist 111.80Y

Nav User Channel List

The Nav channels that you saved are in this list. This list
is arranged alphabetically by name. Selection is simply by
means of rotating the

110.10 s113.00 UBG vor 117.40Y

SMALL knob to view the channels.

19

Advanced Operation

DST Data Display

When the SL30 has received data from an external device,
such as a DME sensor, through the serial port, DST data
is added to the Nav recall list. If you aren’t connected to
an external sensor, you will not see this display. If the
display of Distance-Speed-Time (DST) data is not
activated, you will be prompted to show the data when
you view the DST selection in the channel recall lists.

109.90 s117.40 99.9 111 0:54ij

Distance from station in nautical miles

Ground speed relative to station in knots

Estimated time to station in hours and minutes

Figure 7 - DST display description

Enable DST Data Display

1. In Nav mode, press SEL. Then, turn the LARGE knob
to the DST Data list.

111.80 s117.40 show dst data?

2. Press

ENT to enable the display of DST data. DST

information will now replace the Nav information on
the Nav mode display.

111.80 s117.40 99.9nm 111kt 0:54

Disable DST Data Display

1. In Nav mode, press SEL. Then, turn the LARGE knob
to the DST Data item.

111.80 s117.40 remove dst data?

2. Press
DST data display may be deactivated by pressing
either
Data?” screen.

20

ENT to disable the display of DST data. The

T/F or OBS in addition to the “Remove DST

Advanced Operation

OBS Mode

OBS Operation

OBS mode enables the VOR CDI which is displayed on
the right side. The OBS course setting is shown in the
center of the display. The

OBS button is used to select this

mode. If OBS mode is allowed in the unit’s installed
configuration, the annunciator over the

OBS button will

light. The knobs adjust the OBS setting in this mode
rather than the frequencies. The
course by tens (00-35 in higher digits). The

LARGE knob adjusts the

SMALL knob

adjusts single degrees.

OBS Direct-To

You can navigate Direct-To a VOR. In Nav mode with a
VOR as the Active frequency, press

OBS twice. The CDI

will now center in the TO condition.

OBS Mode Disabled

If the active frequency is a localizer, OBS mode is not
available. Instead, the CDI is always displayed with loc
appearing to its left.

OBS mode and the CDI display for VORs are not
available if the SL30 is installed with an indicator head
that uses a composite converter.

CDI

A CDI display is also available for VORs. The OBS course
setting is displayed to the left of the CDI. The CDI
graphic is dashed and marked “flagged” when no
signal is received. If you enabled the “Display Ident over
OBS” selection in System mode, the Morse code station
identifier will replace the OBS value when it receives the
identifier message.

111.80 s117.40 120 fr A}}}

111.80 s117.40 120 ---flagged---

21

Advanced Operation

º

The CDI display is selected by pressing the OBS button.
The CDI display is not available if the SL30 is set to use
an external indicator head that does not provide a resolver
input.

The graphic CDI shows an airplane icon at the center that
points up in the To condition or down for From. An area
of ambiguity exists when you are on radials that are more

than 85° off the OBS course setting. When you are within

this range, the airplane icon will be replaced by the “+”
symbol.

OBS Setting

85º

VOR

85º

Figure 8 - Cone of Ambiguity

The SL30 graphic CDI is shown as a bar graph of up to
five pairs of short and tall bars right or left of the icon.
Each short and tall bar pair indicates two degrees
deflection. The short bar alone shows partial progress
towards a full two degrees. Fly towards the bars to be on
course, except in Back Course mode. When you see only
the airplane icon you are on course.

TO

2 Deflection

Indication

A}

deflection in tenths of degrees, or nothing at all. Note that

From

+

-

To

Additional information may
be displayed on the clear side
of the CDI. This optional
information is selected in a
system menu and includes a
to or from indicator, a
numeric representation of the

22

Advanced Operation

the additional information only switches sides after the
CDI deflection has exceeded two degrees on the side that
is currently used.

Localizer

A localizer (ILS) frequency is distinguished from the
VOR OBS display by the label, “loc,” to the left of the
CDI rather than the OBS course. If the back course is
selected, then “bc” will appear as additional information.
The “loc” label is replaced by the station’s Morse code
identifier after it is decoded. The CDI display will be
dashed and marked flagged if no signal is detected on the
active channel.

109.90 s117.40 loc A}}

Back Course

When a localizer channel is active and the SL30 is in Nav
mode, the
disable the Back Course mode. The
enable the Back Course mode. The
scroll through the recall lists. Back Course mode is not
available if the SL30 is set to use an external indicator
head with a built-in VOR/LOC converter.

SEL button will bring up a prompt to enable or

ENT button will

LARGE knob will still

When you set up the Back Course approach in your SL30,
no additional setup is required for your HSI or autopilot.
The SL30 corrects the Left/Right deviation indications to
your HSI and autopilot, if they are coupled to the SL30.
In addition, the Glideslope indicator will be flagged and
the needle will be centered. This will make the Back
Course approach easier since false or misleading
glideslope information is not displayed.

SL30

1) Press

NAV and then set the appropriate Localizer

channel into the Active position.

2) Enable the Back Course. Press

SEL and then ENT.

111.10 s116.00 Enable backcrs?

23

Advanced Operation

3) The SL30’s internal CDI will show “BC” and the

4) Make sure you are flying a Back Course approach,

HSI
Do NOT select the reciprocal inbound course. The SL30
will automatically send the correct left/right deviations to
your connected HSI.

Autopilot
Do NOT select Back Course in your autopilot if it is
connected to the SL30. The SL30 will automatically send
the correct information to your connected autopilot.

To/From Radial

The VOR radial display shows the To/From radial
computed by the active channel’s signal as well as the
Morse code channel identifier decoded from the received
audio. If no signal is received, the bearing will be dashed.
Until the identifier is decoded, “vor” will be displayed.

external CDI annunciator will show “BC.”

111.10 s116.00 loc bc +}}

because the CDI is now reversed so you can still
“chase” the needle.

112.80 s117.40 vor from ---

112.80 s117.40 PDX from 115

The

T/F button selects the To or From radial display. If

the VOR radial display is not currently shown, press

T/F to

show the radial display. When the VOR radial is
displayed, pressing

T/F will toggle between the Bearing To

and Radial From the VOR. This button is not functional
if a localizer frequency is selected on the active channel.

24

System Mode

t

Configuration adjustments for the SL30 are made in the
System mode. When you press the
annunciator above the button will light, and the display
will change to the System mode menus. The menus
available are:

System info

l

Nav options

l

Comm options

l

VOR equipment test

l

Advanced Operation

SYS button, the

SYS

Turn LARGE Knob

Nav

Options

Nav Audio Level

Nav/Com Mix Level

Additional CDI Info

Display Ident over
OBS

System

Info

Software
Versions

Low Display
Intensity

High Display
Intensity

Pre ss .

Figure 9 - System Mode Summary

, then press .

Comm

Options

RF Signal Level

Com Noise Level

Mic1 Squelch

Mc2 Squelch

Transmit Using...

Intercom Level

Sidetone Level

Headphone Level

ENT

VOR Equipment

Test

Date of Last Tes

Type of VOR Test

Location

Bearing Error

First Name

Last Name

25

Advanced Operation

System Info

System Info provides information about the Software
versions and the Display Intensity.

1. Press

2. Turn the

SYS and turn the LARGE knob if necessary to the

System Info page. Press

LARGE knob to view the selections.

ENT.

Software Version

The Software version is available for reference when you
contact Technical Support.

1. In the System Info function turn the

LARGE knob to

Nav software version.

2. Turn the

SMALL knob to view the Nav, Com, and DSP

software versions.

Low and High Display Intensity

As it arrives from the factory, the SL30 automatically
adjusts its display brightness for the current lighting
conditions. A small sensor at the upper left of the display
is used for this function. There are two adjustments
available for controlling the brightness level of the display.
The first controls the lower brightness level in the
automatic adjustment range (Low Display Intensity).
This is the brightness used when in total darkness. The
second adjusts the upper limit of this range (High Display
Intensity). This is used when bright light is shining on the
display.

The factory settings for these are at the limits of the range,
0 (Low Display Intensity) and 100 (High Display
Intensity). The range can be adjusted by using the

SMALL

knob to adjust the two values.

Some users may wish to disable the automatic dimming
function. This can be accomplished by setting the high
display level to zero. Now the low level adjustment will
set the brightness of the display directly with no automatic
adjustment made based on ambient light.

26

Advanced Operation

Nav Options

Nav Audio Level

This setting is for the SL30’s output to its external audio
panel. The factory default value is “Variable”, which
slaves it to the volume knob. The range of values it can be
set to are 1 to 100.

Nav/Comm Mixing Level

The Nav audio output may be mixed with the com audio
output for installations without an audio panel. The
default value is “Disabled”. The manual adjustment range
is 1 to 100. This scale actually represents a level relative to
that of the Comm audio.

Additional CDI Info

You may optionally select one of a couple of pieces of
information to display on the empty side of the VOR CDI.
This page allows the user to select this. The options are to
leave it blank (
display a numeric value of the deviation (

None), display a To/From indication, or

Numeric). The

numeric deviation is displayed from 0 to 85º with a
maximum resolution of 0.1º.

Display Ident over OBS

This is a simple “yes/no” selection. If it is set to No, then
the OBS course will always be displayed to the right of the
CDI when displayed except when the monitor function is
enabled. If this option is set to yes, the Morse code station
identifier will replace the OBS course after it is decoded.

27

Advanced Operation

Comm Options

The Comm Options selection allows you to set up options
available for Comm radio operation.

1. In the System mode rotate the
the Com Options page. Press

2. Rotate the

LARGE knob to view the Com Options

LARGE knob to display

ENT.

RF Signal Level

The RF Level function shows the relative signal strength
of the active frequency. The value will change as signal
conditions change. This information can be used by your
dealer to adjust the radio squelch break.

Comm Noise Level

The Comm Noise Level function shows the relative
received noise level of the active frequency. The value will
change as signal conditions change.

Mic 1 and 2 Squelch

The input levels required to break squelch by the
microphones are set by these values. Lower numbers
indicate a higher input level necessary to break squelch.
Turn the

LARGE knob to view Turn the SMALL knob to

change the value. The range is from 0 to 100.

Transmit Mic

The Transmit Microphone page allows you to control
which microphone is permitted to transmit. You may
choose Mic 1, 2, or both. To adjust the Transmit Mic
control:

1. In the Com Options selection, rotate the

LARGE knob

to display the Transmit Mic page.

2. Rotate the

SMALL knob to select MIC1, MIC2, or

MIC1+MIC2.

3. Select an appropriate frequency, key the transmitter,
and talk into the microphones to check for the intended
operation.

28

Advanced Operation

Intercom Level

This function adjusts the Intercom Audio Level. Turn the

SMALL knob to change the value. The range is from 1 to

100. Setting the value to “variable” slaves the intercom

level to the volume control knob.

Sidetone Level

This function displays and adjusts the sidetone audio level
that is heard when the transmitter is keyed. Turn the

SMALL knob to change the value. The range is from 1 to

100. Setting the value to “variable” slaves the sidetone

level to the volume control knob.

Headphone Level

The Headphone Level function allows you to adjust the
headphone audio level. Turn the

SMALL knob to change

the value. Setting the value to “variable” slaves the
headphone audio level to the volume control knob. The
range is from 1 to 100.

VOR Equipment Test

This menu allows you to record information about the
most recent equipment check performed on the unit as
required for IFR flight. You may include information
about: Date of Last Test, Type of VOR Test, Location,
Bearing Error, First Name, and Last Name.

1. Press

2. Turn the

3. Press

SYS to reach System mode and then turn the

LARGE knob to the VOR Equipment Test function.

Press

ENT.

LARGE knob to the desired item.

SEL to enable editing. The LARGE knob moves

the cursor and the
cursor. Press

SEL to abort editing.

SMALL knob adjusts the value at the

ENT to save the values you selected. Press

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all the desired information
areas.

5. Press

COM or NAV to leave the System mode. Press SYS

to go back to the main System mode menu.

29

Advanced Operation

Notes

30

Appendix

Troubleshooting

If efforts to resolve the problem fail, contact your dealer
or the factory for technical assistance. The Garmin
customer service staff will gladly assist you.

Please have the following information ready:

l

l

l

l

l

Garmin International, Inc.
Customer Service Department
1200 East 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062-3426 USA

Appendix

System configuration (products, antennas,
mounting locations, etc.)

Model No., part number, and serial number

Software versions

Description of the problem

Efforts made to isolate/solve the problem

[phone]
FAX [phone]

http://www.garmin.com

31

Appendix

Problem Possible Cause Action

SL30 does not
power on

No Nav audio Output disabled or

Nav audio in Comm Mixed with Comm

SL30 does not
transmit

No power to the
SL30

Faulty electrical
wiring or connection

set to a low level

feature

Weather channel is
selected

Check power
connections,
breakers, and main
avionics switch

Contact your dealer
to perform electrical
system test

Check System page,
Nav options, Nav
Audio Level

Check System page,
Nav Options, Mix
Nav Audio with
Comm

Select a different
frequency, transmit
on Weather channel
not allowed

Sidetone level is too
low or too high

Intercom doesn’t
function

Can’t change active
frequency

OBS readout
displays “---”

Display shows
“Incorrect Calibration
Checksum” at
start-up

32

No power to Comm

Mic key connection

Wrong type of
headsets, or level
needs adjustment

Input not connected

No voice activation,
or must talk too loud

Comm Radio not
communicating

Resolver failure

Calibration error

Corrupted system
calibration
parameters

Check power
connections

Check Mic key input
connection

Check System page,
Nav Options,
Sidetone level

Check connections

Check System page,
Com Options,
Intercom level

Contact dealer

Contact dealer

Recalibrate resolver

Contact factory

Installation Configurations

Certain functions are either available or not depending on
the configuration of your particular installation. The
following table illustrates the features available for the
described installations. A feature that is available is
indicated by the black dot.

Appendix

VOR

Monitor

Stand­Alone

External
CDI/HSI
resolver

External
CDI/HSI
resolver
with
VOR/LOC
converter

External
serial
CDI/HSI

l

l

l

Note 1 - External indicator must support vertical deviation

indication to the pilot.

VOR CDI

Display

Localizer

Back

Course

lll

ll l

ll l

OBS

Mode/OBS

Direct-To

Glide

Slope Info

See Note 1

l

33

Appendix

Specifications

General Features

32 character high-intensity alphanumeric LED display
Sunlight readable full alphanumeric display
Automatic display intensity
Back-lit buttons
200 channel memory (stored alphabetically)
Remote frequency flip-flop input pin
Navigation Radio Features
200 channel Nav with solid state DSP technology
VOR/Localizer and Glideslope receivers
Built-in VOR/Localizer converter
Frequency range:

Digitally decoded OBS setting
Manual selection of back course approach
Automatic display of station ID by decoding Morse code
Interfaces to most CDI (w/resolver), HSI, and autopilot systems
VOR receiver displays To or From radial of the active channel
VOR monitor displays From radial of the standby channel
Back course annunciator output
LOC enable annunciator output
Internal RF diplexor
Active and standby flip/flop frequencies
DME or other DST (Distance, Speed, Time) tuning an data display

VOR 108.00 – 117.95 MHz
Localizer 108.00 – 111.95 MHz
Glideslope 328.60 – 335.40 MHz

Comm Radio Features

760 communications channels
Frequency range 118 to 136.975 MHz
Active and standby flip/flop frequencies
Volume control
Tunes to National Weather Service broadcasts
Transmit status indicator
Frequency monitor function (listens to standby while monitoring

active)
Emergency channel menu
Squelch test function
Stuck Mic time-out

34

Appendix

12 watt audio amplifier
Includes two-place VOX intercom

Physical Specifications

1.3"(H) x 6.25" (W) x 10.5" (D)
Weight 2.25 lbs. (unit only)
Depth 11.452 inches (29.09cm) behind panel, including mounting

frame and connectors

NAV Radio Performance Specifications

Input voltage range 10 to 40 VDC
Operating temperature range –20ºC to +55ºC
Certified TSO C34e/JTSO C34e (Glideslope receive)
Certified TSO C36e/JTSO C36e (ILS Localizer receive)
Certified TSO C40c/JTSO 2C40c (VOR receive)
Certified TSO C66c/JTSO 2C66b (DME display)

Comm Radio Performance Specifications

Input voltage range 10 to 40 VDC
Operating temperature range –20ºC to +55ºC
Transmit power 8 watts (Carrier Power)
Certified TSO C37d/JTSO 2C37e (Comm transmitting)
Certified TSO C38d/JTSO 2C38e (Comm receiving)
Certified TSO C128/JTSO 2C128 (stuck mic)

System Interfaces

Navigation Receiver

The SL30 can be installed in several configurations
based upon individual requirements. This includes with or
without an external course deviation indicator. The CDI
may be discrete, serial, or composite.

Comm Transceiver

For standalone installations, the Comm requires
connections to:

a standard Comm antenna
a microphone (or microphones)
a speaker or headphone
power input

These items may be installed dedicated to the SL30
Comm, or by connection to an audio panel. The system
can be configured to mix the NAV audio with the Comm
audio if no external audio panel is used.

Serial Interface

DST or DME – Distance, Speed, Time or Distance
Measure Equipment
SL/GX – GPS products
MX – Multi-Function Display

35

Appendix

Localizer and Paired Glideslope Frequencies

Localizer MHz Glideslope MHz Localizer MHz Glideslope MHz

108.1 334.7 110.1 334.4

108.15 334.55 110.15 334.25

108.3 334.1 110.3 335.0

108.35 333.95 110.35 334.85

108.5 329.9 110.5 329.6

108.55 329.75 110.55 329.45

108.7 330.5 110.7 330.2

108.75 330.35 110.75 330.05

108.9 329.3 110.9 330.8

108.95 329.15 110.95 330.65

109.1 331.4 111.1 331.7

109.15 331.25 111.15 331.55

109.3 332.0 111.3 332.3

109.35 331.85 111.35 332.15

109.5 332.6 111.5 332.9

109.55 332.45 111.55 332.75

109.7 333.2 111.7 333.5

109.75 333.05 111.75 333.35

109.9 333.8 111.9 331.1

109.95 333.65 111.95 330.95

Each displayed localizer frequency is paired with a
glideslope frequency that is not displayed.

36

VOR Station Frequencies

VOR stations occur every 50 kHz from 112.00 through

117.95 MHz and on the following frequencies in the 108

to 112 MHz band.

108.20 109.20 110.20 111.20

108.25 109.25 110.25 111.25

108.40 109.40 110.40 111.40

108.45 109.45 110.45 111.45

108.60 109.60 110.60 111.60

108.65 109.65 110.65 111.65

108.80 109.80 110.80 111.80

108.85 109.85 110.85 111.85

109.00 110.00 111.00 112.00

109.05 110.05 111.05

Appendix

37

Appendix

Notes

38

Index

A

Arrow button .........2

Audio

Mixing level ........27

Audio channel ........16

Audio level ..........27

Autolist

Com channel .......10

Nav.............19

Autopilot ...........24

B

Back course........14,23

C

CDI............21,27

Distance data.........20

DME display .........20

DST Data Display ......20

E

Emergency channel .....11

Enter (ENT)

Button ............4

F

Flip/Flop

Button ............2

Frequencies

Localizer..........36

Type.............7

VOR............37

Front panel ..........1

G

Getting started .......1-6

Com

Autolist...........10

Button ............2

Recall channel .......9

Remote channel ......9

Remove channel ......8

Save channel ........7

Select frequency ......5

User channels .......10

Com noise level .......28

Com options .........28

Configuration ........33

D

Direct-To...........21

Display .............2

Display intensity .......26

Glideslope

Frequencies ........36

H

Headphone..........29

HSI..............24

I

IDmode...........16

Ident (ID)

Button ............3

Installation configuration . . 33

Intercom .........12,29

K

Knobs .............2

L

Localizer ...........23

Frequencies ........36

39

M

Mic..............28

Monitor

Standby Comm channel . . 7

Standby Nav channel . . . 13

Morse code ...........

......i,1,16,21,23-24,27

N

Nav

Audio level.........27

Autolist channels .....19

Button ............3

Mode............13

Monitor standby......13

Options ..........27

Save channel .......17

Select frequency ......5

Nav/Com audio mixing . . . 27

O

OBS ............6,21

Button ............3

Direct-To .........21

Disabled ..........21

Display ident .......27

P

Power .............2

R

Recall

Com channels .......9

Recalling frequencies .....6

Com channels .......7

Nav channel ........17

Select (SEL)

Button ............3

Sidetone ...........29

Software version .......26

Specifications.........34

Speed data ..........20

Squelch ..........2,28

Standby

Com.............7

Nav.............13

Stuck mic ...........12

System ............25

System (SYS)

Button ............3

T

Time data...........20

To/From

Button ............3

Radial ...........24

Troubleshooting .......31

U

User channels ......10,19

V

Volume.............2

Remote

Com channels .......9

VOR list ..........19

Remove Com channel ....8

RF signal level ........28

S

Save

40

VOR

Equipment test ......29

Frequencies ........37

W

Weather channels ......11

© 2003 by Garmin Corporation, Inc.

1200 East 151st Street

Olathe, KS 66062-3426 U.S.A.

Phone [phone]

FAX [phone]

http://www.garmin.com

Part #560-0403-01 Rev B

November 2003