Garmin GTN Updates

Garmins latest software for the GTN navigators (V6.5) offers compelling new features. GTNs come in both the GTN 700 and GTN 600 series. The patriarch is the x50 (650 or 750) with GPS/NAV/COM capabilities; whereas the x25 has only GPS. The 600 and 700 differ in the screen size and the 700s ability to control an embedded audio panel. With the larger screen, the 700 can also display georeferenced (Jeppesen or AIS) approach charts.

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Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

The GTN V6.5 update introduces Vertical Navigation (VNAV) capabilities, displaying and allowing adjustment of altitude restrictions for procedures like approaches, STARs, and SIDs.
It now automatically calculates cold temperature-compensated altitudes for affected airports, simplifying a previously manual and tedious process.
New QWERTY and "half ABC" keyboard layouts are available across GTN series, significantly improving data entry efficiency.
A new "Along Track Offset" feature allows pilots to easily define custom waypoints at a specific distance and altitude along a track from an existing fix.

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Garmin’s latest software for the GTN navigators (V6.5) offers compelling new features. GTNs come in both the GTN 700 and GTN 600 series. The patriarch is the x50 (650 or 750) with GPS/NAV/COM capabilities; whereas the x25 has only GPS. The 600 and 700 differ in the screen size and the 700’s ability to control an embedded audio panel. With the larger screen, the 700 can also display georeferenced (Jeppesen or AIS) approach charts.

Full disclosure: I’ve had a 750 and 650 in my Mooney Ovation since Garmin first released the GTNs in 2011. Since then, I’ve gone through eight software updates, each one adding additional features and capabilities.