GI 275 database sync

iamtheari

iamtheari

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Ari
Our plane has a GTN 750 Xi, GTN 650 Xi, G500 TXi, GI 275, and FS 510. I have tried to update the databases both with an SD card through the TXi and from Garmin Pilot through Database Concierge. In both instances, I noticed that the whole panel seems to synchronize the update and reboot process, except for the GI 275. It looks like I can go into the GI 275 and activate standby databases by hand, but it doesn't want to do that automatically. Is that normal or is there an option or step I'm missing to make the GI 275 automatically change to a standby database?
 
All of the official steps (below) have the GI 275 included but called out separately. Sure seems to be the black sheep.

From Garmin manual:

This section explains the steps to complete the wireless transfer of databases from the mobile device to the
display and check the status of Database Sync.
 Power on the avionics with Flight Stream 510 installed (GI 275 has internal Bluetooth and WiFi and
does not require a Flight Stream 510.)
 Connect to the wireless network.
o For displays using Flight Stream 510: This is on the database page on initial startup – do not
navigate past this page. The “Show WiFi Info” button will provide the WiFi credentials.
o For GI 275: View the WiFi credentials by going to the System > Wireless page. The WiFi network
becomes available by navigating to System > Databases > Update.
 Select the databases to update.
o For GI 275: Select the Connext button.
 Start the database update. Once the transfer and update are complete, the display may restart to
install the databases.
 The unit will automatically begin Database Sync with the eligible Garmin units. To monitor Database
Sync, navigate to the System Status page on the unit (System > System Status)
 
For this cycle (through 5/23) my 275’s will not activate the standby database. Has worked fine until now. I’m going to try next cycle before I call Garmin. I typically update through my 750. It looks like the new database is in the 275’s in standby, but it won’t push to active database.

no help for your issue, but thought I would chime in.
 
Eric Brunelle said:
For this cycle (through 5/23) my 275’s will not activate the standby database. Has worked fine until now. I’m going to try next cycle before I call Garmin. I typically update through my 750. It looks like the new database is in the 275’s in standby, but it won’t push to active database.

no help for your issue, but thought I would chime in.
Click to expand...
Actually it's very helpful. I'm new to the GI 275 so maybe it is just this cycle.
 
I might be able to help. I am currently dealing with this issue and have spoken to Garmin extensively about the FS510, GTN and GI275 sync issue. Have you recently updated the GI275s to software 2.60 and GTNs to 20.30? Prior to updating my GI275s to 2.60 and GTNxi's to 20.30, sync worked perfectly. They believe the issue was isolated to non-xi units, and if you call, that is what they will tell you. But I can confirm it is present across the board and they know about it. The best way to work around the issue is to update the GI275s from the USB port (database manager) or wirelessly from Garmin Pilot. As mentioned above, the GI275s will see the databases on the GTNs in standby but I do believe they can be pushed to active. I should have more answers Thursday. Sadly, it appears the only solution will be software updates.
 
pilot-werx said:
I might be able to help. I am currently dealing with this issue and have spoken to Garmin extensively about the FS510, GTN and GI275 sync issue. Have you recently updated the GI275s to software 2.60 and GTNs to 20.30? Prior to updating my GI275s to 2.60 and GTNxi's to 20.30, sync worked perfectly. They believe the issue was isolated to non-xi units, and if you call, that is what they will tell you. But I can confirm it is present across the board and they know about it. The best way to work around the issue is to update the GI275s from the USB port (database manager) or wirelessly from Garmin Pilot. As mentioned above, the GI275s will see the databases on the GTNs in standby but I do believe they can be pushed to active. I should have more answers Thursday. Sadly, it appears the only solution will be software updates.
Click to expand...
If you update the GI 275 by USB, does it sync to the rest of your panel?
 
pilot-werx said:
I might be able to help. I am currently dealing with this issue and have spoken to Garmin extensively about the FS510, GTN and GI275 sync issue. Have you recently updated the GI275s to software 2.60 and GTNs to 20.30? Prior to updating my GI275s to 2.60 and GTNxi's to 20.30, sync worked perfectly. They believe the issue was isolated to non-xi units, and if you call, that is what they will tell you. But I can confirm it is present across the board and they know about it. The best way to work around the issue is to update the GI275s from the USB port (database manager) or wirelessly from Garmin Pilot. As mentioned above, the GI275s will see the databases on the GTNs in standby but I do believe they can be pushed to active. I should have more answers Thursday. Sadly, it appears the only solution will be software updates.
Click to expand...
Makes sense - I brought the plane back to the avionics shop to fix a disconnected audio wire (warranty issue) and the tech told mehe updated the 275's while he was at it. I'll try that next time I update. There isn't much database information that I get from the 275's that I can't live without for the next two weeks. I'll update the 275's through Garmin Pilot, then boot up the 750xi and up date it. Thanks for the info!
 
pilot-werx said:
I might be able to help. I am currently dealing with this issue and have spoken to Garmin extensively about the FS510, GTN and GI275 sync issue. Have you recently updated the GI275s to software 2.60 and GTNs to 20.30? Prior to updating my GI275s to 2.60 and GTNxi's to 20.30, sync worked perfectly. They believe the issue was isolated to non-xi units, and if you call, that is what they will tell you. But I can confirm it is present across the board and they know about it. The best way to work around the issue is to update the GI275s from the USB port (database manager) or wirelessly from Garmin Pilot. As mentioned above, the GI275s will see the databases on the GTNs in standby but I do believe they can be pushed to active. I should have more answers Thursday. Sadly, it appears the only solution will be software updates.
Click to expand...

Well it says right in the release notes for v2.60 that they have disabled database sync in this version (Garmin SB 22120d):

"Database sync routing is affected by this change. Systems with GTN™ 6XX/7XX (v6.72 or earlier) or GPS 175/GNC® 355/GNX™ 375 (v3.20 or earlier) interfaced to G500/G600 TXi (v3.50 or later) or GI 275 (v2.60 or later) no longer support database sync. Databases will need to be loaded onto each GTN 6XX/7XX and GPS 175/GNC 355/GNX 375 unit. This limitation will be fixed in future GTN 6XX/7XX and GPS 175/GNC 355/GNX 375 software versions."

In my experience, the Garmin Aviation Tech Support folks don't seem particularly knowledgeable about their own products. Reading their own service bulletins and software release notes would probably help.

C.
 
I updated the GI 275’s separately, so now all of my databases are up to date and active, but the 750xi shows database mis match on boot up. Looks like I’ll be waiting for the firmware update.
 
Ok - today I updated the GI 275’s first, and the updates were pushed through to the 750 xi. All are in sync and no mismatches, and only had to update one device. Except - still need to update the 430w the old way .
 
Eric Brunelle said:
Ok - today I updated the GI 275’s first, and the updates were pushed through to the 750 xi. All are in sync and no mismatches, and only had to update one device. Except - still need to update the 430w the old way .
Click to expand...

:hairraise::hairraise::hairraise:

Are you saying you were able to install database updates via USB and they pushed from the 275 to the 750?

This is incredible! I was told it couldn’t be done (that it only worked 650-> 275) and was very unhappy because I’d rather not have to carry take the FS510 out all the time just to update databases.
 
Yes - BUT via Wi-Fi not via USB. I use Garmin Pilot. I thought the same thing. So I updated the 275’s, then turned on the avionics master to update the 750 and the new DB was already there. The 750 rebooted on its own to finish the update. Magic.
 
Eric Brunelle said:
Yes - BUT via Wi-Fi not via USB. I use Garmin Pilot. I thought the same thing. So I updated the 275’s, then turned on the avionics master to update the 750 and the new DB was already there. The 750 rebooted on its own to finish the update. Magic.
Click to expand...

Hope it works via USB. I’m so excited to ditch the BadElf I use for my 430s; the last thing I need is another janky wireless update experience.
 
pilot-werx said:
I might be able to help. I am currently dealing with this issue and have spoken to Garmin extensively about the FS510, GTN and GI275 sync issue. Have you recently updated the GI275s to software 2.60 and GTNs to 20.30? Prior to updating my GI275s to 2.60 and GTNxi's to 20.30, sync worked perfectly. They believe the issue was isolated to non-xi units, and if you call, that is what they will tell you. But I can confirm it is present across the board and they know about it. The best way to work around the issue is to update the GI275s from the USB port (database manager) or wirelessly from Garmin Pilot. As mentioned above, the GI275s will see the databases on the GTNs in standby but I do believe they can be pushed to active. I should have more answers Thursday. Sadly, it appears the only solution will be software updates.
Click to expand...

Eric Brunelle said:
Ok - today I updated the GI 275’s first, and the updates were pushed through to the 750 xi. All are in sync and no mismatches, and only had to update one device. Except - still need to update the 430w the old way .
Click to expand...

Thank you both for sharing. I noticed my 275 didn't update the last time either, and that was the first update after the avionics shop upgraded all the software. I used to always update the 750 via the FS510 and then let it sync to the GI275, I never connected directly to the 275. I guess maybe I'll have to try going the other direction next time.
 
Just to make sure I have this correct... I can update the GI275s via WiFi from Database Concierge (while the GTN750xi is powered off), then power up the GTN750xi and the databases will transfer over (including flitecharts?). Or do I need to send flitecharts separately since they are unique to the 750 and not used by the GI275?
 
As an update (June 2024) I have a GTN750xi and (3) GI-275's. I used my FlightStream 510 and Garmin Pilot on my iPhone...I updated my GTN750xi using Database Concierge/FlightStream 510 (You must be on the initial 750 start-up screen or else the WiFi won't work). I was on the phone with Garmin Tech Support as I did this; they told me my 275's would auto-update (that the 750 would auto sync the databases on my 275's) - but it never happened. I spent plenty of time on the ground with everything powered up and the plane out of the hangar with full alignment/GPS lock (they said that was necessary for some reason)...but the 275's never updated. I then decided to update them by themselves (the 275's) using their built in BT/WiFi connections...and now all databases are synced.

On the next update cycle, I will ONLY update the 275's with the avionics master OFF, and then I will power up the 750 with the avionics master and report badck my findings. I'm hoping everything syncs as Eric Brunelle experienced.

I guess that means a person WITHOUT a flightstream 510 could update their 275's with Garmin Pilot wirelessly and then that would push to a GTN navigator?

It is becoming clear that the Garmin support folks don't know all the nuances of the 275's yet as they pertain to interfacing with the GTN stuff (or the FlightStream 510).

Lastly, the FlightStream 510 documentation is horrible if a Garmin person is reading this. Here is what I have gathered as fact for a FS510 card:
FlightStream510: Allows 2 simmultaneous BT connections for use with iPad, Android or Garmin Aera units.
GTN unit with FlightStream510: Wi-Fi ONLY available when updating databases using Garmin Pilot (on initial startup Wi-Fi screen)
 
I'm having a pair og GI275's /GFC500 with existing GTN650 installed and should be ready today. In my research it does not appear that the 275's can push a DB update to a GTN. However, a GTN is supposed to be able to push it to the 275's. I was hoping the WiFi capable 275's could allow elimination of the FS510 for DB updating that appears not to be the case. Bummer. I'll update if I find otherwise.
 
Page 32 of the GI-275 pilots manual states:

“NOTE: The GI 275 can receive database updates from another compatible Garmin
LRU, but will only provide database updates to a GI 275, GPS 175, GNC 355, or GNX
375.”
 
ShaneWhite said:
As an update (June 2024) I have a GTN750xi and (3) GI-275's. I used my FlightStream 510 and Garmin Pilot on my iPhone...I updated my GTN750xi using Database Concierge/FlightStream 510 (You must be on the initial 750 start-up screen or else the WiFi won't work). I was on the phone with Garmin Tech Support as I did this; they told me my 275's would auto-update (that the 750 would auto sync the databases on my 275's) - but it never happened. I spent plenty of time on the ground with everything powered up and the plane out of the hangar with full alignment/GPS lock (they said that was necessary for some reason)...but the 275's never updated. I then decided to update them by themselves (the 275's) using their built in BT/WiFi connections...and now all databases are synced.

On the next update cycle, I will ONLY update the 275's with the avionics master OFF, and then I will power up the 750 with the avionics master and report badck my findings. I'm hoping everything syncs as Eric Brunelle experienced.

I guess that means a person WITHOUT a flightstream 510 could update their 275's with Garmin Pilot wirelessly and then that would push to a GTN navigator?

It is becoming clear that the Garmin support folks don't know all the nuances of the 275's yet as they pertain to interfacing with the GTN stuff (or the FlightStream 510).

Lastly, the FlightStream 510 documentation is horrible if a Garmin person is reading this. Here is what I have gathered as fact for a FS510 card:
FlightStream510: Allows 2 simmultaneous BT connections for use with iPad, Android or Garmin Aera units.
GTN unit with FlightStream510: Wi-Fi ONLY available when updating databases using Garmin Pilot (on initial startup Wi-Fi screen)
Click to expand...
The Garmin tech told me to NOT use the flight stream card, but instead get an HD 128G card for the transfer. Then put the Flightstream back in after the update. Gonna try that this next cycle.
 
I want to do all the updates wirelessly without having to mess with swapping cards and using card readers or logging in to FlyGarmin.
 
Good luck with that - let us know how it goes. I gave up - so much wasted time.
 
Eric Brunelle said:
Good luck with that - let us know how it goes. I gave up - so much wasted time.
Click to expand...
I was actually successful.

I used Garmin Pilot and downloaded all the updates onto my iPhone. I then used my flight stream 510 and updated my 750. Then I connected to my upper (attitude indicator) GI-275 and updated it, and it synced my other two GI-275s (HSI & MFD). Everything matches.
 
ShaneWhite said:
I was actually successful.

I used Garmin Pilot and downloaded all the updates onto my iPhone. I then used my flight stream 510 and updated my 750. Then I connected to my upper (attitude indicator) GI-275 and updated it, and it synced my other two GI-275s (HSI & MFD). Everything matches.
Click to expand...
Great news. My install is complete…except the avionics tech is getting the rack spacing to his satisfaction because he “can’t stand to see improper spacing between radio gear”. Truth is, and I’m pretty picky about symmetry, it looks pretty darn good to me. The mechanics should have the interior in by mid week and I plan on loading databases Thursday. Fingers crossed that the FS510 still is flawless and the 650 pushes the DB’s to the 275’s.
 
ShaneWhite said:
I was actually successful.

I used Garmin Pilot and downloaded all the updates onto my iPhone. I then used my flight stream 510 and updated my 750. Then I connected to my upper (attitude indicator) GI-275 and updated it, and it synced my other two GI-275s (HSI & MFD). Everything matches.
Click to expand...
Great!
 
ShaneWhite said:
As an update (June 2024) I have a GTN750xi and (3) GI-275's. I used my FlightStream 510 and Garmin Pilot on my iPhone...I updated my GTN750xi using Database Concierge/FlightStream 510 (You must be on the initial 750 start-up screen or else the WiFi won't work). I was on the phone with Garmin Tech Support as I did this; they told me my 275's would auto-update (that the 750 would auto sync the databases on my 275's) - but it never happened. I spent plenty of time on the ground with everything powered up and the plane out of the hangar with full alignment/GPS lock (they said that was necessary for some reason)...but the 275's never updated. I then decided to update them by themselves (the 275's) using their built in BT/WiFi connections...and now all databases are synced.

On the next update cycle, I will ONLY update the 275's with the avionics master OFF, and then I will power up the 750 with the avionics master and report badck my findings. I'm hoping everything syncs as Eric Brunelle experienced.
Click to expand...
As posted elsewhere, a GI-275 will not sync updates to a GTN - Only the other way around.

Now, as far as the initial question of the thread, here's what happened. There was apparently some sort of cybersecurity issue at Garmin that affected (or had potential to affect) the databases that are purchased from them. Garmin quickly and quietly started moving to an encrypted, signed database format. Of course, that wouldn't work without software updates on our individual units! Unfortunately, they didn't finish all of the updates at the same time, so if your avionics shop updated your software at the wrong time, you had some units that could use the signed format and others that couldn't.

I was tripped up by this during an update last year. I know that as of Oshkosh last year they still hadn't gotten everything working on the signed databases, but it sounded like they were close. I finally got around to getting all of my Garmin units updated recently, and now the database sync is working again.

So, if your database sync isn't working - Go to your Garmin dealer and have them update your software. FWIW, when mine was broken I was on GTN (non-Xi) version 6.72 and GI275 version 2.60. I actually didn't look at what the new versions are, I'll have to check next time I'm at the hangar.
 
Thanks - I’ll have it done when I ge my pitot static done in November
 
flyingcheesehead said:
As posted elsewhere, a GI-275 will not sync updates to a GTN - Only the other way around.

Now, as far as the initial question of the thread, here's what happened. There was apparently some sort of cybersecurity issue at Garmin that affected (or had potential to affect) the databases that are purchased from them. Garmin quickly and quietly started moving to an encrypted, signed database format. Of course, that wouldn't work without software updates on our individual units! Unfortunately, they didn't finish all of the updates at the same time, so if your avionics shop updated your software at the wrong time, you had some units that could use the signed format and others that couldn't.

I was tripped up by this during an update last year. I know that as of Oshkosh last year they still hadn't gotten everything working on the signed databases, but it sounded like they were close. I finally got around to getting all of my Garmin units updated recently, and now the database sync is working again.

So, if your database sync isn't working - Go to your Garmin dealer and have them update your software. FWIW, when mine was broken I was on GTN (non-Xi) version 6.72 and GI275 version 2.60. I actually didn't look at what the new versions are, I'll have to check next time I'm at the hangar.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the information. The plane in question goes in for annual this month and I'll ask the avionics department to verify the latest software is on all the avionics while it's there.
 
I think Garmin might have fixed the concierge issue with the new release of Pilot. Updated fine on the 750, then cross synced to the 275’s.
 
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