G1000 NXi Phase III

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CFIDave
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G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by CFIDave »

This week, DAN owner representatives held a videoconference with Diamond in which we were given updated information about upcoming NXi Phase III software availability and features.

Software Release Dates:

DA62: 3/31/2022
DA40NG: 8/31/2022
DA40 XLT: 9/30/2022
DA42 NG: 9/30/2022
(The new DA50RG is already being delivered with NXi Phase III)

Please note that these planned dates may be affected by testing results and regulatory approval.

Here are the new Features that will be included in Phase III:
Screen Shot 2021-11-19 at 4.39.00 PM.png
As has been discussed here before, NXi Phase III software will run on any aircraft with G1000 NXi Phase II hardware installed -- including GIA64Ws, a GEA71B engine interface, and the newer GMA1360 audio panel. This includes new aircraft originally delivered with Phase II hardware, as well as aircraft that have been upgraded to Phase II hardware from NXi Phase I.

The only Phase III-specific hardware is a blue "Level" button (installed in the instrument panel) to activate the GFC700 autopilot's new Level Mode. This hardware is optional, however, so NXi Phase III software can be installed without the blue button.

It is hoped that this extensive list of new Phase III software features will encourage more NXi owners to upgrade their panels to Phase II hardware. NXi owners who do so will receive a credit for return of their used GIA63W units, which will make more used GIA63W units available for Legacy G1000 owners who need a WAAS upgrade.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by pietromarx »

I'm rather curious as to the discussion on the DA-40-180 XLT. I hadn't heard that they were even doing NXi upgrades for the DA-40-180s, much less that there would be a Phase 3. Heck, I don't believe we have even an update for the original G1000 past the "0321.23" release from December 2013. There is nothing posted to Garmin's bulletin system that I've seen (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviationalerts/?s=da40).

Could you articulate further?

Thanks
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by mfdutra »

Dave, any word on the GWX-75 for new orders?
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by CFIDave »

pietromarx wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 4:21 am I'm rather curious as to the discussion on the DA-40-180 XLT. I hadn't heard that they were even doing NXi upgrades for the DA-40-180s, much less that there would be a Phase 3. Heck, I don't believe we have even an update for the original G1000 past the "0321.23" release from December 2013. There is nothing posted to Garmin's bulletin system that I've seen (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviationalerts/?s=da40).

Could you articulate further?

Thanks
When Garmin stopped producing Legacy G1000 flight decks and introduced G1000 NXi back in 2017, Diamond was forced to obtain Phase I G1000 NXi hardware/software certification for each of its aircraft models, including the DA40NG, DA42-VI, and DA62. However NXi was not initially certified for the Lycoming DA40 XLT, so factory production of the Lycoming version of the DA40 temporarily ceased in 2017.

However NXi has more recently been certified for Lycoming DA40 XLTs, so Diamond's Canada production of new XLTs was re-started more than a year ago. (Customers now have a choice of Lycoming vs. Austro-powered new DA40s.) The initial DA40 XLT certified version of NXi was Phase II, which is why a Phase III upgrade for Lycoming DA40s is planned for 2022 as described above.

None of this is to suggest that Legacy G1000 DA40-180 aircraft produced between 2004-2017 can be upgraded to NXi. While this is technically possible because a certified NXi implementation exists for new Lycoming DA40s, the cost for such an extensive hardware upgrade (including GFC700 autopilots for pre-2007 DA40s) would be prohibitive relative to the value of these aircraft. Therefore no Service Bulletin has been published for Lycoming DA40 Legacy G1000 --> G1000 NXi conversion.

As noted, there has never been a software update for Lycoming DA40 Legacy G1000 past the 0321.23 (GDU Version 12) release from 2012. To bring the Lycoming DA40-180 fleet (including XL, XLS, and XLT models) up to the newest (final) GDU Version 15 available for Legacy G1000s, Diamond has committed to release Legacy G1000 V15 software. Based on our meeting with Diamond last week, the planned availability of such Legacy G1000 software is now 3/31/2022. (Again, this date may change due to testing results and regulatory approval.)
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by CFIDave »

mfdutra wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 5:59 am Dave, any word on the GWX-75 for new orders?
The GWX 75 weather radar is not supported by NXi Phase II software, and thus cannot be installed until after Phase III software is certified.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by Diamond_Dan »

CFIDave wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:50 pm
pietromarx wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 4:21 am I'm rather curious as to the discussion on the DA-40-180 XLT. I hadn't heard that they were even doing NXi upgrades for the DA-40-180s, much less that there would be a Phase 3. Heck, I don't believe we have even an update for the original G1000 past the "0321.23" release from December 2013. There is nothing posted to Garmin's bulletin system that I've seen (https://www.garmin.com/en-US/aviationalerts/?s=da40).

Could you articulate further?

Thanks
To bring the Lycoming DA40-180 fleet (including XL, XLS, and XLT models) up to the newest (final) GDU Version 15 available for Legacy G1000s, Diamond has committed to release Legacy G1000 V15 software.
I believe I asked before but I will be skeptical until I see it - will GDU Version 15 support the KAP? It would be re-assuring to get a recent confirmation.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by pietromarx »

CFIDave wrote: Sat Nov 20, 2021 1:50 pm None of this is to suggest that Legacy G1000 DA40-180 aircraft produced between 2004-2017 can be upgraded to NXi. While this is technically possible because a certified NXi implementation exists for new Lycoming DA40s, the cost for such an extensive hardware upgrade (including GFC700 autopilots for pre-2007 DA40s) would be prohibitive relative to the value of these aircraft. Therefore no Service Bulletin has been published for Lycoming DA40 Legacy G1000 --> G1000 NXi conversion.

As noted, there has never been a software update for Lycoming DA40 Legacy G1000 past the 0321.23 (GDU Version 12) release from 2012. To bring the Lycoming DA40-180 fleet (including XL, XLS, and XLT models) up to the newest (final) GDU Version 15 available for Legacy G1000s, Diamond has committed to release Legacy G1000 V15 software. Based on our meeting with Diamond last week, the planned availability of such Legacy G1000 software is now 3/31/2022. (Again, this date may change due to testing results and regulatory approval.)
Both of these are, frankly, disappointing. There are numerous NXi conversions out there (it is just a "simple" box swap for the GIAs given how many airplanes have the GFC700 already in them) and this is the first I've heard that there is not going to be an upgrade path. There had been a document circulated in the past showing such an upgrade, but I guess you are authorized to speak with authority on this subject.

With regards to the software update, I guess they also blew (past) the "October 2021" date previously mentioned.

I'm sure I am not alone in continuing to look at Diamond with skepticism.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by CFIDave »

Upgrading a Legacy G1000 DA40 to NXi hardware capable of running Phase III software would require replacing most G1000 LRU, not just the GIAs. You might be able to re-use your magnetometer, AHRS, air-data computer and sensors, engine probes, most wiring, and your GTX345R transponder (assuming you already installed that for ADS-B). A wild guess (this is not coming from Diamond) is that upgrading might cost at least $70K, assuming the DA40 already has a GFC700 autopilot installed.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by Chris »

At one point in 2020 Diamond published an upgrade price from "Legacy G1000 direct to NXi Phase 2" for the DA62 at a cost of $55k-$58k (depending on the ADS-B solution selected). Accounting for price increases and perhaps starting with some older h/w in the DA40, the $70k number doesn't seem too far out of whack. Add $40k+ for a GFC700 if not already equipped with one.

I would be very surprised if Diamond issues another G1000 update that is compatible with the KAP140 autopilot, but I have no knowledge either way.
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Re: G1000 NXi Phase III

Post by Boatguy »

pietromarx wrote: Sun Nov 21, 2021 3:27 am Both of these are, frankly, disappointing. There are numerous NXi conversions out there (it is just a "simple" box swap for the GIAs given how many airplanes have the GFC700 already in them) and this is the first I've heard that there is not going to be an upgrade path. There had been a document circulated in the past showing such an upgrade, but I guess you are authorized to speak with authority on this subject.

With regards to the software update, I guess they also blew (past) the "October 2021" date previously mentioned.

I'm sure I am not alone in continuing to look at Diamond with skepticism.
Yes, Diamond tacked about a year onto their last software schedule. This is all about certification with Transport Canada. Diamond does no software development and 99% of this software was released by Garmin, and certified by the FAA, 4-5yrs ago for Cirrus, Textron and Beechcraft. This not a software development delay, it's all about Diamond's poor relationship with Transport Canada.

Since Garmin's hardware continues to evolve, Diamond, aircraft just 3yrs old have a "legacy" hardware configuration and their software is frozen. For example, G1000NXI Phase 1 hardware shipped as recently as early 2019 is no longer supported because new airplanes ship with Phase 2 hardware. NXi Phase 2 and Phase 3 software cannot be installed on an airplane with Phase 1 hardware. Within a year or two Phase 2 hardware will be replaced by Phase 4 hardware, and Phase 2 hardware will no longer be supported. Diamond will only pursue the certification of the software necessary to ensure their new airplanes are no more than 3-4yrs behind Cirrus. If your plane does not have the same hardware as a new Diamond airplane, then your avionics software is frozen.

Other manufacturers pursue STCs which allow new hardware and software to be installed in older aircraft. C172's that shipped with G1000 in 2008 were offered a G1000NXi panel upgrade and NXi software two years ago.

Diamond is solely focused on sales of new airplanes. Diamond's perspective is that if you want the latest avionics software, you should buy a new airplane. Their order book is full, why should they think otherwise?

We can only hope that Diamond's certification link between avionics with a 10yr life cycle and an airframe with a 75yr life cycle, will at some point be broken, or that Diamond Canada develops a better relationship with Transport Canada.

The NXi Phase 3 software release is applicable to only a small percentage of the Diamond fleet; planes that either shipped after the winter of 2019, or who have upgraded to Phase 2. For everyone else, what you have, is what you'll always have.
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