G1000 Terrain database issue after erasing all

[trider]

Hi,

I’m having an issue with the databases in my DA62 G1000 Nxi. I initially had a database mismatch between PFD and MFD, maybe due to powering-off before an update was fully completed (I use JDM and a SD card for updating databases). This led to crosstalk failure (very inconvenient) and loss of terrain related functionalities (TAWS and SVT).

After several unfruitful attempts, I erased all the databases via the Aux >Databases menu item and one or two restarts later I loaded a newly formatted JDM-loaded SD card with current cycle data and all the databases.

Around 15 minutes later it looked like everything was resolved and it’s almost the case but I have one strange remaining issue: The terrain database is swapped every restart but it is only loaded once, not in both active/standby. So every other restart I have no terrain loaded (no SVT, No map background, no TAWS I guess). Having the SD card in the loading slot has no effect.

I have attached are 2 pictures of the alternating boot screens and the database page which the issue.

Has anybody had this issue and how did you solve it?

[ACCTHA9]

reload garmin sd card. and re update the garmin card one more time.

[dmloftus]

Don't just reload, reformat. The G1000 is a wonderful system if everything is configured correctly. But as a long-time electrical engineer and technology exec, I can confidently say that their update logic onboard and their PC update software is not very well written. Their hotline people will openly admit this. My approach is to use 6 SD cards, 3 in the plane, 3 at home. Each cycle, I do a quick format on all 3 SD cards and have Garmin Aviation Database Manager do a full reinstall of all databases. Then I swap all 3 cards and update the G1000. Takes a few extra minutes, but I know exactly what is on the cards and what is loaded into the system. I take the newly removed cards home and copy the data log directory to my PC for any post flight engine analysis and upload to Savvy. I also load the G1000 tracklogs onto my iPad for my personal logbook on Foreflight.

[waynemcc999]

I pretty much follow David's protocol. In addition to uploading to Savvy for engine analysis (GAMI Lean Test, LOP Mag Check, etc) I also upload to FlySto for insight on aircraft and pilot performance (or in the latter case, lack thereof ).

[trider]

Thanks for your ideas.

When loading current cycle last June 13th, it all messed up again even though I did wait for the end of the DB loading messages and I had xtalk failure again…

I’m not sure why you are talking about 6 SD cards. In the G1000Nxi everything should work without any SD card inserted. Databases are copied to internal memory. The SD cards used in flight are the FlightStream card and the one for the log.

I’ll try Garmin Pilot app database concierge and WiFi transfer but since I get my data through Jeppesen if wonder if it works. I also need to get hold on a GPU though because starting the engine after 15 minutes of unsuccessful attempts is not convenient…

[dmloftus]

I’m not sure why you are talking about 6 SD cards. In the G1000Nxi everything should work without any SD card inserted. Databases are copied to internal memory. The SD cards used in flight are the FlightStream card and the one for the log.

My legacy G1000 requires an SD card in the bottom slot of both the PFD and MFD for terrain and a few other things. A third SD in the top slot when updating Nav databases and remains if you want to record tracklog and engine data. I understand the Nxi is different. I was sharing my process and rationale.

[dant]

These days I actually use 8; 4 at home, 4 in the plane to avoid the power cycle to update PFD then MFD nav.

[MarkO]

I was getting a similar thing at one stage. I would update to the current database, but the next time I powered the aircraft, it would revert to the old database. I spoke to my service centre, and the fix was to take out the flightstream card and remove all files from it. Since I have done this each time I update, it has gone very smoothly, and I have no issues.

1. Create a new SD card using Garmin Database Manager.
2. Remove the Flight Stream card and replace it with the SD from Garmin Database Manager.
3. Apply power, and while the SC card is updating the avionics, delete all files from the Flight Stream card.
4. Turn off the power and replace the SD card with the Flight Stream card.
5. Repower aircraft.

I don't bother trying database concierge any more using wifi as it is more trouble than it is worth.

[trider]

Thanks for the idea, I did not know that the FlightStream card could also store data. It's possible that it got corrupted in the process. I'll have a look next time. Do you think everything can be deleted off it without effect ?

[MarkO]

It is fine to delete all files. I copied mine into a folder on my computer in case something g went wrong and I had to put them back but so far no issues after six months or so.