Garmin GPS 500 Aviation Manual

The Garmin GPS 500 is a panel-mounted aviation GPS navigator offering IFR en route, terminal, and non-precision approach capability. It features a high-resolution display, integrated VHF COM transceiver (optional), comprehensive navigation databases, moving map, terrain awareness, and interfaces with autopilots and other avionics. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting to Avionics 7. Basic Navigation Operations 8. Advanced Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: High-brightness LCD display, Integrated COM radio (GPS 500 model), Large concentric knob, Dedicated function keys, SD card slot for database updates.

FeatureDescription
DisplayHigh-resolution, sunlight-readable LCD with moving map
Navigation DatabaseIncludes Jeppesen or Garmin data for airports, VORs, NDBs, approaches, and airways
COM Transceiver720-channel VHF COM (integrated in GPS 500 COM model)
Terrain AwarenessOptional TAWS (Terrain Awareness and Warning System) alerting
Autopilot InterfaceOutputs for GPSS steering to compatible autopilots
Audio Panel InterfaceFor audio muting and switching
External GPS AntennaConnector for active GA 56 or similar antenna
Power Input11-33V DC aircraft power
SD Card SlotFor navigation database and software updates
Backup BatteryMaintains volatile memory and supports quick start

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Installation must be performed by a qualified avionics technician.

  1. Mounting: Install in standard 6.25-inch instrument panel cutout. Secure with provided mounting hardware.
  2. Antenna: Connect external active GPS antenna (e.g., GA 56) to ANTENNA connector on rear.
  3. Power: Connect to aircraft 11-33V DC bus via appropriate circuit breaker. Observe polarity.
  4. Avionics Interfaces: Connect serial data lines to autopilot (ARINC 429 or RS-232), audio panel, and optional external displays.
  5. COM Audio (if equipped): Connect microphone and speaker audio lines to audio panel.

WARNING! Ensure aircraft power is OFF during installation. Follow all airworthiness directives and manufacturer instructions.

First-Time Setup

Power on unit; follow initialization prompts.

  1. Initialization & Alignment: Unit will perform self-test and acquire GPS satellites. Allow several minutes for full navigation accuracy.
  2. Database Activation: Insert current navigation database SD card. Follow prompts to load and activate data.
  3. System Configuration: Use SETUP pages to configure:
    • Units (NM/km, ft/m, °C/°F)
    • Nav Sources (GPS, VOR/LOC)
    • COM Frequencies (if equipped)
    • Interface settings (autopilot type, data formats)
    • Terrain Alerts (if TAWS equipped)
  4. User Waypoints: Enter frequently used custom waypoints if needed.

CAUTION! Do not attempt takeoff until GPS indicates valid 3D navigation solution (RAIM available).

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Primary control via large concentric knob (outer ring scrolls, inner knob selects/enters). Dedicated keys: DIRECT-TO, NRST, FPL, PROC, CLR, ENT, MENU.

Display Pages: Accessed by pressing adjacent soft keys: MAP, NAV, WPT, AUX, COM (if equipped).

Setup Menus (AUX Page > SETUP): System (units, alerts), NAV (CDI scale, sensitivity), COM (squelch, frequency management), Interface (autopilot, data out), Alarms (terrain, airspace).

Flight Planning (FPL Key): Create, edit, activate, and reverse flight plans. Insert waypoints, airways, and procedures.

Procedures (PROC Key): Select and load SIDs, STARs, and instrument approaches for the active destination.

Connecting to Avionics

Interfaces for autopilot, audio panel, and optional displays.

  1. Autopilot: Connect ARINC 429 or RS-232 outputs to autopilot flight director/GPSS input. Configure in SETUP > INTERFACE.
  2. Audio Panel: Connect audio input/output lines for COM radio (if equipped) and audio alerts (terrain, traffic). Configure muting logic.
  3. HSI/CDI: Provides course deviation output to external HSI or CDI indicator.
  4. Traffic/Weather (optional): Connect to compatible traffic (GTX 330) or datalink weather systems via serial interface.

Tip: Verify all interface configurations match the connected avionics specifications. Consult installation manual for pinouts.

Basic Navigation Operations

Core functions for VFR and IFR flight.

  1. Direct-To: Press DIRECT-TO, enter identifier (airport, VOR, waypoint), press ENT to activate.
  2. Nearest Airports: Press NRST, select AIRPORTS list, scroll and select for information or direct-to.
  3. Flight Plan Creation: Press FPL, select "New Flight Plan", add waypoints by identifier or from database.
  4. Loading an Approach: Press PROC, select approach type, runway, and transition. Verify and load. Activate when cleared.
  5. Course Deviation: Monitor CDI scale on NAV page or external indicator. Ensure CDI sensitivity is appropriate for phase of flight (en route, terminal, approach).
  6. Altitude Alerting: Set altitude preselect on AUX page for climb/descent reminders.

WARNING! Always cross-check GPS navigation with traditional nav aids. Pilot is responsible for navigation accuracy.

Advanced Features

Moving Map: Displays aircraft position, flight plan, nearby airports, airspace, and terrain (if equipped). Zoom with outer knob.

Terrain Awareness (TAWS): Provides color-coded terrain alerting on map and aural warnings ("Terrain! Terrain!"). Ensure database is current.

Airspace Alerts: Alerts when approaching special use airspace, TFRs, or other prohibited areas.

Holding Patterns: Create and fly published or custom holding patterns via PROC key.

Pilot Waypoints: Create user-defined waypoints by present position, lat/lon, or radial/distance from a fix.

Care & Maintenance

Keep display clean with a soft, dry cloth. Ensure cooling vents are unobstructed.

Database Updates: Subscribe to update service. Power down unit, insert new SD card, power on, and follow prompts. Remove old card after confirmation.

Software Updates: Check Garmin website periodically. Load via SD card similar to database updates.

CAUTION! Do not use liquids or aerosols on display. Unit contains no user-serviceable parts.

Regulatory Information

TSO-C146a compliant for IFR operations when installed per STC or approved form. FAA Advisory Circular 20-138 provides guidance on airworthiness. Copyright © Garmin Ltd. or its subsidiaries. Database provided by Jeppesen or Garmin. For technical support, visit www.garmin.com or contact Garmin Aviation Support.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
No Power / Blank ScreenPower connection, circuit breakerCheck aircraft power and circuit breaker. Verify connections at rear of unit.
"Acquiring Satellites" for extended periodAntenna, signal obstruction, databaseEnsure antenna connected and has clear view of sky. Verify current database is loaded.
Invalid or "Old" Database MessageExpired databaseInstall current navigation database SD card. IFR flight prohibited with expired data.
Autopilot not following GPS steeringInterface configuration, wiringVerify SETUP > INTERFACE settings match autopilot. Check wiring connections.
COM Radio (if equipped) not transmitting/receivingAudio panel wiring, antenna, squelchCheck COM antenna connection. Verify audio panel wiring and settings. Adjust squelch.
Inaccurate position or erratic CDIPoor satellite geometry, RAIM outageCheck RAIM prediction for planned flight. Do not use for IFR approach if RAIM is unavailable.

Reset: Power cycle unit. For persistent issues, perform "Master Reset" from AUX > SETUP > SYSTEM page (note: erases all user settings and waypoints).

Service: Contact Garmin Authorized Dealer or Garmin Aviation Product Support. Do not open unit.

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