Eventide ARGUS 5000 - Appendix 1: Database Update

Appendix 1: Database Update
The Argus has a database stored in "flash" read-only memory chips (ROMs) on the
database printed circuit card. There can be up to three of these chips, and together
they can store up to 12 megabytes of data. The data in these chips cannot be lost
except under extraordinary circumstances, none of which should ever occur during
normal Argus operation. Also, each time the Argus is turned on, a powerful software
routine assures that the data hasn't changed from that programmed at the factory.
Thus, if the Argus passes its selftest, you can be assured of database integrity.
Unfortunately, the real world doesn't exhibit the same stability as the Argus ROM
database. Infrequently, new airports open. (More frequently, old ones close.)
Frequencies change even more often. Thus, the Argus database will slowly become
outdated unless it is updated. Eventide creates a new domestic database every 56
days, corresponding to the cycle in which we receive data from the government.
Charted items, such as Class B airspace, become effective with the issuance of new
Terminal Area Charts, Class C airspace with new sectionals. If you have an
international database, updates are available every 28 days.
You are required by law to have current charts with you when you fly. These are
your legal reference sources. And, depending upon how recently you purchased your
Argus, they may have major and minor differences, which may affect your flight. You
can determine your database "expiration date" simply by turning the Argus ON and
waiting for the date display. The unit serial number is also displayed at this time.
To be certified for IFR use the database must be current To permit this, Eventide
provides a variety of database update and subscription services. If you are not
concerned about legal issues of database currency because you are flying VFR or for
other reasons, we herewith offer some commonsense guidelines for deciding when to
update.
If you fly in a local area, you will know, perhaps from reading the papers, when an
airport opens or closes. This is an excellent reason to get an update. If your local area
is congested, and has a lot of special use airspace, changed Class B or C airspace
boundaries should prompt you to consider an update.
July 1999 Argus 5000/7000 Ver. 5.xx Reference Manual Part#141003 155