What to do if there is an aviation database integrity error on my Garmin 400W GPS?
If the aviation database has an integrity error, the data may not be usable. Try reloading the information onto the card. If the problem persists, replace the card.
What to do if my Garmin 400W signal levels drop when avionics are turned on?
If your Garmin GPS signal levels drop when you turn on your avionics, it might be due to noise interference. Try turning off all avionics, then turn them on one by one to find the source of the interference. Also, route the GPS cable and position the GPS antenna away from potential interference sources.
How to fix Garmin GPS signal levels that are very low?
Low Garmin GPS signal levels can be caused by a few things. First, check the GPS antenna installation, connections, and cable routing to ensure they are correct. The GPS antenna should be mounted on top of the aircraft. Second, make sure that the aircraft is clear of obstructions such as hangars, buildings, and trees. Finally, RF interference at 1575.42 MHz from VHF COM can be the cause. Try moving the GPS antenna further from the COM antenna or adding a 1575.42 MHz notch filter in the COM coax. You may also need to fix or replace the COM or disconnect the ELT antenna coax to check for possible re-radiation.
What to do if 400W Series Garmin GPS unit is not receiving heading from compass system?
If the 400W Series Garmin GPS unit is not receiving heading from the compass system (ARINC 429 heading input used), check the ARINC 429 input port speed setting for the port that the device is connected to and verify that the speed is correct for that device. Also, check the wiring connections for any errors.
Why OBS Resolver won’t calibrate on my Garmin 400W GPS?
If OBS Resolver won’t calibrate on your Garmin GPS, check the resolver specifications and wiring, as it may be due to an incompatible resolver or improper connection.
What does 'check unit cooling' mean on my Garmin 400W GPS?
If the 400W Series Garmin GPS unit has detected excessive display backlighting temperature, check for adequate ventilation or check cooling airflow.
How to troubleshoot Garmin 400W RS-232 device not communicating?
If an RS-232 device isn't communicating with your Garmin 400W Series unit, check the RS-232 port setting for the port that the device is connected to. Verify the configuration of the other device. Ensure the Garmin unit's RX is connected to the remote device's TX and the Garmin unit's TX is connected to the remote device's RX. Verify that there is only one TX source per RX port. Also, check the wiring connections.
What does Garmin GPS Fan Fail Annunciation mean?
A Fan Fail Annunciation on your Garmin GPS indicates a problem with the cooling fan. Check the wiring and replace the fan if it has failed.
What does 'Configuration error - Config service req’d' mean on my Garmin GPS?
If the configuration information has been lost or corrupted on your Garmin GPS, reconfigure the unit.
How to solve Garmin 400W GPS data transfer error?
If you see a data transfer error during unit-to-unit crossfill of user data (user waypoints and/or flight plans) on your Garmin GPS, re-attempt the data transfer.
Explains the document's objective in providing continued airworthiness instructions for the Garmin 400W Series unit.
Defines the applicability of the ICA to the Bell 407 rotorcraft modified with the Garmin 400W Series unit.
Details the Garmin 400W Series GPS/WAAS Nav/Com unit and its installation components in the Bell 407.
Outlines required periodic inspections for the 400W Series unit, mounting rack, and cooling fan based on time intervals.
Provides a guide to diagnose and resolve common problems and alerts with the 400W Series unit.
Provides detailed instructions for removing and installing the 400W Series unit, including reinstallation procedures.
The Garmin 400W Series is a sophisticated GPS/WAAS Nav/Com unit designed for installation in Bell 407 rotorcraft, enhancing their avionics capabilities. This device integrates a color multi-function display, a Nav and Com transceiver, and a GPS/WAAS navigator into a single, compact unit, typically mounted in the center console. Its primary function is to provide comprehensive navigation and communication services, leveraging GPS/WAAS technology for precise positioning and navigation. The unit is designed to interface with other aircraft systems, such as the Garmin G500H system GDU 620 PFD/MFD, to display navigation information and Hazardous Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS) annunciations.
Usage features of the 400W Series include a user-friendly interface with easily accessible controls for managing its various functions. The integrated display allows pilots to view critical navigation data, communication frequencies, and other relevant information at a glance. For enhanced safety, the system can support optional remote HTAWS annunciators and cyclic stick switches, enabling remote control of COM and HTAWS functions directly from the pilot's controls. This integration streamlines cockpit operations and improves situational awareness, particularly in demanding flight environments. The system's ability to display HTAWS information is crucial for preventing controlled flight into terrain (CFIT) by alerting the pilot to potential hazards.
The 400W Series units are designed with internal self-test capabilities, automatically executing a thorough self-test upon power application and continuously running built-in tests during operation. Any detected internal failures or errors are indicated via failure annunciations on the equipment, prompting the pilot or maintenance personnel to investigate.
Maintenance features are detailed to ensure the continued airworthiness of the installed system. Periodic maintenance inspections are primarily "on condition," meaning they are performed as needed, with specific visual inspections and electrical bonding tests scheduled at defined intervals. For instance, a visual inspection of the 400W Series unit and its wiring harnesses is recommended every 12 months to check for signs of wear, deterioration, or damage, ensuring installation integrity. This includes inspecting the security of attachment, legibility of knobs and buttons, condition of wiring and clamping, proper sealing and attachment of related antennas, integrity of shield terminations, and signs of corrosion on equipment and racks.
The mounting rack for the 400W Series unit also requires a 12-month inspection for excessive wear, corrosion, or damage, with particular attention to cracks in the corners and the integrity of the connector plate attachment. Fasteners securing the mounting rack to the rotorcraft structure should be checked for tightness and re-torqued if necessary. If any damage is found, the mounting rack should be replaced.
The avionics cooling fan, crucial for the unit's longevity, also requires a 12-month visual inspection for signs of deterioration or damage to its wire harness and connector, as well as for corrosion on its mounting brackets.
More extensive maintenance, such as electrical bonding tests, is required every 2000 flight hours or ten years, whichever comes first. For the 400W Series mounting rack, this involves removing the unit, measuring resistance between the rack and a nearby aircraft metallic structure (verifying it's less than 10 milliohms), and, in case of failure, cleaning mating surfaces and re-verifying resistance (aiming for less than or equal to 2.5 milliohms). Similar bonding tests are prescribed for GPS antennas and HTAWS annunciators, involving disconnection of cables, resistance measurements, and cleaning of mating surfaces if a failure occurs.
Cleaning the front panel, keypad, and display is recommended using a soft cotton cloth dampened with clean water, avoiding chemical-cleaning agents to prevent scratching. The display backlight lamp has a rated usable life of 20,000 hours, and while not a scheduled replacement item, users should contact a Garmin factory repair station if the display brightness becomes inadequate. The internal keep-alive battery, which lasts about 10 years, is used for GPS system information and should be replaced by a Garmin factory repair station within 1-2 months of a "low battery" message appearing.
Troubleshooting information is extensively provided, guiding users through various alert texts and possible causes, offering solutions ranging from checking power connections and wiring to verifying antenna installations, resolving interference, and reconfiguring settings. For instance, if the unit does not power on, solutions involve checking power connections, circuit breakers, and the main avionics switch. If GPS signals are low, troubleshooting steps include checking antenna installation, cable routing, ensuring a clear view of the sky, and addressing RF interference.
Removal and installation procedures are straightforward, involving a hex drive tool for the 400W Series unit and screws for antennas and the cooling fan. After removal and reinstallation, a power-up self-test and verification of no failure messages are required. If a new or repaired unit is installed, software versions must be verified, and post-installation configuration and checkout procedures completed.
Special inspection requirements include a post-lightning strike inspection for the GPS antenna installation to check for structural damage and verify normal GPS satellite information display. A post-hard landing inspection requires completing all periodic maintenance inspections. The system does not have a defined overhaul period, relying on its continuous self-monitoring capabilities.
General| Display Size | 4.3 inches |
|---|---|
| Display Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Preloaded Maps | Yes (City Navigator NT) |
| Waypoints/favorites/locations | 1000 |
| Lane assist | Yes |
| Voice prompts | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| FM traffic compatible | Yes |
| Receiver | High-sensitivity GPS receiver |
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