G3X Touch - User data lost on software reversion

[Cactus Charlie]

It may sometimes seem to be useful to revert to an earlier G3X Touch software version. A G3Xpert representative provided the procedure in an RV forum post but did not warn of the consequences.

I found out the hard way that a software reversion will delete all User data and preferences. Configuration files only save the settings made in config mode and not any settings made in flight mode GDU menus.

User data that will be cleared incude:

PFD options such as data bar configuration, HSI bearing pointers, EIS position, screen capture, and likely more.
Flight logs
Saved flight plans
User waypoints
Fuel used and remaining
Terrain alerting settings

User waypoints can be recovered if they had been exported. There is currently (ver 9.52) no provision for exporting user settings or flight plans. I have asked Garmin to consider adding this capability.

On the plus side, I learned how to create my own user waypoint files and import them to G3X.

 

[Neal]

Bummer, but thanks for sharing. I learned this when replacing my GDU (twice) that the flying side is not backed up and there is no provision to do so. I think the G3X is EOL, the G4X is probably coming out very soon. Garmin told me they no longer produce the GDU-465 which is the one with SiriusXM that CubCrafters uses.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

Garmin told me they no longer produce the GDU-465 which is the one with SiriusXM that CubCrafters uses.

GDU 465 was reported as discontinued back in 2022 but the GDU 460 (no XM) is still available.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I learned this when replacing my GDU (twice) that the flying side is not backed up and there is no provision to do so.

Are you saying you lost all your user settings when you replaced the GDU?

I thought all configuration and user setting were stored in the configuration module that is built into the ship side connector. The usual purpose of a config module is to allow LRU changes without loss of settings.

Did they fool us and the config module only stores the same info as the config file?

 

[Neal]

When replacing the GDU the only thing restored from backup is the config side. I had to go through all menus on the flying side and set everything up again. Data bar, everything! Some of it comes from the config side so it's not too bad.

As to the config side, they do not backup fuel tank sensor calibration (which we don't have) or k factor (which we use). I was warned of this so I copied my k factor down, not that it's hard to recalibrate these days from the fuel page on the flying side now, no need to deal with k factor anymore.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

Thanks for the warning on K factor. I'll need to set that. I wonder what other setting I lost but have not realized yet.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I thought all configuration and user setting were stored in the configuration module that is built into the ship side connector. The usual purpose of a config module is to allow LRU changes without loss of settings.

6.3.1.1GDU 4XX PFD Configuration Module
The GDU 4XX PFD 1 display uses a configuration module designated as the master system configuration module. The master system configuration module stores configuration data identical to the PFD configuration data stored in the PFD memory. The PFD cross-checks the configuration module data against internal PFD memory and self-configures to match the master system configuration module. The PFD also maintains control of other LRUs’ configuration and calibration settings. This allows critical data to be retained with the airframe even if the PFD 1 display is replaced.

 

[Neal]

Yes, as stated, configuration side items will be reflected on the flying side. All other items have to be reconfigured.