Garmin 530w Manual

							1
Model Descriptions
Model Descriptions
This guide covers the operation of the GNS 530W, 
GNS 530AW, and the GPS 500W. In general, all 
models will be referred to as the 500W-series, except 
where there are physical or operational differences. 
The 500W-series units are 6.25” wide and 4.60” high. 
The display is a 320 by 234 pixel color LCD. The units 
include two removable data cards, one with a Jeppesen 
database (inserted in the left-most card slot) and the 
second being a Terrain database (inserted in the right-
most card slot). 
GPS 500W
The GPS 500W has a WAAS GPS engine and is 
TSO C146a certified for primary domestic, oceanic, 
and remote navigation including en route, terminal, 
and non-precision approaches, and approaches with 
vertical guidance, such as LPV and LNAV/VNAV. The 
GPS 500W can simultaneously give aviators vital 
approach information and weather and traffic data 
in relation to their position on a large, color moving 
map display. Thanks to a high-contrast color display, 
the information can be easily read from wide view
-
ing angles even in direct sunlight. Its color moving 
map features a built-in database that shows cities, 
highways, railroads, rivers, lakes, coastlines, and a 
complete Jeppesen database. The Jeppesen database 
(that can be updated with a front-loading data card) 
contains all airports, VORs, NDBs, Intersections, FSSs, 
Approaches, DPs/STARs, and SUA information. 
Pilots will enjoy the GPS 500W as an MFD, espe
-
cially when it is coupled with traffic, lightning detec-
tion, and weather interfaces. With the PC-based FDE 
prediction program, the GPS 500W may be used for 
oceanic or remote operations. For the latest in graphi
-
cal and textual weather information, the GPS 500W 
can connect to XM Satellite Radio’s XM WX Weather  Service via the Garmin GDL 69/69A datalink receiver. 
GNS 530W and GNS 530AW
The GNS 530W and GNS 530AW include all of the 
features of the GPS 500W, and also includes a TSO’d 
airborne VHF communications transceiver and a 
TSO’d airborne VOR/Localizer and Glideslope receiv
-
ers. This multipurpose unit is available with either a 
10-watt (GNS 530W) or 16-watt (GNS 530AW) Com 
transceiver. References to the GNS 530W also include 
the GNS 530AW. 
Takeoff Tour
This Takeoff Tour is intended to provide a brief 
introduction of the 500W-series major features. The 
rest of this manual describes these features, and others, 
in additional detail. Use this guide, as needed, to learn 
or review the details regarding a particular feature. The 
Index may be used to quickly locate the information 
you want. Before flying with your 500W series unit, 
take the time to review the information in the manuals 
and practice with the trainer. 
After you’re familiar with the basics, some sug
-
gested reading within the Reference section includes: 
• Flight plan features - Section 4
• Waypoint information pages (database information) - Section 6
• IFR procedures - Section 5
• Aux pages - Unit settings (configuring the unit to  your preferences) - Section 9
If you’re unable to locate the information you need, 
we’re here to help! Garmin’s Customer Service staff is 
available during normal business hours (U.S. Central 
time zone) at the phone and fax numbers listed on 
page ii. You can also reach us by mail (see page ii) or at 
our web site address: www.garmin.com.  
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							2
Key and Knob Functions
The 500W-series navigators are designed to make 
operation as simple as possible. The descriptions on 
the next three pages provide a general overview of the 
primary function(s) for each key and knob. This Take
-
off Tour section is intended to provide a brief overview 
of the primary functions of your 500W-series unit. 
Experiment with the unit and refer to the reference 
sections for more information. 
Left-hand Keys and Knobs
k The  COM power/volume knob 
controls unit power and communica
-
tions radio volume. Press momentarily 
to disable automatic squelch control. 
In the GPS 500W, this control is used 
only for power. 
j The  VLOC volume knob (GNS 
530W) controls audio volume for the 
selected VOR/ Localizer frequency. 
Press momentarily to enable/disable 
the ident tone. 
y
 The  large left knob (COM/VLOC) 
(GNS 530W) is used to tune the 
megahertz (MHz) value 
(to the left of 
the decimal point) 
of the standby fre-
quency for the communications trans-
ceiver or the VOR/Localizer receiver, 
whichever is currently selected by the 
tuning cursor. 
v The  small left knob (PUSH C/V) 
(GNS 530W) is used to tune the 
kilohertz (kHz) value 
(to the right 
of the decimal point) 
of the  standby 
frequency for the communications 
transceiver or the VLOC receiver,  whichever is currently selected by 
the tuning cursor. Press this knob 
momentarily to toggle the tuning 
cursor between the COM and VLOC 
frequency fields. 
W
 The 
COM flip-flop key (GNS 
530W) is used to swap the active and 
standby COM frequencies. Press and 
hold to select emergency channel 
(121.500 MHz). 
V
 The  VLOC flip-flop key (GNS 
530W) is used to swap the active 
and standby VLOC frequencies (i.e., 
make the selected standby frequency 
active). 
On the GNS 530W, the  large and small left knobs allow you to 
tune the desired COM  or VLOC  frequency. 
GPS 500W GNS 530W
Key and Knob Functions 
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Right-hand Keys and Knobs
RNG
 The range key (RNG) allows you to 
select the desired map scale. Use the 
up arrow side of the key to zoom out 
to a larger area, or the down arrow 
side to zoom into a smaller area. 
D The  direct-to key (direct-to) pro-
vides access to the direct-to function, 
which allows you to enter a destina
-
tion waypoint and establishes a direct 
course to the selected destination. 
See Section 3. 
MENU The menu key (MENU) displays 
a context-sensitive list of options. 
This options list allows you to access 
additional features or make settings 
changes which relate to the currently 
displayed page. 
CLR The  clear key (CLR) is used to erase 
information or cancel an entry. Press 
and hold this key to immediately 
display the Default Navigation Page, 
regardless of the page that is cur
-
rently displayed. 
ENT The  enter key (ENT) is used to 
approve an operation or complete 
data entry. It is also used to confirm 
information, such as the Database 
Page during power on. 
t
  The large right knob (GPS) is used 
to select between the various page 
groups: NAV, WPT, AUX or NRST.  With the on-screen cursor enabled, 
the large right knob allows you to 
move the cursor about the page. 
r 
The small right knob (PUSH CRSR) 
is used to select between the various 
pages within one of the groups listed 
above. Press this knob momentarily 
to display the on-screen cursor. 
The cursor allows you to enter data 
and/or make a selection from a list of 
options. 
Data is entered using the large and small  right knobs. Experiment with them to be-
come efficient at entering data. This greatly 
reduces the amount of time spent operating  the 500W-series unit in flight. 
Key and Knob Functions 
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Key and Knob Functions
Bottom Row Keys
NRST The nearest key (NRST) (GPS 
500W) displays the Nearest Airports 
page. Then, turning the small right 
knob steps through the NRST pages. 
CDI The  CDI key (GNS 530W) is used to 
toggle the navigation source (GPS or 
VLOC) which provides output to an 
external HSI or CDI.
OBS The  OBS key is used to select 
manual or automatic sequencing of 
waypoints. Pressing this key selects 
OBS mode, which retains the current 
“active to” waypoint as your naviga
-
tion reference even after passing the 
waypoint (i.e., prevents sequencing 
to the next waypoint). Pressing the 
OBS key again returns to normal 
operation, with automatic sequenc
-
ing of waypoints. Whenever OBS 
mode is selected, you may set the 
desired course to/from a waypoint 
using the OBS Page, or an external 
OBS selector on your HSI or CDI. 
MSG The  message key (MSG) is used to 
view system messages and to alert you 
to important warnings and require
-
ments when the MSG annunciator is 
displayed. See Sections 12 and 9 for 
more information on messages and 
unit settings. 
FPL The  flight plan key (FPL) allows 
you to create, edit, activate and 
invert flight plans, as well as access 
approaches, departures and arrivals. 
A closest point to flight plan feature 
is also available from the flight plan 
key. See Section 4 for more informa
-
tion on flight plans. 
VNAV The  vertical navigation key 
(VNAV) allows you to create a three-
dimensional profile which guides 
you to a final (target) altitude at a 
specified location. See Section 10. 
PROC The  procedures key (PROC) allows 
you to select approaches, departures 
and arrivals from your flight plan. 
When using a flight plan, available 
procedures for your departure and/or 
arrival airport are offered automati
-
cally. Otherwise, you may select the 
desired airport, then the desired 
procedure. 
GPS 500WGNS 530W 
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							5
Power On
The Garmin 500W-series offers you accurate 
navigational data and communication capability, along 
with non-precision and precision approach certifica
-
tion in the IFR environment. The Takeoff Tour is 
designed to familiarize you with the basic operation 
of the 500W-series — including powering up the 
unit, changing frequencies, entering data, perform
-
ing a simple direct-to, selecting IFR procedures and 
provides a limited introduction to using flight plans. 
In addition, this section briefly covers the default 
navigation, map and frequency pages available as part 
of the NAV page group. These pages are used for most 
of your in-flight navigation. 
The Takeoff Tour assumes that the unit and anten
-
nas have been properly installed and you have not 
changed any of the 500W-series default settings. If 
you have changed any of the factory default settings 
(position format, units of measure, selectable fields, 
etc.), the pictures shown here may not exactly match 
what you see on your 500W-series unit. Prior to using 
your 500W-series unit for the first time, we recom
-
mend that you taxi to a location that is well away from  buildings and other aircraft so the unit can collect 
satellite data without interruption. 
Powering up the 500W-series units
The GNS 530W’s power and COM volume are 
controlled using the COM power/volume knob at the 
top left corner of the unit. In the GPS 500W, the knob 
controls only power. Turning it clockwise turns unit 
power on and increases the COM radio volume. After 
turning the unit on, a Welcome Page is displayed while 
the unit performs a self test, followed by copyright and 
software version information. 
The Database Confirmation Page appears next 
and shows the current database information on the 
NavData card (with the valid operating dates, cycle 
number and database type indicated). The database 
is updated every 28 days and must be current for 
approved instrument approach operations. Informa
-
tion on database subscriptions is available inside your 
500W-series package. 
To acknowledge the database information, press 
the ENT key . 
Power On
Power-up Sequence  
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Instrument Panel Self-Test
Once the database has been acknowledged, the 
Instrument Panel Self-Test Page appears. To ensure 
that your  500W-series unit and any connected instru
-
ments are working properly, check for the following 
indications on your CDI/HSI, RMI, external annuncia
-
tors and other connected instruments: 
• Course deviation
• Glideslope
• TO/FROM flag
• Time to destination
• Bearing to destination
• Desired track
• Distance to dest.
• Ground speed
• All external annunciators (if installed)
The Instrument Panel Self-Test Page indicates the 
currently selected OBS course, fuel capacity (CAP), 
fuel on board (FOB) and fuel flow (FF). The fuel 
capacity is entered manually. Fuel on board and fuel 
flow may be manually entered if your installation does 
not include connection to sensors which automatically 
provide these figures. 
To enter fuel capacity, fuel on board or fuel flow 
figures (if not provided by sensors): 
1.   Turn the large right knob to select the “CAP”, 
“FOB” or “FF” field. 
2.   Turn the small  and large right  knobs to enter 
the desired figure, then press ENT. 
Enter the fuel capacity, fuel on board or fuel flow figures 
directly onto the appropriate field of the Instrument Panel 
Self-Test Page. Fuel on board and fuel flow are automatically  provided if your installation includes connection to external  sensors. 
Check CDI/HSI, 
RMI and other in-
struments to verify  these indications.
Should match 
current OBS course  selection
Select to display Checklists Page
Select to Set Fuel Level  to Full Capacity
Fuel Capacity is 
entered manually
Fuel on board and fuel flow are  provided manually or by sen- sors, if installed
Instrument Panel Self-Test 
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Fuel On Board and Checklists
The Instrument Panel Self-Test Page includes selec-
tions to set fuel on board (FOB) to full capacity and 
access the Checklists Page. This allows you to quickly 
set fuel to full limits and display any checklists you’ve 
entered, such as start up or takeoff checklists. 
To set fuel on board to full (if not provided by 
sensor): 
1.  Turn the large right knob to highlight “Set 
Full Fuel?”. 
Select “Set Full Fuel?” to set fuel on board 
(FOB) to full capacity. 
2. Press  ENT and verify that fuel on board (FOB) 
now matches the fuel capacity (CAP) figure. 
Fuel on board is now reduced, over time, based 
on the fuel flow (FF) figure. 
To view the checklists page:
1.   Turn the large right knob to highlight “Go To 
Checklists?” and press ENT. 
2.   Turn the large right knob to select the desired 
checklist, then follow the steps in Section 9 Aux 
Pages - Utility Page (Checklists) to execute each 
step in the selected checklist. 
Select “Go To Checklists?” to display the 
Checklist Page and any available checklists. A  500W-series unit can hold up to nine check-lists with up to 30 entries in each checklist. 
3.   Once you complete the desired checklist(s), 
press the small right knob  to return to the 
Checklists Page. Press the small right  knob 
again to return to normal operation on the 
Satellite Status or Map pages. 
Once you’ve verified instrument operation with 
the Instrument Panel Self-Test Page displayed, turn 
the large right knob to highlight “OK?” and press 
the ENT key. 
The Satellite Status Page appears as the 500W-
series unit begins to collect satellite information. An 
“Acquiring” status is displayed on the Satellite Status 
Page and the signal strength of any satellites received 
appears as “bar graph” readings. This is a good indica
-
tion that you are receiving signals and that a position 
fix is determined. Following the first-time use of your 
500W-series unit, the time required for a position fix 
varies — usually within two minutes. 
Fuel On Board and Checklists 
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Acquiring Satellites / Messages
If the 500W-series unit has not been operated for a 
period of six months or more, it may have to “Search 
the Sky” to collect new data. This means the unit is 
acquiring satellite data to establish almanac and satel
-
lite orbit information, which can take 5 to 10 minutes. 
The Satellite Status Page displays a “Searching Sky” 
status, and the message annunciator (MSG) above the 
MSG key also flashes to alert you of a system message, 
“Searching the Sky”. 
The Time and other data may not be displayed 
until the unit has acquired enough satellites for a fix. 
To view a system message, press MSG.
MESSAGE PAGE
The Message Page appears and displays the status 
or warning information applicable to the receiver’s cur
-
rent operating condition. 
To return to the previous page after viewing a 
message, press MSG again. 
The Satellite Status Page shows the ID num-
bers for the satellites and the relative signal 
strength of each satellite received (as a “bar  graph” reading). 
“Searching Sky” indicates that satellite almanac 
data is not available. The data is recollected from the 
first available satellite. 
“Acquiring” indicates that satellites have been 
located and information is being acquired, but the 
receiver does not have enough satellites for a 3-dimen
-
sional position. 
“3D NAV” indicates that a 3-dimensional position 
is available. 
“3D DIFF NAV” indicates when a 3-dimensional 
position is available and differential corrections are 
being used. 
The “INTEG” annunciator (bottom left corner of 
the screen) indicates that satellite coverage is insuffi
-
cient to pass built-in integrity monitoring tests. 
Acquiring Satellites / Messages 
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							9
Selecting Com/Nav Frequencies
While the GNS 530W is acquiring a position, 
let’s take a minute to dial in the active and standby 
frequencies you’ll be using for the first phase of your 
flight. The GNS 530W display is divided into separate 
‘windows’ (or screen areas), including a COM window, 
VLOC window (by default with VOR ident/radial, but 
selectable for other data — including a traffic display) 
and a GPS window which occupies the right 3/4 of the 
display. 
COM Window: 
Active Frequency
COM Window: 
Standby Frequency
(with tuning cursor)
 VLOC Tuning Window and  VLOC Ident Window 
(Ident Window is user-selectable)
Pushing the small left knob moves the tuning 
cursor back-and-forth between the COM and VLOC 
frequency windows. To select the active frequency, you 
must first enter the frequency in the standby field, and 
use the COM (or VLOC) flip-flop key to move it to 
the active field. 
To change the standby communication (COM) or 
VLOC frequency: 
1.   If the tuning cursor is not currently in the 
desired window (COM or VLOC), press the 
small left knob momentarily to switch the 
highlight between the COM and VLOC win-
dows. Adjusting the frequencies with the large  
and  small left knobs will affect the standby 
frequency. 
2.   Turn the  large left knob to select the desired 
megahertz (MHz) value. For example, the 
“117” portion of the frequency “117.70”. 
3.   Turn the small left knob to select the desired 
kilohertz (kHz) value. For example, the “.70” 
portion of the frequency “117.70”. 
4.   To activate the selected frequency, press the 
appropriate  flip-flop key—COM for commu-
nication frequencies or VLOC for VOR/Localizer 
frequencies. 
Once you’ve entered the active frequency, simply 
repeat steps 1 through 3, above, to enter the standby 
frequency. After both communication frequencies have 
been entered, you may elect to keep the COM window 
‘hot’ by leaving the cursor on the standby frequency, or 
move the cursor to the VLOC window by pressing the 
small left knob. 
 NOTE:  When selecting VLOC frequencies, the 
tuning cursor automatically returns to the COM window after 30 seconds of inactivity.
 
 NOTE:  GPS level of service annunciations (LPV, ENR, etc.) are not applicable to the external CDI (or HSI) when VLOC is active. 
Cursor highlights COM window. 
To switch the active and standby frequen-
cies, press the COM flip-flop key. Switching 
the active and standby frequencies does not  remove the cursor from the COM window. 
GNS 530W only
Selecting Com/Nav Frequencies 
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Page Groups
(Large right knob to change page groups)
(Small right knob to select pages within the group)
WPT Group
Airport Location
Airport Runway
Airport Frequency
Airport Approach
Airport Arrival
Airport Departure
Intersection
NDBs
VOR
User Waypoint
NAV Group
Default NAV
Map
NAVCOM
Satellite Status
Terrain
AUX Group
Flight Planning
Utility
Setup 2
Setup 1
Page Groups 
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