Argus Software Version Information

The software version in your Argus can be determined by turning on power and looking at the screen after selftest completes.  Any monochrome Argus can be upgraded to the latest monochrome version, although costs will vary.  Likewise, any color Argus can be upgraded to the latest version.  Units with software version 5.x or greater can be upgraded electronically via data upload.  Previous versions will require a trip to your shop or to the factory.

Color Argus

18 December 1996-16 April 1997: Current software version is 5.00
17 April 1997-15 October 1997:  Current software version is 5.02
16 October 1997-18 January 1997:  Current software version is 5.03
19-January 1998:  Current software version is 5.04

Major software differences between 5.00 and 5.01:

• Problems operating with Eventide ARINC 429 adaptor and certain nav receivers were resolved
• Problem downloading flightplans with four-character identifiers were resolved.
• Made pressing PPTO unnecessary when changing flightplan to Direct TO waypoint
• Corrected cosmetic problem on Simulated Flight AMEND page that caused overwriting of FLY/STOP

Major software differences between 5.01 and 5.02:

• Corrected a "lock-up" condition which would prevent operation when used with the Eventide RMI adapter when pointer two is solid.
• Cosmetic change in ADF/RMI display.

Major software differences between 5.02 and 5.03:

• Corrected condition where remote switches connected to P2 were not recognized when RMI adaptor is in use.
• Added additional parsing routine for NMEA 0183 "GGA" sentence.

Major software differences between 5.03 and 5.04:

• Eliminated excessive packet retransmissions during update when external GPS was left ON during update.
• Improved operation of ARINC in presence of GMT and Heading info labels.

IMPORTANT

With one exception, all the above changes are of minor import and we do not necessarily recommend loading new software. However, IF YOU ARE USING THE RMI ADAPTOR AND DON'T HAVE AT LEAST VERSION 5.02, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND UPDATING YOUR SOFTWARE TO THE LATEST VERSION IMMEDIATELY.

There is no charge for obtaining the 5.04 operating system software upgrade. However, an authorization code is required to download the software and install it in your Argus.

Monochrome Argus

Each version is identified by a major number before the decimal point and minor numbers after the decimal point.  Generally, minor number increments represent insignificant or unnoticeable changes in operation, and/or the addition of "parsing" routines for newly-introduced GPS and Loran navigation receivers.  Below are differences in the major revision numbers:

1.x:   Original release.  Any upgrades must be performed at factory.

2.x    Upgrade to version 3 may be accomplished in the field, version 5 must be performed at factory.

• Auto-ARRival feature.  Range changes as you get closer to destination.
• PLAN VIEW of airport runway layout in INFO mode.
• Supports Canada, Bahamas, and Caribbean airports.
• Supports airspace fixes (intersections).

3.x    Upgrade to version 5 must be performed at factory.

• Auto-ENRoute feature.  Range changes as you get closer to waypoint.
• Adds RMI capability with optional RMI adaptor.

4.0x    Flight Planing option.  Upgrade to version 5 must be performed at factory.

• User waypoints can be added to Argus and displayed on Argus screen
• Flightplanning capability
• Simulated flight feature.  (Take home demo mode.)
• Setup data stored in NV RAM, battery discharge not critical.

4.1x    Flight PlanPlus option.  Upgrade to version 5 must be performed at factory.

• Additional ground navigation ranges of .1, .2, .5 miles while taxiing.
• 90nm and 180nm mile ranges added to ENRoute.

5.x    Addition of many features of the color Argus (except color, of course.)

• Electronic update over internet or from disk.
• Flight Recorder shows where you've been.
• Greatly increased database capacity.

Monochrome Upgrade Information

If you wish to upgrade your Argus operating system, you can upgrade only to either the latest version 3 or the latest version 5 software.  Upgrading from version 1 software requires some hardware modifications.  Upgrading to version 5 from any previous version requires a different database board and may require a new CPU board and other hardware modifications.  Call Eventide with your unit serial number and software version for more information.

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