190-01879-11
GMA 245/245R Installation Manual
Rev. 6
Page 1-1
1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
1.1 Introduction
This manual is intended to provide mechanical and electrical information for use in the planning and
design of an installation of the GMA 245 into an aircraft. This manual is not a substitute for an approved
airframe-specific maintenance manual, installation design drawing, or complete installation data package.
Attempting to install equipment by reference to this manual alone and without first planning or designing
an installation specific to your aircraft may compromise your safety and is not recommended.
1.2 Equipment Description
The Garmin GMA 245 Audio Panel is not a TSO-certified product and has received no FAA approval or
endorsement.
The GMA 245 is a high-fidelity digital audio panel that collects, processes, and distributes audio signals to
crew and passengers. The GMA 245 digital signal processing (DSP) core filters the audio signals and
provides digital audio routing to minimize noise.
The GMA 245 provides a speaker output for use as a cockpit speaker. The GMA 245 also includes a
cockpit voice recorder and playback feature to help in situations where a COM transmission may need to
be heard again. In addition, the GMA 245 uses Bluetooth for listening to music and making phone calls, or
sending headset audio to a VIRB XE, and a 10 Watt USB charge port for phones and tablets.
Other features include intuitive configuration, a lighting bus input, SD Card socket for code loads and
Bluetooth firmware updates, an 8 position DIP switch for installation settings, and multiple audio
switching functions. LED-illuminated push-buttons allow audio selection and annunciation for selection
of NAV, COM, and other audio. Photocell dimming circuitry automatically adjusts the brightness of the
annunciators. Backlighting is controlled by the aircraft lighting bus inputs if the lighting bus is connected.
If the lighting bus is not connected, backlighting is controlled by the photocell. A fail-safe circuit connects
the pilot's headset and microphone directly to COM 1 and a fail-safe warning audio input in the event that
power is interrupted or the unit is turned off.
The GMA 245 has 2 music inputs in addition to the Bluetooth, NAV, COM, and ICS selections. The
GMA 245 is easily configurable without an external PC connection. The GMA 245 has automatic intercom
squelch and optional keyed intercom squelch. The GMA 245 also contains a CAN Bus that will interface
to the G3X Touch system.