Industry News: New Garmin GTR 205 COM and GNC 215 NAV/COM Radios
This major update was long overdue, but let’s break them down into two categories first: Certified and Experimental. Both Certified and Experimental have a panel mount version of the GTR 205, with the models being the GTR 205 and GTR 205x, respectively; however, the Experimental market also offers a remote mounted version, known as the GTR 205xR, which we will cover later in this discussion.
GTR 205 and GNC 215
Starting with the GTR 205 and GNC 215 Panel Mount Radios, both Certified and Experimental versions provide the 8.33kHz channel spacing, frequency ID, standby monitoring, and built-in intercoms of their predecessors, the GTR 225 and GNC 255. These new radios shine, with a slimmer 1.35” bezel, which is great for cramped panel space and is often one of the most missed features of the older SL 30 and SL 40 radios. Plus, the new high resolution color displays pair seamlessly with the newer displays of the GTN, GI 275, and G3X. Both the GTR 205 and GNC 215 incorporate a built-in timer, too, which can be useful for pilots who do not have a clock or other means of timing approaches.
Where the Certified and Experimental differ lies in some of the added features of the Experimental GTR 205x, such as Bluetooth Audio, 3D Audio, EQ Settings, and Auxiliary Inputs. Additionally, the 2 Place Intercom on the GTR 205x is stereo vs the mono on the certified GTR 205.
GTR 205xR
That leaves the GTR 205xR, which is the remote mounted version of the GTR 205x and replacement of the now discontinued GTR 20. Besides being slightly bigger in size, with a tray mounted unit, the biggest change from the GTR 20 is that the GTR 205xR now has 8.33kHz radio spacing. For many around the world, including here in the U.S., this difference is not a major factor since we still use 25kHz spacing. European pilots need the 8.33kHz spacing that the new GTR 205xR brings.
The caveat of the GTR 205xR is most notable for our European builders. Experimental versions of these radios do not, as of this writing, carry a TSO. As we found out in the UK, the LAA (the governing body for experimental aircraft) will not accept a radio that does not carry a TSO. We are not sure yet how far reaching this requirement is, so if you are in Europe or any country with this requirement, you may want to remember these key details.
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Check out the new radios on Garmin’s website: