DataBase Updates

I have two IFD540s and I am able to download one set of databases (in my case Nav, Obstacle, Charts).  I download onto one USB drive, then copy it to the other.  I can then insert both USBs into my IFDs and update them at the same time.  This will only work on your aircraft and has something to do with the N-Number in the IFD540 during the install.

I have only one IFD540, but Jepp told me there's one cost per plane for the 540, and no break for my remaining 430w.
Two 540s would have zero increase in cost w.r.t. databases.

roltman, if you have an IFD540 and an IFD 440, does that count the same as two 540s? 

teeth6 wrote: That is encouraging news.  What seems to be the cost for the Nav Data and Chart subscription?

I went with entire 48 states of USA with chart service and figured I'd try their JeppDirect stuff too.  Based on the receipt it is called:  "Avidyne IDF 540 Suite Plus IFR"

I know Nav data only (no charts) was a minor cost increase ~$10 or $20 so from my 430W nav database.  I didn't write it down exact number as I wanted to try charts for a year.

There was a version without their iPad app and associated stuff for $994 for all USA.  I think it was called "Avidyne IDF 540 Suite IFR"  (i.e. minus the "Plus").

The version I purchased has charts, obstacles/terrain and nav data for aircraft for $1267 including up to 4(?) installations of their PC/iPad software.  I haven't used Jepp charts previously, so getting it on the iPad/PC was a way for me to become familiar with them outside of the aircraft.

Bradley N. Brown <Bradley.Brown@jeppesen.com> is a point of contact at Jepp for these questions.

Hope this helps.

Can we load and download multiple database uploads onto the same USB stick when we are close to a new database cycle?

Steve, I think you were answering if we could load different cycles of the same service (Nav Data) onto the same FOB.  If so, I assume you could load different services onto the same FOB (Nav Data and charts and terrain) if the FOB was large enough correct?  In doing my chart updates on my EX500, which also used a FOB, I believe it overwrote the older data with the newer data on download because I never had to erase the FOB before downloading a new update.

Jake,

Being able to download a 2nd cycle can be beneficial.

My CNX 80 takes a compact flash card that will do that and if memory serves the unit will load the appropriate database based on the date.

Inevitably some trips will cross over the change date and it's not always convenient to have a computer along.

I expect your recommendation is to keep and use a spare thumb drive?

Sorry for my misunderstanding.  

Yes, you can load multiple data file types on the same USB fob.  I do it all the time in that I typically have on a single fob:

Chart database
Nav database
Obstacle database
Last few flights worth of data logs
Checklist backup file
Latest software loads for the software releases under development
Copy of my personal bucket list

All that data lives together on the fob and places nicely together and with the IFDs.