MK10 Bluetooth Keyboard

Here's Jakes set up:

1. CrossSync turned on both IFDs

2. Keyboard convenience mode turned on such that the lower IFD is the keyboard for upper IFD and not vice versa.

3. BT KB paired with lower IFD.

Since I use Freq List button or Com Presets for virtually all com tuning and I never manually tune a Nav freq, this is a really slick setup.  I never clutter up the upper IFD with a virtual keyboard.   In addition, I have fuel flow set up to the upper IFD so that box wakes up in Fuel Management page while the bottom box wakes up in FMS – FPL page all ready for me to whip out a flight plan using BT KB.

Why does the back side of the keyboard have a molded indentation the size/shape of a memory card?  I don't see any place to insert or remove one.

So, how do you chose which IFD to pair to keyboard?

I have mine paired to the top but it doesn't really matter since they crossfill, however, I tend to use the top box for frequencies during flight (the bottom box for atis and ground control), so by using the top box, I can use the keyboard to enter frequencies during flight.

Got my keyboard, thanks!  I see it has a nice backlight when you power it up that turns off quickly.  Is there a way to turn the backlight back on?  I see there is a lightbulb on the upper left, but that doesn't seem to do anything.  I'm playing with it at home in case it needs to be paired for this to work.

The Fed Ex guy delivered our shiny new keyboard today.   Have to take it to the airport for a test spin this weekend.   Wearing my Avidyne Insider T-shirt, of course.  (That came as an early Christmas present.)

I'll need to come up with a good place to park it in the cockpit so its always where I expect it, and it doesn't get lost in cockpit clutter - maybe a pocket in the center pedestal of our plane.   Ideas for the perfect parking place?

DavidBunin wrote: Empty mailbox yesterday :( David Bunin

I've been waiting for it in the mail box too, it won't come there.  We never use or open the front door, but that's where UPS drops things off.  While reading this thread, I went and looked, there it was sitting by the door.

PA20Pacer wrote: Hi Psimpson- Yes, I observed the red light behavior you described, but it would be nice to have confirmation about a low-battery indication, and also some insight about how much battery life to expect. Also, I wonder whether there is any "auto-shutdown" capability in case the switch is left on after the Bluetooth connection with the IFD540 is terminated. Regards, Bob

Hurray!  New toy!

I thought I was signed up.  I registered my540. Is that all it takes to get the keyboard?  Jake, perhaps you can verify?

Interesting.  I had assumed the batteries in the keyboard would need to be changed but I guess they must be rechargeable as you suggest.  The USB cable that came with it must be for that purpose.

+1 What a great marketing idea! I also promise to wear mine... once it and the kb arrive. :-)

Got my keyboard but still waiting for my printed manual :-)

Got my T-shirt yesterday!

It came with a charger cable!!!!  Thank you for the Christmas present Santa Steve!! or should I be thanking Simpson?  Thank you to all the Avidyne elves that made this possible.

Edited by tony - 08 Jan 2016 at 6:23pm

rolfe_tessem wrote: Just got mine today... Is there any consensus on the best way to mount the keyboard? I'm assuming Velcro... Rolfe

Just got mine today...

Disappointment alert:

I've got a UPS package from Avidyne scheduled for delivery tomorrow (Friday, Jan 8).  I'm pretty sure it's the BT keyboard.  We'll see...

Good to hear it Mark.

There was an Avidyne package in my mailbox yesterday too.  I am pleased to report that I have received ... my T-shirt.

Still waiting for that other thing.

David Bunin

Received my keyboard today.   Solidly constructed, good weight. Looking forward to flying with the newest "addition".

I registered about 3 or 4 weeks ago. +/-

I received my Keyboard yesterday thanks.  Just waiting to try it in the plane once I get my 540 installed.  Hopefully the shop will start soon.

ptlevine wrote: teeth6 wrote: Here is a photo I took today that shows the keyboard on my yoke.  Really very easy to use and I actually find it easier to enter a flightplan using that than the knobs and buttons. I recognize that instrument panel. You are flying a Trinidad right? I used to fly a Tobago many moons ago. Great cabin in those Socata's!

I was going to ask if that was a Trinidad.  I recently saw an Avidyne print advertisement (in AOPA I think) featuring a Trinidad owner.  Is that you, "teeth6"?

David