IFD100 - can it run without a connection?

This is a key question. I have been using the sim to create and transfer FPN & WPT to/from the IFD540. However, it seems that this could be problematic since the software release level is not in sync between the two.

And a subsidiary question: is it necessary for the IFD100 to be at the same software level as the in-panel units? If so, how is this maintained if the IFD100 is retrieved from a cloud source that just provides latest release available?  

Yes, if you store a flight plan on the IFD100 when not connected to the IFD4xx or IFD5xx, it will sync up once you connect to the IFD in your aircraft.

Thanks, another one ...   

Will WPTs also be provided to the IFD100?

Is the connection only one-way (i.e. sim --> IFD100)?

Excellent!

Sure, I pine for the 10.2 goodies like everyone else, but it is not like the 540 doesn't work now.

* Orest

Managing customer expectations is a fine art and no company can please everyone. Avidyne and Garmin have very different approaches, probably dictated in part by company size and market share/impact. One can complain about both, but it doesn't change anything. Garmin is a bit like IBM was in the early computer days (and some would say Apple is today). They decide what the market wants/needs and when (in their opinion) and set the reference price points. The competition reacts. Garmin feature announcements and availability usually pretty much coincide. There is no pre-announce to get people's mouths watering because they have such a large installed base to protect. I'm sure there were many upset people when the new transponders were announced, because they had just bought a 330ES that was obsolete overnight. Similar goes for the external Flightstream box that is now essentially integrated into an SD card.

I agree that Avidyne announces product long before it is ready. I waited over 3 years for my IFD540. Avidyne has possibly forced Garmin to react to competition, but Garmin has the power and resources to wait until just before Avidyne delivers on their promise. If I bought my IFD540 only because of the promise of future two-way wifi capability then that was stupid on my part because Garmin recently announced and delivered it and Avidyne is still working on it. But I didn't. Like Orest, I'm spending my time enjoying the use of the IFD540 that I have today, and learning something new about it every day too. It is a very satisfying experience. Sure, I was excited by the IFD announcements last spring. But I quickly realised that it could be over a year or more before it would be approved, available, and proven since all the elements including new hardware product are tied together. I'll enjoy it once it arrives, whenever that may be.

Database updates are done over a normal wifi or cellular network.

At initial startup of the IFD100, you are asked for your Jepp account so that you can access the data you have subscriptions for. The wifi (from a FBO, your home, Starbucks, public library) or over cellular network (AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone)

We hope to have the trainer app available shortly as well.

Is there some process to get them to connect? I start both apps and wait. What do I do next? Wait, Push something, or is there a glitch with the new IFD100?

any response would be appreciated.

Right, even if they are on the same WiFi LAN and the security settings (your router UDP settings needs to be set to broadcast) aren't set correctly, it won't work.