Update nav data without PC
Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: IFD 5 Series & IFD 4 Series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM
Forum Description: Topics on Avidyne's IFD 5 Series and IFD 4 Series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM
URL: http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1843
Printed Date: 24 Apr 2024 at 8:28pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Update nav data without PC
Posted By: SteveMcD
Subject: Update nav data without PC
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 2:15pm
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For years and now, I download Jepp nav data using JSUM to my Windoze computer, transfer it to USB, go to the airport, plug the USB into the 540, do the update. If a cycle change happens while I am away from home, I usually lug my old laptop with me so that I can do the update. The laptop is a pain to carry around and has almost no other purpose anymore. I'd really like to stop using it for this purpose too. I have WiFi in my hangar. For most updates, it would be nice to be able to download the updates directly into the 540. I can't find any evidence that this is possible. Otherwise, and especially when away from home, I'd like to be able to download Jepp updates via my iPad. Again, no evidence that it's possible. It's 2019. If it's not possible, please make it possible! Or am I missing another solution?
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Replies:
Posted By: MysticCobra
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 3:45pm
| I suspect that the FAA has concerns about inbound wifi connections with flight-critical data, and that's why we don't have this feature already. It's probably either outright forbidden, or the certification process is overly burdensome. |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 4:23pm
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You really don't need to lug around the laptop, just the USB key, which is feather light. I just check JSUM from time to time, and when there is an update available, I download it to my USB key, and then put the USB key back in my flight bag. When, the 540 tells me an update is required, I just pull the USB key from my flight bag, and update it. Works quite well, whether I'm at home, or traveling. FWIW, I don't have Wifi at the hangar other than a cell connection, so it is much more convenient to do the actual download from Jepp at home, in my family room. * Orest |
Posted By: Catani
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 5:02pm
How do you do that when away from home without a laptop? I think that was the OP's question. To the OP's idea, Jepp does have a free JDM app that can be downloaded from the app store and installed on an iPad. It's designed to work with the Bad Elf Wombat (Sporty's $250), which has slots that will accept Garmin data cards and USB sticks. With your iPad connected to the internet (wifi or cellular), open the JDM app and download your navdata from Jeppesen. Then wifi to the Wombat and transfer the data onto your navdata sticks/cards. |
oskrypuch wrote:Posted By: CubedRoot
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 5:03pm
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Bad Elf might have the device for you then: https://bad-elf.com/pages/wombat-piston" rel="nofollow - https://bad-elf.com/pages/wombat-piston It lets you use your phone to download the charts to this device, and then copy them to the USB stick for the IFD. |
Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 04 Sep 2019 at 5:46pm
You don't need the laptop, as the USB key has the update downloaded already (while still at home), and it is in my flight bag. You are correct, that if it is a lengthy trip, you may need the laptop -- but typically on a longer trip I would bring it along, or you can use the computer in the hotel business office. The Wombat solution is available, and may have application in some settings, but I would find it rather clunky for routine use with an IFD. It does make more sense for a Garmin steup, that uses an indwelling sim card. * Orest |
Posted By: gherb
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 10:26am
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Can you use a public computer like at a business center at a hotel or a FedX Office? If you have to download the JdmApp and the public computer won't allow you, I would guess a manager could override that, download the app, then you could log out and delete the app. I agree there should be no need to haul around a laptop for a simple data download. |
Posted By: CubedRoot
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 10:34am
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Like Orest, I just keep a USB key ready to go. I actually bought this one on Amazon: http://amzn.to/34qdcos" rel="nofollow - https://amzn.to/34qdcos since my Macbook only has USB-C ports on it. This little gem has both USB-C and standard USB 1/2/3 ports on it. PLUS, its very tiny and fits on my airplane keychain. I keep it updated whenever I am home, so the next time I go to the plane (since its on my airplane keys) It's always ready. |
Posted By: gherb
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 11:48am
I think the OP already does that but was referring to a new chart cycle popping up while he was already on a trip, so he was lugging a laptop to download the new charts. Since you can't simply log into the Jeppessen site to download, and you have to install the download manager, I think his best option is a public computer, or maybe one in a flight planning room of an FBO. If you use a public computer, remember to log out of the download manager or uninstall it. The USB-C thing is so awkward. All these different cables...ugh! Going to check out your Amazon solution.
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Posted By: SteveMcD
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 10:11pm
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Yes, I can and do download Nav data to USB at home in advance, if the trip is short enough. Installing JSUM on other people’s computers isn’t a good solution. 540 allows ForeFlight to upload routes via wireless. As stated above, 540 allows uploading Jepp data via Bad Elf Wombat. Is it such a stretch to connect these thoughts and allow a more direct Jepp upload capability? Why is a $250 intermediate device needed? I understand it would take some work with FAA, but it seems worth it. Wireless would be best, but I’d be OK with plugging my iPad into 540 USB port via lightning cable. Besides the issue of long trips, it would be nice to finally rid myself of the need to have a PC. I use it for little else. I live on my iPad. |
Posted By: Flying_Monkey
Date Posted: 05 Sep 2019 at 10:52pm
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For the amount that they charge for the data they should have an iOS app that works with something like the San disk iXpand drive. https://www.cultofmac.com/529159/how-to-use-a-usb-drive-with-files-on-ios/" rel="nofollow - https://www.cultofmac.com/529159/how-to-use-a-usb-drive-with-files-on-ios/ Really, how long would it take someone to code an iOS version of the JDM app, which is almost as basic an app as you can imagine? Would be really nice to be able to download onto your phone or iPad and plug the usb stick in there. Come on Jepp let’s move things into the 2010s before we move out of them!
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Posted By: Flybuddy
Date Posted: 06 Sep 2019 at 7:08am
A lot to ask for a company that can't even do a useful website :(
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Posted By: SteveMcD
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2019 at 10:35am
I have learned from this:
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Posted By: SteveMcD
Date Posted: 14 Sep 2019 at 11:22am
| FWIW, my support case has been escalated and marked “development needed”. So it’s not a “no”! TBD whether it’s a black hole, though. |
Posted By: Catani
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2019 at 3:43pm
I'm surprised to hear that. Thought for sure there was a financial reason they wanted to work with Wombat instead of the obvious. Good for you for making the effort, even if it turns out to be a black hole.
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