Here are the release notes:

The generation of the "Datalink Data Not Rcvd" nuisance alert was fixed in 10.2.3.1.  The change in this release is to delete the message upon acknowledge so that the AUX button doesn't stay lit all the time.

This release is only available through dealers.

Our setup in a Cirrus SR20G2 now includes the Entegra PFD and MFD, Lynx NGT9000+ transponder and DFC90.  Is there any reason we should hold off the software installation?  I'm always wary of bring a first-adopter with newly-released software!

Colin

Then sir, I HIGHLY suggest, that you speak with your dealers.

The "DEALERS" here, near where I live, Southern Arizona, have two ways of dealing with your customer base:

1. They do NOT answer, nor return phone calls, texts, or emails.

2.  They are "kinda busy right now, and well, frankly, havent done any of those updates, and really don't have the time right now, to figure out how to do it."

I purchased these units, back when the end user could buy, recieve, and install them.  I assumed that the "updates" would be happily performed by your "dealers", or like myself, by holders of Inspection Authorizations.  

I never thought that Avidyne would release updates, and there would be no "dealers" to install them.

Regards,

Randy

No reason to hold off.

Our sales team is in contact with dealers on a regular basis.  If you have specific concerns, I'm sure sales@avidyne.com would be willing to listen.

Very well, then.

I'm assuming this is a warranty upgrade?

Sir.>>>

Our sales team is in contact with dealers on a regular basis.  If you have specific concerns, I'm sure sales@avidyne.com would be willing to listen.

Steve Lindsley Avidyne Engineering

--

My dealer can't even download the update since the link posted on your dealer portal doesn't work. A wasted trip to my dealer today.

Now only a dealer is allowed to do it. That is a huge step backward. I echo the sentiments above. Dealers are not interested and often not available nearby. I would not take my plane to any of the local dealers. The closest one I would trust is almost an hour flight away. I doubt they will be interested in a software update. It is also a major inconvenience to have to fly there, wait a couple of hours for the work to be done, and then fly back another hour. Sure the update only takes an hour, but the dealer will typically not be waiting on the update to complete and will then want to do some paperwork. 

Please go back to allowing an A&P or self-install with A&P sign-off. It really is a major annoyance to have to deal with an avionics dealer for just a simple firmware update. 

I'm not sure what to tell you there.  I just tried the link personally and it worked just fine.

Reminds me of the days having to work with the local (IBEW) union, if you presented them with something that wasn't union made and you asked for it to be installed, you can bet they had problem after problem until you cried uncle.

You want to send the update information directly to the A&P/IA I'm fine with that but to try to schedule with a radio shop for something they really find more of a hassle, especially when they may not have done the installation can be difficult at best.

When there were real bugs that needed fixing, it was nice to be able to get the units repaired quickly yourself and have an A&P sign it off. However, now that the designs are more mature and updates truly optional, I can see how that policy might have changed because (1) too many pilots messed up their units forcing Avidyne to commit resources to help them, or (2) too many dealers complained about the loss of business, or (3) both.  If that's the case, it could be for the better.  Unless you keep dealers happy, they won't service your customers, and you can't maintain or increase market share with their promoting other products. 

Just guessing, I have no inside info into the avionics market generally nor Avidyne in particular.

Good point on keeping dealers happy.  BUT, the customer base, the end user, the payer of the money, needs to be happy as well.  

I have absolutely NO issue with dealers needing to do the update.  I DO have issue with the dealers NOT wanting / NOT knowing how / or too busy to DO the updates.

Avidyne has a fine line to walk.  I understand that. BUT, without the end user being happy, Avidyne goes away.

A thought just occured to me.  

What if:  An IA, such as myself, went to Avidyne, took a class or school, whatever, and became an "Avidyne Update Expert", and instead of a radio shop, you bring me your aircraft, I get the blessing from Avidyne to download the update, (because I am an "Update Expert"), do your update, charge you a reasonable fee, (give Avidyne a 5% kickback), sign your logbook and you be off.??!

No dealing with radio shops that are busy, or non contactable, just me, a nice retired IA, with too much time on his hands.

Maybe make a few IA's as "Update Experts"... the more the merrier.  

If not a single guy, then after an update, the radio shops / dealers have an "Avidyne Update Weekend".

A specific date, from 9 am till 5 pm, two or three days.  Show up, get updated, pay the bill, fly away.

No need to contact them. Every shop would have the same day / time for Avidyne update.

Maybe an additional day, like a month or two after the update, for the  people who didnt have the time to update that weekend.

The last update process was so much better from my viewpoint.  Download the software and then provide the flash drive and instructions to the local A&P that has a soul.

Just the view from here. 

-Marty

IFD550/AXP322/Skytrax ADS-B in

Well, the problem with dealer attitude may be that Avidyne diverts the income that Garmin and L3 afford them by having them do those updates.  And, if so, would not happier Avidyne dealers who are happy to serve you make you happier?  For that reason perhaps, diverting income from shops to "install experts" is going from the frying pan to the fire, and would just perpetuate the problem. 

By the way, understand that many shops are overwhelmed with guys who just learned they need ADS-B Out.  My local shop is booked for months!  Getting them to do updates on Garmin or Avidyne or similar small jobs is going to be challenge for a while for any customer who hasn't reserved time with them already.

I don't know the answer.  I was just thinking outside the box.  

If you are referring to INSTALL (with wiring etc) experts, then that is NOT what I was thinking of.

I am thinking of software install people.  

The shops are not getting the software install / update money now, by design.  They are not doing the work, nor do they seem to want the work.  Why would they complain about it?

In 2 years, when the avionics install business has dried up, and they see "update experts" getting the 15 minute jobs, while the install shops are looking at laying people off.. then they can have it back.

If Avidyne starts up "update experts" and I choose to become one, I won't be doing it for the money.

I will be doing it help  myself and friends of mine keep our  avionics up to date.  Money is not a player here.  I just think having options is better than begging shops to do a 15 minute job, and paying big bucks for it.  IF you can even get them to talk to you about it.

I would be willing to pay a local shop, but most around here are not very good and I don't trust them with my avionics. The one I do trust is an hour away, so in addition to a 1 or two hour shop charge, I'd have to add the cost of two hours of flying my plane. It is a shame to pay a couple of hundred dollars for a very simple procedure. 

If I may. 

Exactly what were the complications?  

Did these complications require the dealer / installer to be with the unit for the full four hours?

Did these complications happen while the dealer / installer was with the unit, or after a few minutes / hours?

I am not sure where you live, but Avidyne support, as far as I know, is East coast time, and operate from approx. 9 am till 5 (maybe 6) pm, monday thru friday.

So I assume you started early Am, unless you are east coaster.

How did tech support assist in fixing your issue?

(IMHO, tech support could walk anyone thru the steps to fix an issue, or just say.. "pull unit, and send in", I dont see where dealers / installers are more "woke" to tech support help)

I am just trying to get a feel for how a dealer / installer is more "savvy" on the update / install of a simple "copy settings, plug thumb drive in, reboot unit, let unit update, etc."

Follow the service letter for upgrading.  They print the steps right on it.

I believe it works for you but here's a picture of their PC screen:

I had my Macbook Pro with me and they tried it on there also (I won't post that picture since it shows the entire web address of the ftp site.

Thanks for those pictures.  I'll see if we can chase it down tomorrow.

I was also able to reach it from my Mac running the latest macOS.

I am sort of the rover/troubleshooter of our shop and I can do these for anyone that needs the update, even on a short notice as I am not tied down to any one project in the shop.   We do them as one hour of labor including the logbook entry.   The bad news, we are in Reno, NV which is a bit isolated from most of the rest of the US, except northern California.    But if you are in our general area and need assistance we can definitely help out. 

I will likely skip this update and wait for 10.3, which I think is due sometime this year and should have more feature updates, right?

This is the first update that I'll most likely skip. It doesn't really look like any of the fixes or enhancements affect my system. I'll wait for the next release, see what enhancement it offers, before going to a dealer for install.

I understand why Avidyne is doing it, and I can't say I'm upset, it'll just be less convenient. I'm afraid that some IFD's will go without getting needed updates in the future because of this.  

I'm not thrilled with Avidyne's decision regarding the software update and I don't think we will be able to change Avidyne's mind (although I'd like to think we can), my plan is come annual is to send my IFD440 in for repair as I have a major problem with receive sensitivity.  Transmit is fine and if I put a GNS430W back into the tray it has no issues with receiving.

I'm assuming that if the unit goes back Avidyne will upgrade it to the most current version of the software and probably include all mods too.

      What is the F.A.A.'s requirement for a person to load software (FLS) into installed equipment?

I am unable to find a job description, other than "A&P mechanic". (Yes, I know, the new term is A.M.T., but I am old.  Change comes hard for me.) LOL

There is no definiton for "databases", but one could argue that the operting system of any avionics is a "database"  I'm not an attorney, so ymmv.

Is there a "school, study sheet, online course", that Avidyne gives to avionics shops, for them to become installers, dealers?  NOT the install, wiring, etc., stuff, but the installation of updates, and such?

Is there a standard that Avidyne uses for dealers, installers, etc.?  (Must do $x amount of business?  Have x amount of employees?  Have x amount of hangar space?  Anything along those lines?)

Is there someone at Avidyne that can answer these questions, (and a few more), or may be open to the idea of a "Avidyne Expert Updater" type of program?

I am serious about this, and the more I thought of it last night, the more I thought it would benefit Avidyne, and the Avidyne customer base.  

Bottom line:  This "expert updater" person would NOT install avionics.. he or she would only update the software, from the Avidyne site, under performance standards given out by Avidyne.

I really think this would be a great selling point for Avidyne.  

....".....Along with our state of the art avionics, you no longer need to wait on your busy radio shop for software installs... visit one of our knowledgeable expert updaters...."

I would be happy to talk to someone at Avidyne about this.

520-419-3238  cell 24/7 (except on sunday morning)

In general, I will agree with others on this thread that an informed, involved and diligent owner is more likely to follow the instructions correctly than the average shop technician (A&P or avionics tech).  There are certain dealers who are dealers in name only (DINO), while others truly are dealers.

My home field has examples of both now. The "real" dealer recently opened their doors and got my business while the DINO has been here for a long time and missed out. For past upgrades when only DINO was on the field, I was very thankful when Avidyne would allow me to to the update with or w/o an A&P sign-off. I'm fortunate to now have a real dealer to perform the update.

I can only assume, the use of dealers for updating software, (and the subsequent LACK of service from those same dealers) is by design.

Nothing from sales, nothing from anyone here, nothing from Avidyne.

Mr. Schwinn started Avidyne to help G.A. get over the inertia of the "old radios", and the old way of doing things.  It appears his vision has been squawshed.  AND not by the F.A.A.

Sad really.

Software for the radios probably falls under the Airframe part of the A & P license.

Will this fix the issue between the IFD100 and IFD550, where the data was timing out causing data errors/mis-matches?  See the screen shots I provided tech support last summer.

Also I concur with a number of folks here asking for user updates. As an additional data point, some of your dealers, to be frank, aren't very familiar with your products, in fact each visit to a dealer I had to make I  ended up fixing some of their mistakes. Some of us are very capable, and having a AP sign off seemed like a good compromise. I'd also be willing to pay for tech support if that is your concern. Dealers aren't really a good option in my neck of the woods, as I don't really feel they are very competent and unless both myself and my AP sign off on the work, I really don't feel safe. Happy to go into more detail offline, but suffice to say I have good reason. 

Both these are screen shots at the same time.  One of the IFD550 showing no errors, and one of the IFD100 showing errors. Will this be addressed?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1btdtmNnbYns5EL9JipZFWagZqSWLEiFX" rel="nofollow - https://drive.google.com/open?id=1btdtmNnbYns5EL9JipZFWagZqSWLEiFX

http://drive.google.com/open?id=1cdrb3Gdh356Ty3FjDIhc3h4PSIYNgs6P" rel="nofollow - http://drive.google.com/open?id=1cdrb3Gdh356Ty3FjDIhc3h4PSIYNgs6P

MarkZ wrote: The unit has Wifi, we should be able to update it from an iPad.

Via WI-Fi would be nice but that isn't going to happen, plus it is probably the most unreliable way to do an upgrade :) 

However updating it via the USB port should be allowed by any A&P (or owner under the supervision of the A&P).

I would be nice if Avidyne would at least say why the decision was made to disallow anybody from downloading the upgrade from Avidyne so their A&P could do the upgrade.

I am on 10.2.3.1.  Not sure why we're still getting that alert.  I know we are outside of ADS-B signal range, however I certainly don't need that alert popping up consistently as I fly around Canada.

This is a welcome improvement but not enough enticement to spend the time and money to take it to a dealer.  Really disappointed in the dealer-only precedent being set.  

I do think it is disappointing that Avidyne is not staying with their own longstanding PG written position regarding IFD software updates. AFAIK, every version of the IFD PG so far has had this or similar stated position; below is from page 7-63 of the current (revision 7) IFD500 Series Pilot Guide:

SOFTWARE UPDATES

With very few exceptions, all software inside the IFDs is capable of being updated via the USB connections as well. This means the IFD does not need to be returned to the factory for any future software updates. The Avidyne position is that any shop that holds a repair station certificate, an A&P, or an Experimental Aircraft owner with log book signoff authority can perform the update. The person performing the update must follow the provided Service Bulletin explicitly and mail/fax/email back in the completed update sheet that is part of the Service Bulletin but Avidyne does not restrict this to just Avidyne Service Centers

If only that always happened...

While there are many ways for updates to fail, they should not be catastrophic. 

Properly engineered, the update process should be nearly automatic with safe guards to prevent glitches.

In other words, routine.

Just sayin'

I upgraded my unit from 10.2.3.1 to 10.2.4.1 without any issues, the whole process took under 25 minutes once all the listed pre-checks were completed (took pictures of the configuration screens for reference).  When all was done I went through the config pages and everything look correct.....easy peasy...

Cruiser wrote: Updating software should not be a complicated or feared process. While there are many ways for updates to fail, they should not be catastrophic.  Properly engineered, the update process should be nearly automatic with safe guards to prevent glitches. In other words, routine. Just sayin'

I do agree with you that the loss of power or some other screw up shouldn't render the unit bricked.  Although it is probably way too late to change the IFD units but it would be nice if the units had some sort of "fail safe" boot mode that would allow them to load a specialized recovery image, or contain enough storage flash in the unit to hold the current and a previous version of code, if the current version won't boot simply fall back to the previous version.

Jeff

AviSteve wrote: we are in the process of working out the details.  Standby...

Steve,

Please post the link here or email me the link when it becomes available. I refuse to use Facebook.

I installed the IFD 540 from straight outta the box in an EAB RV-10. I wired the tray and all connections to the EFIS/ARINC 429 etc. this was not a Garmin replacement. I have updated both of the microSD cards in the unit as well, ask Christine for more details if needed.

I would like to stay current with the updates as Avidyne rolls them out. Appreciate the help.

Thanks,

John

teeth6 wrote: Christine is no longer with Avidyne

Ouch, I wasn't aware of that, but then again it was July 2018 when I last spoke with her. Nearly two years ago. Crazy how time flies! pun intended :-)

john

Although these boxes were never intended to be consumer-level products, so I'm not sure that fool-proof updating was ever in the cards.  Although we tend to think of hardware memory as virtually limitless (which it effectively is), the coding needed to accomplish what you are suggesting is anything but trivial. And as soon as you add the additional layer of complexity needed to shield users from ID10T errors, the likelihood of unintended consequences and additional errors goes up dramatically.

So if keeping it simpler in fact reduces the potential for errors, then I'm all for that, even if it means some inconvenience and additional cost at update time.

You have just argued BOTH sides of the issue.  Congrats.

Regards,

Randy

No, not really.  It should have been clear from what I wrote that "keeping it simpler" means keeping the code simpler, not necessarily the updating process.  But if that was not clear, then I'll make it clear now: keep the code as simple as possible without gumming it up with a firewall that tries to anticipate and prevent all possible forms of updating errors.  The latter effort would, in my opinion, be a losing time- and resource-wasting process.  But then again I don't make these decisions, so YMMV.

Closer to home, Garmin has a market cap of about $19 billion and 13,000 employees. 

Avidyne, at its largest had maybe 300 employees and perhaps is closer to 125 at present.  It is privately owned and therefore doesn't have a known market cap but may have gross sales of $25 to $50 million a year (depending upon the validity of online estimates).  Perhaps Dynon is a better comparator with around 50 employees and who knows what in annual sales.

The point is that Avidyne's resources are limited and product development and update decisions have very real stability and longevity consequences.  Frankly, the fact that we even have available these phenomenal products at competitive prices (especially the IFD series) is, in my opinion, nothing short of a technological, engineering, business and regulatory miracle.

Now, I knew all of this when I bought my first IFD540 in my previous plane.  I also knew that Garmin is much better supported in this part of the country.  But I still went with the IFD series, including in my current plane, because for me it wins hands-down in terms of usability and features (with a few unimportant to me exceptions) over anything Garmin produces.  

I was and still am willing to bet my avionics dollars that Avidyne will continue to support and competitively update its IFD boxes in ways that are consistent with the best interests of the company and its customers.

Good Post! - on the company size issue, it's worth noting that with companies like Apple that they may be large and have huge resources but their product cost is 10 to 20 times less than an Avidyne customer. More outlay on our end should equal better expected service. If there's an Apple problem on an update, there are generally free solutions.

Having been an early Dynon Skyview adopter (RV6-installed myself) I did MANY updates as the product capability grew. Bricking the unit was almost unheard of.

I did the last Avidyne update by myself and got a neighbor AP to fill out the permission slip (same guy that uses me for his updates and tech stuff). I had 2 forms of backup juice to the panel and had no problems.

SUGGESTION:

Keep records of those (individuals and shops) who had issues with an update and discuss alternative means with them on the next update. No reason to have the whole class stay after school.

Avidyne gets swamped for technical support help when a new upgrade comes out.  Look at Steve's note about folks following the instructions: "...if only that were so..."  You have highlighted your credentials for doing upgrades.  You are in the minority.  Why should Avidyne cater to you?  You have found a simple work around as have many others.  So no big deal.  Avidyne also has to consider FAA criteria.  I agree that Avidyne should provide A&Ps with the ability to do updates.  They have done that in the past and it appears they are implementing that here as well.

It's NOT that complex---how many bricked units do you think they got last time? Probably just a few and what's the big deal to make a note in computer based on serial number so that they can discuss with them ahead of time--be proactive instead of reactive (less total work). Avidyne obviously listens to the customer base as they generally get more flexible on the updates.

From the minute I turned on the GPS with the USB stick in the slot to the time it was finished took 25 minutes.  That doesn't include any paper work, or possibly pulling the unit out to do the update on a bench etc (what I did). 

Personally I would think 1hr shop time wouldn't be unreasonable, nobody says the paperwork can't be done while the upgrade is being performing

Doesn't appear to be a zip file as outlined in video so you can download directly to a USB thumb drive, files should be:

RUNONCE                                                      1KB

500-00207-000 CONFORMITY CHECKER.dsf  1KB

500-00206-000 FULL UPDATE.dsf                  44,642KB

500-00205-000Gold Master(2).dsf                86,196KB

Doesn't look right, shouldn't have the (2) in the name and you have a space in the name

My files are:

Your file sizes look right (I'm viewing on a Linux machine which may calculate the sizes differently), you just have a screwed up filename.

Or recording all of the settings.  That can take awhile.  I did my update in 1hr complete with recording settings.

I got charged 1-1/4 hours, complete. Update was done on a bench.

* Orest

Did the update today and it only took 22 minutes. However, I had one minor issue that I elected to call tech support to be thorough. Got 10 minute holds and then dropped to a desk answering machine to leave message--did this 3 times and also did an email..It's now hours later and never got a call back or answer.

The update isn't hard to do but don't think you'll have tech support as a crutch, you may be on your own.

One tip--look closely at IFD pic screen at bottom of page 12 in instructions, that's the pic you will get when it's done and, just like the pic, it will only show 62% complete on the progress bar. It's actually done and you can hit proceed and do the software checks.

In addition to being an ATP, I’m also an A&P. Could I do this and sign off my logbook?

If so, Avidyne requires A&P shop and phone number. How would I list myself, if possible to do my own signoff.

Thanks,

David 

Just put your name and phone number in that box.

It was ueventful, however I was meticulous in my preparation, reading the service bulletin a number of times. I already had copies of my configuration and set up screens. I used external power.

Thomas

"- Fixed issue when using same com port for input at one baud rate and output at a different rate."

The need is to be able to specify the RS232 output speed for the Aviation selection to 115200 baud, rather than the current fixed 9600 baud, or have 2 selections like is done for Capstone and Capstone HS.

Thanks to my colleagues in Boston...

We don't plan on supporting a 115.2 Aviation 232 stream.  However, it looks like the answer to your problem is already documented in the https://www.ing-golze.de/downloads/ADL190_200_User_Installation_Manual_2_00.pdf" rel="nofollow - Golze ADL200 installation manual .  See section 15...

A shame considering that if an IFD RS232 port can support 115200 input it should be able to support 115200 output.

For 10.2.3.1 there was a 2nd version made available of the software package which also contained the current (at the time) installation manual (rev17).

Unfortunately the 10.2.4.1 didn't include it (rev18 I believe). The installation manual is very useful when planning panel changes and for the latest version should always be used, so it would be nice if it were included by default with software release packages.  

Thanks,

Dennis

Thanks for the response.  I did the upgrade (it rained, free time).  I expected that the unit would update the date without my input. I test flew for about 30 minutes but it did not update.  What steps should I take to address?  Photo below. 

Thanks,

Dennis

Thanks,

Dennis

Here's an example: my airfield has been closed for several weeks due to snow so I haven't been flying. When I did my last database update at the end of January, the IFD440 date/time was 2 weeks out of date and never corrected during the database update process.

Anyone else have the same issue? Sounds to me like a problem with the battery that retains the date/time while powered down. I believe that requires a return to the factory to resolve, which costs me a good $500 round-trip. grrrh.