AXP340/322 ADS-B Transponder - Beacon Code Button Problems

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Beacon Code Button Problems

Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: AXP340/322 ADS-B Transponder
Forum Description: Topics on the Avidyne AXP340/322 ADS-B Transponder
URL: http://forums.avidyne.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=664
Printed Date: 28 Apr 2024 at 6:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Beacon Code Button Problems

Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Subject: Beacon Code Button Problems
Date Posted: 06 May 2015 at 6:17pm

We just recently got our airplane back from the shop after having a complete new panel installed. Part of the upgrade was an IFD540 and an AXP340. The issue that I seem to have is that every time I try to enter a 4 digit beacon code, after entering the first 3 numbers and upon entering the 4th one, the screen will revert to the last beacon code entered. It seems that the only way to get a new code in is to backspace the old one out. I know at one time after trying to get the new code in 3 or 4 times I gave up and pressed the VFR button. I pressed it again and the code that I had trying to enter appeared. This seems to be more prevelant when using local codebanks that the approach controls reserve for VFR flight following, (0122, 0322, etc). It was a long series of flights from LAL to BRY with 35 kt headwinds so my memory of the events may be a little fuzzy. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Replies:

Posted By: SB Jim
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 10:42am

I've had no issues using local codes or those assigned for longer trips.

Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 10:49am

Kentucky Captain wrote:

We just recently got our airplane back from the shop after having a complete new panel installed. Part of the upgrade was an IFD540 and an AXP340. The issue that I seem to have is that every time I try to enter a 4 digit beacon code, after entering the first 3 numbers and upon entering the 4th one, the screen will revert to the last beacon code entered. It seems that the only way to get a new code in is to backspace the old one out. I know at one time after trying to get the new code in 3 or 4 times I gave up and pressed the VFR button. I pressed it again and the code that I had trying to enter appeared. This seems to be more prevelant when using local codebanks that the approach controls reserve for VFR flight following, (0122, 0322, etc). It was a long series of flights from LAL to BRY with 35 kt headwinds so my memory of the events may be a little fuzzy. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

Hey Captain,

Are you completing the code entry within 7 seconds of starting it? If you take longer than 7 seconds, it will revert to the previous code that you were on.

Excerpt from the AXP340 PG: "SQUAWK CODE ENTRY Press any of the numeric buttons (0 through 7) to start modifying the squawk code. A new squawk code is set when the fourth digit is entered. If an incorrect digit is entered, press the CLR button as required to back space through the squawk code entry and make the desired correction. If the code entry is not completed within 7 seconds, the changes are ignored and the previous code restored."

-------------
Simpson Bennett
Avidyne Corporation
Product Manager

Posted By: TogaDriver
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 12:46pm

I like the VFR <-> Last Squawk toggle feature for when you accidentally hit VFR. I found that one by accident. I sure hope it was never on my Garmin Transponders - I never noticed it on those.

No problems so far with mine entering the codes.

Posted By: Gring
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 1:24pm

Garmin transponders have the feature too. Guess what? I found it the same way as you, once I got my AXP340 and read the pilot guide.

Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 4:22pm

Went to the airplane today and did some troubleshooting on the AXP340 problem on the ground. What I found out was when you press a 3 or 5, it automatically enters that number and a 7. If you press clear, it will remove the 7 and then you can type in the correct number. If a 3 or 5 happens to be the last number, it will show a 7 as the first digit of the beacon code entry. If you press clear, the correct beacon is shown. I do have video of this happening. Any ideas?

Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 07 May 2015 at 4:40pm

Seems pretty clear that you have a hardware fault, and need a fix/exchange.

* Orest

Posted By: AviSimpson
Date Posted: 08 May 2015 at 10:55am

Kentucky Captain wrote:

Went to the airplane today and did some troubleshooting on the AXP340 problem on the ground. What I found out was when you press a 3 or 5, it automatically enters that number and a 7. If you press clear, it will remove the 7 and then you can type in the correct number. If a 3 or 5 happens to be the last number, it will show a 7 as the first digit of the beacon code entry. If you press clear, the correct beacon is shown. I do have video of this happening. Any ideas?

Can you send me the video. My email is sbennett (at) avidyne.com. It sounds like you might have a faulty AXP.

-------------
Simpson Bennett
Avidyne Corporation
Product Manager

Posted By: Kentucky Captain
Date Posted: 31 Aug 2015 at 11:05pm

Just browsing through the forum and I realized that I never closed the loop on this issue. Avidyne was great and replaced the unit under warranty. I haven't had any problems since then. I don't believe that I've ever seen a transponder as fast as this. Within a few seconds of entering a beacon code, I'm getting a "radar contact" every time. Lightning fast, and that's coming from 27 years as an air traffic controller in a fairly busy radar facility. Thanks Avidyne. Now if you can just get the issue with the IFD540 not being able to key up the pilot controlled lighting I'll be happy...for the present.