DFC90/DFC100 Digital Autopilot - L3 ESI-500 backup AI and DFC90

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L3 ESI-500 backup AI and DFC90

Printed From: Avidyne
Category: Avidyne General
Forum Name: DFC90/DFC100 Digital Autopilot
Forum Description: Topics on the Avidyne DFC Digital Autopilots
URL: https://avidynelive.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1447
Printed Date: 26 Mar 2026 at 3:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.07 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: L3 ESI-500 backup AI and DFC90

Posted By: ansond
Subject: L3 ESI-500 backup AI and DFC90
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 4:58am

Hi:

I've put in a new backup attiude indicator (and L3 ESI-500 Genesis) in my Avidyne loaded Cirrus.

Works so much better than the old stone-age spinning blob-o-metal! ;-)

I have a feature request for L3 and Avidyne - can you create an option where I could optionally drive the DFC90 AP from a second ADAHRS source (the ESI-500) via its available ARINC429 output channel? Perhaps this could put some meaning back into having the comparator T/C (i.e. it "decides" which of the two input sources (PFD or ESI) is the one to go with...)

BTW, the ESI-500 works great with my IFD-440s... the navigation CDI elements work fantastic as does the GPS integration.

Thanks!!

Doug

Replies:

Posted By: Gring
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 12:27pm

I had the first ESI500 install and it is a great unit. I’ve been after them to add autopilot functionality with FD bars, but that doesn’t look likely at all. Too bad. Maybe for Christmas Avidyne will release their PFD4000 and we can all celebrate!!!

Posted By: oskrypuch
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 1:30pm

Gring wrote:

....Maybe for Christmas Avidyne will release their PFD4000 and we can all celebrate!!!

Hmm, you're into the Egg Nog already??

* Orest

Posted By: Roger
Date Posted: 25 Aug 2019 at 1:18pm

Same here...would love for the IFD550 or the L3 ESI 500 to drive the autopilot in case of a PFD failure in the cirri. I would also be curious to know if you guys are working on anything new? I have enjoyed the avidyne dream panel immensely in my cirrus...I have enjoyed 10.2.3.1 software update....I think I'm gonna swap out my 540 for a 550....but anything else you guys are working on? I am new to aviation world and have been checking out that R9 system you put out 10 years ago...that just blows my mind..ya'll were so far ahead in the game it is crazy!