D10/D100 Series Firmware Version 5.4 Released

We're really excited to have D10/D100 firmware version 5.4 available for download. 

The major new feature in 5.4 is improved Autopilot pitch axis control algorithms for better performance. In addition to the improved control algorithms, 5.4 offers some new adjustments to fine-tune the Autopilot for your aircraft's unique flight characteristics. See the updated Installation Guide for details on new adjustments that can be used to tune pitch performance.

The 5.4 firmware update can be found here.

Dynon Avionics Announces Jeppesen Partnership

Dynon Avionics is excited to announce a partnership with Jeppesen that will bring worldwide aviation and obstacle data to Dynon's SkyView system.The availability of worldwide, regionalized Jeppesen data will allow Dynon's customers all over the world to use the SkyView navigation capabilities.

Starting with SkyView version 3.0 - currently in development - all customers worldwide will have the option to purchase the SV-MAP-270 Navigation Mapping Software module ($500) to enable navigation functionality on SkyView. Once navigation mapping features are enabled, non-US customers will be able to purchase single updates or subscriptions directly from Jeppesen for use with their SkyView. US-based customers will be able to choose between Jeppesen data and the existing free FAA-derived data that is available from the Dynon website.

Dynon's US-based SkyView customers can currently enable a free trial version of the upcoming SV-MAP-270 Navigation Mapping Software product using free FAA-derived data that is available from the Dynon website.

Pricing and release dates for Jeppesen subscriptions and single updates will be published at a later date. 

Making sense of ADS-B and TIS

With the recent announcement that we'll soon be offering a pair of mode S transponders that can receive TIS traffic, you might have questions about different traffic sources, as well as how ADS-B fits into the mix. Here's a primer on those topics.

ADS-B stands for Automatic Dependant Surveillance – Broadcast. This means it is an automatic system that requires no pilot interaction for the aircraft to broadcast or receive data. It’s dependent on the aircraft being equipped, unlike primary radar which requires no equipment on your aircraft.  And finally, it is a surveillance system because it broadcasts your 3D position and motion vector, allowing ATC and other planes to know the location of your aircraft.

The goal of the ADS-B system is for everyone in the system, pilots and air traffic control alike, to have better knowledge about traffic. You may have heard that ADS-B also supports weather. This is true only in some cases, and is a side benefit of the ADS-B system, not one of the primary goals.
There are two directions of ADS-B: 

ADS-B OUT

1. ADS-B OUT refers to aircraft broadcasting its position OUT of the airplane.
2. This is what ATC cares about. It allows them to see airplanes with more accuracy.
3. Other aircraft can also receive this position even if in an area with no radar coverage.
4. Can be transmitted via a Mode-S transponder that supports 1090ES in USA and Europe or, via a Universal Access Transceiver (UAT) in the USA only.
5. Transmitted position is derived from a GPS receiver on the aircraft.
6. Current regulations require a fully certified, WAAS GPS for ATC to believe the broadcast position.
7. All aircraft must be equipped by 2015 in Europe and 2020 in USA.

ADS-B IN

1. ADS-B IN is what pilots care about. It allows pilots to see other aircraft on in-cockpit traffic displays.
2. There are ADS-B data products that are potentially available to an aircraft, depending on how it is equipped:
1. TIS-B is ADS-B traffic. 
1. It can be received by aircraft equipped with either a 1090ES receiver or a UAT. TIS-B is not the same as the TIS traffic service that is supported by the Dynon and other available mode S transponders.
2. FIS-B is ADS-B weather.  
1. It can only be received by a UAT-equipped aircraft, assuming ground service is available.
3. When in a radar service area (RSA), the user can see all traffic that ATC can via specialized ADS-B ground stations that transmit this information on both the 1090ES and UAT frequencies.
4. When not in a RSA, pilot can see ADS-B OUT equipped traffic that is also using the same link type (1090ES or UAT).

An airplane doesn’t need to have both ADS-B IN and ADS-B OUT. A device can support ADS-B IN and ADS-B OUT, but many devices only support one of these functions.

TIS vs TIS-B Traffic

There are other standards such as TIS (Traffic Information Service) which provide ADS-B-like services to pilots, but are NOT part of the ADS-B system. TIS is a USA-only system that requires the aircraft to be in an Radar Service Area (RSA) that also has the right equipment. This is many USA class B and Class C airports.  

What Dynon Supports 

The Dynon SV-XPNDR-261 and SV-XPNDR-262 support ADS-B OUT via 1090ES, as well as TIS. They do not support any ADS-B IN services. They support the display of traffic in the USA via the TIS system. If connected to TSO-C146a certified GPS, they will meet the FAA and European ADS-B OUT requirements.

Dynon's ADS-B Plans

As previously mentioned, the Dynon Transponder modules can support ADS-B OUT via 1090ES, but neither TIS-B nor FIS-B. ADS-B's US coverage is just starting to ramp up, and 2013 is the year that we'll really start seeing national coverage. While we don't have firm plans or anything specific to announce at the moment, do know that it's "on our radar" (sorry). Dynon will support the full suite of ADS-B services in the future.

New SkyView Products at Oshkosh

OSHKOSH NEWS - Three new SkyView hardware modules! Visit us in Building D, Booths 4053-4054-4055 to see them first-hand.

First are two Mode-S transponders. The new SV-XPNDR-261 and SV-XPNDR-262 show traffic information displayed on the SkyView map and synthetic vision displays. They fully integrate into the SkyView System, with no additional panel space required for a separate control panel. At less than 1 pound, these small and power efficient hardware modules can be mounted anywhere in the airplane.

We are also introducing the SkyView SV-ARINC-429 Adapter Module, which delivers on the promise to make SkyView compatible with certified GPS receivers, integrating with radios such as the Garmin 430/530. These three new SkyView Modules will be available for delivery in the Fall of 2010. Download the brochure for these new products here.

SkyView 2.5 Update Released

We're really excited to have SkyView version 2.5 available for download. Included in Version 2.5 are the following major features:

   1. A free preview trial of the upcoming Navigation Mapping Software
   2. Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision
   3. Fuel Computer
   4. Lean Mode
   5. Timers
   6. Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvement
   7. User Waypoint Feature for Power Users

Free Trial Navigation Mapping Software: SkyView Version 2.5 adds a free trial preview version of the upcoming purchasable Navigation Mapping Software. It provides the ability to navigate “direct to” airports and aviation navaids. It also can display basic information about airports, runways, and navaids. Due to current aviation data availability, this feature is only available for US customers. The full version of the Navigation Mapping Software ($500, with a free trial period available) will be available for all customers later this year in version 3.0.

Runways and Obstacles in Synthetic Vision: Obstacles are shown at their actual heights, to make it apparent whether you will clear them on-screen. Runways are drawn to scale as well, so what you see out the window looks remarkably like the screen. Due to current aviation data availability, this feature is only available for US customers at the moment.

Fuel Computer: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module and the optional fuel flow sensor, SkyView 2.5 can display Fuel Remaining, Fuel Used, Time Remaining, Fuel Efficiency (mpg), Fuel at Waypoint, and Fuel Range (distance to empty).

Lean Mode: Whether you prefer rich or lean of peak, SkyView’s new Lean Mode can show you how many degrees cooler your EGTs are off of their peak temperatures to help you run your engine optimally.

Timers: When equipped with an SV-EMS-220 module, the Engine page can display a variety of new timers in addition to the existing Tach and Hobbs timers. These include: Engine Run Timer, Engine Trip Timer, Total Flight Timer, and Flight Trip Timer.

Autopilot Pitch Axis Improvements: Dynon continues to upgrade its autopilot to provide the best possible ride in every aircraft. In SkyView version 2.5, the pitch axis control algorithm receives substantial updates that improve just about every aspect of its performance. It sports improved altitude hold, better control in turbulence, and improved level offs after climbs and descents.

User Waypoint feature for Power Users: Since we snuck this in at the last minute, it's not in the user guides. But see http://wiki.dynonavionics.com/SkyView_User_Waypoints for details!


Full update instructions and downloads available here.

SkyView 2.0 Update and SkyView Servo Harness Released

We've just released the latest SkyView firmware update! Hot on the heels of March's 1.5 update, 2.0 adds a few big features, including:

• Autopilot
• HSI (serial sources only for now; ARINC 429 converter coming this summer)
• Obstacles to the trial map (USA only)
• Even better failure handling
  
• Wind Vector

Full update instructions and downloads available here.

Also, due to popular demand, Dynon now offers a Servo wiring kit for SkyView. This harness comes with everything you need to connect a servo to the SkyView network and power/ground, including an extra D9 to attach to the servo wires themselves. All of the D9 connectors are provided but not connected to the harness so that wires can be routed through tight spots. You will need a pin D-sub pin crimping tool like this as well. The SV-NET-SERVO harness is $55 and comes with 20' of Aircraft Grade Tefzel® Wiring, and is available from authorized Dynon Avionics dealers, by calling us at 425-402-0433, or via our downloadable price list/order form.

Choosing between SkyView and the D10/D100 Series

Many prospective Dynon customers see the incredible SkyView displays and want the "latest and greatest", while others see the amazing value in the D10/D100 series of products. For those of you on the fence, here are the major differences between the two lines of products.

Size and Mounting Considerations

The D10/D100 series have all of the EFIS sensors and EMS electronics built into the displays*. This means that they are mostly self contained, but also means that the screens are deeper than they could be without those parts. See the D100 and D10A specs pages for the exact depth dimensions of these products.

In Contrast, the SkyView displays are just the screens and computer hardware that runs the system. The ADAHRS (Air Data / Attitude / Heading) module is mounted remotely, as is the EMS module that houses the connectors and electronics that receive individual engine sensor signals. This allows us to shrink SkyView's depth to just 2 inches! This can really help in tight panels, especially in the rear cockpits of tandem aircraft.
*well, except for the magnetometer, which needs to be away from magnetic interference and is remotely mounted.

Where the D100 instruments use a rear-mounted tray, SkyView uses bezel-mounted screws which typically attached to nut plates that you'll build into the panel before instrument installation. So if you already have a D100 series and are upgrading to SkyView, you will need to enlarge the cutout in your panel slightly in both directions, and you'll need to drill holes and add nut plates around the cutout for the mounting screws.

Screens

The D10/D100 series comes in 4" and 7" versions, while SkyView comes in 7" and 10" versions. This allows the D10 series to go into very tight panel spaces, while the 10" SkyView screen offers an amazing view of all of all of your information. For customers in the middle of those two ends, the 7" versions of both series are very close in terms of panel space requirements.

People commonly ask whether the 7" SkyView screen will fit in the same panel cutout as the D100 series instruments and the answer is no. Though the SkyView screen itself is the same size as the D100, the bezel surrounding it is a little bigger to accommodate the dual joystick knobs and the new mounting method.

All Dynon displays are sunlight readable, but there are some differences here too. Customers will be happy with any of our displays, but SkyView is quite breathtaking to see in direct sunlight. If you have a chance to see one in person at a fly-in, we think you'll walk away amazed.

Features

SkyView can do everything that the D10/D100 series can, plus more. Both product lines are capable of being primary flight instruments, engine monitors, autopilots, and HSI. But, only SkyView has the ability to do synthetic vision, moving map, highway in the sky, and lots more to come.

If you've been following SkyView's development and release, you'll know that we decided to release the product without a few of the above features. Autopilot and HSI are scheduled to be released May 15 if everything goes to plan, and then this summer and beyond the moving map will be added, as well as lots more exciting features. We have a SkyView roadmap page which we update with our agenda and schedule for the next couple of releases that you might find helpful.

We did go back and forth for a while on adding a very rudimentary moving map to the D10/D100 series, but the hardware in those products just do not have the computing horsepower needed to create a really great user experience.

In a nutshell, the D10/D100 is our low cost/high value line of products, while SkyView is Dynon's flagship offering. Most major new feature development will be concentrated in SkyView, although all Dynon products will continue to see autopilot enhancements as we develop them.

Pricing

You can compare pricing down to the smallest component on our full price list, but basically, an EFIS-D100 equivalent 7" screen SkyView system is about $1200 more than the EFIS-D100, and if you go for the 10" screen it's another $900 more.

If you're looking at the FlightDEK-D180, the difference between it and a single screen 7" SkyView is $1800. Again, add another $900 for the 10" screen.

If you're going for the full IFR setup, a FlightDEK-D180 + EFIS-D100 combination starts at $6000, while the equivalent SkyView system (two screens, dual ADAHRS, and EMS module) starts at $8000 with 7" screens.

Autopilot on either generation only requires the servos, which are $1500 for a pair plus mounting kits that are typically between $0-$75 an axis. The optional AP74 autopilot control panel is available for the D10/D100 series for another $450, whereas SkyView's on-screen autopilot control scheme benefits from the dual joystick knobs and increased amount of buttons on the bezel.

Modularity / Purchasing Planning Considerations

Once you've decided on a system, realize that they're purchased a little bit differently. The D10/D100 series now encompasses 7 distinct products:

1. EFIS-D6 (simple six pack only, 4" screen)
2. EFIS-D60 (simple six pack only, 7" screen)
3. EFIS-D10A (full featured 4" screen EFIS w/ HSI and AP capability)
4. EFIS-D100 (full featured 7" screen EFIS w/ HSI and AP capability)
5. EMS-D10 (4" screen engine monitor)
6. EMS-D120 (7" screen engine monitor)
7. FlightDEK-D180 (7", all-in-one EFIS/EMS/HSI/AP)

In contrast, when you build up a SkyView system you build up the right combination of the following parts to build your panel:

1. SV-D700 (7" display) or SV-D1000 (10" display)
2. SV-ADARHS-200 (first air data, attitude, heading reference module)
3. SV-ADARHS-201 (additional ADAHRS module at reduced cost)
4. SV-EMS-220 (EMS module)

So when you're putting together a D10/D100 based panel, you need to choose the right products to fit your needs. For example:

• Looking for a complete flight instruments as a backup for an existing panel after your vacuum pump died for the last time you're willing to tolerate? EFIS-D6 or EFIS-D60, depending on your panel space
• Basic VFR tube and fabric aircraft with minimal panel space? FlightDEK-D180
• IFR panel? FlightDEK-D180 + EFIS-D100 (this gets you redundant flight instruments in the event of a failure)

In contrast, with SkyView, since the screens are separate from the modules, you're essentially putting together a single system with a variety of single-purpose components. Those same examples again:

• A complete set of flight instruments as a backup for an existing panel after your vacuum pump died for the last time you're willing to tolerate? SV-D700 (7" display) or SV-D1000 (10" display) + 1 SV-ADAHRS-200 module
• Basic VFR tube and fabric aircraft with minimal panel space? SV-D700 or SV-D1000 + 1 SV-ADARHS-200 + 1 SV-EMS-220 module
• IFR panel? Dual SV-D700 + SV-D1000 displays + primary SV-ADARHS-200 + backup SV-ADARS-201 + SV-EMS-220.

Again, "just add servos" to any configuration (except the D6 or D60) for just $1500 more. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call at 425-402-0433, or email us at info (at) dynonavionics (dot) com.