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Dynon releases 7.0 Is it Ok for FD?


Doug G.

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I would guess "No". The release needs to come from FD. I had several issues with the last FD release and was told there would be another release in early Oct. It may be that FD will make available a release based on Dynon Skyview 7.0 in that time frame.

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7.0 is just updates to the sectionals, and map database. I am running 6.1 right now, downloading those updates should not be an issue. but it is best to check with FD first, I am doing that thru Lone Mountain right now.

Huh?? 7.0 adds quite a few features. Also the prior version is 6.2 not 6.1. Sectional and obstacle databases are updated every 28 days or 56 days depending on the database.

 

http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/news_version_70_16Sept2013.html

 

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FD loaded the Dynon with 6.1 in the CTLSi i just took delivery on.

 

Interesting that the Dynon release notes for 6.1 says:

 

6.1 6/2013

Update: Support for minor hardware changes in SkyView displays. This release was not released on the web site. There are no new features in this release.

 

Must be FD gets its own release.

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Flight Design needs to get out of the Dynon software loop... All Flight Design needs to do is refer a pilot to Dynon's documentation for proper operation and setup. Screens do not need to be "locked" or controlled. Flight Design's interpretation is different than other manufacturers who don't lock their SLSA screens. I would submit that Flight Design is creating potential and unnecessary liability through their actions by keeping its pilots from having timely improvements and bug fixes. (but hey, I'm not a lawyer and do not pretend to be one on tv...).

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Adam, I don't believe the latest FD approved version locks the screens anymore. You can flip between some canned splits of pfd/engine/map. Not disagreeing with your point, just letting you know that that particular issue has been addressed. I would want to know more about FD's position before taking a view. If you were having any issues with the Dynon's, I do think FD's approach makes it easier to approach FD as opposed to being told go talk to Dynon. Alot of people are hands on on this forum though so I'm sure many would rather have the flexibility to get new releases as they are released and to troubleshoot with Dynon directly. I'm assuming if you go E-LSA you can do what you want?

 

What I really would love is a Dynon simulator. I have a RedBird G1000 sim at home. I wish they made a Dynon Skyview version.

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I think there was good reason to lock the Dynons down, but I think they went a little to far. They need to be locked to the point that the customer can not go in and make changes to any of the aircraft specific settings. The also need to have a standart set up that can not be changed, so it matches the flight manual. I think they should have left the ability to select between screens and move displays from side to side, with just a few of the most common configurations.

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. . . "the CTLSi 'hides' or makes it extra difficult to get to the USB port to do the updates by placing them inside the middle console instead of putting them on the panel for easier updating. Sure you can still get at the USB port and do the updates" . . .

 

Is there a dedicated USB port underneath or a cable hanging down? Just where is the port located?

I know some manufacturers actually put a port just adjacent to the Dynon unit, making it very easy to do the updates.

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Adam, I don't believe the latest FD approved version locks the screens anymore. You can flip between some canned splits of pfd/engine/map. Not disagreeing with your point, just letting you know that that particular issue has been addressed. I would want to know more about FD's position before taking a view. If you were having any issues with the Dynon's, I do think FD's approach makes it easier to approach FD as opposed to being told go talk to Dynon. Alot of people are hands on on this forum though so I'm sure many would rather have the flexibility to get new releases as they are released and to troubleshoot with Dynon directly. I'm assuming if you go E-LSA you can do what you want?

 

What I really would love is a Dynon simulator. I have a RedBird G1000 sim at home. I wish they made a Dynon Skyview version.

 

I should have been clearer, yes, FD does now allow for some screen switching which means that specific irritant is now mostly resolved. For those of us who were early Skyview owners it was a very painful wait for FD to allow some screen switching. It took two years to get that functionality into our planes. (I'm partially venting about that still). My point though is more around the future, and the releases that don't yet exist but surely will as time goes on. Dynon is now at Rev 7.0, FD at 6.2, we will always be "behind". My experience with Dynon has been excellent. Fabulous tech support, free software upgrades, free database upgrades. Everything I hate about Garmin is the polar opposite at Dynon. Dynon is moving fast, having FD between us and their technology is painful. Mind you I am a huge FD supporter (have owned 2, waiting for number 3). My point was just that there will always be "new features" and we will be constantly "waiting" for the next updated release to be approved by FD. FD is not in the software update evaluation business. Id rather see FD get out of the Dynon "update approval" business and focus their energy elsewhere. That's all, not bitching, just lamenting that another "screen lock" type issue is sure to come, we just don't know what it is yet!

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I should have been clearer, yes, FD does now allow for some screen switching which means that specific irritant is now mostly resolved. For those of us who were early Skyview owners it was a very painful wait for FD to allow some screen switching. It took two years to get that functionality into our planes. (I'm partially venting about that still). My point though is more around the future, and the releases that don't yet exist but surely will as time goes on. Dynon is now at Rev 7.0, FD at 6.2, we will always be "behind". My experience with Dynon has been excellent. Fabulous tech support, free software upgrades, free database upgrades. Everything I hate about Garmin is the polar opposite at Dynon. Dynon is moving fast, having FD between us and their technology is painful. Mind you I am a huge FD supporter (have owned 2, waiting for number 3). My point was just that there will always be "new features" and we will be constantly "waiting" for the next updated release to be approved by FD. FD is not in the software update evaluation business. Id rather see FD get out of the Dynon "update approval" business and focus their energy elsewhere. That's all, not bitching, just lamenting that another "screen lock" type issue is sure to come, we just don't know what it is yet!

Hello Adam, Have watched some of your YouTube videos - great stuff. Question: above, you mention FD have 6.2. Where do I get this configuration from? The flightdesign.com website only shows 5.1, and I'm eagerly waiting to have the fuel pressure top value adjusted to be in sync with the fuel pump. Thanks, Matt
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It seems like FD could have an "approved" version of the Skyview software, obtainable by them, and they could allow owners to update the unit to any other build, with the proviso of:

 

"FD does not recommend using a build other than that provided by FD, and use of any other build is done so entirely at the user's risk, with FD making no warranty regarding the suitability of other builds for use in the CT family of aircraft. Users are further cautioned that the possibility exists that in using versions other than that provided by FD that critical flight and safety information might be hidden from the pilot's view, compromising safety."

 

It is my experience that generally Europeans are much more comfortable being told exactly what to do and how to do it than Americans are, and the rules concerning Skyview updates probably reflect that more rigid European thinking.

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...........It is my experience that generally Europeans are much more comfortable being told exactly what to do and how to do it than Americans are.......

 

Only because you then go tipping all the tea in harbour !!

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Only because you then go tipping all the tea in harbour !!

 

We are a dangerous and unpredictable lot! :)

 

Actually, I was thinking of "Continental Europeans". The wonderful peoples of the British Isles share much in common with Americans in temperament. I wasn't really knocking the Europeans though, just pointing out a difference. The Germans are particularly ordered in their outlook, for example...they take obeying traffic rules and signs to new heights.

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Careful we could drift into ethnic stereotyping soon :)

 

BUT, there certainly is a point of difference between the USA with a single regulator and Europe with every nation having its own authority and set of rules which has led to the establishment of a European wide agency EASA with a view to trying to harmonise the legislation across all the countries.

Suffice to say it has not proved easy, though by April next year I will have had to swap my UK CAA PPL(A) for an EASA PPL(A) for the princely sum of £65 and I cannot for the life of me see how my life will have improved for that - I'll just be 65 quid poorer! But when did governments and regulators ever consider anyone but themselves?

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Suffice to say it has not proved easy, though by April next year I will have had to swap my UK CAA PPL(A) for an EASA PPL(A) for the princely sum of £65 and I cannot for the life of me see how my life will have improved for that - I'll just be 65 quid poorer! But when did governments and regulators ever consider anyone but themselves?

 

I'd be interested in knowing what you pay in fees for flying over there. I know it's more expensive than in the USA, and there are more taxes and fees involved. Do you pay a fee for every operation (takeoff, flight, landing, etc)?

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I'd be interested in knowing what you pay in fees for flying over there. I know it's more expensive than in the USA, and there are more taxes and fees involved. Do you pay a fee for every operation (takeoff, flight, landing, etc)?

 

It varies drastically both within countries and across different countries. In the UK most airfields charge a landing fee, which for a CT might be anything from £5 at a little grass strip up to £80 or £90 if you tried to get into a major airport (say Manchester, Edinburgh or Birmingham - and no you can't get into Heathrow VFR!!).

France is quite different and I've never been charged a landing fee at any "club type" airfield though their major airports are on a par with the UK.

The biggest difference, and that which would cause you guys to take a sharp intake of breath if you flew over here is the cost of fuel 95 Octane Mogas is 131.9 pence/litre - 1 US Gallon is 3.8 litres and with an exchange rate of £1=$1.64 makes the price of fuel in your units (if I've got the maths right) $8.22 per gallon.

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The fuel cost is high, but in line with what I have seen when in Europe. Does the landing fee apply per touchdown? In other words, does just running around the circuit and doing touch-and-goes get very expensive? Seems a very dumb way to fund airports, discouraging pilots from building proficiency...

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The fuel cost is high, but in line with what I have seen when in Europe. Does the landing fee apply per touchdown? In other words, does just running around the circuit and doing touch-and-goes get very expensive? Seems a very dumb way to fund airports, discouraging pilots from building proficiency...

 

Usually, landing fees are meant to discourage certain traffic. Chicago O'Hare charges 25 bucks with the landing fee (55 for twins), and ramp fees can be a couple HUNDRED. Port Columbus charges $5. OSU (home airport) charges $5. Of course, in most cases, landing fees are not charged to based aircraft, only transients.

 

Little backwoods airstrips WANT traffic, so they don't charge. But, if they exploded in traffic, you can bet landing fees would start.

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