Bendix King AV8OR handheld GPS [Archive] - Page 2

rvator51

08-02-2009, 09:44 AM

Thanks for the help.

I'm not sure, unless all AV8ORs are Bluetooth capable, I don't think mine is Bluetooth, I bought it slightly used last fall. Is there a 2 into 1 plug for mini USBs? Even if there is, I don't know if it can receive the two sources of data at one time.

Alll AV8OR Handhelds are Bluetooth capable and can run Bluetooth traffic and RS-232 (or bluetooth) WX-Worx at the same time (or RS-232 traffic and Bluetooth WX-Worx).

On the AV8OR, from the main menu go to the "Settings" page, then the "Bluetooth" page to configure it. Zaon has the configuration options on their website as well as in the AV8OR manual.

There is not a 2 into 1 plug for the AV8OR that I know of. There is one for the new AV8OR ACE that just came out because it has two RS-232 ports built into the mini-USB port.
Hope this helps.

BravoBravo

08-05-2009, 01:22 AM

Hello All, anyone else having problems with a 4 second altitude refresh rate on their AV8OR?

easy way to check is to go into the GPS Status page from the main menu and either watch the stream of NMEA data for the code: $GPGGA and note the time next to it... or the easist way (if you have the problem) is go to the bottom icon (long/lat/alt/utc) and watch the UTC time. If it only updates at a 4 second rate, then you have the problem.

I've received some general specs that state it should update at a 1 second interval.

Its really starting to become a nuisance for me.
I have the latest firmware, but still have the problem.

If you have a unit, if you could report back your update rate that would be helpful. If more than myself are affected, maybe we can get the BendixKing gurus to help us figure it out.

Thanks,
BB

Scrabo

08-05-2009, 11:18 PM

If you have a unit, if you could report back your update rate that would be helpful.

Just checked mine, updates at a 4 second rate, same as yours.

rvator51

08-07-2009, 09:42 AM

bpfarrar

08-07-2009, 08:06 PM

I followed the instructions to get the free update with BK. I registered and then got the email confirmation that was supposed to tell me how to get the update. BK's right hand is not talking to its left hand. After numerous phone calls and holds I got in contact with the people in the aeronautical update department. They confirmed that the instructions for the free update were not in place. The lady was very nice. She took my user ID and then typed a few keys into her computer. I now have an update available for me to download at my descretion. I think it will expire in 18 months.

FWIW I finally got to use the XM WX feature. After buying fancy stuff it seems like years go by before I actual get some benefit. Last Saturday morning there was a line of TS approaching FTW from the west. The line did not extend too south of the due west direction. I needed to go NW. When I told tower I was ready to TO I told them I wanted a west departure. Tower came back with a report that TRACON was showing a mess of weather due west and recommended a SW direction. I was tickled to tell the guy that I was looking right at the stuff on the AV80R and that SW direction would be fine. After lift off I settled on a 260 heading that aimed me close to the bottom of the line. The radio worked perfect. The extended line of flight was helpful in letting me know if my heading was going to let me clear the WX. I have the bluetooth so I was able to unblug the power and pass the unit around the cabin. I later heard my wife bragging to a friend how she could see the storms and the relationship of the airplane to the weather. It made just the impression on her that I was hopeing. She really came away with an appreciation of the unit (the dollars spent). Anyway we were able to leave on time and not have to wait for the storms to pass through. The manuvering around probably cost us an extra 20 minutes. The piece of mind was priceless.

Scrabo

08-07-2009, 11:25 PM

I would try pressing the reset button on the back of the unit and then after it resets, go to the GPS status screen and press the GPS Update button to see if the reset of the GPS will speed it back up.

That did the trick !!!

I wonder why it was off and how often it occurs ... ?

wcrahen

08-08-2009, 07:15 PM

Flew today, however my Google Earth flight log.kml file did not get updated, bummer. Thoughts?

AndyRV7

08-09-2009, 10:41 AM

Flew today, however my Google Earth flight log.kml file did not get updated, bummer. Thoughts?

Mine has been about 98% effective. One I think I got a choppy log of a day's flight. I haven't been using the logs much recently, so I am not sure if itt has happened again, but that was the only time I knew about it anyway. Your's might have had the same glitch. If it happens again, I would call BK, but I wouldn't worry too much about it just yet.

Elvis

09-06-2009, 12:40 PM

Just checked mine. It updates at a little less that once a second. I would try pressing the reset button on the back of the unit and then after it resets, go to the GPS status screen and press the GPS Update button to see if the reset of the GPS will speed it back up.

i checked my AV8OR and the GPS was only updating every 4 seconds (watch the UTC time update in the "GPS status" page under "settings" or the $GPGGA time update on the "sat dish" icon).

2 things... make sure you are using GPS-006-004 (can download for free from BK.com/av8or) and then press the "GPS reset" under the "T" tab in the GPS status.

Scrabo

10-02-2009, 04:15 PM

I noticed today on the BK website/update util that there is a GPS 006-010 version of firmware listed but the release notes are still for 006-004.

Anyone attempted this update yet ?

https://www.bendixking.com/wingman/Gps/download/AV8OR_Firmware_Software%20Download_Procedure.pdf

Scrabo

10-03-2009, 05:06 PM

Update.

So I attempted to update the firmware today to 006-010. The update appears to have be copied to the SD card, so I follow the instructions to press and hold the reset button for 1 sec and then, according to the update procedure document, it is meant to prompt you to load or not.

I get nothing, just the normal main menu - so I am thinking that this is not ready for prime time yet.

DrHolling

10-04-2009, 07:39 AM

Mine uses the older update process. The SD card is loaded but when I select 'Update' I get the following error message: "Bluetooth encryption is not compatible. Update cannot be performed.":confused:
Sounds like a call to Customer Support on Monday.:(

Dave

Scrabo

10-04-2009, 01:27 PM

I select 'Update' I get the following error message: "Bluetooth encryption is not compatible. Update cannot be performed.":confused:
Sounds like a call to Customer Support on Monday.:(

Dave

I attempted the same process and got the same bluetooth error message a well.. Let me know what Customer support says.

DrHolling

10-06-2009, 05:20 AM

This update is intended for units S/N 10000 and above.

Very helpful guy at Customer Support. Hardware change with S/N 10000 and above. Bluetooth changed from software to hardware implementation. The -010 update is the same as the -004, but targets the newer hardware.

I noticed that I could correlate the filenames with the version identifiers on the Status page that were already loaded and wondered what would actually change.

Dave

Scrabo

10-06-2009, 11:56 AM

Dunkan

11-14-2009, 09:55 AM

Well done BK for forcing Garmin's hand to produce a more afforable colour GPS (the Aera series). ALthough Garmin's features seem to fall short of BK's and at a greater price.

Duncan.

Snowflake

12-02-2009, 06:06 PM

Well done BK for forcing Garmin's hand to produce a more afforable colour GPS (the Aera series). ALthough Garmin's features seem to fall short of BK's and at a greater price.
Hi Dunkan,

Can you elaborate on that? I'm looking for some comparison info between the AV8OR and the AERA. So far from what i've been able to find, the AV8OR handheld and AERA 500 seem to fit my needs perfectly, and have approximately the same street price ($749/799). Although if anyone knows any cheaper places to get these let me know.

I'm partial to the Garmin interface, having used Garmins all the way back to a GPS II Plus. I also like that the Aera 500 is IPX7 rated (30 seccond immersion!). One of the places I use my curent Garmin 76CS is on my motorcycle, so a replacement that can work there as well would be nice. I can't find any waterproofness ratings for the AV8OR, and it looks like it's got a lot of openings in the case to let water/dust/etc in. so it may be out anyway.

Anyway, if anyone sees a comparison article, i'd love to hear about it.

N64GH

12-02-2009, 06:31 PM

Y'all might want to think about the Anywhere Map ATC. I have it and love it. I have lifetime updates and fuel prices (think it was 500 for life). Or if you only want to pay per year I think it is 115. It is also a "auto" gps unit. You can also get Sectional charts which I did and there updates are included in the lifetime price. Although the resolution is not so hot for the the Sectionals (about the only thing I do not like about the ATC). It is less expensive than Garmin and no way to beat the update price. I will probably upgrade to the larger UMPC version (which is also less expensive than the Garmin) only because my 5 yo eyes like the larger screen better. If you are in the vicinity of SoCal (give or take 3 or 4 hundred miles) I could let you check it out. I have had it from its introduction (the ATC that is) and no real complaints. The more I use it the more I like it. O I have a Garmin 396 in my RV6 also and it drives my AP. I like the ATC more but it does not have WM WX (another reason I will upgrade the UMPC version does). Any way you might want to think about it.

Dunkan

12-06-2009, 03:17 PM

FYI, having spent 11 months trying to get the AV8OR hooked up to a Trutrak autopilot, this is what I found:
The AV8OR had no NMEA output (even with the later software); this took 10.5 months to find out, whereupon the agent swapped the unit for one that did have NMEA output.

The BK serial lead has to be used (although it is possible to rig something else if you know how the output pins are configured).
The "mini USB" connector on the AV8OR has 10 pins. The top five of these pins will engage with a normal mini USB connection for connecting to computers etc. using a standard 5-pin mini USB plug. However, none of those 5 pins are connected on the BK serial lead.

Two of the other five pins on the AV9OR mini USB have RS232 input/output; these two pins is what the BK serial lead connect to (plus the ground connection).

The BK serial lead has a 10-pin mini USB plug on one end.The standard five USB pins aren't connected (in fact they have been cropped off, so it is very difficult to get other connections on to it (eg a +5v power supply). There is no 'conversion' in the serial lead; it is wired straight through.

If anyone knows where to get 10-pin mini USB plugs, please let me know (other than a minimum order quantity of 10,000 from China).

With this knowledge, Section 5 of the BK AV8OR manual starts to make sense, but the manual was written by someone who probably knew this already!

Duncan.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote:
Originally Posted by penguin
Guys, Now King have enabled an output port has anyone hooked up an AV8OR to an autopilot? I'm guessing you would use the USB port, can I get any USB cable, cut the flat end off and wire it into the GPS input on the Autopilot (TT Digiflight II)? Any one know the pin outs?

Thanks, Pete

Hi Pete,
Works great with my AP. I have heard the AV8OR has been tested and works with Tru-Trak, Trio and Dynon APs. I used the USB to serial adapter available from Bendix King. You really only need 2 wires from the USB port, data out and ground (They are pins 2 and 5 on the db-9 serial connector, dont know what they are on the usb port) Make sure you dont run ships power to the USB port because it uses 5 volts.
In the NMEA setup, I left everything at the default values, except I had to enable the GPBOD sentence.
__________________
Regards,
Tom Velvick
Peoria, AZ
N53KT RV-4
N7053L RV-4 (RV4chick's blog)
rv-6a finishing
Track me Toms blog

Scrabo

12-08-2009, 06:00 PM

bh00502

12-08-2009, 09:14 PM

B/K website IS having issues with the Java updater tool for both the handheld and ACE. There is a team working on the problem. I have pretty close ties to Honeywell support people and I'll make a post here when I find out they have fixed it.

bh00502

12-09-2009, 11:51 AM

B/K website i.e., Java updater tool, is fixed and downloads/updates are back to normal operaion.

Scrabo

12-09-2009, 09:40 PM

B/K website i.e., Java updater tool, is fixed and downloads/updates are back to normal operaion.

Thanks, just downloaded the monthly nav updates

svanarts

03-24-2010, 03:57 PM

Has anyone found a clever way to turn the unit on or off while it is mounted in an AirGizmos dock? Do I need to RTFM or something?

Snowflake

03-24-2010, 07:52 PM

The AirGizmos dock a fellow pilot bought has a lever molded in that is supposed to actuate the power button when pressed... At least that's what it looks like it's supposed to do. Unfortunately it doesn't line up with the power button so does nothing. On hers it looks like you could add a drop of epoxy to the lever in the right spot, let it set up, and then you'd be good to go. Maybe a small lump made with layers of tape would do for testing.

Dunkan

04-02-2010, 09:06 AM

Flew today, however my Google Earth flight log.kml file did not get updated, bummer. Thoughts?

Mine does that too, but the last-flight details are actually in the 'Flitestar' log (and txt files) and then go into the KML file on the next flight. ANd so on.

A bit annoying really, or is it designed to force a purchase of Flitestar?

Duncan.

rvator51

04-02-2010, 02:51 PM

Mine does that too, but the last-flight details are actually in the 'Flitestar' log (and txt files) and then go into the KML file on the next flight. ANd so on.

A bit annoying really, or is it designed to force a purchase of Flitestar?

Duncan.

That really interesting. I havent noticed that on mine but will check it out. I doubt it about the purchase of Flitestar. I will send the bug report to Bendix King and see what they say about it.

On another topic, I see that you are now able to buy map updates for the GoDrive portion of AV8OR on the navngo website. You also can get camera updates. Has anyone done this yet and did the updating work ok?

rjtjrt

04-02-2010, 04:31 PM

I have a problem with mounting the AV8OR. I can't use the suction or yoke mount.
I have a RAM ball mount system already in the plane.
Anyone yet able to marry the AV8OR to the RAM or similar ball system?
John

painless

04-02-2010, 07:54 PM

I have an Av8tor Ace that I have mounted with a RAm mount. I have a Ball mounted on the angled part from the fuselage longeron to the panel, just forward of the roll bar (sorry, it has been a long time since I remembered the part number). From that I have the shortest straight attachment Ram makes that then attaches to another ball mounted on the back of the supplied Av8tor Ace mount. Makes the ACE sit nicely between the rollbar and the panel.

I can take a pic of it tomorrow if you need to see what it looks like.

rjtjrt

04-02-2010, 10:37 PM

"painless" aka Jeff,
Thanks for the reply but it is the small AV8OR, not the ACE that I need to mount onto a RAM ball fitting.
Regards
John

loopfuzz

04-02-2010, 11:09 PM

I have been using the nice 3M velcro on the back of my av80r and a piece on my ram mount. Works good. Though sometimes it pulls the battery door off the back of he av80r cause it sticks so good!

Scrabo

04-03-2010, 01:20 AM

"painless" aka Jeff,
Thanks for the reply but it is the small AV8OR, not the ACE that I need to mount onto a RAM ball fitting.
Regards
John

Easy...

http://members.cox.net/ardnabannon/DSCN6872.JPG

http://members.cox.net/ardnabannon/DSCN6873.JPG

And this is with the bigger battery fitted as well.... RAM part number : RAM-HOL-PD2U

rjtjrt

04-03-2010, 02:28 AM

Scrabo
Brilliant. Just what I need.
Thanks

John

AndyRV7

04-05-2010, 02:55 PM

On another topic, I see that you are now able to buy map updates for the GoDrive portion of AV8OR on the navngo website. You also can get camera updates. Has anyone done this yet and did the updating work ok?

Good to know. I have some new highways down by my brother in South Carolina. I actually have to wake back up to navigate the transition from 95!!

Do you have a link? I guess it's navngo.com maybe.

Scrabo

04-05-2010, 05:54 PM

apkp777

04-05-2010, 06:07 PM

Does the AV8OR have the primary flight display like the AERA/496/696?

rvator51

04-05-2010, 07:49 PM

You should also download their Naviextras Toolbox - it updated my version of GoDrive software (8.3.2.77877) and updated some POI files as well.

It also lists all the data files for download.

https://www.naviextras.com/shop/portal

I cant get the toolbox to recognize my AV8OR or the SD card. Do you have the AV8OR or the AV8OR ACE? I found my version number and its 8.0.0.46068 so I have an earlier version. I wonder if I need 8.3 before it will recognize my AV8OR. What version did you have before the upgrade?

rjtjrt

04-05-2010, 08:01 PM

Does the AV8OR have the primary flight display like the AERA/496/696?
Tony
If I am reading your question correctly you are asking about the HSI type page.
No it does not have HSI page as does Garmin.
I have both a Garmin GPSMAP 296 and AV8OR (not the ACE) and for me the topo maps on Garmin are much more detailed then the AV8OR.
Also I like the partial compass rose and bearing pointer on GPS 296.
But I like the Bluetooth traffic from XRX on the AV8OR so I use AV8OR for trafffic and Garmin GPSMAP 296 for navigation.
John
Melbourne
Australia

apkp777

04-05-2010, 08:08 PM

Not the just HSI, but the digital 6-pack (PFD) AI, HI (HSI), AS, VSI, ALT, T&B. I am trying to find a digital and self powered backup for my SkyView. I have flown approaches using the Garmin 496 PFD and it is sufficient to keep you upright (in an emergency). I am thinking the AERO is the only portable on the market with that?

rjtjrt

04-05-2010, 08:09 PM

n144sh

04-05-2010, 09:18 PM

Scrabo

04-05-2010, 10:39 PM

I cant get the toolbox to recognize my AV8OR or the SD card. Do you have the AV8OR or the AV8OR ACE? I found my version number and its 8.0.0.46068 so I have an earlier version. I wonder if I need 8.3 before it will recognize my AV8OR. What version did you have before the upgrade?

I have the standard AV8OR unit - one of the very early ones so the GoDrive version number was low like yours, don't remember the actual version number.

You may have to setup a user/password and then login to their tool and like it discover the unit - discovery can take up to a minute or so.

rvator51

04-06-2010, 07:43 AM

I have the standard AV8OR unit - one of the very early ones so the GoDrive version number was low like yours, don't remember the actual version number.

You may have to setup a user/password and then login to their tool and like it discover the unit - discovery can take up to a minute or so.

Thanks, I 'll keep after it. The problem with loggin in is that when I try, it says I have to connect the unit first before I can log in.

bpfarrar

04-10-2010, 07:31 AM

I had been having problems reconnecting with the XM download. It seems I had to do a refresh everytime I wanted to use the radio. Here is part of an email I sent to Bob Haring at Honeywell. I got the idea from the EAA website. It seems to be working.

***********
Bob,

I think there is some credibility to turning the radio on last after starting the airplane and powering up the XM box, and turning the AV80R off first when shutting down.

I hadn?t flown for three months and I was pretty sure my partners hadn?t used the AV80R for at least a month. I called XM, asked for a REFRESH and went to the airplane. After everything was powered up (we have tied the XM Worx w/ Bluetooth to ship power), I switched on the AV80R. Lo and behold the bluetooth connected on its own and after a few minutes the weather was downloading. What a surprise!

I have made two more subsequent flights and it has worked great using the same power up and shut down procedure. Today I did have a small setback. Coming back from Mineral Wells, a short flight to Fort Worth, the XM didn?t receive but the BT did work. The only thing I did differently is that I powered up the AV80R immediately after switching the avionics master. On a lark I switched off the AV80R, counted to 5 and powered it up again. Presto, the weather started working this time. I came away with the thought you need to wait to make sure the XM Worx box is warmed up, receiving the satellite signal and sending the proper codes out on the bluetooth before you start the AV80R receiver. I?m now going to take my time starting the AV80R.

shaunppl

04-24-2010, 07:52 AM

Is anyone else having issues with the Java tool for downloading updates to the AV8OR ? I have attempted to download updates from two different computers with the same result - just a blank screen on the java tool.

Hi all,

First time post

Well it seems to be down again, GGGRRRR, trying to update my unit for the first time as the firmware is 04, and after registering i still havent recieved my free database update, can anyone please advise.

Have updated my java engine as well.

Regards

Shaunppl

Scrabo

04-24-2010, 07:40 PM

Hi all,
after registering i still havent recieved my free database update, can anyone
Shaunppl

You might have to email them and they will add the free db update to your account - I had to do that with them about 18 months ago

shaunppl

04-25-2010, 03:46 AM

Thanks,
Have done that twice now, seems using Java to allow updating is an unreliable method, what happend to the good old, log in do the password, download and update yourself mode.

Will see if they respond by tomorrow, if not will have to try and ring them, would like it operational before my next flight to Guernsy this week.

regards

shaunppl

Scrabo

04-25-2010, 01:08 PM

The Java app works fine for me every time - in fact I just downloaded the latest database cycle last night with no issues and usually once a week I update the flight guide data.

shaunppl

04-25-2010, 04:47 PM

Ok here it is from start to finish:

plugged the GPS unit into a usb port and turned it on, it comes up with the usb screen.

Went to the bendix site and logged in, then went to upgrade the firmware link, this opened up the java applett, after about 30 seconds the applett goes blank and stays blank.

Uninstalled all java versions and software, rebooted system and then went back to the bendix site and re-logged in, clicked on the link, came up with warnings that i need to have java installed version 6_11 or higher.
Waited and the applett automatically downloads the relevent software via Java site, version 6_20.
Reboot system and retry the applett again.

Same problem.

Install Firefox 3.6.3
Ecxactly the same as above.

OK Using windows 7 pro, fully updated and legal.

So go upstairs and start up my trusted XP Pro system, go through all the above with I.E 8 and again with Firefox 3.6.3 and i get exactly the same a blank applett after 30 seconds,

Am i missing something, is there additional software i need to install, have i totaly missed the process of anything.

I really want to use the device, but the database is 2 years old and i really need to get it updated asap.

If anyone can advise i would be really grateful otherwise i will be sending it back pretty quick and go back to a garmin unit, i really like this unit and would really like to give it a good go, but this is proving really frustrating, especially if i have to contact bendix king direct in the states from the UK is not going to go down well due to cost and time involved etc.

Any help appreciated.

shaunppl

Have now tried this with a virtual XP server running I.E 6 and 7 and still get the same results and now from 2 different addresses and ISP providers, the JAVA update in all cases was the 6_20 updated by JAVA when and after trying to run the applett on the bendix king site.

7kcabdriver

04-26-2010, 08:02 AM

Just got off the phone with a Bendix/King Rep and heres the solution. The current version of Java is not compatible with the download applet Bendix/King has at the moment. Both Java 19 and Java 20 will not work for now. However Java 18 works. Hope this works for you too shaunppl.

shaunppl

04-26-2010, 11:26 AM

Many thanks 7kcabdriver after 6 hours i finally gave up, browsers crashed, bendix website stated incorrect version of JAVA and then proceeded to download the same one as before, i.e now for some reason has decided to not allow me to log into my internet banking page, tried removing java and then the browsers wouldnt load up, rebooted and went to restore mode back 6 weeks just in case, went onto the website again and load and behold it started all over again.

I think the product is a good product, but the group i am with voted a no no and ordered a Garmin Aera 500, so with reluctance i am having to return the unit, who by the way have also unsuccessfully tried to get an update for the last week.

Its a shame that this good product is mared with bad updating software through java and internet procedures, i wish you well and thanks for helping, perhapes one day we will again try and get one again and hope that this problem is resolved.

shaunppl

n.b just hope i can get the charges back for the update i paid for but could never download lol

bh00502

05-05-2010, 11:39 AM

Fresh news from the Bendix King product support team -- They have fixed the problem of the applet not working properly if you have the latest versions of Java (19 or 20) installed on your computer. The "fix" will be available either tomorrow a.m. or the next day a.m. The "fix" has been tested on the following browsers:

? WindowsXP/IE6.0/Mozilla3.6.3
? WindowsVista/IE7.0/Mozilla3.6.3/
? iMac/Mozialla3.5.8/
? Windows7 (iMac Parallels)/IE8/Mozilla3.5/

AndyRV7

05-06-2010, 03:36 PM

Looks like there was a Bendix rep participating in the ACE thread so I am here with my two desires. One, you cannot adjust the back-light unless you fully exit the Go Fly program. So if you take off at daylight or dusk and fly into night, you have to shut the Go Fly to get to the back-light adjustment. This seems like an oversight. Also, I would love a garmin-like panel page like everyone else is mentioning.

Other than that, I am still logging a lot of happy hours with my AV8OR!:)

Thanks.

bpfarrar

06-03-2010, 10:05 AM

FWIW I played with a display model of a Garmin Aera at S n F in April. I was not impressed with the refresh rate of the screen. When I moved the map around with my finger it didn't scroll well. It had to go blank in spots and redraw. I know it wasn't as fast as our AV80Rs.

The XM weather is built into the Garmin unit. That does reduce some complexity and cumbersomeness. I enjoy the ability to pass the AV80R to my passengers to have them look up the weather.

vfr800

06-03-2010, 08:43 PM

Snip ... you cannot adjust the back-light unless you fully exit the Go Fly program. So if you take off at daylight or dusk and fly into night, you have to shut the Go Fly to get to the back-light adjustment. This seems like an oversight. Also, I would love a garmin-like panel page like everyone else is mentioning.

Other than that, I am still logging a lot of happy hours with my AV8OR!:)

Thanks.

I've had the same complaint, and then I stumbled on a good option.

While in the Go Fly mode at any time you can press the hard menu button right of the power button on the top edge of the unit. (This is one of the buttons frequently pressed accidentally when grabbing the GPS unit.) Then press settings, backlight and adjust as desired. Hit back twice, and click on Go Fly and you're back in business on the moving map.

This way it doesn't have to exit from and later reload the Go Fly mode, and gets you back to the original map view very quickly.

I found this by accidentally pressing that button and think it's the best way I know. Before that, I had the same complaint and it seemed silly to exit and reload to adjust something so simple. Now it seems quick and easy enough.

Even with 60 hrs flying the 9a I have now (that came with a 496 in the panel), I find using the AV8OR easier for most features. Like you, I would like the garmin-like panel page and a log book feature. Love the google earth function, though!

Hope that helps.

Ryan

AndyRV7

06-09-2010, 09:18 AM

That's great Ryan. Thanks!! I am ashamed to say I have never touched that button ...don't even know what it is there for. But now I am going to have to see what it does. There is probably some other functionality I don't even know about.

Gonna try your tip on Friday night if the weather holds up!

Andy

Dunkan

06-16-2010, 01:51 AM

Sometimes (atually, quite often) upon restarting the AV8OR for the second stage of a trip the topo database will not read and the screen and other functions are then unavailable. After the trip, everything is OK again.

Anyone else had this problem or know what the fix is? Repeated rebooting doesn't work.

Duncan.

Scrabo

07-11-2010, 04:15 PM

Had a nice flight this morning and as always I love to pull the KML file and load into Google Earth - much to my disappointment there was only 4 mins worth of tracking.

I have been taxiing out to 04R when the tower asked it f I could do a 180 on the taxiway as they were changing runways from 04R to 22L.

It appears as if the tracking stopped 30 seconds after the 180 turn - weird.

Anyone else had this issue where the tracking on the KML stopped ?

The Flightstar file and the BK file all still seemed to be tracking - now only if I could cover the FS to KML :)

AndyRV7

07-15-2010, 07:25 AM

I've had one (possibly two times) when I got only pieces of the journey. It didn't happen enough to be a concern to me.

I DID have to send my unit in for repair this week. I got a self-check error at the Navigation Databases check on startup. Sporty's sent it to Bendix King but I haven't heard back yet. Gonna be a week or 3 before I see it again. I am interested to see how they handle it. It is about 8 month past warranty. It's been rock solid up until this point.

Scrabo

07-16-2010, 03:19 PM

Saw this today.... it references both the AV8OR and the ACE model

"2.0 Upgrade Expands AV8OR™ Capability
A new software upgrade offers something for all AV8OR users. AV8OR release 2.0 adds Airport Diagrams to any AV8OR GPS and VFR Sectionals to the AV8OR ACE.

Both the VFR Sectional charts displayed on the AV8OR ACE®, and the Airport Diagrams displayed on the AV8OR handheld, are geo-referenced, featuring "own ship" positioning, which provides greater situational awareness regarding aircraft position at the airport.

On the AV8OR ACE, VFR Sectional charts includes flight plan and user-configured navigation data overlays. Both VFR sectional charts and Airport Diagrams are available via subscription and can be downloaded directly from Honeywell's partner, Seattle Avionics. Annual subscriptions are $79 for VFR Sectionals and $49 for Airport Diagrams.

In addition, AV8OR ACE capabilities have been expanded to include geo-referenced Eurocontrol charts, including IFR Approach Plates, VFR Approach Plates, SIDs/STARs, Airport Diagrams and HI/LO IFR Enroute Charts. A first-time complete download is $99, while annual subscriptions for VFR approach plates and airport diagrams are $249 and complete charts are $799.
Release 2.0 also includes a new IFR chart download manager for AV8OR ACE, allowing users to download only the charts that have been changed since the last cycle, greatly reducing download times. An additional upgrade feature includes the new Portable Glass Panel that adds a GPS-based panel page, comprising a Direction Gyro (DG) representation with graphical fight plan, rate of turn altitude and ground speed."

Interesting :cool:;)

Update : It will officially be available for download on Monday, July 26th.

AndyRV7

07-21-2010, 01:04 PM

I DID have to send my unit in for repair this week. I got a self-check error at the Navigation Databases check on startup. Sporty's sent it to Bendix King but I haven't heard back yet. Gonna be a week or 3 before I see it again. I am interested to see how they handle it. It is about 8 month past warranty. It's been rock solid up until this point.

I spoke with Sporty's today. Apparently, even though I am out of warranty, Bendix King is replacing my unit with a new one. They gave Sporty's permission to do the swap. So they are swapping my SD card ino a new unit, tucking it back in my soft-pouch, and mailing it back to me in time for the weekend. No questions asked. So two weeks from door to door. I am glad to be getting my GPS back, and at no repair cost to me. Thanks Bendix King!:)

Dunkan

07-22-2010, 03:54 PM

Scrabo

07-22-2010, 04:57 PM

<<..I got a self-check error at the Navigation Databases check on startup..>>
I have that problem occasionally too; normally after I've landed-out and am rebooting to return.
BK say to return unit to dealer, but the problem can't be easily demonstrated as it's intermittent.
Any idea what the real issue is, or the fix?

Duncan.

I had the same problem once, thankfully I have the database folders backed up to my PC, copied them back over and re-downloaded the Jepp database updates and all was fine.

I think my issue occurred 3 days after I downloaded the recent navdata from the BK website - so maybe it was a corrupt update ?

AndyRV7

07-23-2010, 05:26 AM

Don't know the problem. But they swapped mine out. I guess others ARE having the issue because Sporty's told me the fix is replacement. If I had it once in a while, I would have just tried to deal with it but mine started one night and would not allow me to boot the unit again (Go Fly) after the first occurrence of the error. I like the idea of the folders backed up on the computer but it's hard to believe you could have a software issue. I had not upgraded or installed any databases for a few months before my problem popped up.

Scrabo

07-24-2010, 01:18 AM

Version 2 of the software is now on the BK site

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/DSC09707.jpg

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/DSC09705.JPG

Lots of small cosmetic changes - for example the "keyboard" is now black letters in white background and appear larger, changing map view is easier, more options on the NMEA output setup etc.

You also have the choice of logging output type - Plain Text, FlightStar, Google Earth or "Memory map" (??)

Goggle Earth filenaming is also changed to format like "Flight - 00.53 LCL on 24 JUL 2010"

I also downloaded the taxi diagrams from Seattle Avionics and will be using it for tomorrows flight.

AndyRV7

07-24-2010, 06:20 PM

I never cared about the airport diagrams but is that panel page part of the new software? That is an upgrade I would like to have.

Got my replacement GPS from Sporty's Friday. It doesn't seem to work with the battery anymore. I can only turn it on if it is plugged in to the wall. It won't even charge the battery. I can't find anything obvious that I am overlooking so I have to call customer service Monday I guess.:(

bh00502

07-24-2010, 10:25 PM

I've heard the nice thing about the airport diagrams is that your aircraft is geo-referenced on the diagram itself. With zoom in and zoom out,,, it's a terrific feature. Airport diagrams are $49 I believe and you download them from Seattle Avionics website. As for the "panel page" it's a free s/w upgrade from the b/k (av8or microsite) and is available now.

Scrabo

07-24-2010, 11:35 PM

Flew with the update s/w this morning. Panel page is a nice touch and will display the infamous magenta course line and waypoints behind the DG circle.

Also from what I have noticed.

1. New KML file for every flight as opposed to appending to the existing.
2. Keyboard is black letters on white background - easier to read ( also appear to be larger )
3. Switch Map view is nicer.
4. Geo ref airport diagram - excellent
5. Option to have the zoom range either on the bottom of the screen or on the outer range ring
6. Top of descent option on the flight planner

There were others, I just can remember them now. I have not connected the Zaon yet to check for any changes there.

Slower start-up, probably because of the airport diagrams (77mb on the card) but over all , not too bad - pity we had to wait a whole year for it.

Love the panel tapes - sorry Garmin, the "six pack' panel screen reminds me of MS Flight sims.

Still MIA, selecting the proper colors for the airspace boundaries.

Overall, a nice update.

AndyRV7

07-25-2010, 04:41 AM

I like the look of the panel page too.

What's the coverage like on the airport diagrams? If I'm not off-base, I seem to remember not thinking any of the airports I would use would be covered with a diagram.

bh00502

07-25-2010, 07:50 AM

Coverage for the airport diagrams -- the maps are from NOAA therefore meaining you'll get continental U.S. I've heard Seattle Avionics is working on getting airport diagrams for Canada but they are not available yet. The airport diagrams show buildings and labeled taxiways and of course the runways.

Scrabo

07-25-2010, 03:30 PM

Now it would be nice if the airport diagram scrolled automatically as the plane travels along the taxiway :D

Scrabo

07-25-2010, 07:52 PM

What's the coverage like on the airport diagrams? If I'm not off-base, I seem to remember not thinking any of the airports I would use would be covered with a diagram.

I put a list of them here...

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/airports.txt

AndyRV7

07-26-2010, 04:43 AM

I guess I am a little confused. It looks like there may actually be a fair amount of coverage, but what value do they have if in fact the picture doesn't track your plane? Aside from maybe trying to find your way back to the departure end (when you had time to scroll around the little picture while parked), I have no idea how you would use the things.

Anyone actually have this feature now?

Edit: I just saw the BK email with the airport diagrams. I guess it look better than I thought because your plane is superimposed over the diagram. I guess we need an actual pirep to work out the details.

Scrabo

07-28-2010, 07:57 PM

Anyone actually have this feature now?

Edit: I just saw the BK email with the airport diagrams. I guess it look better than I thought because your plane is superimposed over the diagram. I guess we need an actual pirep to work out the details.

Is it actually not too bad, the only downside is that if you are zoomed in and your ground track takes you off the visible screen area, it does not automatic scroll to keep the aircraft icon in view.

I used it twice over the last week and the tracking on airport diagram for FFZ was very accurate - just had to drag the diagram over a few times to keep the icon in view.

AndyRV7

07-29-2010, 07:50 AM

Did you feel like you had to zoom to be able to read the graphic? I guess that is going to vary depending on the size and complexity of the airport.

Scrabo

07-29-2010, 10:46 AM

Did you feel like you had to zoom to be able to read the graphic? I guess that is going to vary depending on the size and complexity of the airport.

I will take some photos and post here later today.

Scrabo

07-31-2010, 07:35 PM

I could not find my tripod and camera so I had to use a cheapo camera for these so they are not 100% clear. I used KPHX as it was the closest and has some detail.

So here is the taxi diagram upon first load.

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/EX1.jpg

After pressing the "full' button

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/EX2.jpg

Max zoom in.....

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/EX3.jpg

A few zoom levels out...

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/EX4.jpg

Most things are reading in everything expect "FULL"

AndyRV7

08-01-2010, 09:41 AM

Looks reasonable. And that is a large airport.

I am having some type of weird problem with my new unit. Bendix swapped mine for a new one but the unit itself or my charger seems to be destroying the batteries. The unit works on the wall wart power, but will not charge the battery. I thought my battery itself might have been bad so I got a new one. The unit fired right up on the new battery and then I put it on charge. When I came back to check the status of the charge, the led was dark (usually orange during charge, green when charged completely). In retrospect, the same thing happened to my first battery. That is, the orange light came on when I plugged it in to the wall. Then, when I came back it was dark. Has anyone had this kind of problem?

I have to call Sporty's again on Monday and I guess they will have to look at the charger too this time.

Scrabo

08-18-2010, 12:39 PM

Version 2.2 is now posted - there is no change log on the site.

AndyRV7

08-19-2010, 05:21 AM

I guess I have 2.2 (I downloaded the update two nights ago). It's good to finally have my AV8OR back in working order. The panel page looks great. I may even go for the airport diagrams (not because I think I need them but they are reasonably priced I guess).

I had to reconfigure all the settings in my unit because it is new. I seem to recall a way to distinguish Charlie from Bravo, even though they are lumped together in the menu. I read most of this thread looking for it but no luck. Does anyone know what I am speaking about??

Thanks.

Scrabo

08-19-2010, 09:46 AM

I seem to recall a way to distinguish Charlie from Bravo, even though they are lumped together in the menu.

Please share if you figure it out.

rsulliv1

08-28-2010, 07:30 PM

Does anyone know of any programs that can import the default bendix/king txt flight log format?

I accidentally left my gps logging on the default & I can't seem to figure out where to use that data. I've failed at importing it into Google Earth and Voyager freeflight. I'd like a visual representation of this data, perhaps over a map or sectional, but I can't seem to figure it out.

Anyone run into anything similar or a way to convert this format to kml?

Thanks all,
-ryan

some sample data:

28 AUG 2010,22:53:00,N41°37.86 W087°31.50,Hdg ---°,Alt 02572ft,COG 353°,SOG 108kts
No traffic

28 AUG 2010,22:53:10,N41°38.14 W087°31.55,Hdg ---°,Alt 02562ft,COG 353°,SOG 108kts
No traffic

28 AUG 2010,22:53:20,N41°38.46 W087°31.61,Hdg ---°,Alt 02575ft,COG 353°,SOG 108kts
No traffic

28 AUG 2010,22:53:30,N41°38.76 W087°31.65,Hdg ---°,Alt 02601ft,COG 354°,SOG 112kts
No traffic

28 AUG 2010,22:53:40,N41°39.07 W087°31.69,Hdg ---°,Alt 02611ft,COG 356°,SOG 111kts
No traffic

28 AUG 2010,22:53:50,N41°39.39 W087°31.71,Hdg ---°,Alt 02611ft,COG 359°,SOG 115kts
No traffic

Scrabo

08-28-2010, 10:25 PM

Does anyone know of any programs that can import the default bendix/king txt flight log format?

You could try... http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/

gpsvisualizer

08-29-2010, 10:53 AM

You could try... http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/
Not quite yet.

Someone JUST sent me one of these files this morning, and I haven't included support for them yet. It won't be hard to do... but it'd be nice to see a few more sample files first. So if anyone has some, send them to me, please. (My e-mail is at the bottom of http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/.)

Scrabo

08-29-2010, 12:31 PM

Not quite yet.

Someone JUST sent me one of these files this morning, and I haven't included support for them yet. It won't be hard to do... but it'd be nice to see a few more sample files first. So if anyone has some, send them to me, please. (My e-mail is at the bottom of http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/.)

Just forwarded some examples from yesterday.

gpsvisualizer

08-29-2010, 02:52 PM

Okay, the Bendix text logs should work with GPS Visualizer now. Please let me know if you come across any files that don't.

rsulliv1

08-29-2010, 05:29 PM

Thanks guys! what a quick update.

The bendix file format works wonderfully.

Thanks again,
-ryan

AndyRV7

08-31-2010, 06:17 AM

I don't use the terrain warning functionality now, but I would like to. I was wondering if anyone could give me some suggestions on how to or how to get the most out of it.

I like to keep my map clean of clutter so I shut off the tall objects. I am wondering if I have to turn them back on to have them reported when in terrain mode? I really have no idea how to get the most out of that feature. Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Scrabo

09-08-2010, 11:05 PM

I just connected my Zaon XRX today to the AV8OR and I like the way it records 'targets' in the log files... good to see how close other aircraft actually came...

Here is an example of two targets...

Traffic,141?,3.20nm,211?,1.20nm

And a screen shot from demo mode.

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/DSC09762.JPG

ArVeeNiner

09-14-2010, 03:57 PM

I just bought a used AV8OR and a RS-232 WxWorx receiver. In the near future, I plan to get a Zaon XRX as well. How do I get all this plus the Zaon and my autopilot to work together?

I guess I'd buy the optional Bluetooth adapter for the XRX and link it that way.

The WxWorx will be wired to the USB connector on the AV8OR but that port also has the information that my autopilot needs as well. How do I tap off of that?

Is something like this the solution?

http://www.coolgear.com/images/USBG-232FT-14452.jpg

Scrabo

09-24-2010, 01:31 PM

Appears version 2.3 was released recently -

"Release 2.03 improves display of certain TFRs delivered via XM weather downlink. Upgrading to 2.03 is not required for users who do not subscribe to XM weather. "

rvator51

09-24-2010, 01:53 PM

The WxWorx will be wired to the USB connector on the AV8OR but that port also has the information that my autopilot needs as well. How do I tap off of that?

Is something like this the solution?

http://www.coolgear.com/images/USBG-232FT-14452.jpg

You can only configure the serial port (mini USB) for one thing at a time, I believe. So you cant send NMEA data and WxWorx data over the same serial port at the same time.

rglick

09-24-2010, 09:26 PM

I actually found a bug in the last release during our flight to Utah last week. Every time the Metars would come in the unit would return to the Main menu and require me to enter GO-FLY again. It may have been the TFR's but it sure acted like it was the METAR's. I called AV8OR support on Monday and by Thursday I had an email from support stating that 2.03 was released. I tested the new release and it works great again. Nice support!

Scrabo

09-30-2010, 11:33 PM

I called AV8OR support on Monday and by Thursday I had an email from support stating that 2.03 was released. I tested the new release and it works great again. Nice support!

I hope they correct the issue I had using the ZAON when you have the traffic screen enabled for pop-up - once the Zaon detects a threat with the 2nm range, the AV8OR will automatically switch over to the traffic screen, only problem is that the traffic screen defaults to 7nm range when the threat is really within 2nm.

Scrabo

12-21-2010, 05:16 PM

I have the AV80R ace and this is a major disappointment for me. Early on I emailed Bendix / King and they indicated they were working on a software upgrade. There have been NO Software upgrades. The unit is nice, but I must say I am not impressed with the ability of Bendix / King to build on a good product and make it a great product.

Steve
N144SH
RV-4

If you still have the unit, did you ever upgrade to version 2.3 of the software, it even added a nice 'panel' page... still no HSI but still better then nothing.

http://www.the-blue-tree.com/phil/DSC09707.jpg

n144sh

12-24-2010, 10:31 AM

[QUOTE=Scrabo;496274]If you still have the unit, did you ever upgrade to version 2.3 of the software, it even added a nice 'panel' page... still no HSI but still better then nothing.

Yes I did upgrade and the panel page is nice. I would surely like the ability to have both the map and HSI up at the same time....

Overall this is a good unit, but it is very clear that King doesn't have the resources to devote to continued improvement that Garmin or Dynon does. If I were buying again I think I would go for a Skyview.

Scrabo

12-24-2010, 02:12 PM

it is very clear that King doesn't have the resources to devote to continued improvement that Garmin or Dynon does.

Give them time, they are only getting back into the game after a long absence - it is a lot better now then when it was first released and can only get better.

orchard23430

01-03-2011, 02:15 PM

Scrabo

01-03-2011, 02:58 PM

Double check that sliding lock switch on the right hand side if you have not already, it is very sensitive on my unit

LarryT

01-03-2011, 03:23 PM

My AV8OR is 28 months old and out of warranty. I flew a week ago, everything was fine. This past Saturday, the unit will not turn on under battery or charger power. Talked to B/K and they didn't know if there was a repair or not. Has anyone been able to get this unit repaired?

Dale Fowler

I think you will find that the power switch failed when you attempted to turn the unit off. The result would be a total battery discharge. The first time this happened to me, the unit came alive again after being hooked to an external power supply for some time (30 minutes?)

The push-and-hold power switch for these units was POORLY DESIGNED (and I'm being charitable). FWIW, I have failed two. One with less than 50 hrs. in service, one with less than 100 hrs. in service. The warranty repair consists of replacing the unit. I wonder if the total replacement cost for all the units that broke exceeds the pennies saved on each unit x # of units sold. Perhaps B-K should have charged $1 more for each unit and put a decent switch in.

Larry Tompkins

PS I am a mechanical engineer. I could design a good switch for B-K if they asked me. There is a legitimate purpose for cost accounting, however, putting cost-accountants in CEO positions has the long-term affect of destroying a company. In 1970 GM had 50% market share, after Roger Smith and his bean-counter successors they are now happy with 20% and needed a government bail-out. Moderators feel free to delete this portion if you feel it is too politically incorrect, but if we don't leave the "make it worse manufacturing philosophy" and return to the continuous product improvement philosphy our children better learn to speak Chinese.

vfr800

01-03-2011, 03:32 PM

Double check that sliding lock switch on the right hand side if you have not already, it is very sensitive on my unit

Scrabo's probably barking up the right tree. If that doesn't work or has been checked already, try another battery. Even with it plugged in to wall power, I had a laptop that wouldn't work right because the battery was shot. Just a thought...

If you don't have another battery to try, PM/email me. Might be able to send a spare to you.

Either way, fingers crossed your AV8OR powers up with a simple fix!

orchard23430

01-04-2011, 12:03 PM

Great suggestion. It was locked. It was in an AirGizmo panel mount the entire time so how in the world did the locking switch slide? Thanks for the help!

Dale

Scrabo

01-04-2011, 02:12 PM

Glad it is working.

Dunkan

01-27-2011, 03:26 PM

Anyone know what an equivalent part number is for the 1600mAh battery?
e.g. Nokia equivalent that fits?
I realise that a different back cover is also needed.

Duncan.

Dunkan

01-30-2011, 05:30 AM

To answer my own question, in case anyone else is interested, the equivalent Nokia p/n for the 1600mAh battery is BL-10C, which is twice the thickness of the standard-fit BL-5C.
Can't get them in the UK though!

Scrabo

02-03-2011, 11:00 AM

The bendix/king extended battery is made by KAYO - model KPL623048-2P
capacity 1600mAh volt 3.7 - it is Polymer Li-Ion - you might have better luck buying it in the UK.

Scrabo

02-05-2011, 05:30 PM

Received this email today...

"The AV8OR 2.5 software and firmware is now available for download for the AV8OR ACE only . Release 2.5 includes a number of exciting new features including High Resolution Approach Plates, a Graphical Weight and Balance Utility, Smart Airway Flight Planning and XM Radio Tuning. The AV8OR 2.5 upgrade for the AV8OR Handheld will be released soon. "

n144sh

02-13-2011, 11:00 AM

Updated to version 2.5 on my av8or ace. Now the go fly application crashes every time I load a chart (approach, airport etc). :mad:

Not cool - this update has rendered the unit nearly worthless. Emailed them 3 business days ago - no response yet.

Beware....

N144sh

Scrabo

02-13-2011, 02:16 PM

Updated to version 2.5 on my av8or ace. Now the go fly application crashes every time I load a chart (approach, airport etc).
N144sh

Did you try this ....

From the press release...

"AV8OR 2.5 introduces new, High Resolution Approach Plates, SIDs/STARs and Airport Diagrams. This new capability dramatically improves the clarity of chart viewing, raising the bar on the competition. This new feature also includes a one-time Free IFR Charting update from Seattle Avionics (required with AV8OR 2.5 software).
"

Here is the full press release for those who didn't receive it.

Available now! The AV8OR 2.5 software and firmware is now available for download for the AV8OR ACE. Release 2.5 includes a number of exciting new features including High Resolution Approach Plates, a Graphical Weight and Balance Utility, Smart Airway Flight Planning and XM Radio Tuning. The AV8OR 2.5 upgrade for the AV8OR Handheld will be released soon.

High Resolution Approach Plates
AV8OR 2.5 introduces new, High Resolution Approach Plates, SIDs/STARs and Airport Diagrams. This new capability dramatically improves the clarity of chart viewing, raising the bar on the competition. This new feature also includes a one-time Free IFR Charting update from Seattle Avionics (required with AV8OR 2.5 software).

Graphical Weight and Balance Utility
AV8OR 2.5 includes an easy-to-use, Graphical Weight and Balance utility. Using aircraft-specific data, the pilot can quickly calculate both take-off and zero-fuel moments, and see the data in table format, a C.G. Envelope Graph and an aircraft layout page.

Smart Airway Flight Planning
AV8OR 2.5 now makes it possible to flight-plan and fly airways in the same way that clearances are requested or issued by approach control. Simply enter the Entry Point, Airway Name and Exit Point in a single line. For example: "BOSOX V419 PIYIN". AV8OR 2.5 does all the detail planning for the pilot, including all intermediate points and turns on the airway.

XM Radio Tuning
AV8OR 2.5 now includes an XM Radio Tuner (WxWorx XM receiver and subscription required). The new XM Radio Tuner allows pilots to listen to their favorite XM Radio stations while navigating with the AV8OR. Selecting from XM Radio channel categories and managing a custom "Favorites" list is simple to use with the AV8OR's touch screen interface.

n144sh

02-13-2011, 03:55 PM

Thanks - yes I updated the charts after the software update.

[QUOTE=Scrabo;513285]Did you try this ....

From the press release...

"AV8OR 2.5 introduces new, High Resolution Approach Plates, SIDs/STARs and Airport Diagrams. This new capability dramatically improves the clarity of chart viewing, raising the bar on the competition. This new feature also includes a one-time Free IFR Charting update from Seattle Avionics (required with AV8OR 2.5 software).
"

AndyRV7

03-04-2011, 05:57 AM

I started using the smart profile (or whatever it's called) and the relative topo last night. Loved it. I have to read about all the various colors and the general clearance distances but I feel much better at night with it in the plane.

Two questions, the GPS seemed to update much slower (like every 4 seconds instead of every 1, or so). Is everyone else getting the same slow-down? Also, what impact does it have on battery life to leave the topo and smart profile on?

Thanks. Andy

Scrabo

03-04-2011, 08:15 AM

Two questions, the GPS seemed to update much slower (like every 4 seconds instead of every 1, or so). Is everyone else getting the same slow-down? Also, what impact does it have on battery life to leave the topo and smart profile on?

I occasionally perform a hard reset on the unit to correct the 4 sec update issue - also in my opinion, battery life is not impacted leaving topo and smart profile on - I use the smart profile all the time.

AndyRV7

03-04-2011, 09:03 AM

I occasionally perform a hard reset on the unit to correct the 4 sec update issue - also in my opinion, battery life is not impacted leaving topo and smart profile on - I use the smart profile all the time.

I'll try that. Not sure it's actually 4 seconds, but the unit did get significantly slower after I turned these things on. I also lost altitude data from time to time. I don't remember seeing that ever before. All in all, it was still a benefit to have with me.

Scrabo

03-04-2011, 12:04 PM

According to the recent 2.05 press release - the firmware and software updates are still pending for the hand held unit, while the ACE versions were released mid Feb. Last I checked they were not released.

I wonder if those updates might correct your issue ?

Dunkan

03-06-2011, 03:18 AM

About a year ago I loaded a Go-drive patch from the supplier of that aspect of the AV8OR (i.e. not supplied by BK). This stopped Go drive occasionally 'hanging' and it worked faultlessly thereafter. Unfortuneately, Go-fly continued to misbahave and the unit was changed uner warranty.
Now I have the Go-drive issues again with the replacement unit and cannot find the software provider's website that the patch came from.
Does anyone have any leads on this?

Duncan.

rvator51

03-06-2011, 07:39 AM

Hi Duncan,

GoDrive (NavnGo) has a new website for updating GoDrive. You create an account (free) and download their software. Plug AV8OR into your PC and turn it on. The installed program automatically detects your unit and then shows a list of what is available for download. Software updates have been free. I think the first map update was free too. No sure. I did the above and it worked great on my AV8OR. They have really lowered their prices on the map updates. I think mine was $$29. I also downloaded the traffic camera database. (First one was free).

BeydMoSky

03-08-2011, 10:42 PM

I read this thread from end-to-end and learned a lot. You guys are pretty sharp.

As a new AV8OR owner, I have a couple of questions:

My old (and I mean OLD) GPS was a Garmin195. I used an external antenna mounted on the roof of my C182.

Can I use this antenna with the AV8OR?

The Garmin apparently uses what is known as an "active" antenna. I guess the issue is whether or not the AV8OR is compatible with an active antenna.

If the existing antenna can be used, what is the proper connector?

The Garmin used an MCX connector. I read somewhere that the AV8OR uses an MMCX.

Finally:

The only phone number I could find for Bendix customer support only got me on hold for a half hour. Anyone have a better phone number?

Jim Weddell
Vacaville, CA

Dunkan

03-17-2011, 11:08 AM

Does anyone know whether interfacing a ZAON XRX PCAS via bluetooth automatically provides the Zaon audio alerts through the AV8OR?

Whilst the obvious solution would be to interface the Zaon directly with the intercom, the electrical interference produced by the cooling fan in the Zaon prevents this.

Duncan.

Scrabo

03-17-2011, 11:29 AM

Does anyone know whether interfacing a ZAON XRX PCAS via bluetooth automatically provides the Zaon audio alerts through the AV8OR?

I don't believe so but I could test it this weekend. I used the supplied audio cables for a few flights and discarded them as the bleeps from the XRX was enough to get my attention.

There are some dip switches on the botton of the XRX that might help reduce the interference.

Scrabo

03-18-2011, 11:05 AM

Does anyone know whether interfacing a ZAON XRX PCAS via bluetooth automatically provides the Zaon audio alerts through the AV8OR?.

I check it this morning, it did not give me audio alerts via bluetooth :(

Maybe I am doing something wrong because the ZAON website states "Zaon highly recommends using the voice alerts from the AV8OR in place of the XRX voice alerts when viewing traffic on the AV8OR display. Alert thresholds are different between the two units, and the XRX voice alerts may not be in sync with the pop-up alerts on the AV8OR. "

Will have to play some more:)

I also dropped Zaon support an email on the subject, based on previous experience with their tech support, I will not be holding my breath.

Scrabo

03-21-2011, 06:43 PM

I also dropped Zaon support an email on the subject, based on previous experience with their tech support, I will not be holding my breath.

According to Zaon, "the AV80R generates its own audible traffic alert; all you need to do is connect the audio output to your intercom and/or audio panel."

Personally I have never heard the AV8OR generate any audible traffic alert, I doubt if the handheld unit does, maybe the ACE version ???

Added : 3/27/11 - I contacted Bendix/Honeywell and was assured that the AV8OR units were never designed to generate audible traffic alerts - so Zaon website is incorrect.

bh00502

03-31-2011, 09:50 PM

Sorry if I'm changing the subject here a bit. Try to keep this tip in mind. If by some remote chance, and it does happen, where the touch screen freezes up, then remove the battery overnight and try again in the morning. I've heard the RAM inside the unit can get wadded up and gets confused. Removing the battery only for a short time does not seem to fix it because of residual effects. Try the overnight method.

KentuckyMike

04-18-2011, 08:42 AM

Regarding the the touch screen freezing up, removal of the battery overnight sometimes does cure the problem or at least it did on my unit. The touch screen did not work at all. The unit powered up and appeared to be fine except the touch screen would not respond to touch.

I called Bendix King Service and they had me try several things but nothing helped. They finally said they have had trouble with some touch screens and they were very sorry mine was out of warranty (for two months) as the units are non-repairable. I was basically told to throw it away and buy another one. Be sure to try the overnight trick before you throw the unit away.

I also called Aircraft Spruce Avionics Service and was told the same thing. Obviously if it had still been in warranty they would have replaced it but since the units are not serviceable at all I was out of luck.

I guess what bothered me most was that Bendix King had no offer of trade up or discount for current users. I was told they are working on an exchange program for out of warranty units. Unfortunately, it is not in place at this time.

I wonder if any of the Garmin hand held units are serviceable?

Scrabo

04-29-2011, 03:59 PM

S/W version 2.05 is finally out for the AV8OR handheld units !!

orchard23430

05-11-2011, 08:40 AM

tracker

05-11-2011, 09:17 AM

I've tried to do the update in the 4/29/2011 email from BK several times. Clicking on the link takes me to a page that says I need to update Java. I update Java and I get right back to the page that says I need to update Java. I've gone around this circle many times with no progress. Has anyone else had this problem? Any ideas? Anyone know a support number at Honeywell/Bendix King that would help on this issue?

Dale Fowler

Here is the support info.

Bob Haring
Honeywell Int'l Inc
Technical Operations Center
Technical Support Engineer
U.S./Canada 1-800-601-3099
Europe 800-601-3099
All Others 1-602-365-3099
23500 W. 105th Street
Olathe, Kansas 66062
aerotechsupport@honeywell.com

Bob was very Helpful with a problem I was having with mine, which actually turned out to be a misunderstanding of the internal operations of the AV80R.

By the way, there is a new pilot guide that has been/or soon to be released. It is much more in depth and helped to explain the issue I was having. If you cannot find it on the website. Send me an email and I will send a copy to you.

rvator51

05-11-2011, 10:57 AM

Assuming you are running MS Windows, have you check in the Control Panel under Add/Remove Programs? There may be several versions of Java installed. If so, I wonder if you removed all of the older versions, it that would solve your problem?

phiku

05-11-2011, 02:55 PM

I had the same problem & found out, that using a different browser than MS Internet Explorer causes this problem. Normally I'm using Google Chrome. But for updating the AV8OR, I have to use MSIE.

Hope that helps

Phil

orchard23430

05-11-2011, 07:38 PM

Finally got emails from Bendix King. They suggested I remove all copies of Java and reinstall and I did. Also suggested that if Internet Explorer did not work, try Firefox. Internet Explorer did not work (vs 8) but Firefox did. Go figure.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Dale

jbagley

05-11-2011, 10:31 PM

Also, platforms other than windows don't work at all. Tried Mac OS and a couple different linux versions. Generally, I don't have access to windows at all. My day job is a software developer for unix, linux and IBM mainframes so Windows isn't something I keep around.

Just a few days ago I dusted off an old netbook and installed Windows XP Pro for the sole purpose of updating my av8or. After doing the song and dance to get all the drivers happy, java running, etc... I finally got the java program needed to update my av8or to run and it did not fit on the small netbook's screen. I could not click the OK button at the bottom of the window because it was below my puny little netbook's screen. Evil developers had set the screen properties to be not-resizeable and not-scrollable. That's just mean and uncool.

Had to dig up an external monitor to plug the netbook into.

/* end rant */

rvator51

05-27-2011, 12:34 PM

I have one of the original AV8OR handhelds and it has an older version of GoDrive on it (8.0). I have never been able to get the Naviextras toolbox to connect to it to upgrade the road maps. Naviextras just released a 3.01 version of their toolbox. The new version connected to my AV8OR with no problem and upgraded my GoDrive software to version 8.3 (latest) then I was able to download a lot of map fixes for free. The road update for the USA was $50. Worth it to me as lots of changes here in Phoenix. There is a 3-D add in available for $10 to add 3-D building for the major cities. Has anyone used that feature yet on their AV8OR?

http://www.velvicks.com/files/naviextras.jpg

Dunkan

07-13-2011, 03:59 PM

Mark Burns

07-13-2011, 05:18 PM

Duncan,
The last update I did a few weeks ago helped the bluetooth connection to my weatherworx box. It's seamless now.
But now the NMEA output seems weak or something. It takes a while to connect and will sometimes drop out. I've been trying a lot of different settings to find the sweet spot but haven't really found the answer yet.
The only thing I had turned on before this last update was GPBOD I think it was called. I have the Trutrak ADI II.
Please post the answer here if you find it!

Thanks,
Mark

Dunkan

07-14-2011, 03:17 PM

Mark,
I've tried enabling GPBOD but it has no effect.
Enabling all output options results in unit not being able to cope!
It appears that the GPRMB sentence is missing, which should be a standard output.
Maybe I'll try re-loading the curent firmware.
I'll let you know if I find out.

Rgds.,
Duncan.

Scrabo

09-21-2011, 09:00 PM

If anyone is interested, I have created files of private airports using FAA 5010 data.
Please feel free to use for your AV8OR units.

http://the-blue-tree.com/AV8OR/Main1.htm

These will be updated per the FAA cycle so if you want me to notify you when the data is posted, PM me
and I will include you on the distribution list.

yellowbillycat

10-24-2011, 10:17 AM

I tried a couple of compression/archiving tools with the private airports file and they all reported an unsupported compression type. Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Erik

Scrabo

10-24-2011, 11:57 AM

I tried a couple of compression/archiving tools with the private airports file and they all reported an unsupported compression type. Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Erik

Winzip should work but I will check the zip file in case it has been corrupted.

Please try again... it appears to be working now.

yellowbillycat

10-25-2011, 06:52 PM

Yeah, it's working fine now, thanks!

Erik

Friesen 5

11-06-2011, 08:21 AM

I installed 2 - 12 volt accessory jacks in my airplane. One is used to power my AV8OR using the 12 volt DC adapter. They are wired with 3 amp fuses.

Recently the fuses have blown when I plug the AV8OR adapter into the jack. When I tried the adapter from my noise cancelling headset, the fuse did not blow.

The 2 amp fuse in the adapter is not blown.

I tried it in our car, and it works there.

Any ideas on the cause? How might I troubleshoot for the problem?

Perhaps I could hardwire the adapter directly to the fuse block. Any suggestions for that?

Thanks,

Mervin Friesen

Bodie

11-09-2011, 03:00 PM

My first AV8OR wouldn't output NMEA data, even with the revised firmware that allowed that.
My second did and worked well in that repsect.
Now on my third unit (which is a much later model) and it doesnn't output, or not enough.
The GPS logging screen shows GPRMC etc, but not GPRMB, which I need to work a Trutrak Digitrak.

Any ideas what additional output features need to be enabled beyond standard serial NMEA at 4800 Baud?

Duncan.

Guys, I recently updated my firmware and kinda wish i hadn't. But I have found a fix, sort of.
After each reboot I need to open the device setup options page and toggle the NMEA serial to off then back to serial, then save and exit. This is the only way I can get coupled to the tru track digiflight II
What a PITA
Anybody know how to get the last firmware back?

Mark Burns

11-09-2011, 03:07 PM

Guys, I recently updated my firmware and kinda wish i hadn't. But I have found a fix, sort of.
After each reboot I need to open the device setup options page and toggle the NMEA serial to off then back to serial, then save and exit. This is the only way I can get coupled to the tru track digiflight II
What a PITA
Anybody know how to get the last firmware back?

Bodie, I don't have an answer for you but I'm in the same boat.
Mine will communicate sometimes without doing all of this.

Mark

Bodie

11-09-2011, 04:05 PM

More than likely we will have to live with it until BK gets sick of hearing it,
Everybody will need to voice their complaints to speed up the fix. I know now the next bug free firmware will be the last for me...:mad:

Scrabo

01-02-2012, 02:54 PM

Version 2.06 of the GoFly software appears to be listed.

Apparently, this release fixes several issues.

1. XM Weather fails shortly after launching GoFly
2. XM Weather intermittently shows failures during use
3. Database lookup issue for multiple waypoints with the same ident

Also there appears to be a new Cartography database to download, should appear on the java tool.

Grp914

02-20-2012, 07:32 PM

Larry, Have you pulled your AV8OR apart? Can a switch fix be employed?

[QUOTE=LarryT;500149]I think you will find that the power switch failed when you attempted to turn the unit off. The result would be a total battery discharge. The first time this happened to me, the unit came alive again after being hooked to an external power supply for some time (30 minutes?)

The push-and-hold power switch for these units was POORLY DESIGNED (and I'm being charitable). FWIW, I have failed two. One with less than 50 hrs. in service, one with less than 100 hrs. in service. The warranty repair consists of replacing the unit. I wonder if the total replacement cost for all the units that broke exceeds the pennies saved on each unit x # of units sold. Perhaps B-K should have charged $1 more for each unit and put a decent switch in.

Larry Tompkins

PS I am a mechanical engineer. I could design a good switch for B-K if they asked me.

LarryT

02-22-2012, 10:35 AM

Both times the units were replaced under warranty. The second time the dealer did not seem at all surprised by the failure - he'd already returned many with the same problem.

Moderators - fell free to delete if this is outside the bounds of website rules.

Recently, there was yet another post by someone who was satisfied with his dealings with Van's Aircraft. Van's Aircraft was founded and is owned by a mechanical engineer who, among other things, is clearly blessed with a strong sense of ethics.

Over the many years Van's has been in business, a portion of profits have been re-invested in equipment and personnel, the result of which is continuous improvement (there is no such thing as perfection and we all have differing opinions about what perfect is).

Contrast a privately held company like Van's to a publicly held corporation where the stockholders only knowledge of the product is whether or not their stock price went up or down. Those are the companies run by cost accountants (read: bean counters) and "turn around specialists." Those CEOs are the types whose corporate involvement is moving pencil marks from one side of the page to the other and looking at the number under the bottom of the horizontal line in the lower right-hand corner.

If you work as an engineer for one of the companies run by a bean counter, your efforts will be primarily spent in cost reduction, not product improvement. It will be the marketing department's job to convince consumers that this years product is "just as good" as last years or even better.

Please consider that the above is not "off-topic" and my response to your question will be crystal clear. The AV8OR was software purchased from a smaller company that was packaged into a "throw-away" device built and assembled half-way around the world. I like mine A LOT when it works.

It is too bad that there aren't more companies like Van's. Van makes me proud to be a member of an honorable profession.

Larry Tompkins, Registered Professional (mechanical) Engineer

Self-employed, so I am responsible and accountable for the work I perform every day to the best of my ability.

N544WB -6A
W52 Battle Ground WA

Dunkan

06-07-2012, 03:29 PM

Bodie, I don't have an answer for you but I'm in the same boat.
Mine will communicate sometimes without doing all of this.

Mark

Same with mine. Sometimes it does, other times not. And it will come and go during a single flight/boot-up, which (for the lawyers) has to be less safe than allowing the facility in the first place. Toggling to NMEA serial-off and back again has no affect.
It's almost like a flakey connection, but gently pushing/pulling/twisting the connector makes no difference.
Beginninng to wish I didn't have this particular GPS.

Duncan.

artrose

06-08-2012, 07:55 AM

Mark Burns

06-09-2012, 08:11 PM

I'm having problems reading the screen in bright sunlight. It's marginally better if I go to the set up screen when I turn it on and turn the backlight all the way up, but every time you start the unit again you need to go through the same routine of turning it up. Is there any way you can make the backlight stay up when you set it?

This started on the last update I think. It is a pain but a good idea really.

Before if you were flying at night and had it turned way down, then the next day when you turned it on in sunlight you couldn't see anything. You couldn't even see enough to find the button to push to brighten the screen!

Mark

Scrabo

06-15-2012, 04:00 PM

[QUOTE=artrose;667134].... but every time you start the unit again you need to go through the same routine of turning it up. /QUOTE]

I hate that as well, seems to be introduced with the last firmware update that added the XM radio - wish there was a way to revert it to the previous version.

Scrabo

08-26-2012, 02:37 PM

I see Chief is selling the AV8OR for $150 and the ACE version for $375 I believe.

Scrabo

01-03-2013, 05:07 PM

Thought I would give this a bump as it has been a while and there were only a few folks initially interested.

If anyone is interested, I have created files of private airports using FAA 5010 data. Please feel free to use for your AV8OR units.

http://the-blue-tree.com/AV8OR/Main1.htm

These will be updated per the FAA cycle so if you want me to notify you when the data is posted, PM me and I will include you on the distribution list.

FALC0NDRIVER

01-29-2013, 08:22 PM

Thanks for doing this Scrabo,

Question: which directory (folder) do I move the renamed 'Route.txt' file into?
I've tried several without success.

Scrabo

02-05-2014, 04:38 PM

Dunkan

08-08-2015, 03:46 PM

After 6 years of struggling with the serial port connection on the AV8OR (even with proper lead), I have finally figured it out.
Actually, I think someone mentioned this fix before on this forum, but there was not enough detail to understand the exact procedure.

The AV8OR will loose its serial connection settings every time the unit is turned off and has to be reset every time it is turned on. This still occurs with the latest firm/software and a late unit build date (my first two were returned under warranty).

Here's the button-by-button procedure.
Boot up AV8OR in Go-fly mode with the map screen showing. Then press in turn:

MAIN MENU
SETTINGS
DEVICE SETUP (NB not NMEA OUTPUT SETUP)
RESET VALUES
SAVE & EXIT

This turns off any indication of NMEA output and resets the serial port to WEATHER, which now has to be changed back to NMEA. So go back in and press in turn:
WEATHER and set port to NONE
NMEA and set the port to SERIAL
SAVE & EXIT
It then takes half to one minute to think about it and show an output that can be detected by autopilot/other listeners wired in.

Repeat every time the power is interrupted or the unit turned off/on.

Duncan.