Avidyne software upgrades

[RV6-KPTW]

Hey all,

I have searched high and low for release notes for the IFD540 software upgrades. I asked this question on the avidyne forums over at Avidyne.com but got crickets... I was hoping to find a source for the release notes from 10.2.1.0 to current. Anybody familiar?

Thanks,

Dennis

[12vaitor]

I looked in my IFD540 SW update folder with data going back to the 10.1.1 upgrade in 2015 up to the 10.2.3.1 upgrade and did not see any release notes for any version. They all come with a new Pilot's Guide and occasional Flight Manual Supplement. I usually just read the Pilot's Guide to remind myself how much this unit can do and reinforce some of the "Cool Feature" functions after I install the update. Current documentation is available on the Avidyne website:

https://www.avidyne.com/product/ifd5...ator/#tab-id-4

John Salak
RV12 N896HS

[Dan Langhout]

It might take a little digging, but Avidyne has published release notes for at least some of the software revisions in the form of posts to the forum - typically from "AviSteve" who is apparently an Avidyne employee and is posting in an official capacity.
Here is a post from him on 11-Feb-2020:

Topic: 10.2.4.1 Is Released
Posted: 11 Feb 2020 at 3:06pm
Release 10.2.4.1 is now available. Installation of this release is optional and is available through an Avidyne dealer.

Here are the release notes:

Bug fixes
- Fixed error when inserting an approach prior to an active destination
- Allow lightning to be displayed with AviatorLT subscription with XMD076
- Fixed issue when using same com port for input at one baud rate and output at a different rate.
- Fixed issue caused by rubber banding with different databases
- Fixed com presets button on BT keyboard
- Inhibited Datalink page when no datalink sensor is configured

Improvements
- Reduced nuisance datalink alerts
- Add password protection capability to maintenance mode (for fleet Mx)
- Reformatted main system config page in maintenance mode
- Allow configurations with both AXP340 and AXP322
- Improved transponder control from the datablock
- Added user option to disable WiFi ADS-B output
- Improved fuel range ring depiction
- Changed demo mode to always enable Capstone configuration

Steve Lindsley
Avidyne Engineering

[RV6-KPTW]

Thanks guys. I saw that note and I will go get the docs. Dynon has spoiled me with their transparent, logical, and well documented approach to upgrades. Avidyne seems mysterious to me. I thought maybe I didn’t have the secret decoder ring.

Have either of you upgraded to 10.2.4.1?

[Dan Langhout]

I am currently one rev behind 10.2.4.1. I have updated my IFD440 twice.
Avidyne is pretty easy to work with (in my experience). You should just call their customer support number or contact them through their website and explain what you need. You will probably have to emphasize that you are an experimental guy. Typically, they just email you a link for downloading the update package.

[12vaitor]

I installed the 10.2.4.1 update in my 540 in April 2020, usually takes about an hour to backup current settings and run the installer. I have done eight version update install cycles and never had a problem. I am pleased that Avidyne lets the EAB community do their own upgrades if you think you are capable. Downside is you can brick your 440/540 if you mess up the install.

10.3 is "due out soon", which could be a long wait because the update has to go through the TSO approval process. This unit already does far more than I will ever use, so I do not mind the wait, plus I have yet to fly Skyview 16.0.1 with 10.2.4.1. Flying coupled AP GPS and ILS approaches with the Dynon Skyview is about the most complex use I currently have for it. Now if I could get Dynon to support a throttle actuator/servo for an Auto Throttle capability with the VNAV/GS ...

John Salak
RV12 N896HS